Gang unit arrests Taunton man linked to violence and drug activity

The Massachusetts State Police Gang Unit yesterday arrested a known firearm offender linked to violent activity between feuding groups in Brockton, Taunton, and Boston, ultimately recovering two firearms and illegal narcotics. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort between MSP, Brockton Police, and the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office through the Project Safe Neighborhood program.

Troopers from the MSP Gang Unit were notified of the issuance of a warrant for probation violations for Samael Mathieu, 23, of Taunton. After several hours of surveillance at a specific location in Taunton, Gang Unit Troopers yesterday afternoon observed Mathieu depart in a vehicle driven by another person. When the vehicle stopped at a gas station, Troopers approached Mathieu, placed him under arrest, and located a large amount of narcotics and cash on his person. Troopers then executed a search warrant at Mathieu’s apartment and located and seized two loaded 9mm handguns, three magazines (two of them high-capacity); ammunition; approximately 32 grams of suspected fentanyl; 40 oxycodone pills; 26 suboxone strips; 65 grams of marijuana; nearly $2,100; and drug paraphernalia such as scales, cutting agents, and packaging materials. The firearms recovered were a Smith & Wesson 9mm and Mathieu was booked at State Police-Middlebrough on the following charges:

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, subsequent offense (2 counts);
Unlawful Possession of a Feeding Device (2 counts);
Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number;
Unlawful Possession of Ammunition;
Trafficking in Fentanyl (Class A Narcotic);
Possession of Oxycodone (Class B Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute;
Possession of Suboxone (Class B Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute:
Possession of Marijuana (Class D Narcotic) with Intent to Distribute; and
Warrant (firearm, ammunition, receiving stolen property, resisting arrest offenses).

Mathieu was held without bail on the warrant and was expected to be in court today.