Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Boston Gang Member Sentenced for Distributing Drugs In and Around Public Housing Development
BOSTON – A Heath Street gang member was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing drugs in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain.
Javonte Robinson, a/k/a “Biggie,” and “Big Dog,” 21, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to one year and one day in prison and six years of supervised release. In May 2018, Robinson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base and to distributing cocaine base within 1000 feet of a public housing facility.
Following a two-year investigation, Robinson and eight co-defendants were charged in January 2018 in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within and near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development.
On March 24, 2017, co-defendant Kevin Smith arranged a drug sale for Robinson, who sold crack cocaine to a cooperating witness near the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments. In sum, Smith and Robinson also accepted responsibility for five additional sales that were not charged in the indictment. All of the sales took place either inside or within a 1000 feet of the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments.
The investigation and arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments by removing individuals who trafficked drugs and who were actively involved in violence and gang disputes.
Smith is scheduled to be sentenced on July 27, 2018.
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 Evans made the announcement today. 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.
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