North End man charged as drug kingpin

State officials today charged Gerald Esposito, 40, with heading up a ring that sold cocaine, painkillers, sedatives and marijuana in the North End and out of a Revere apartment.

Indictments announced today also charged two other North End men with participation in the ring, along with five Revere residents and residents of Melrose, Winthrop and Maine, the state Attorney General's office reports.

In addition to charges he trafficked in cocaine, prescription painkillers and pot, Esposito was also charged with "reckless behavior creating risk of serious bodily injury to a child," as well as illegal possession of sedatives. Anthony Vigorito, 54, and Anthony Ascenzo, 61, both of the North End, were charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine; Vigorito was also charged with conspiracy to distribute Oxycodone.

The Attorney General's office says law-enforcement agents seized approximately 500 grams of cocaine, several pounds of marijuana, ammunition, approximately $75,000 cash, several vehicles and materials associated with narcotics dealing.

Innocent, etc.