A Lawrence resident, Derek Mercado, 20, appeared in federal court following charges of possessing an UZI machinegun. Mercado is currently held on state charges related to domestic violence.
Authorities allege that Mercado is a member of the Trinitarios gang, which has been linked to violent crimes throughout Massachusetts. According to charging documents, law enforcement issued an alert for Mercado’s arrest on May 6, 2025, after a domestic violence report indicated he was carrying a firearm in a green duffel bag. At that time, Mercado also had outstanding warrants for unrelated matters. Officers observed him leaving a residence with the green duffel bag and took him into custody. Inside the bag, they found an Israel Military Industries UZI submachinegun loaded with 24 rounds in an extended magazine. The weapon was later tested and confirmed as operational.
Recent law enforcement actions against the Trinitarios include charges against three members from Lawrence for armed robbery in August 2024 and nearly two dozen Lynn chapter members charged with six murders in February 2025. In June 2025, two other members were charged with kidnapping in Andover.
The charge of possessing a machinegun carries a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on relevant guidelines and statutes.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.” She noted that Operation Take Back America brings together efforts from both the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Other officials announcing these charges include Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations New England; Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker; Colonel Geoffrey D. Noble from Massachusetts State Police; and Haverhill Police Chief Robert Pistone. Assistant U.S. Attorney Philip A. Mallard is prosecuting this case.
Officials emphasized that all details contained within charging documents are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
