Fifteen Arrested in Drug Distribution Ring

Fifteen men were arrested Thursday morning and charged with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone in connection with an alleged MetroWest drug trafficking ring headquartered in Natick.

“With these arrests today we hope to send a strong message that trafficking and distributing prescription pain medication will not be tolerated and we will utilize the full breadth of our law enforcement resources to bare," Special Agent in Charge John J. Arvanitis of the DEAs Boston Field Division said in a released statement. "We are committed to identifying, investigating, arresting, prosecuting and sending to prison those responsible for this illegal drug trafficking. This case highlights the strengths of our law enforcement partnerships and the dedication of the men and women who participated in the investigation.”

Authorities allege that Michael Bourque, 42, of Natick, was using the shipping company he owns and operates in Natick, DEX Corporation, as a front for his drug trafficking operations. A Court-authorized wiretap intercepted communication between the defendants over the course of approximately four months, according to the criminal complaint affidavit. The complaint also provides details about Bourque's distribution of thousands of Oxycodone (Percocet) pills to both re-distributors and drug customers. He allegedly acquired the narcotics from various sources and used several "runners" to distribute the pills and collect payment.

A total of 26 different federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, including the Natick Police Department, worked together on this case. It will be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Neil J. Gallagher and Michael I. Yoon of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who wreak havoc in Massachusetts cities and towns through the distribution and sale of illegal drugs,” United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz said in a released statement. “We will continue to keep a vigilant eye over the communities and neighborhoods that we serve in an effort to ensure the highest degree of safety and quality of life for all residents. This investigation exemplifies the commitment and cooperation between all levels of law enforcement which strive, above all else, to protect their communities from crime and those that perpetrate illegal activities.”

Here is the list of suspects who were arrested in this case:

• Michael Bourque, 42, of Natick
• Robert Hagenaars, 37, of Waltham
• Brian Chisholm, 44, of Newton
• Barry Goolst, 52, of Waltham
• Phillip Goolst, 49, of Waltham
• Thomas Ehwa, 26, of Waltham
• Frank McGuire, 42, of Natick
• Michael Roy, 32, of Milford
• Christopher Yancey, 42, of Natick
• Corey Assencoa, 43, of Hopkinton
• Sean Cotter, 41, of Acton
• Mark Newton, 27, of Hudson
• Mark Ouellette, 43, of Shirley
• John Kinney, 29, of Woburn
• Raymond Ponaggio, 44, of Newton