Dominick Bailey, Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, Massachusetts 2019

BOSTON, MA – Dominick Bailey, 57, of Vermont, is headed back to prison after being sentenced to 87 months – more than seven years – for being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The sentencing, handed down yesterday by U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, marks Bailey’s third federal conviction for the same offense, revealing a pattern of brazen disregard for the law.

The bust went down in November 2019, when Bailey was caught in Boston with four firearms, including a dangerous AR-15 style rifle capable of accepting large-capacity magazines. He wasn’t just holding onto the weapons; he was attempting to use them as payment. Bailey and an accomplice had arranged to transport the guns from Vermont to Boston, intending to trade them for methamphetamine. But the “drug dealer” he was communicating with wasn’t who he thought it was – it was an undercover federal agent.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy made it clear this office won’t tolerate repeat offenders. “This office is committed to doing whatever we can to crack down on illegal gun possession,” Levy stated. “When someone repeatedly breaks gun laws, as this defendant clearly did, they will be held accountable.” This isn’t a simple case of a mistake; it’s a career criminal doubling down on illegal activity.

The investigation, a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, highlights the interconnectedness of drug trafficking and illegal firearms. Ketty Larco-Ward, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Boston Division, emphasized the threat to the community. “The combined efforts… has resulted in a significant sentence for a true threat to the safety of our community.” DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian D. Boyle echoed that sentiment, noting that the combination of narcotics and illegal guns is “unacceptable” and will not be tolerated.

ATF Special Agent in Charge James M. Ferguson issued a stark warning to others considering similar crimes. “This sentence should serve as notice to repeat offenders, determined to continue to illegally possess firearms. ATF and our law enforcement partners will not falter in our resolve to investigate and incarcerate offenders who illegally possess and traffic firearms.” Bailey’s prior convictions came in U.S. District Courts in Vermont and New Hampshire, demonstrating a regional pattern of criminal behavior.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Philip C. Cheng and James E. Arnold of the Criminal Division and falls under the umbrella of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The OCDETF is a multi-agency initiative focused on dismantling the most dangerous criminal organizations in the United States. Valuable assistance was also provided by the Vermont State Police, and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox contributed to the successful outcome. Bailey will also serve three years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.

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