8 people arrested in search of 'problem property' in South End

Eight people were arrested after Boston police raided a “problem property” in the South End that has been a concern for the community for years, officials said.

Boston police's drug enforcement and human trafficking units searched an apartment at 231 West Newton Street on Monday, Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden said in a statement. Last year, Hayden said, 59 incidents were reported related to that address.

In addition to the eight arrests, many of which were related to outstanding warrants, police seized crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, Suboxone, diazepam and a small amount of cash, Hayden said.

“We know that it only takes one problem property or a few problem people to impact the quality of life of entire neighborhoods,” Hayden said. “Actions like this help communities strengthen themselves.”

Jonathan Winters, 44, was arrested on outstanding warrants and a Class B substance charge, which includes some opiates, cocaine, methamphetamines and some hallucinogens.

Christopher Hicks, 35, is charged with possession of Class A and Class C substances and possession for distribution of Class B substances. He failed to appear for his arraignment and a warrant was issued for his arrest, Hayden said.

Aaron Howell, 41, was arrested for exceptional possession of a Class A substance, which includes many opioids and opium derivatives. However, his outstanding arrest warrant was canceled on Wednesday and he will appear in court in Cambridge at a later date.

David Aylward, 27, is charged with possession of Class A and Class B substances. Schanwat Wilailak, 36, and Michael Collins, 66, were both charged with possession of a Class C substance or certain narcotics, sedatives and sedatives.

Joseph Brodie, 55, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for theft, the prosecutor said. Richard Souza, 37, was arrested on outstanding warrants and a Class C drug possession charge and released on his own recognizance.

Brodie, Collins and Wilailak were held on $1,000 bail and are each due back in court for a preliminary hearing in early December. Winters and Aylward were both held on $500 bail and are also due back in court in early December.

This article previously incorrectly identified the neighborhood as South Boston.

---

Molly Farrar is a general reporter for Boston.com covering education, politics, crime and more.

---