Joshua S. Levy, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts
Federal authorities have unveiled charges against 22 individuals linked to the Trinitarios gang, a transnational criminal organization. The accused face federal offenses, including racketeering conspiracy related to six murders and 11 attempted murders. Additionally, two juveniles are charged with murder by the Essex County District Attorney’s Office.
The charges stem from a multijurisdictional investigation following several violent incidents in Lynn, Massachusetts, in 2023. The investigation identified Trinitarios chapters in Lawrence, Lynn, Boston, and Haverhill. Allegedly, these gang members use violence to dominate neighborhoods and intimidate rival gangs.
Court documents suggest that the Massachusetts Trinitarios have committed at least ten homicides in Essex County over the past decade. Sixteen members are charged with six of these murders. Enmanuel Paula-Cabral is alleged to be the State Supreme leader of the gang in Massachusetts.
The gang reportedly recruits new members from Dominican communities and high schools in Lawrence and Lynn. New recruits undergo a probation period before formal induction into the gang through violent missions.
Authorities claim that the Trinitarios project power online through music videos featuring weapons and boasting about criminal activities. This operation involved collaboration among various law enforcement agencies to dismantle the gang's leadership in Massachusetts.
U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley stated, “Today’s law enforcement operation has struck a significant blow against the leadership of the Trinitarios operating in Massachusetts — virtually dismantling an organization responsible for years of bloodshed, drug trafficking, and lawlessness.”
Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations emphasized that transnational criminals will not find refuge in the U.S., while FBI Special Agent Jodi Cohen highlighted their commitment to removing dangerous offenders from communities.
Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoff Noble reiterated their dedication to combating gang violence alongside partners. Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker noted that this operation enhances community safety by dismantling a violent enterprise.
Lynn Police Chief Christopher P. Reddy expressed gratitude for collaborative efforts leading to significant arrests preventing further harm. Manchester Police Chief Peter Marr praised successful cooperation with federal authorities.
The charge of racketeering conspiracy carries a potential life sentence, supervised release, and fines upon conviction by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
