Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
A Lynn man, Claudio Melo, also known as "Blue Drilla," has been charged in connection with an alleged armed robbery that took place in January 2023. The incident involved the theft of approximately $24,000 from a drug distributor during a planned drug transaction.
Melo, aged 33, faces one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act. He is currently detained on unrelated state charges. According to court documents, Melo is associated with the Crip Street gang and has a history of felony convictions including assault with a dangerous weapon and armed robbery.
The alleged robbery occurred on January 30, 2023, at an apartment in Woburn. During a scheduled drug transaction where cocaine was to be exchanged for cash, Melo and another individual reportedly entered the premises armed with semiautomatic pistols. They allegedly stole $24,000 in cash meant for purchasing a kilogram of cocaine and forced the victim to open an empty safe before leaving with the money.
The charge against Melo carries a potential maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on guidelines and statutory factors.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside Jodi Cohen from the FBI's Boston Division. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Lynn Police Department provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is leading the prosecution.
It should be noted that these are allegations at this stage; Claudio Melo remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
