BOSTON — Four Mainers are among a group of 41 people facing federal charges in connection with a violent gang in Boston.
In a release Wednesday, the U.S. Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts said the following people from Maine have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances:
- Amanda LaPointe, 39, of Ripley
- Jacob Lyford, 32, of Milo
- Michael St. Pierre, 54, of Dedham
- Kayla Tasker, 31, of Dexter
They're accused of being part of what's known as the Heath Street Gang.
Charges against the 41 people range from drug trafficking to financial crimes. They're accused of committing fraud to acquire loans and money from government programs set up during the COVID-19 pandemic and then using that money to buy more than 100 guns. Boston police allege those guns were used in at least three killings.
The group is accused of operating out of one of the largest public housing developments in Boston. Police said they recruited kids as young as 12 years old to join the gang and act as lookouts.
Boston police said they would be visiting the complex this week to meet with the community, including young people who have been impacted by gang violence.
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