3 Arraigned On Drug Trafficking Charges In Worcester

WORCESTER, MA—Three of five people, arrested after a wiretap-aided investigation uncovered a drug dealing operation, were arraigned on Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.

The arrests were the culmination of a long investigation by the federal Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Diversion Squad, and the Worcester Police Vice Squad.

Luke Deptula, 44, Santoro Road, Worcester, pleaded not guilty to possession of heroin with intent to distribute, distribution of a Class B substance, conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act, and trafficking in an opium derivative (36 to 100 grams). Judge James G. Reardon Jr. ordered Deptula held without bail for a dangerousness hearing on Friday.

Elisa Aguilar, 30, Ellsworth Street, Worcester, pleaded not guilty to trafficking in an opium derivative (100 to 200 grams), trafficking in heroin (36 to 100 grams), trafficking in cocaine (36 to 100 grams), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and two counts of conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. She is free on $5,000 bail, and her case was continued to Nov. 7.

Christine Wardell, 43, Falmouth Street, Worcester, pleaded not guilty to distribution of a Class B controlled substance and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. She was released on personal recognizance with a GPS ankle bracelet and an order to remain alcohol and drug free. Her case was continued to Nov. 7.

Another defendant, Noel Perez-DeJesus, also known as Alexander Ramirez, 39, Ellsworth Street, Worcester, is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Superior Court on charges of trafficking in an opium derivative (100 to 200 grams), trafficking in heroin (36 to 100 grams), trafficking in cocaine (36 to 100 grams), possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act.

A fifth defendant, Keith Hajjar, 28 Belmont Street, Worcester, was arraigned earlier on a charge of conspiracy to violate the controlled substance act. His case is on the docket for Wednesday in Superior Court.

Photo via Shutterstock