40 Boston Gang Members Face Charges, 4 of Them Are From Maine

When police in Boston arrested over 40 members of the Heath Street Gang, there were 4 residents of Maine among the suspects.

What is the Heath Street Gang?

The Heath Street Gang was formed in the 1980's and, according to the United States Attorney's Office District of Massachusetts, is alleged to have over 150 members. Based out of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, which was formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development, the gang has a history of violence.

What Types of Crimes are Involved in This Case?

Over 40 members of the gang and their alleged associates were in federal court in Boston on Thursday for  charges to include racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, firearms, wire fraud, and financial frauds. The charges followed a two-year investigation into gang violence in Boston. Court documents indicate that some of the accused are also implicated in a number of murders, attempted murders, and shootings, often targeting members of rival gangs.

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Who Are the Suspects From Maine?

Boston.com has identified the four suspects from Maine:

• Jacob Lyford, 32, Milo is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
• Michael St. Pierre, 54, of Dedham is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
• Kayla Tasker, 31 of Dexter is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
• Amanda LaPointe, 39, of Ripley is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

The charges each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million.