Federal agents say they have taken eight people into custody in a sweeping investigation of an alleged drug and firearms trafficking ring operating in and around Worcester, Mass. Prosecutors accuse the group of selling cocaine, crack and fentanyl, and say two defendants also dealt unlicensed guns, including what is described as a privately made weapon. All cases are filed in federal court, and each defendant is presumed innocent as the prosecutions move forward.
Who Was Arrested And What They’re Accused Of
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts, the eight defendants who appeared in Worcester federal court are:
- Alisa Walsh, 34, of Oakham, charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
- Osiris Berry‑Vazquez, 23, of Worcester, charged with distribution of controlled substances
- Fendy Martinez, 35, of Worcester, charged with possession with intent to distribute and distribution
- Luis Muniz, 33, of Worcester, charged with distribution
- Luis Dick Rivera, 39, of Worcester, charged with conspiracy
- Fernando Valentin‑Perez, 45, of Worcester, charged with conspiracy
- Omar Ramos‑Jimenez, 27, of Worcester, charged with dealing in firearms without a license and distribution
- Onix Aviles, 25, of Worcester, charged with dealing in firearms without a license
All eight were arrested on Thursday and are being held in custody following their initial appearances, according to federal prosecutors.
Alleged Undercover Sales And Timeline
Charging documents state that investigators built the case between March and April 2026, using a mix of undercover purchases and confidential informants. As reported by Patch, authorities say the drugs involved included cocaine, cocaine base (crack) and fentanyl.
Firearms Allegations
Investigators also contend that two defendants were running an illegal gun business that overlapped with the alleged drug activity. The Tampa Free Press reports that Aviles is accused of selling firearms without a license on two separate occasions, including a privately manufactured gun, while Ramos‑Jimenez is accused of selling multiple firearms and fentanyl to confidential informants.
Legal Penalties And What Comes Next
Federal prosecutors say the charges carry stiff potential sentences if there are convictions. Distribution and conspiracy counts are each punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million. Possession with intent to distribute carries a maximum of 30 years and up to $2 million in fines. Unlicensed dealing in firearms carries up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
Any eventual sentences will be imposed by a federal judge, who must consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors. The specific allegations in the charging documents remain just that: allegations, the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Massachusetts emphasized.
Multiagency Task Force Built The Case
Prosecutors say the investigation ran under the Boston Homeland Security Task Force model, pulling in federal, state and local partners to stitch together the case. The Tampa Free Press notes that agencies involved included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; Homeland Security Investigations; the Massachusetts State Police; Worcester Police; and the Worcester District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kristen M. Noto, Brendan O’Shea and Zachary Stendig are handling the prosecutions.
Initial appearances have already taken place in Worcester federal court, and the defendants remain detained. Further hearings will be scheduled as the cases move through the federal system.
