Federal authorities in Massachusetts announced that they had busted a notorious Boston-based street gang on June 16. A total of 26 alleged gang members were taken into custody and are facing numerous federal charges. Six more have warrants for their arrests. The people who were arrested were members of the NOB gang, which stands for Norton, Olney and Barry streets in Dorchester.
According to U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling, law enforcement officers conducted nighttime raids during the operation. The alleged NOB gang members are facing multiple federal criminal charges, including drug trafficking, sex trafficking, armed robberies, bank fraud, attempted murders and murders. Lelling claims that the gang has been responsible for car thefts, assaults, shootings, drug dealing and other offenses. Officers with the Boston Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation were all involved in the raids and arrests.
Fifteen of the alleged gang members were taken into custody during the early morning hours of June 16. Eleven were already in custody on other charges, and the remaining six have federal warrants for their arrests. The arrests were made in multiple cities, including Fall River, Boston, Everett, Lynn and others. Law enforcement authorities also executed 11 search warrants in multiple cities in Massachusetts as well as in Providence, Rhode Island. While the gang is based in the Boston area, federal authorities allege that it is active throughout Massachusetts as well as in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Maine. Police seized more than 20 guns during the initial operation. The Boston Police Commissioner stated that he was glad that the defendants are facing federal charges instead of state charges.
People who are charged with serious crimes may face the potential of decades in prison, steep fines, and other penalties. Depending on the offenses, people may face up to the rest of their lives in prison. When people are charged in federal court, the sentences can be more severe than in state court. Retaining an experienced criminal defense lawyer as early as possible might allow a defendant more time to build a defense against the charges against him or her.
