2 alleged MS-13 gang members indicted in Massachusetts on weapons charges

BOSTON – Two alleged members of the violent transnational street gang MS-13 were indicted on federal gun charges Friday following their arrest in a case being investigated jointly by the Lynn Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other law enforcement partners.

Kevin Avelar, 22, and D'Javier Duggins, 22, both of Lynn, Mass., are charged as felons in possession of ammunition. Agents removed loaded weapons from both men at the time of their arrest.

According to the detention affidavit, shortly before midnight on April 9, 2011, police in Lynn received a 911 call from an individual reporting that a holdup alarm was activated at a local pizza store. Officers were dispatched to the area, where they observed Avelar allegedly pulling on the front door of the store while Duggins acted as a lookout.

According to the affidavit, when the officers approached, Avelar and Duggins immediately turned and walked away. After encountering the individuals, officers allegedly discovered each in possession of loaded semi-automatic handguns. Officers immediately placed both men under arrest.

The affidavit alleges Avelar and Duggins to be MS-13 gang members, with "Mara Salvatrucha" tattooed across Avelar's abdomen. Duggins has "MS" tattooed across his chest.

If convicted, both men face up to10 years in prison to be followed by three of supervised release.

U. S. Attorney for the District of Maryland Carmen M. Ortiz; Bruce M. Foucart, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Boston; Guy N. Thomas, special agent in charge of ATF in Boston; Essex County District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett; and Chief Kevin Coppinger of the Lynn Police Department made the announcement.

The case is being prosecuted by members of Ortiz' Organized Crime and Gang Unit.