For Immediate Release: 2/3/2023 10:19 am
On the evening of February 2nd 2023, members of the Worcester Police Vice Squad were in possession of a search warrant for a Hooper St first floor apartment. The search warrant was issued after a month-long investigation into the distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine from that address by a male later identified as twenty-nine-year-old Jerry Osires-Munoz. During surveillance, Vice Officers observed Osires-Munoz enter the passenger seat of a grey Chevy Trax. The vehicle was being driven by forty-eight-year-old Barry MacLean of Elm St. The vehicle pulled away and was eventually observed engaging in a suspected street level drug transaction with a male, identified as forty-four-year-old Robert Mele of Chandler St, in the parking lot of Lowe’s in Lincoln Plaza.
As Vice Officers pulled up to stop the vehicle, Mr. Mele fled on foot and was quickly apprehend. Officers discovered a bag of what appeared to be crack cocaine on his person. Other Vice Officers detained Mr. Osires-Munoz and Mr. MacLean. Officers recovered cash and a bag containing multiple bags of suspected fentanyl and crack cocaine packaged for sale from the person of Mr. Osires-Munoz.
After the scene was secure, Vice Officers proceeded to 24 Hooper Street 1st floor apartment and executed the search warrant. During the search, Vice Officers recovered two wrapped bricks consistent in size and consistency to kilo packages. It was later determined that these packages contained Fentanyl and weighed 887 grams and 800 grams respectively. An additional 120 smaller knotted baggies of fentanyl and 64 grams of crack cocaine were also discovered during the search, along with cash, digital scales, cutting agents, and other drug packaging and processing materials.
Jerry Osires-Munoz was arrested and charged with Trafficking in a Class A Substance (Fentanyl) over 200 grams, Trafficking in Class B 36-99 grams, Possession w/ the intent to Distribute Class A and Class B, Distribution of a Class B substance, and Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substance Laws. Barry MacLean was arrested and charged with Distribution of a Class B substance and Conspiracy to Violate the Controlled Substance Laws. Robert Mele was arrested and charged with Possession of a Class B Substance, Tampering, and Resisting Arrest.
