Stoughton man gets 14 years in prison for role in nationwide meth smuggling ring

STOUGHTON – A Stoughton man charged in connection with a nationwide methamphetamine trafficking ring was sentenced in federal court on Oct. 24 to 14 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts wrote in one press release.

James Holyoke, 43, of Stoughton, allegedly regularly purchased methamphetamine from Reshat Alkayisi, 63, a Turkish national living in Rhode Island, and distributed it in the Boston area, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration called Alkayisi one of the largest distributors of methamphetamine in New England.

Investigators said Holyoke participated in eleven controlled purchases of methamphetamine from a cooperating witness, resulting in the seizure of more than four pounds of pure methamphetamine.

Holyoke pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams of a mixed substance containing methamphetamine, as well as six counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

In July 2021, Holyoke was indicted for his role in the drug trade, along with seven other people, including leader Alkayisi.

Two other local men, Edison Klotz, 40, also of Stoughton, and Robyn Costa, 35, of Whitman, were also charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine , the US Attorney’s Office wrote in A Press release July 2021.

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Three additional defendants were charged in September 2021 for their roles in the drug trafficking operation.

Holyoke is the ninth suspect convicted in the case and all other suspects have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Alkayisi was sentenced to 23 years in prison on September 17.

“Traffickers are bringing massive quantities of methamphetamine into New England, creating a new and extremely dangerous threat,” Acting U.S. Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell said when the eight individuals were charged. “My office and our law enforcement partners have solved this case, but this is just the beginning,” he said.

Holyoke was arrested in August 2021 and has been in custody since then, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Investigators seized more than 160 pounds of pure methamphetamine during their investigation, in what has been dubbed “Operation Ice Cats,” a record amount for the region, according to Joseph R. Bonavolonta, special agent in charge of the FBI Boston Division.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Stoughton man convicted for role in methamphetamine trafficking