Over 40 people tied to a violent Boston gang suspected in three killings, other shootings, COVID fraud, and retail theft were charged Wednesday in a large-scale crackdown, federal and local authorities announced.
Among the Heath Street gang's victims was a 9-year-old girl seriously wounded in a shooting at a family gathering in Roxbury in 2016, authorities said.
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The gang operated around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, and its members were involved in criminal activity that resulted in RICO, gun, drug and financial fraud charges. More than two dozen people were arrested — others already behind bars face new charges — and over 60 guns seized in the bust announced Wednesday, officials said.
"They bragged about their violence on social media and texts," U.S. Attorney Josh Levy said at a news conference Wednesday, including in music videos.
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One alleged gang member said in a video, "I can say the names, but I might make the feds come for us," Levy said, adding, "Well, the feds came for you."
The Heath Street gang also allegedly took part in financial crimes, allegedly bragging about buying more than 100 guns with money gotten through COVID aid fraud and shoplifting from stores like Nordstrom's and Victoria's Secret.
The arrests were not surprising to one resident, who said he was almost caught in the crossfire himself last year
"I was almost shot by accident cleaning my car one night," Willie Johnson told NBC10 Boston.
Part of the gang's operations involved recruiting minors, Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said.
"These bad actors that we targeted today took advantage of young people. They used fear, intimidation and violence to gain personally," he said.
The children they recruit are as young as 12 and are often used as lookouts.
"Kids need something to do and a place to go," said Leonard Lacy, a community organizer.
Lacy just started a program for kids in the neighborhood, including a space with pool tables and donated laptops. But he says the city needs to dedicate more resources so young people choose something other than violence.
"We have to create programs and things for kids to do."
Boston police said they will be visiting the complex this week to meet with the community impacted by the gang violence.
