Joint Inspection by Several City Agencies Results in 2 Arrests, the Seizure of Drug Paraphernalia and a Store Closing in Egleston Square

On Wednesday, October 3, 2012, as a result of multiple community concerns and complaints filed against two stores in the Egleston Square section of Roxbury, officers from District E-13 (Jamaica Plain), Inspectional Services, Boston Fire Department and the Public Health Commission responded to 3115 (Super Mario’s) and 3122 (the Dollar Store) Washington Streets to further investigate the complaints. Of the complaints received, the majority centered on illegal betting and the selling of merchandise often associated with drug usage.

While inspecting the store located at 3122 Washington Street (the Dollar Store), officers discovered evidence of what appeared to be an illegal lottery. Specifically, officers seized betting slips and an undisclosed amount of US Currency.

Officers arrested and charged Mario Ovalle, 57, of Boston and Francis Gonzalez, 41, of Boston and charged both with Keeping a Place for Registering Bets and Possession of Gaming Apparatus.

Upon entering 3115 Washington Street (Super Mario’s), officers observed several issues including the illegal sale of tobacco products (cigarettes) and CD’s. Officers also observed and confiscated drug paraphernalia including plastic envelopes and baggies often associated and used in the sale of drugs.

Members of the Boston Fire Department and Inspectional Services identified several violations including sprinkler violations, blocked doors and exits, improper storage of food products and exposed electrical wires. As a result of the aforementioned public safety violations, the store was closed and the owner of the store was instructed to apply for the proper permits before re-opening. Further, the owner of the store was issued a summons to appear in court for the Display & Sale of Pirated CD’s.