A Boston man, identified as a significant figure in the local drug market at Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, has been sentenced to significant prison time following his guilty plea on various charges. Keon Leary, 45, is facing 9-10 years behind bars after admitting to charges of firearm and drug trafficking just as his trial was set to start, as announced by Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden.
Leary's guilty plea encompassed several serious offenses, including carrying a firearm without a license for the third time, carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, over 36 grams of fentanyl trafficking, and distribution of a class B substance after a prior offense. Despite the trial was supposed to begin on the day of his trial, the plea was entered before jury selection, according to a statement obtained by the Suffolk District Attorney's Office.
On August 12, 2022, Boston Police arrested Leary during a "buy and bust" operation near Mass and Cass, specifically by the Hope House at 8 Farnham Street. Following a tip from the community, officers observed a drug transaction on the corner of Gerard Street, which led to the seizure of two backpacks filled with cocaine, fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, and valerylfentanyl, along with a loaded firearm and cash.
"Keon Leary has been a major player in the Mass and Cass drug market for years, and I'm incredibly grateful for assistance from the community that led to his arrest and conviction. This is yet another example of solid results from cooperation between police, prosecutors and community members," Hayden said in a statement obtained by the Suffolk District Attorney's Office, as community assistance played a crucial part in apprehending Leary. Following his prison term, Leary will also be under three years of probation, as decided by Judge Anthony Campo.
The work of the Suffolk County District Attorney's office is not taken lightly; serving the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, the office tackles over 20,000 cases annually. The conviction of Leary underscores their commitment to public safety and crime prevention, supported by a substantial staff that includes more than 160 attorneys who practice across various courts, including district and municipal courts, superior courts, as well as appellate and juvenile courts. The district attorney's office stresses its goal to educate residents about the services available and its dedication to maintaining the safety of Suffolk County inhabitants.
