In a shocking turn of events, a New Bedford gang member has been sentenced to prison for his role in a conspiracy to transport drugs and guns between Massachusetts and Maine. Michael Knott, a 29-year-old member of the Gangster Disciples, was sentenced to six years in prison and four years of supervised release, during which time he is prohibited from associating with other gang members.
The sentencing comes after Knott pleaded guilty in June 2015 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and heroin, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and distribution of cocaine base. Knott, a convicted felon, has numerous drug convictions and is also a member of the Gangster Disciples, a street gang operating in New Bedford.
As part of the conspiracy, Knott and several others transported a gun from Gray, Maine to the New Bedford area, and also transported drugs to Maine. In June 2013, Knott used a straw purchaser to acquire two firearms in Maine, and then the guns were transported to New Bedford. Between May and July 2013, Knott traveled to Gray, Maine up to four times each week, bringing heroin and cocaine.
During an undercover meeting with a cooperating witness monitored by federal agents, Knott bragged about his successful drug business in Maine, claimed that he could get any kind of firearm from his source in Maine, and listed several different handguns that he could obtain.
U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin noted the seriousness of the offenses and the need to protect the public from those, like Knott, that have a history of violence and drug dealing and participate in the trafficking in guns into Massachusetts.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Glenn A. MacKinlay of Ortiz’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit and Eve Piemonte of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Daniel J. Kumor, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; New Bedford Police Chief David A. Provencher; Cumberland County, Maine Sheriff Kevin J. Joyce; and Maine Drug Enforcement Agency Director Roy E. McKinney.
As part of the sentencing, Knott will serve six years in prison and four years of supervised release, during which time he is prohibited from associating with other gang members. This sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of participating in gun and drug trafficking activities in Massachusetts.
Michael Knott, a 29-year-old New Bedford resident, was sentenced on Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015, to six years in prison and four years of supervised release for his role in a conspiracy to transport drugs and guns between Massachusetts and Maine.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Category: Organized Crime|Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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