A Lynn resident with a history of felony convictions pleaded guilty on April 24 in federal court in Boston to possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon.
Derrick J. Poe, age 40, admitted guilt to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition before U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy, who set sentencing for August 4. Poe was initially charged by criminal complaint in February and remains in federal custody while awaiting sentencing.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, between December 2 and December 18 last year, Poe sold crack cocaine to undercover law enforcement officers three times in Salem before being arrested after the third transaction. A search of his Lynn home led authorities to recover suspected crack cocaine, drug distribution materials, three firearms—including two untraceable polymer-80 “ghost guns”—and ammunition. One firearm had been reported stolen from Columbus, Ohio.
Poe is barred from possessing firearms due to several previous felony convictions dating back to offenses committed in Alabama and Massachusetts. These include unlawful possession of a controlled substance, robbery, receiving stolen property, and intent to distribute drugs. His sentences included prison time followed by probation periods.
The charge carries a maximum sentence of up to fifteen years imprisonment along with supervised release and fines as determined by federal guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley announced the plea alongside Thomas A. Greco from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Boston Field Division: “Valuable assistance was provided by the Lynn and Salem Police Departments.” Assistant U.S. Attorney Aidan Lang is prosecuting the case.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts advances community initiatives on civil rights and violence prevention according to the official website. The office operates out of facilities at the John Joseph Moakley United States Federal Courthouse in Boston with branch offices located in Springfield and Worcester according to its official website. As part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website, it employs over 200 attorneys, paralegals, and professional staff according to its official website.
The office enforces federal laws through prosecution—including crimes involving national security threats or civil rights violations—and serves all residents across Massachusetts according to its official website. It also handles civil litigation for the United States government throughout Massachusetts while promoting public safety since its establishment as one of America’s earliest such entities dating back to 1789 according to its official website.