Dozens of alleged gang members who inflicted violence on the streets of Boston in recent years are behind bars after investigators say they bragged about murders in text messages and music videos, which ultimately led to federal RICO, drug, gun, and financial fraud charges being filed against them, authorities announced Wednesday.
Indictments and criminal complaints unsealed Wednesday morning in federal court charge more than 40 individuals affiliated with the Heath Street Gang with racketeering conspiracy, drug offenses, firearms offenses, and financial crimes including COVID fraud and brazen organized retail theft, Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy said during a news conference.
“This morning, nearly two dozen members and associates of the Heath Street Gang were arrested, and several other individuals in state and federal custody have been charged in federal court with new offenses,” Levy said.
The Heath Street Gang has been operating in and around the Mildred C. Hailey apartments in Boston’s Jamaica Plain section for many years, using it as a point for drug trafficking activities and establishing drug distribution networks throughout Massachusetts, Maine, and California, according to Levy.