Two New Bedford, Massachusetts, men pleaded guilty on Thursday to charges related to a drive-by shooting in Saco that took place during a drug dispute.
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“Their unabashed criminal behavior put innocent lives at risk, all so they could maintain their hold on their drug territory and keep the cash rolling in. This case underscores how the FBI’s Southern Maine Gang Task Force and our law enforcement partners are working together to target and dismantle the violent drug gangs wreaking so much havoc in our communities, just to make money and a name for themselves on the street,” said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Boston Division.
In February 2024, Joshua Estrada (aka “Mac”), 20, and Yancarlos Abrante (aka “Glizzy”), 22, both of New Bedford, opened fire on another vehicle in Saco.
They reportedly opened fire from their car due to a drug-trafficking dispute and fired five 9mm handgun rounds into their rivals’ car.
They then reportedly fled the scene, ran a red light, and crashed into a school bus.
After the crash, they exited their vehicle and fled on foot before they were apprehended.
According to court records, they had been trafficking drugs in the Saco and Biddeford area since at least January 2024.
A third defendant allegedly involved in the shooting, Jason Johnson-Rivera (aka “Ouda”), 20, has not pleaded guilty and is expected to face trial next year.
Estrada and Abrante pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, perpetrating a drive-by shooting, and using a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
They both face mandatory minimum prison sentences of 20 years and maximum sentences of life in prison, with fines of up to $10 million and a minimum of five years of supervised release.
