Everett Man Charged in Connection with Damaging Property at Boston FBI Headquarters

BOSTON – An Everett man has been charged in federal court in Boston in connection with scaling the perimeter fence of the Boston FBI Headquarters in Chelsea and damaging property.

Brian Ricardo Dennis, 52, was charged by criminal complaint with injuring or depredating government property. Following an initial appearance today, Dennis was detained pending a probable cause and detention scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020.

It is alleged that at approximately 1:20 am on Friday, July 31, 2020, an individual – later identified as Dennis – scaled the perimeter fence of the Boston FBI Headquarters in Chelsea. Video surveillance recorded Dennis climbing over the perimeter fence, approaching an exterior door, banging on the door with his hands and then retrieving a large rock and repeatedly throwing the rock against the door, shattering the glass on the door. Dennis then allegedly climbed back over the perimeter fence and left the area.

According to court documents, thereafter, local law enforcement encountered Dennis, who had significant injuries to his right hand, and transported him to a local emergency room. During an interview with agents, Dennis admitted to being the individual in the surveillance recordings. Fingerprints found at the FBI Headquarters were determined to match Dennis. 

The charging statute provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. 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 and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today. The Chelsea Police Department also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Lelling’s Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.