Massachusetts and particularly the greater Boston area is not without its share of gang activity. What some consider to be a plague on their communities, gangs and organized crime organizations are notorious for the level of violence and criminal activity they bring to an area. Now, 19 individuals with suspected ties to one prominent gang in the Boston area are facing a variety of very serious criminal charges in relation to their suspected gang activity.
Arrests and charges
On Friday, April 15, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts released a report detailing the indictments brought against 19 individuals with suspected gang ties. Those charged are said to be members and associates of the infamous Cameron Street gang, which is known for its violence and criminal activity in and around Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. The gang and its members have reportedly wreaked havoc in their communities through a variety of criminal activities, including murder, assault, drug trafficking, firearm trafficking and more.
The 39-count indictment included a host of charges, including RICO conspiracy, drug and gun trafficking, illegal firearm and drug possess, and more. The report states that authorities have seized numerous firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition from 11 of the defendants. Both the DEA and the ATF were listed in the report as having spearheaded the investigation into the suspected gang activity.
Right to defense
For those charged with RICO violations, if convicted, they could spend up to 20 years behind bars and have to pay substantial fines of $250,000. Convictions on charges involving distribution of controlled substances carry a sentence of 20 years in prison and fines up to $1 million. Considering all that is at stake, those accused of these crimes will want to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Massachusetts to help them pursue the best outcome possible.
