Two Leaders of a Boston Drug Ring Busted

(Another article, part one of two, based on court)

BOSTON – Two conspirators in a Massachusetts drug ring who were the focus of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration investigation since 2008 pled Not Guilty to charges of possession with conspiracy to distribute in U.S District Court in Boston last Monday.

Scott Ramsden, 49, of Boston and Robert King, 42, of Waltham were arrested this month after a two-year investigation found them involved in a criminal drug enterprise specialized in the distribution of Crystal Meth and GHB (the date rape drug). Ramsden was indicted and arrested for supposedly leading the drug organization in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Attorneys Jason L. Watkins and George F. Gormley offered arguments in court Monday to lessen the sentences. Watkins, representing Ramsden, argued that many of the statements made by the prosecution’s single witness, DEA Special Agent Eugene DiFiore, were hearsay because he was not physically present at the time of the search of Ramsden’s residence.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Foley and Mendell of Ortiz’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force presented 22 photographs taken at the search of Ramsden’s apartment for the prosecution. Many objects used to consume narcotics were found at Ramsden’s home, along with a clear liquid substance thought to be GHB and a white substance separated into small plastic bags though to be Crystal Meth. A total of $45,300 was seized from his home.

Gormley attempted to drop the charge against King of “conspiracy to distribute Crystal Meth and GHB,” stating that the drugs found during a search of King’s home were of an amount to satisfy personal use. Gormley also argued that an analog chemical typically used to cultivate GHB found at King’s home is not an illegal substance to own.

In their closing arguments, Mendell and Foley focused on the fact that both men were unemployed, but still able to afford their homes and everyday necessities. According to Mendell, Ramsden lived in a lavish apartment, owned a nice car, and had many hi-tech gadgets.

“These were all paid for by drug transactions,” stated Mendell. “It’s something [Ramsden] did every day, all the time.”

The prosecution also reminded the court of the search of both men’s homes, and how all the evidence collected showed signs of a drug dealer.

“These are two people who have used drugs up until five days ago, and who sell methamphetamine, a very abusive drug. They are a danger to the community and students of crime,” said Mendell in his closing argument.

In Watkins’ closing statement, he called for a $100,000 bail, stating that Ramsden has a long history of substance abuse but is willing to enter treatment. He offered an emotional defense, stating Ramsden has a close connection to his mother, has lived in Boston for a long time, and graduated with a degree from Boston College. Ramsden has no history of violence and shows no signs of returning to drug dealing. Watkins stated Ramsden should be released to his Boylston Street apartment under electronic monitoring before entering rehabilitation.

King entered a voluntary order of detention.

If convicted, the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, to be followed by three years of supervised release and a $1 million fine.
Judge scheduled a hearing for November 16, and the two men were brought back into custody.