Following a two-year investigation into gang violence in Boston, more than 40 members and associates of the Heath Street gang were charged last week in federal court with racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, firearms violations, and financial fraud.

The charges are part of a sweeping federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) case involving alleged members of the Heath Street gang that which has been active for decades around the Mildred C. Hailey apartments, previously known as the Bromley Heath Public Housing Development, in Boston’s Jamaica Plain neighborhood.

Nearly two dozen members or associates of the gang were arrested last Wednesday morning, according to Acting US Attorney for Massachusetts Joshua S. Levy. Law enforcement officials also seized more than 60 firearms.

Levy said several other suspects already in state and federal custody were charged with new federal offenses. The defendants were allegedly involved in multiple murders, attempted murders, and shootings.

“Some of those shootings left innocent victims in the crossfire, including a nine-year-old girl who was severely injured attending a family gathering,” Levy said.

Although the number of shootings in Boston has been declining recently, Levy said that these charges make it clear that parts of the city remain in the grip of violent criminals.

“If you live in a community that’s threatened with violence on a daily basis the city-wide numbers don’t mean nearly as much,” Levy said.

Some of those charged allegedly bragged about their crimes on social media and in texts, according to Levy, and some were armed with fully automatic weapons.

According to the indictment, suspects produced music videos in which they referenced the murders they committed. Levy said one of their videos allegedly mentioned their victims, saying, “I can say the names, but it might make the feds come for us.”

Levy, in announcing the charges to the press, said: “Well, the feds have come for you.”

The suspects allegedly relied on juveniles to help facilitate many of their crimes, pressuring them to work as lookouts, gun and drug holders, and, in some cases, even participating in shooting attacks.

“These bad actors that we targeted today took advantage of young people,” Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox said. “They used fear, intimidation, and violence” for personal gain.

According to the charging documents, Heath Street gang members and their associates have used the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for drug trafficking activities and, over a period of years, established distribution networks throughout Massachusetts, Maine, and California.

The case further alleges the Heath Street gang committed theft and financial crimes.