8 charged after investigation across Massachusetts results in 18 firearms, over 20 machine gun conversion devices, large quantities of fentanyl, crack cocaine seized

BOSTON – A federal indictment was unsealed today against seven members and associates of the Boston-based Columbia Point Dawgs and Johnston Road gangs and their associates for firearm and drug charges. A federal complaint was also filed against an eighth defendant for being a felon in possession of ammunition. One defendant is currently on pre-trial release for a pending state murder case. 

According to charging documents and a release from the Massachusetts Department of Justice, from at least January 2025 through on or about April 21, 2026, four of the defendants, Raughn Williams, a/k/a “Pancho;” Champion Brown, a/k/a “Champ,” a/k/a “C. Brown;” William Brown, a/k/a “EBK;” and Jillian Karabello, conspired to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without the required license. Williams is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. It is alleged that these four defendants sold 18 firearms to an undercover agent and cooperating witness during the investigation, including numerous high-powered rifles and tactical rifles with extended clips (pictured below). It is also alleged that the firearms these defendants sold during the investigation included a Glock pistol with an obliterated serial number and a machinegun conversion device (MCD) attached, four additional MCDs, and another high-powered rifle.

A federal search warrant was executed today at Champion Brown’s apartment where approximately 21 switches and five firearms were recovered. Two of the firearms were AR style pistols and two had obliterated serial numbers. One firearm had a switch attached to it. 

According to court documents a switch, or MCD, is designed to convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun, capable of firing all rounds in a magazine with a single pull of the trigger. The device typically attaches to the rear of a pistol’s slide, defeating the mechanism that limits firing to one round per trigger pull. Pistols equipped with switches are difficult to control because they are not manufactured to support fully automatic gunfire, and the use of switches therefore increases the danger to the public of being shot.

“The conduct alleged is frightening to say the least. In addition to two AR style pistols and other firearms, today we seized approximately 21 machinegun conversion devices, commonly referred to as “switches” in just one apartment,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “These devices convert a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machinegun, capable of firing hundreds of shots in seconds. I think it goes without saying that today’s arrests and seizures have made our communities safer.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas Greco said, “Today’s arrests highlight ATF’s mission in the fight against violent crime.  For those looking to commit drug and violent crimes in our community, you will not find safe haven in the City of Boston. ATF is committed to using every available resource to target those contributing to the cycle of violence in these neighborhoods by distributing drugs and trafficking firearms. The success of this investigation included the efforts of many state and local partners, in ATF’s continued all-hands approach to making communities safer.”

According to charging documents, Raughn Williams; Myles King, a/k/a “Mizzie Cash;” Husnain Akram, a/k/a “Frenchy;” and Junior Jean Louis, a/k/a “Jiggy,” conspired to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, involving 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. These defendants are also charged with distribution of fentanyl and/or crack cocaine. A federal search warrant was executed today at the residence of Husnain Akram and over a kilogram of fentanyl was seized. A search warrant was also executed at the residence of Malachi Martins where a privately made firearm (PMF)or so-called “ghost” gun, containing ammunition was recovered. Martins was charged by complaint with being a felon in possession of ammunition.

According to court documents, the defendants are members or associates of the Boston based Columbia Point Dawgs or the Johnston Road gangs and work together to sell guns and drugs to gang members and others throughout Boston, Brockton, Randolph and other parts of Southeastern Massachusetts. Two of the defendants have prior federal convictions and are currently on federal supervised release. According to court documents, Myles King is on pre-trial release for a pending state murder case.  

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl provides for a sentence of no less than 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of cocaine base provides for a sentence of no less than five and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of unlawful possession of a machinegun provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, supervised release for up to three years and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, supervised release for up to three years 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 statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston and Cambridge Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department; Boston Housing Authority; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys John T. Dawley, Jr. and David Cutshall of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit are prosecuting the case.

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

1.      Raugh Williams, a/k/a “Pancho,” 28, of Randolph, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license, felon in possession of a firearm, conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl, distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;

2.      Champion Brown, a/k/a “Champ,” 22, of Dorchester, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license;

3.      William Brown, a/k/a “EBK,” 27, of Dorchester, is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and unlawful possession of a machinegun;

4.      Husnain Akram, a/k/a “Frenchy,” 27, of South Easton, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl;

5.      Myles King, a/k/a “Mizzie Cash,” 26, of Weymouth, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;

6.      Junior Jean Louis, a/k/a “Jiggy,” 26, of Miami, Fla., is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and distribution of 28 grams or more of cocaine base;

7.   Malachi Martins, 31, of Brockton, is charged with felon in possession of ammunition; and

8.   Jillian Karabello, 23, of Medford is charged with conspiracy to deal firearms without a   license.