A Lynn man with a history of criminal activity has found himself in federal court after an alleged armed robbery targeting a drug distributor, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts. Claudio Melo, 33, also known by the street name "Blue Drilla," is accused of orchestrating a heist in January 2023 that saw around $24,000, designated for a cocaine purchase, snatched from an apartment in Woburn.
Melo, who is said to be a member of the Crip Street gang, is no stranger to the system, having racked up sentences for offenses such as armed robbery and assault with a dangerous weapon. He is currently held on state charges that are not related to this case. Court documents reveal that an associate of Melo was supposed to trade a kilogram of cocaine for the hefty sum during a scheduled exchange. Instead, Melo and an accomplice entered the property wielding semiautomatic pistols, forcing the drug customer to hand over the cash and open a bedroom safe, which turned out to be empty, before making their getaway with the money.
The federal charge Melo now faces—conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery—carries a maximum sentence of 20 years and a possible fine of up to $250,000. However, any sentence imposed will be at the judge’s discretion, considering federal guidelines and statutory factors. Special thanks were given to the Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Lynn Police Department for their assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is serving as the prosecuting attorney in this ongoing legal battle.
While the charges pose a serious threat to Melo's future liberty, it is important to remember that they are still allegations—there is a presumption of innocence for the accused until proven guilty. The joint announcement by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen of the FBI’s Boston Division noted that for more information, the public can refer to the official release on the U.S. Attorney’s Office website.
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