A federal grand jury in Boston indicted a Brazilian national, Lucas Ferreira-Da Silva, 27, for firearm-related offenses on April 10. Ferreira-Da Silva, who resides in Massachusetts, was initially arrested and charged in November 2024.
The indictment accuses Ferreira-Da Silva of selling firearms without a license. Between September and November 2024, he reportedly sold 12 firearms and ammunition over six separate occasions. The firearms sold included rifles, shotguns, and pistols, with four having obliterated serial numbers.
"The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000," according to a statement. He faces potential deportation after serving any sentence imposed by the court. Sentences are determined based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, along with James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Enforcement and Removal Operations. Support in the case was provided by state and local law enforcement, including the Massachusetts State Police and police departments from Malden, Chelsea, and Revere.
"Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds, of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case," stated the announcement.
It should be noted that the allegations detailed in the charging documents are not proof of guilt, and Ferreira-Da Silva is presumed innocent unless proven otherwise in court.
