Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
The founder and CEO of Adapt & Evolve LLC, a Boston non-profit organization claiming to offer re-entry support services, has been indicted on charges related to the distribution of crack cocaine. Javan Tooley, 36, who resides in Dorchester and Brockton, Massachusetts, was arrested on September 23 following his indictment by a federal grand jury on September 18 for distributing 28 grams or more of cocaine base.
Authorities allege that Tooley has a significant history of drug trafficking and other criminal behavior. This includes prior involvement in sex trafficking activities and a previous federal conviction for drug trafficking. In 2010, Tooley was convicted in U.S. District Court in Boston for distributing cocaine after selling crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement officers. He received a five-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release. According to court documents, after his release around 2015, he violated supervised release terms at least five times and served an additional 22 months in prison.
Court filings further allege that Tooley recruited women suffering from substance abuse disorders to participate in commercial sex work for his financial benefit and distribute drugs on his behalf. It is claimed that he used violence against victims and provided them with access to drugs. Prosecutors also allege that he fostered fear among victims by asserting connections with law enforcement officials through his non-profit organization and coordinated drug transactions using the organization's phone line.
On September 10, authorities say Tooley distributed approximately 100 grams of crack cocaine near Fields Corner in Dorchester close to the offices of Adapt & Evolve LLC. The alleged transaction took place inside Tooley's car while a young child was present in the back seat.
After this incident, it is alleged that Tooley contacted a cooperating witness offering more crack cocaine for sale and arranged another meeting near Roxbury District Court on September 23. Upon arrival at the location, Tooley was taken into custody and reportedly found with about 160 grams of crack cocaine.
Due to his prior federal drug trafficking conviction, Tooley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment if convicted, as well as at least eight years of supervised release and up to $8 million in fines. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to relevant guidelines and statutes.
"United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; Thomas Demeo, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Boston Field Office; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox; and Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty made the announcement today."
"Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian A. Fogerty of the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Pohl of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit are prosecuting the case."
"The details contained in the indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."
