Newton Man Charged with Cocaine Distribution and Unlawfully Possessing Firearm and Ammunition as Convicted Felon

BOSTON – A previously convicted felon residing in Newton has been charged with cocaine distribution and firearm offenses.

Shawn Craig, 37, of Newton, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. He will appear in federal court in Boston on Jan. 23, 2023. 

According to the charging documents, Craig coordinated three drug deals with an undercover agent between September and October 2022. It is alleged that Craig met with the undercover agent near his Newton residence on three separate occasions – Sept. 12, Oct. 20 and Oct. 26, 2022 – to conduct the deals, during which Craig provided cocaine to the undercover agent in exchange for cash. Prior to the third meeting, on Oct. 26, 2022, Craig allegedly sent an image of a firearm to the undercover agent and indicated that he could sell it to the agent. During the subsequent meeting, it is alleged that Craig provided the undercover agent with a firearm, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine.

At the time of the alleged conduct, Craig was on federal supervised release for a 2014 federal conviction for possessing a stolen firearm and possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Craig was sentenced to seven years in prison and three years of supervised release in that case. 

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins; James Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan; and Newton Police Chief John F Carmichael Jr. made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Probation Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kaitlin R. O’Donnell of Rollins’ Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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