A Brazilian national residing in Massachusetts, Lucas Henrique Moreira DePaiva, 22, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy and dealing firearms without a license. The plea took place in a federal court where Judge Leo T. Sorokin scheduled sentencing for July 22, 2025. Moreira DePaiva was taken into custody on September 17, 2024.
Over a span of several months, from February 28 to September 17, 2024, Moreira DePaiva was involved in selling 15 firearms along with ammunition and magazines on 10 different occasions in return for cash. He also engaged in a conspiracy to sell one of these firearms in February 2024.
The counts on which Moreira DePaiva has been convicted each carry a potential prison sentence of up to five years, followed by three years of supervised release, and a fine which could amount to $250,000. Additionally, Moreira DePaiva faces possible deportation after serving his sentence. Sentencing decisions are determined by U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
This development was announced by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, alongside key officials including James M. Ferguson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; Michael J. Krol from Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Patricia H. Hyde of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston. The Massachusetts State Police and the Weymouth and Malden Police Departments played a crucial role in the investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael J. Crowley and John Reynolds from the Organized Crime & Gang Unit.
