Editor’s note: Story updated with new details at 10:15 p.m. on May 23.
Pittsfield — Resident Daniel Navarette was arrested by the Police Department on multiple charges on Thursday, May 22.
According to a press release issued by the department, a search warrant was executed on his residence.
In their search, officers discovered: Approximately 1.4 kilos of cocaine and crack cocaine, two firearms, 45 rounds of ammunition, $17,000 in cash.
Navarette was charged with:
- Cocaine, Trafficking in, 200 grams or more;
- Two charges with Firearm Without FID Card, Possess;
- Two charges Firearm in Felony;
- Possessing a Large Capacity Feeding Device;
- Possessing Ammunition Without FID Card;
- Possessing aFirearm, Improper Storage;
- Possessing Firearm, Improper Storage Large Capacity Near Minor;
- Firearm Violations with three Prior Violent/Drug Crimes
Previously, the Police Department Drug Unit’s, with support from the Berkshire County Law Enforcement Task Force, had been conducting an investigation into Navarrete’s suspected drug trafficking activities.
On May 22, Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop on a black Audi driven by Navarrete. Afterwards, law enforcement executed a search warrant on his residence in Pittsfield, identified through evidence as the base of Navarrete’s drug operation.
After his arrest, Navarrete was brought to his residence where he directed officers to locations where drugs and a firearm was hidden.
In a subsequent search of the home, police recovered a loaded large capacity firearm commonly referred to as a “ghost gun”, a revolver, ammunition, and various items associated with drug distribution, including approximately 1.4 kilograms of powder and crack cocaine. At the time of the search warrant execution, one child was located in the home and a second child had left the residence shortly before officers entered the home.
He was arraigned this afternoon in Berkshire District Court and held on $200,000 bail. However, as of press time on May 23 he is being held without the right to bail pending a dangerousness hearing.
In addition to the Audi, law enforcement also searched a second residence connected to Navarrete’s operation. From a safe in that home, officers recovered approximately $17,000 in cash.
The investigation included members of PPD Drug and Anti Crime units, Berkshire County Drug Task Force, Massachusetts State Police, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Adams Police Department.
According to the Berkshire County District Attorney’s Office, Navarrete has three prior drug-related convictions and is classified as an Armed Career Criminal, a designation that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.
