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October 30, 2009

Two Salem roommates charged in heroin bust

By Bruno Matarazzo Jr.

SALEM — Two roommates are under arrest after police said their heroin sales were attracting numerous customers, as well as the ire of their neighbors.

Julio Castillo, 24, and Johnston Jones, 24, of 51 Prince St., first floor, Salem, are each charged with trafficking heroin and a drug violation in a school zone.

Their apartment is near Saltonstall School and across the street from the Palmer Cove playground.

Detective Bill Jennings said detectives have been watching the apartment for about a month in response to complaints from neighbors. Detective Sgt. Stephen Bona was lead investigator in the case.

"The cars were coming from all over, local known drug addicts and people from out of town," Jennings said.

Inside the apartment, detectives found approximately 33 grams of heroin, which is slightly more than an ounce and worth between $2,000 and $4,000. Police also recovered cell phones, plastic baggies, scales and $2,000 in cash.

Both will be arraigned at Salem District Court today. Castillo will be held on $10,000 bail, and Jones is being held on $5,000.

The men are Salem natives. Castillo is a rapper known by his stage name, Fresh, and Jones was a football player when at Salem High School.

Assisting Bona were Detective Eric Connolly, Sgt. Jim Page, Capt. Tom Griffin, Jennings and Patrolman Victor Ruiz.

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