Boston Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Distributing Drugs in and Around Public Housing Development

BOSTON – A Boston gang member pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to distributing crack cocaine in a Jamaica Plain housing development.

Dominique Finch, aka “Heff,” 27, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility. U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris scheduled sentencing for Jan. 9, 2019.

Following a two-year investigation, Finch and eight co-defendants were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development. On July 6, 2016, Finch, a member of the Heath Street Gang, conspired with his brother to distribute crack cocaine inside the development. According to court records, Finch has a lengthy criminal record that includes convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, witness intimidation, assault and battery, and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Finch was on pretrial release in Suffolk Superior Court at the time he and his brother made the drug sale.

The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were involved in gang activity in and around the development.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and distribution of cocaine base within 1000 feet of a public housing facility provides for mandatory minimum sentence of one year and no greater than 40 years in prison, a minimum of six years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of $2 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today. Assistance was also provided by the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.