BOSTON – Claudio Melo, better known as ‘Blue Drilla,’ entered a guilty plea in federal court yesterday for two armed robberies targeting drug dealers and their proceeds. The 33-year-old Lynn gang member’s actions took place in March 2020 and January 2023.
Melo was arrested in February 2025 and charged with conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, under the Hobbs Act. He faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000. Sentencing is set for November 13, 2025.
Melo has a sordid history, including convictions for assault with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery, armed robbery, larceny, and malicious destruction of property. He served time in state prison for his crimes.
The first attack targeted Vincent Caruso, also known as ‘Fatz.’ While Caruso was on pretrial release for fentanyl and firearm charges, Melo participated in an armed robbery and home invasion that netted $18,000 in drug proceeds and jewelry. Caruso was sentenced to nearly 21 years in federal prison after pleading guilty.
The second crime occurred on January 30, 2023, when Melo robbed a drug transaction worth $24,000. The cash was the proceeds of drug trafficking. Melo is one of several gang members responsible for this heist.
Today’s announcement came from United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Ted Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI, Boston Division; and Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police. The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and the Lynn Police Department played critical roles in this investigation.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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