Federal prosecutors charge 41 people tied to Boston gang in sweeping guns, drugs and fraud case

Following a two-year investigation into gang violence in Boston, more than 40 members and associates of the Heath Street gang were charged Wednesday in federal court with racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, firearms violations and financial fraud.

The charges are part of a sweeping federal RICO case involving alleged members of the Heath Street gang, which has been active for decades around the Mildred C. Hailey apartments, previously known as the Bromley Heath Public Housing Development, in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

Nearly two dozen members or associates of the Heath Street gang were arrested Wednesday morning, according to Acting U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy. Law enforcement officials also seized more than 60 firearms.

Levy said several other suspects already in state and federal custody were charged with new federal offenses. The defendants were allegedly involved in multiple murders, attempted murders and shootings.

"Some of those shootings left innocent victims in the crossfire, including a 9-year-old girl who was severely injured attending a family gathering," Levy said.

Although the number of shootings in Boston has been declining recently, Levy said these charges make it clear that parts of the city remain in the grip of violent criminals.

"If you live in a community that's threatened with violence on a daily basis the city-wide numbers don't mean nearly as much," Levy said.

Some of those charged allegedly bragged about their crimes on social media and in texts, according to Levy, who said some of the suspects were armed with fully automatic weapons.

According to the indictment, some of the suspects produced music videos in which they referenced the murders they committed. Levy said one of their videos allegedly mentioned their victims, saying, "I can say the names, but it might make the feds come for us."

Levy, in announcing the charges to the press Wednesday, said: "Well, the feds have come for you."

The suspects allegedly relied on juveniles to help facilitate many of their crimes, pressuring them to work as lookouts, gun and drug holders, and in some cases, even participating in shooting attacks.

“These bad actors that we targeted today took advantage of young people,” Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. “They used fear, intimidation, and violence"for personal gain.

According to the charging documents, Heath Street gang members and their associates have used the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for drug trafficking activities and, over a period of years, established distribution networks throughout Massachusetts, Maine and California.

The case further alleges the Heath Street gang committed theft and financial crimes. This includes an organized retail theft group that allegedly brazenly stole merchandise from various stores in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Additionally, Levy said gang members and associates engaged in loan and unemployment fraud, notably from the relief aid provided by the federal government during the COVID pandemic.

If found guilty, the defendants could face up to 20 years in prison for the charge of RICO conspiracy, plus three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. Charges for the other alleged crimes could bring sentences ranging from five years to life in prison.