Buzzards Bay Man Admits to Taking Part in Heroin-Related Kidnapping

BUZZARDS BAY — A Buzzards Bay man has pleaded guilty to his role in a violent kidnapping related to a Cape Cod heroin trafficking ring, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

On Sept. 30, 28-year-old Cameron Cartier admitted in federal court to one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice by retaliating against a witness, victim, or informant.

Cartier was caught with four co-conspirators in March 2020 after an investigation into a large-scale heroin trafficking organization on Cape Cod, the office stated.

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According to court records, in April 2019, Cartier and his alleged co-conspirators lured the male victim from Massachusetts to Rhode Island because they believed he was cooperating with law enforcement.

They then held him against his will and stripped him naked, taking his clothes and cell phone before assaulting and threatening to rape him.

A video of the kidnapping and assault was allegedly filmed by Cartier’s co-conspirators, according to the attorney's office.

One of Cartier's co-conspirators, Anthony Basilici, pleaded guilty to his role in the violent kidnapping as well as drug trafficking, witness retaliation and intimidation charges on Aug. 11.

Another co-conspirator, Albert Lee, pleaded guilty to federal kidnapping conspiracy charges on Sept. 14.

Three other defendants have pleaded not guilty.

Edwin Otero, Justin Joseph and Tony Johnson are headed to trial in January.

Cartier faces a sentence of up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a maximum $250,000 fine.

His sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 10, 2023.

"Mr. Cartier’s conduct is nothing short of horrifying," said U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins. "He actively and willingly participated in a violent scheme to kidnap, beat, terrorize and threaten to sexually assault a victim who he incorrectly believed was working with law enforcement."

"This case is a good example of how drug trafficking activities can drive violence in our communities," she added. "Pursuing drug traffickers and violent criminals and removing them from the neighborhoods they terrorize and harm is a top priority of my administration."