Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Worcester man, Joshua Guzman, was charged on Apr. 17 with assaulting a federal confidential informant with a dangerous weapon during a planned firearm transaction in connection with an armed robbery.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent crime and protect individuals assisting federal investigations. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts enforces federal laws through prosecutions of crimes including national security threats and civil rights violations, according to the official website.
According to charging documents, Guzman, age 18, allegedly coordinated the sale of a firearm to a federal confidential informant via WhatsApp messages beginning Feb. 18. On Feb. 25, Guzman and another individual met the informant in Worcester for the exchange. After money was exchanged for a gun inside the informant’s vehicle, Guzman reportedly drew another firearm from his waistband, pointed it at the informant while making demands, struck him in the head with it, and took back both firearms before fleeing.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts serves all residents of Massachusetts and operates offices across Boston—including at John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse—and branch offices in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website.
Guzman was apprehended shortly after fleeing on foot; authorities recovered clothing, cash consistent with robbery proceeds, and firearms linked to the incident. He remains detained following his initial court appearance earlier today.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley said: “The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.”
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Stendig as part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative led by joint Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security task forces targeting violent crime and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney's office employs over 200 attorneys, paralegals and professional staff according to its official website.
