Federal prosecutors say a long-running investigation into Boston’s Columbia Point Dawgs and Johnston Road gangs has ended with a sweeping federal indictment, dozens of seized weapons and a serious haul of fentanyl. Investigators report seizing 18 firearms, more than 20 machine-gun conversion devices known as “switches,” and over a kilogram of fentanyl.
The indictment was unsealed May 7 after a seven-month probe that reached from Boston into Brockton, Randolph and other parts of southeastern Massachusetts, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office. “The conduct alleged is frightening to say the least,” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said in the release.
What investigators say they found
Prosecutors allege four of the defendants sold 18 firearms to an undercover agent and a cooperating witness. Those guns allegedly included high-powered tactical rifles and a Glock outfitted with a switch and an obliterated serial number.
When federal agents executed search warrants, they say they found about 21 switches and five more firearms in a single apartment, plus more than a kilogram of fentanyl in another residence, according to Boston.com.
Who was charged
The unsealed charging documents list eight defendants: Raughn Williams, Champion Brown, William Brown, Husnain Akram, Myles King, Junior Jean Louis, Malachi Martins and Jillian Karabello.
They face an array of counts that include conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, distribution of fentanyl and crack cocaine, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and a felon-in-possession charge, as detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Two of the defendants already have federal convictions and are on supervised release, prosecutors say. They also note that defendant Myles King is currently on pre-trial release in a pending state murder case.
Potential penalties
The possible punishment is steep. Conspiracy involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life. Conspiracy to deal firearms without a license can bring up to five years behind bars.
Prosecutors add that charges for unlawful possession of a machinegun and for a felon in possession of ammunition each carry their own significant potential prison terms, along with fines and supervised release, per Boston.com.
Next steps and local impact
The cases will be handled in federal court in Boston by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Organized Crime & Gang Unit, according to federal officials.
All eight defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. Upcoming arraignments and court filings will determine how the government’s allegations hold up under scrutiny, and how this takedown ultimately reshapes gang activity in and around Boston.
