Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
An associate of the D Street Projects gang in South Boston has been arrested and charged for allegedly selling a firearm and fentanyl to an undercover law enforcement agent. Junior Martinez-Perello, 25, faces one count of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, fentanyl. He was taken into custody on the morning of July 1, 2025, and after an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester, he was ordered detained pending trial.
The charging documents indicate that Martinez-Perello communicated with undercover law enforcement about selling 100 grams of fentanyl and a firearm. It is alleged that he agreed to meet on May 30, 2025, in Boston for the transaction. On that date, Martinez-Perello allegedly assured the undercover agent that firearms would always be available from him and mentioned his ability to obtain and distribute half-kilogram quantities of fentanyl soon.
During the controlled purchase operation, it is further alleged that Martinez-Perello demonstrated how the safety feature worked on the firearm. At one point during this interaction, he allegedly pointed the loaded weapon towards the ground and manipulated it in a manner consistent with making it safe while attempting to unload live ammunition. During this process, he disengaged the safety mechanism and fired one round into the floor.
The charge related to fentanyl distribution carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine up to $1 million. Sentences are determined by a federal district court judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced this development alongside Scott Riordan, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives' Boston Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley from the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is handling prosecution duties for this case.
This arrest forms part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The operation leverages resources from various Department initiatives including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood.
It is important to note that all details contained within charging documents are allegations; thus far no guilt has been established against Martinez-Perello who remains presumed innocent until proven otherwise beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.
