News Release [print-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2008

Dentist Forfeits Money In Lieu Of Property Used To Facilitate Drug Dealing

JAN 18 -- (Boston, MA) - June Stansbury, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration in New England and United States Attorney Michael J. Sullivan today announced that his office has resolved a civil forfeiture proceeding against an East Boston, Massachusetts property used to facilitate the commission of certain drug crimes.

In November 2005, the United States filed a civil forfeiture action against real property located at 371 CHELSEA STREET, EAST BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, which is owned by Arthur Ciampa, D.M.D. The United States alleged that Dr. Ciampa had been dispensing controlled substances for non-medical needs from his dental office at 371 CHELSEA STREET since at least November 1998. Investigations into drug activity at the property prior to the civil forfeiture case included physical and electronic surveillance, the arrest of one of Dr. Ciampa’s Vicodin customers, and interviews with a number of Dr. Ciampa’s other narcotics customers.

Dr. Ciampa filed a claim to 371 CHELSEA STREET in the civil forfeiture action. By the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Dr. Ciampa forfeited $178,400 to the United States, in lieu of the 371 CHELSEA STREET property.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Boston Police Department provided assistance to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in its investigation.