Dorchester Gun Runner Gets Two Years in Federal Prison

BOSTON – Another street-level gun runner is off the streets of Boston. Victor Florentino, 22, of Dorchester, received a two-year federal prison sentence today for illegally peddling firearms, a consequence of a sprawling investigation into gang-related violence and drug trafficking across Massachusetts.

Florentino pleaded guilty in March 2017 to one count of engaging in the business of dealing with firearms without a license. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs handed down the sentence, also including three years of supervised release. The case stems from a deep-dive federal probe that began in 2015, exposing a network of street gangs forging alliances to flood the state with weapons and fuel rivalries.

The investigation, which went public with a massive 53-defendant indictment in June 2016, targeted alleged leaders, members, and associates of the 18th Street Gang, the East Side Money Gang, and the Boylston Street Gang. These crews operated primarily in Boston, East Boston, Chelsea, Brockton, Malden, Revere, and Everett, turning those neighborhoods into battlegrounds. Authorities seized over 70 firearms, along with substantial quantities of cocaine, crack, heroin, and fentanyl, during the course of the investigation.

Florentino was identified as a key player in the illicit firearms trade. He brokered the sale of three handguns to a cooperating witness: an AMT, Backup, 9mm semi-automatic pistol with a deliberately obliterated serial number – a clear sign of intent to conceal its origin; a Beretta, Model 84B, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; and a JP Sauer & Sohn, .44 Magnum revolver. The wiped serial number on the AMT pistol is particularly troubling, indicating a likely connection to other crimes.

With Florentino’s guilty plea, he becomes the 10th defendant to admit their involvement in the conspiracy. Acting United States Attorney William D. Weinreb, alongside a coalition of federal and state law enforcement officials, announced the sentencing. The team included Mickey D. Leadingham of the ATF, Michael J. Ferguson of the DEA, Matthew Etre of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshal John Gibbons, Attorney General Maura Healey, Massachusetts State Police Colonel Richard D. McKeon, Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, and police chiefs from Chelsea and Brockton.

Authorities emphasized that the charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and all remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This case serves as a stark reminder of the constant flow of illegal firearms onto Boston’s streets and the ongoing efforts to disrupt the networks responsible. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments.