Six individuals believed to be part of a criminal gang syndicate have been apprehended by authorities on charges related to a series of offenses committed in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
Known members and associates of the Trinitarios are facing a total of 121 indictments, according to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
Officials have dubbed the investigation as “Operation Smash & Cash.” It was a thorough three-month-long inquiry into a series of convenience store break-ins that occurred across Essex and Middlesex counties, as well as in four towns in New Hampshire. The investigation also focused on the theft of around $50,000 worth of lottery tickets between February and April of 2024.
The crimes took place in various towns and cities including Swampscott, Saugus, Wakefield, Peabody, Marblehead, Wilmington, Lynn, Seabrook, Nashua, Fremont, and Windham. These incidents primarily occurred in the early morning hours.
District Attorney Paul F. Tucker expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts between state and local agencies, emphasizing that the recent indictments and arrests are a testament to the strong partnerships formed to combat criminal networks. He commended the dedicated work of law enforcement and prosecutors from his office, who tirelessly work together to solve crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
The charges resulting from this investigation include breaking and entering at nighttime for a felony, theft over $1,200, theft from a building, and intentional property damage, among other crimes.
There are six suspects in this case.
David Garcia, a 22-year-old resident of Lynn, is facing a multitude of charges including breaking and entering nighttime for felony, larceny over $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property under $1,200, common and notorious thievery, money laundering, and being a fugitive from justice.
Darwin Batista, a 20-year-old resident of Lynn, is facing charges of money laundering and being a fugitive from justice.
24-year-old Angel Santos from Lynn is facing charges of improper use of a credit card under $1,200 and money laundering.
Israel Garcia, a 22-year-old resident of Methuen, is currently facing charges of money laundering and is considered a fugitive from justice.
Westyn Lantigua, a 23-year-old resident of Lynn, is facing multiple charges including breaking and entering nighttime for felony, larceny over $1,200, larceny from a building, wanton destruction of property over $1,200, receiving stolen property under $1,200, common and notorious thievery, money laundering, improper use of a credit card under $1,200, and being a fugitive from justice.
Aaron Diaz Liranzo, a 25-year-old resident of Revere, has been accused of money laundering and is currently facing charges as a fugitive from justice.
All six individuals were arraigned and are currently being held without bail until May.
