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Brazilian National Charged with Armed Robbery in Boston Area
BOSTON – A Brazilian man living in Chelsea, Massachusetts, has been charged with an armed robbery at Lanzilli’s Grocery in Boston, according to a federal complaint unsealed today.
Diego Evangelista DaSilva, 32, was charged with one count of armed robbery and is currently in custody in Suffolk County. He will make his initial appearance in federal court at a later date.
According to the charging documents, DaSilva is suspected of committing 12 armed robberies at commercial establishments in the metropolitan Boston area between January 4, 2020, and April 20, 2020. The robberies included pharmacies, gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. In each of the robberies, the suspect was described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, 5’9 – 6′ tall, medium build, and wearing a hat or hooded sweatshirt.
On April 21, 2020, at 8:20 p.m., an armed robbery occurred at Lanzilli’s Grocery in Boston. The robber was observed wearing a gray knit cap, a flesh-colored mask, and a gray hooded sweatshirt. Surveillance photographs showed the robber exiting the area, going in between two buildings, and later emerging wearing a red jacket.
Law enforcement agencies surveilled the area of Washington Park and observed an individual who fit the physical description of the robber wearing similar clothing. The individual was later detained and found to be DaSilva. A search of his car revealed a black semi-automatic BB gun and a gray knit cap. DaSilva’s home was later searched and personal papers, a red jacket, and various items of clothing and hats were recovered.
DaSilva was later interviewed and admitted his involvement in the string of 12 robberies. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000 if convicted.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division, in conjunction with the Boston Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Everett Police Department, Chelsea Police Department, and Massachusetts State Police.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. DaSilva is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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