Two Brockton Men Sentenced for Trafficking Crack Cocaine

BOSTON – Two Brockton men were sentenced in federal court in Boston for drug trafficking charges.

Curtis Silva, a/k/a “Piff,” 31, was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Patti B. Saris to 10 years in prison and five years of supervised release. Mannie Myers, 39, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Saris to 35 months in prison and five years of supervised release. In September 2017, Silva and Myers each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine.  

During an investigation into a network of street gangs trafficking illegal firearms and drugs, investigators identified Luis Rivera as a Brockton-based source of supply for cocaine and cocaine base for members and associates of the Boylston Street Gang, as well as other drug dealers in Brockton, including Silva and Myers, who were repeat drug customers of, and distributors for, Rivera.

On May 17, 2018, Rivera was sentenced to 10 years in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered to pay a fine of $5,000.

The defendants are two of 53 defendants indicted in June 2016 on federal firearms and drug charges following an investigation into a network of street gangs that created alliances to traffic weapons and drugs throughout Massachusetts and to generate violence against rival gang members. According to court documents, the defendants, who are leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, East Side Money Gang and the Boylston Street Gang, were responsible for fueling a gun and drug pipeline across a number of cities and towns in eastern Massachusetts. During the course of the investigation, over 70 firearms were seized.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Mickey D. Leadingham, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Brian D. Boyle, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Field Division; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston; John Gibbons, U.S. Marshal for the District of Massachusetts; Maura Healey, Attorney General of Massachusetts; Colonel Kerry A. Gilpin, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police; Boston Police Commissioner William Evans; Chelsea Police Chief Brian Kyes; and Brockton Police Chief John Crowley made the announcement today. The U.S. Attorney’s Office also acknowledges the assistance of the Suffolk and Middlesex County Sheriff Departments and the Malden, Revere and Everett Police Departments.