Chelsea Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine Sales

Chelsea Man Pleads Guilty to Crack Cocaine Sales

Kendrick Tate, a Chelsea man with a long history of violent crimes, has pleaded guilty to selling crack cocaine and possessing a firearm. The 25-year-old, also known as ‘K-Roc,’ was convicted in state court in November 2017 of unrelated drug and firearm charges and is currently serving a 3 ½ – 4-year sentence.

According to federal court documents, Tate sold a cooperating witness crack cocaine and a firearm with a partially obliterated serial number on multiple occasions in April 2017. The investigation and subsequent arrests were part of a two-year effort to reduce violence and improve the quality of life for residents in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development.

Tate’s guilty plea comes as no surprise, given his extensive criminal history. He has been previously convicted of assault with a dangerous weapon on two occasions, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, resisting arrest, assault and battery on a police officer, and possession to distribute a Class B substance on two occasions.

The investigation into Tate’s activities was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, in partnership with the Boston Police Department and the Boston Housing Authority’s Department of Police and Public Safety. United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling praised the efforts of all involved in taking Tate off the streets.

Tate’s sentencing is scheduled for October 25, 2018, before U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani. He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison for the distribution of cocaine base and a maximum of 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The charges against Tate are a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat gang activity and reduce violence in our communities. The people of Chelsea and the surrounding area can rest a little easier knowing that Tate will no longer be able to threaten their safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Perry, who prosecuted the case, stated that Tate’s guilty plea brings an end to a long and complex investigation. We will continue to work tirelessly to hold accountable those who engage in violent and predatory behavior.