Federal government targets Boston gangs over fraud, gun trafficking and drug trafficking

BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)– Members of two Boston gangs are facing multiple charges following years of investigations by local, state and federal law enforcement.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, 10 members and associates of the H Block Gang have been charged with drug trafficking and nine members and associates of the Mission Hill Gang have been charged with financial fraud.

Court documents allege that an investigation into H Block was launched amid an increase in gang-related drug dealing, shootings and violence. Investigators say that since the investigation began in 2021, law enforcement has attributed at least a dozen incidents involving firearms and gunfire to tensions surrounding H Block gang members. Six H Block members and associates were arrested Thursday and charged with drug trafficking in the Boston area. Drugs and four firearms were seized during the arrests. Four additional H Block members and associates are already in state custody.

Charges have been filed against members of the Mission Hill street gang and their associates for their involvement in a mail theft and financial fraud scheme known as “card cracking.” According to court documents, card cracking involves the theft and laundering of money through bank accounts in various names controlled by the primary offenders. Checks are stolen from post office boxes, then chemically washed and rewritten in the names of various recruited bank account holders. These washed checks are then deposited into checking accounts for withdrawal or laundering through money wires and other means, such as the purchase of money orders. Six Mission Hill members and associates were arrested Thursday and charged with financial crimes, along with three other Mission Hill members and associates who are currently in custody.

“To keep communities safe, we must combat a variety of threats. The fight to protect our streets from dangerous gangs and drugs is an ongoing battle and, as this case shows, extends to our state’s correctional facilities. Today’s arrests are an important step forward in making our streets and correctional facilities safer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “These arrests send a message that the federal government is actively engaged with our state and local partners and stands ready to hold those who violate federal law accountable.”

“I am proud of our officers of the Boston Police Department and all of our law enforcement partners for this incredible work. These are individuals who do not value life, who have terrorized and wreaked havoc on our city. These investigations were carefully designed and executed, and there is no doubt that all law enforcement personnel have put themselves at risk to get to this point. Working together and pooling our resources is powerful, it makes our residents safer, and we are seeing the results of that collaboration today,” said Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.

“Dismantling violent gangs is a top priority for the DEA. Operations like this have a direct, positive impact on the neighborhoods where these gangs sell drugs and cause violence,” said Stephen Belleau, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division. “Today’s arrests should serve as a warning that we will not tolerate drug trafficking, gang-related violence, and those who perpetuate it. This investigation demonstrates the power of collaborative local, state, and federal law enforcement efforts and our strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

“ATF remains steadfast in our mission to arrest trigger pullers and gun dealers,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “By utilizing crime gun intelligence, we enable law enforcement to break the cycle of violence by focusing on the individuals and criminal organizations that fuel gun-related crime in our communities. Today’s arrests illustrate ATF’s unwavering commitment to working with our local, state, and federal partners to combat violent gang and drug activity that threatens public safety. Our collective efforts are critical to holding violent offenders accountable, reducing threats to the public, and reducing violent crime.”

H Block Gang Members Arrested and Charged:

• Trea Lankford, aka “Heff”, aka “Hefna Don”, aka “Montana”, aka “Tre Cain”, 33, of Boston;
• Dennis Wilson, aka “Deuce,” aka “Deep Jhonenson,” 36 of Boston;
• Avery Lewis, aka “Wave,” 32 of Dorchester;
• Mark Linnehan, 25, of West Roxbury;
• Eric Celestino, 30, of Boston;
• Timothy Hearns, aka “King Kill,” aka “Tool Man,” aka “Tooly,” 34;
• Dominique Carpenter-Grady, aka “8-Zipp,” aka “Eighty,” aka “Cindy Surin,” 35;
• Robert Heckstall, aka “Ribbs,” aka “Buck,” aka “Buck Corleone,” 41, of Roxbury;
• Jason Bly, 44, of Quincy; and
• Jerry Gray, 28, from Dorchester

Mission Hill Gang Members Arrested and Charged:

• Imanol Rios-Franco, 24, of Brookline;
• Jairo Cabral-Santos, 22, of Boston;
• Brandon Baez, 22, of Framingham;
• Jiovanny Matos, 25, of Boston;
• Josman Romero Delgado, 22, of Boston;
• Jonathan Martinez, 25, of Roslindale;
• Anthony Worthen, 28, of Roslindale;
• Tyrone Brimage, 28, of Boston; and
• Glenroy Miller, 28, of Boston