Federal prosecutors unsealed gun and drug trafficking charges last week against individuals they said are members and associates of a Dorchester-based gang that was the target of an undercover operation that resulted in a May 7 raid at a Columbia Point apartment.
The overall investigation resulted in the seizure of 18 firearms, more than 20 machine gun conversion devices, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and several additional weapons recovered during raids tied to the case, according to the US Attorney’s office.
The seven-month federal probe centered heavily on Dorchester, where, authorities say, the defendants illegally sold firearms and narcotics while operating in Columbia Point and on Johnston Road off Blue Hill Avenue.
Among the eight people charged are Dorchester residents Champion Brown, 22, also known as “Champ,” and William Brown, 27, known as “EBK.” Prosecutors allege that both men participated in a conspiracy to traffic firearms without a federal license. Brown is additionally charged with unlawful possession of a machine gun.
The charges allege that 4 defendants sold 18 firearms to an undercover agent and a cooperating witness during the course of the investigation, including rifles outfitted with extended magazines, a Glock pistol with an obliterated serial number, and multiple “switches” — devices capable of converting semi-automatic pistols into fully automatic weapons.
Federal agents executed a search warrant at Champion Brown’s apartment and recovered approximately 21 machine gun conversion devices and five firearms, including AR-style pistols and guns with obliterated serial numbers, according to prosecutors.
Authorities also charged several defendants with fentanyl and crack cocaine trafficking. Prosecutors say members and associates of the two gangs worked together to distribute drugs and weapons throughout Boston neighborhoods and surrounding communities.
US Attorney Leah Foley called the allegations “frightening,” noting the danger posed by conversion devices that can fire hundreds of rounds within seconds. Federal officials said the investigation involved the ATF, Boston Police, Massachusetts State Police, the Boston Housing Authority, and other local and federal agencies.
