Michael Pridgen, Crack Cocaine Distribution, Massachusetts 2020

BOSTON, Massachusetts - A member of the Heath Street Gang was sentenced to 54 months in prison for distributing crack cocaine in a public housing development.

Michael Pridgen, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns for distributing crack cocaine in and around the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, formerly known as the Bromley Heath Housing Development, on multiple occasions in the spring and summer of 2019.

Pridgen pleaded guilty in May 2020 to two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and fentanyl, and one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine in a public housing development.

On June 5, 2019, Pridgen stored crack cocaine and a digital scale in an electrical box affixed to the wall in the stairwell of the public housing complex. At the time of his arrest on September 10, 2019, Pridgen was found on a bench in a courtyard at the Mildred C. Hailey Apartments, in possession of a distribution-quantity of crack cocaine and fentanyl.

Although Pridgen has been identified by law enforcement as a member of the Heath Street Gang, he was living in Westborough at the time of these incidents.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling, Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, and Boston Police Commissioner William Gross made the announcement today.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the federal government's violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.

Pridgen will be prohibited from the geographic area of Boston in which he was convicted of selling drugs during his six years of supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/gang-member-sentenced-distributing-crack-cocaine-public-housing-development