Hyannis Man Pleads Guilty To Role In Cape Cod And RI Heroin Ring

BARNSTABLE, MA — A Hyannis man pleaded guilty in federal court in Boston to his role in a heroin trafficking ring that spanned across Cape Cod. Krymeii Fray, 24, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin.

In May 2019, Fray and 10 other co-defendants were arrested. Investigators believe the ring dealt large amounts of heroin throughout Cape Cod, including Hyannis, Mashpee, Centerville and Osterville. The ring also distributed drugs in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, authorities said.

Prosecutors said the investigation began in 2018 and identified Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis, as the ring leader. Police intercepted Otero's phone and identified Fray as a drug trafficker, who was supplied by Otero, according to court documents. Prosecutors said Otero's mother also distributed heroin for him.

On May 8, 2019, Otero and two others were involved in a shooting at Fray's house, according to authorities. Prosecutors said the shooting was related to a drug debt Fray owed Otero.

After the shooting, police intercepted Otero discussing the shooting, and the trio spoke in code about finding and hiding the guns used, authorities said.

The following people were charged:

1. Edwin Otero, 29, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
2. Justin Joseph, 32, of Pawtucket, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
3. Krymeii Fray, 24, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
4. Tony Johnson, 35, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin;
5. Anthony Basilici, 35, of Pawtucket, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin and discharging a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime;
6. Vinicius Zangrande, 35, of Centerville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
7. Brooke Cotell, 25, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
8. Ronny Baams, 37, of South Yarmouth, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
9. Eric Brando, 27, of Osterville, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin;
10. Joshua Johnson, 31, of Mashpee, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin; and
11. Kimberly Lopes, 49, of Hyannis, was charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Fray's heroin distribution charge carries a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of 40 years. The sentence also requires at least four years of probation and a $5 million fine. Sentencing was scheduled for May 7.