Alleged Boston Gang Member Sentenced For Drug Distribution In JP

BOSTON – An alleged Boston gang member was sentenced today in federal court in Boston for distributing drugs in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments in Jamaica Plain.

Joe Simmons, who also goes by the nickname “Profit,” 30, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper to seven years in prison and six years of supervised release. In June 2018, Simmons pleaded guilty to distribution of controlled substances within 1,000 feet of a public housing facility.

Following a two-year investigation, Simmons and eight others were charged in January 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 May 11, 2017, Simmons, an alleged member of the Heath Street Gang, sold cocaine base, also known as crack cocaine, to a cooperating witness inside the development. Simmons told the cooperating witness that he could supply him with “eight balls all day” and would “take care” of him.

According to court documents, Simmons’ criminal record includes convictions for assault and battery, possession of a firearm, resisting arrest, and drug possession, among other charges.

Following a two-year investigation, federal and local law enforcement arrested seven people earlier this year in connection with illegal drug distribution and firearm possession within the housing development.

The development, one of the largest owned by the Boston Housing Authority, has been severely impacted by the prevalence of drug trafficking, shootings and other crimes, much of which is instigated by gangs.

"Gangs are an organized, long-term threat to our neighbrhoods," said United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling in an earlier statement. "All of us have the right to live in safe communities – without fear of getting hurt, being subjected to drug dealing on our street corners, or our children being recruited into a life of crime."

>> Read this, too: 7 Alleged Heath Street Gang Members Arrested In JP

The investigation and subsequent arrests sought to reduce violence and improve the quality of life in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments for residents by removing individuals who distributed drugs and/or were actively involved in violence and gang disputes, according to the US Attorney's office.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch Staff