BOSTON - A Heath Street gang member was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing drugs in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain.
Kevin Smith, a/k/a “Works," 27, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 18 months in prison and six years of supervised release. In May 2018, Smith pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and to distributing cocaine base within 1000 feet of a public housing facility.
Following a two-year investigation, Smith and eight co-defendants were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development.
On March 24, 2017, Smith arranged a drug sale for co-defendant Javonte Robinson, 21, who sold crack cocaine to a cooperating witness near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments. In sum, Smith and Robinson also accepted responsibility for two additional sales that were not charged in the indictment. All of the sales took place either inside or within a 1000 feet of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments.
According to court documents, Smith served 18 months in jail after he was convicted of carrying a firearm and resisting arrest. Although Smith was on Boston Housing Authority’s No Trespass List at one time, records show that he was arrested in the hallways and courtyards of the housing development at least seven times.
The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were actively involved in violence and gang disputes.
On July 19, 2018, Robinson was sentenced to one year and one day in prison and six years of supervised release.
United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
