Vice Lords Crew Busted in Worcester: Drugs, Guns & Botched Robbery

WORCESTER, MA – Six men are facing federal charges after a coordinated takedown targeting a crew allegedly connected to the Almighty Vice Lords street gang. The bust, announced today by federal prosecutors, stems from a failed robbery attempt and a subsequent investigation into a drug trafficking operation. The Grimy Times has learned the operation involved high-end glass pipe dealers and a significant amount of narcotics flowing through Worcester and surrounding areas.

The initial incident, occurring in Rockland in March 2019, involved a planned robbery of a glass pipe dealer. Junior Melendez, 39, of Worcester, Shaun Walker, 42, of Worcester, and Keith Johnson, 38, of Worcester, are accused of conspiring to commit this crime. Law enforcement intervened, arresting Johnson and Walker at the scene and recovering a firearm. Melendez, authorities allege, is a convicted felon who previously served 109 months in federal prison for drug and firearms violations, and is the alleged leader of the Massachusetts chapter of the Almighty Vice Lords.

The investigation didn’t stop there. Federal prosecutors now allege Melendez also conspired with Angel Cordova, 35, of Worcester, Juan Rodriguez, 28, of Worcester, and Antoine Mack, 37, of Pawtucket, R.I., to possess with intent to distribute, and distribute, cocaine and crack cocaine. Mack, already a convicted felon, was arrested in Worcester on May 24, 2019, found in possession of a loaded .380 caliber handgun. Sources within the Worcester PD tell the Grimy Times the Vice Lords have been a growing concern for years, operating in the shadows and exploiting vulnerable communities.

This morning, authorities executed multiple search warrants, yielding a substantial haul: five firearms, 600 rounds of ammunition, approximately $10,000 in cash, and various amounts of both cocaine and crack cocaine. The defendants are facing serious federal charges. Junior Melendez is charged with Hobbs Act conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; conspiracy to use or carry a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence; and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. Keith Johnson faces Hobbs Act conspiracy, conspiracy to use a firearm, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Shaun Walker is charged with Hobbs Act conspiracy. Antoine Mack is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Juan Rodriguez and Angel Cordova are both charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute cocaine and cocaine base.

The potential penalties are steep. The Hobbs Act conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The drug conspiracy charge also carries a maximum of 20 years, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. Conspiracy to use or carry a firearm during a crime of violence could result in ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal district court judge, considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other relevant factors.

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, and included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Worcester Police Department, the Massachusetts State Police, the New Hampshire State Police, the Worcester Sheriff’s Office, the Shrewsbury Police Department, and the Pawtucket Police Department. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it develops, bringing you the unvarnished truth from the streets and the courts.