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HOLBROOK MAN FOUND GUILTY AFTER A JURY TRIAL OF BEING A MAJOR DRUG TRAFFICKER
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Russell Defreitas, a 55-year-old resident of Holbrook, was found guilty of operating as a major drug trafficker and 91 additional charges, including drug and weapon offenses. His conviction resulted from an eight-month investigation following a fatal overdose in September 2022, which revealed his involvement in a large-scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation linked to two overdose deaths.
During the investigation, law enforcement discovered that Defreitas had attempted to cover up drug activities after an overdose occurred in a hotel room he rented. Evidence collected during his arrest included narcotics, two loaded firearms, and items tied to the victims. Despite testifying in his defense, he was found guilty of lying under oath.
On March 11, 2025, exactly two years after his arrest, Defreitas was convicted on 92 counts, which include serious drug offenses and perjury. He faces possible life imprisonment at his sentencing on April 14, 2025. The case is being prosecuted by the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office, with ongoing calls for legislative support regarding drug-related offenses in New York.
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