The owner of a Ceylon Street auto body shop is facing serious federal charges following his arrest last week in connection with an attempted large-scale drug transaction.
Jose Perez, 47, of Brockton—owner of JP Auto Body in Dorchester—was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to purchase what he believed to be 15 kilograms of cocaine from undercover DEA agents. The drugs were fake, but the charges are not. Perez is being held pending a detention hearing scheduled for next Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Boston.
According to an affidavit filed by a DEA agent, Perez first came to the agency’s attention in May through a separate individual who had been under investigation for over a year. While that person failed to come up with enough cash to move forward with a drug deal, Perez indicated he had no issue raising between $80,000 and $90,000 for an initial purchase of 10 to 15 kilos.
To demonstrate his access to funds, Perez reportedly sent the undercover agents a photo of bundled $20 and $100 bills. A meeting was arranged for May 6 at a Starbucks in Somerville, where Perez and his associate met with two agents posing as drug dealers. After a brief conversation over coffee, the group moved outside to discuss the details further. Perez made it clear that he was prepared to move forward with purchasing 15 kilos, and if the first delivery went smoothly, he would consider increasing future orders to as much as 100 kilos.
A follow-up meeting took place at a McDonald’s in Revere, where Perez met with the agents to confirm plans. On June 8, one of the agents called Perez to inform him that the drugs were en route, having allegedly crossed the Mexican border and heading toward the Boston area.
The final meeting was set for the morning of June 11 in Framingham, where DEA agents arrested Perez at the scene.
He has been charged with attempted possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine.
You can read the full affidavit below:
JP-Auto-Body-Repair-dorchester-jose-perez-dea-affidavit-dorchester-post
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
