Two Detained in Meth Trafficking Investigations

PROVIDENCE – Two men have been ordered detained in federal custody in on-going investigations into the trafficking of methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Stephen G. Dambruch; Mickey Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Boston Field Division of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Warwick Police Chief Colonel Stephen M. McCartney; and Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King.

Jon Cascella, 48, of Warwick, was ordered detained on Friday following an in initial appearance on a criminal complaint charging him with multiple counts of trafficking methamphetamine, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Cascella was arrested by members of an ATF task force on May 4, 2017, moments after he allegedly took possession of a firearm and cash during an exchange with an undercover law enforcement officer for 7.4 grams of methamphetamine.

It is alleged in court documents that on five occasions between March 29 and May 4, 2017, Cascella sold between 1.5 grams and 7.7 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover Warwick police officer for between $100 and $750. It is alleged that beginning shortly after the first transaction, Cascella repeatedly expressed an interest in purchasing a firearm for protection. The undercover Warwick officer agreed to assist Cascella obtain a firearm. On May 4, Cascella met with a second undercover officer who allegedly exchanged a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun and $600 in cash for 7.4 grams of methamphetamine. Cascella was arrested moments after he allegedly took possession of the firearm. He later told investigators that he needed the firearm because methamphetamine had previously been stolen from his residence.

A court authorized search of Cascella’s residence on May 4 resulted in the seizure of approximately 9.6 grams of methamphetamine.

During the investigation into Cascella’s alleged methamphetamine trafficking activities, law enforcement developed information that Christopher Bergeron, 45, of Pawtucket, who was previously convicted in federal court of trafficking methamphetamine, was again allegedly involved in the trafficking of methamphetamine. On May 4, Bergeron’s vehicle was surrounded by Warwick police in the parking lot of a restaurant in Warwick. It is alleged that approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine was located inside the vehicle. Pawtucket police executed a court authorized search of Bergeron’s residence and seized 121 grams of methamphetamine and 5.4 grams of cocaine.

Bergeron was charged by the Warwick Police Department with manufacture/possession/deliver of a schedule I/II controlled substance; by the Pawtucket Police Department with manufacture/possession/deliver of methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession with the intent to deliver cocaine, and maintaining a common nuisance/controlled substance.

On May 5, Bergeron was presented in U.S. District Court as a federal probation violator and was ordered detained in federal custody. Bergeron was sentenced in September 2016 to 3 years federal probation, having been convicted in U.S. District Court of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Milind M. Shah.

The DEA is currently assisting the ATF task force, and the Warwick and Pawtucket Police Departments in the investigation of these cases.

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