Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Lawrence resident, Derek Mercado, has pleaded guilty in federal court to possessing a loaded UZI machinegun. The plea was entered before U.S. Senior District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who scheduled sentencing for February 18, 2026. Mercado faces up to ten years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
Mercado is identified as a member of the Trinitarios gang, which authorities describe as a violent criminal enterprise linked to multiple murders and violent acts across Massachusetts. On May 6, 2025, law enforcement issued an alert for Mercado's arrest after a domestic violence incident was reported. According to the victim’s report, Mercado possessed a firearm stored in a green duffel bag. At that time, he also had outstanding warrants on two unrelated matters.
Authorities observed Mercado leaving a residence with the described bag and took him into custody. Inside the bag was an Israel Military Industries UZI submachinegun equipped with an extended magazine holding 24 rounds. Testing confirmed the weapon functioned as a machinegun.
Recent actions against the Trinitarios have included several prosecutions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office: In August 2024, three members from Lawrence were charged in connection with an alleged armed robbery; in February 2025, nearly twenty-four Lynn chapter members faced charges related to six murders; and in June 2025 two individuals were charged with kidnapping in Andover.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: "This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime." She added that Operation Take Back America coordinates efforts through initiatives such as Project Safe Neighborhood and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Michael J. Krol (Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England), Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble (Superintendent of Massachusetts State Police), and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard from the Organized Crime and Gang Unit is leading prosecution efforts.
