Lynn man sentenced to 15 years on drug charges

SALEM – A Lynn man who was found guilty by a Salem Superior Court jury of trafficking cocaine as well as trafficking heroin last year in Lynn was sentenced to 15 years in state prison.Jose Ortiz, 29, last known address of 314 Boston St., #1, Lynn, went on trial this week for trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine as well as trafficking over 14 grams of heroin.A jury deliberated for about two and a half hours before reaching their decision, finding Ortiz guilty as charged.Judge Douglas H. Wilkins immediately sentenced Ortiz to the mandatory punishment of 15 years in state prison, with no chance of early parole, on the trafficking over 200 grams of cocaine charge.Assistant District Attorney A.J. Camelio successfully convinced the jury that on the night of March 9, 2010 at about 7 p.m., police raided his Boston Street apartment and discovered one-quarter kilo of cocaine, just over 250 grams, along with two bags of heroin.Also a scale, a kilo press, cutting agents and baggies were also confiscated from his home by police.Ortiz did not take the stand in his own defense, but claimed the drugs found were not his.Lynn police officer Ross Panacopoulos spearheaded the investigation and arrest.Ortiz was indicted by an Essex County grand jury in April of 2010 and has been held in custody in lieu of bail since his arrest.