HPD makes drug trafficking arrests after year-long investigation

HUDSON – A nearly year-long investigation has resulted in two men being charged with drug trafficking.

Francis Feliz Mejia, 29, of Roxbury, was charged with trafficking in a Class A substance, trafficking in a Class B substance over 200 grams and conspiracy to violate the drug law. Charles Claussen, 33, of Stow, is charged with trafficking in a Class B substance over 200 grams, conspiracy to violate the drug law and possession of a Class E substance.

The couple was arrested after the Hudson Police Department and its partners executed a search warrant on a home in Stow on September 20. According to a HPD press release, officers searched the home and a vehicle and discovered 393.8 grams of cocaine, 31.4 grams of fentanyl, $7,880 in cash and drug paraphernalia.

The department reported that the investigation was initiated by Officers Jason Hatstat and Cameron O'Toole, assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, and Detective James Connolly, and has been expanded to include additional members of the department and other agencies.

Chief Richard DiPersio recognized the work of the K9 Unit and the department's partners, including the FBI Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force's Boston Strike Force, the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council's SWAT team and the Stow Police Department.

“Officers Hatstat and O'Toole, as well as Detective Connolly, have done an outstanding job and I commend their professionalism and determination to remove illegal drugs from the streets. They have made a significant difference and I am proud of their work,” said DiPersio. “I hope residents feel safer knowing that our department does not tolerate the sale of illegal drugs in our community.”

Bail was set at $1 million for Feliz Mejia and $500,000 for Claussen. Arraignment is scheduled for Monday.