Medford Man Ayoub Haddad Caught with Illegal Ammo

BOSTON – Ayoub Haddad, 24, is facing federal charges after being indicted for being an unlawful alien in possession of ammunition. The Moroccan national, residing in Medford, was originally arrested and charged in March 2025, and now faces a grand jury indictment that could land him behind bars for a decade.

Federal prosecutors allege Haddad entered the U.S. in April 2012 on a temporary B-2 non-immigrant visa obtained by his parents. That visa expired a mere six months later in October 2012, leaving Haddad in the country illegally. This isn’t the first time authorities have flagged Haddad; in March 2019, he was found at the South Bay Correctional Facility facing charges in Chelsea District Court for firearm offenses, drug distribution, and motor vehicle violations. Those charges, however, were later dismissed.

The current case stems from an incident in June 2024. Investigators identified Haddad as the driver of a vehicle involved in a shooting outside an apartment complex in Lawrence. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly revealed a disturbing find: an AR-15 style rifle, devoid of a serial number, cleverly concealed wrapped in a black t-shirt and stuffed between the radiator and the engine block. Adding to the arsenal, twenty pieces of live .223 Remington Bronze full metal jacket rifle rounds were also allegedly discovered under the hood.

The indictment carries a hefty penalty. If convicted of being an unlawful alien in possession of ammunition, Haddad could face up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Beyond potential jail time, Haddad is also subject to deportation proceedings following completion of any sentence. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, adhering to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.

The investigation was a collaborative effort led by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, alongside Bryan DiGirolamo, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division; Patricia H. Hyde, Field Office Director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations in Boston; Lawrence Police Chief Maurice Aguiler; and Medford Police Chief Buckley. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Sullivan Jacobus of the Major Crimes Unit is prosecuting the case.

It’s crucial to remember that the details outlined in the charging document represent allegations at this stage. Ayoub Haddad is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.