Two Massachusetts men are now facing serious charges for allegedly plotting to kill a witness and take out gang rivals, with one suspect even discussing the assassination of federal prosecutors. Elijah Melton, 26, and Kareem Pires, 25, have been hit with one count each of conspiring to commit murder for hire, according to federal authorities.
While Melton is currently in federal custody, Pires was arrested this morning and appeared in a Boston court at 2 p.m. today. Melton was out on conditions since a December 2023 arrest for a fentanyl-related charge, but he wound up back behind bars after allegedly violating pre-trial release conditions in February.
It's claimed by the feds that Melton conspired to have a witness rub out, somebody he thought was ratting on him in his drug case. He's accused of putting a price on the unidentified witness's head, a "bounty" as part of a plot born within his gang's ranks. Distinctive details about the witness's life, including location, vehicle, even jewelry were supposedly provided to a cooperating witness. "Melton also allegedly told the cooperating witness that he wanted two federal prosecutors murdered, provided the cooperating witness with certain information about the prosecutors and indicated that he would provide the money to murder the prosecutors personally," said the DOJ in their announcement.
Details further suggest that Pires, the other man charged, was meant to assist in locating the targets. The plot thickened when a letter—and later a second one—was handed over to a cooperating witness inside with details about the intended targets. The Feds say this witness played ball with authorities and went to meet Pires upon release, delivering the second letter and discussing the murder scheme.
If convicted, these guys could be looking at up to 10 years each in the slammer. But it's all allegations at this point—the pair are presumed innocent until proven guilty. "The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law," clarified the Department of Justice. The case is currently in the hands of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anne Paruti and Mark Grady of the Major Crimes Unit.
