Hyannis man arrested on firearm and drug charges after Barnstable detective uncovers text messages during an ongoing narcotics investigation… suspect allegedly supplied bullets to accused drug dealer…
HYANNIS – According to a report filed in Barnstable District Court by Detective Kevin Connolly of the Barnstable Police, in recent months, BPD detectives and the DEA Cape Cod Task Force had been involved in a heroin/Fentanyl investigation involving a suspect named Jonathan Cotell.
On December 6, 2018, Detectives arrested Cotell during a traffic stop and seized 174 grams of Fentanyl, 24 grams of suspected crack cocaine, and Cotell’s cellphone.
Detective Connolly began digging deeper. On December 13, 2018, Detective Connolly was granted a search warrant authorizing a search, extraction, and analysis of information on Cotell’s cellphone.
Detective Connolly’s search paid off when he uncovered a text message conversation indicating Cotell was seeking .45 caliber ammunition from a phone contact named “Les,” in exchange for a small amount of heroin/Fentanyl.
……………..
The following is part of the alleged December 4th, 2018 text message conversation between Cotell and the person named “Les”:
12:29am Cotell – Lol nothing but bro I need a favor ill hook u up fat an real fat or throw u like 50 bucks
12:32am Les – Wats up
12:34am Cotell – U have any 45 rounds
1:27am Les – No I don’t I can get them tomorrow
3:25am Cotell – Ok ill def lok out
11:24am Les – U going to be around around 4 so I can grab money from u to go get u those
11:55am Cotell – Yea
11:56am Les – Ok
11:57am Les – The 45cals r 27 to 50 bucks a box
11:58am Cotell – Kk
12:00pm Les – I just got to be fast meeting u wen I get out cause they close at 5 530 so just be ready
12:01pm Cotell – Kk
3:15pm Les – Wats good leaving Brewster
3:24pm Cotell – Ok buddy
3:29pm Les – On willow st now so just let me no wen u ready just remember they close around 5
3:36pm Cotell – Come rite to house grab doe is half g strait for doing?
3:37pm Les – Can u do like a .8 for me buddy
3:37pm Les – And I can give u 20 tomorrow night
3:37pm Cotell – That’s crazy I can do a lil over half
3:37pm Les – Ok
3:38pm Les – Well that’s y I said I throw u 20 tomorrow wen I get paid for extra
3:38pm Les – But I be there in a few mins
3:38pm Cotell – Ya I got u im just running out tryin make reup
3:38pm Cotell – K
3:42pm Les – Am here
[3:42pm Cotell places outgoing call to Les, which took 46 seconds.]
4:01pm Cotell – Im have brett meet you on lantern for them
4:07pm Les – Ok well am on my way back over there
4:08pm Les – I got u 230 grain full metal jacket
…………….
Detective Connolly checked police records and phone databases, reportedly learning that “Les” was Leslie J. Ostapchuk, age 28, of Hyannis.
Computer checks also revealed Ostapchuk has 17 arraignments on his Board of Probation record, including Possession of a Class A Substance with Intent to Distribute, along with Carrying a Dangerous Weapon.
On December 20, 2018, Detectives reportedly executed another search warrant at a residence related to Cotell and recovered a .45 caliber firearm, along with 1 box of “Blazer Brass Ammunition,” which happened to be .45 caliber, 230 grain, full metal jacket.
Further investigation revealed that Ostapchuk had purchased the “Blazer Brass Ammunition” at Cape Gun Works. Management at Cape Gun Works were able to confirm the purchase and provided detectives with sales records and video evidence.
According to court records, on Thursday, January 3, 2019 , Ostapchuk’s License to Carry Firearms out of Mashpee was revoked…
… and Ostapchuk was subsequently charged with Possession of a Firearm Without a FID Card, and Conspiracy To Violate Drug Laws.
Yesterday – Friday, January 4, 2019 – Leslie Ostapchuk was arrested on a warrant and arraigned in Barnstable District Court. Ostachuck was released after posting $500 cash bail and ordered to forfeit any firearms or ammunition. He was also ordered not to possess any firearms.
* All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
P.S. – Today’s Hytown Vignette is brought to you by Johnny Cash… [CRANK IT!]
