Boston Man Sentenced for Distributing Drugs in and Around Public Housing Development

BOSTON – An identified Boston gang member was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing drugs in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain.

Joe Simmons, a/k/a “Profit,” 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to seven years in prison and six years of supervised release. In June 2018, Simmons pleaded guilty to distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility.

Following a two-year investigation, Simmons and eight others 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 May 11, 2017, Simmons, an alleged member of the Heath Street Gang, sold cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, to a cooperating witness inside the development. Simmons told the cooperating witness that he could supply him with “eight balls all day” and would “take care” of him. According to court documents, Simmons’ criminal record includes convictions for assault and battery, possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and drug possession, among other charges.

The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for residents by removing individuals who distributed drugs and/or were actively involved in violence and gang disputes.

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.  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.