Roxbury man tied to H-Block gang pleads guilty in federal gun and cocaine case

Guilty pleas entered in Boston federal court

A Roxbury man described by federal prosecutors as a longtime member of the Boston-based H-Block street gang pleaded guilty in federal court to cocaine distribution and to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. The defendant, Jerry Gray, 28, entered the guilty pleas on April 17, 2025, in U.S. District Court in Boston.

Gray pleaded guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Sentencing was scheduled for July 31, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Angel Kelley.

What authorities said investigators found

Federal authorities said the case against Gray stems from controlled drug purchases and an arrest that led to the recovery of a handgun and ammunition. Investigators said Gray sold crack cocaine to a cooperating witness in February 2024. Authorities also alleged that during a separate controlled purchase in March 2024, Gray stole the “buy” money from the cooperating witness.

At the time of Gray’s arrest in August 2024, authorities said a Glock pistol and numerous rounds of ammunition of various calibers were found in his residence. Prosecutors said Gray was on probation in Suffolk Superior Court at the time of the charged conduct for two separate firearm-related convictions.

Broader gang investigation and charged defendants

Prosecutors said Gray was among 10 H-Block gang members and associates charged in August 2024 after a multi-year investigation that began in 2021. The investigation was described as a response to what authorities characterized as an uptick in gang-related drug trafficking, shootings and violence.

In describing the scope of the investigation, authorities said seizures included more than 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base (crack cocaine) and fentanyl, as well as more than 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper.

• Number of defendants charged in August 2024: 10
• Gray’s position in the case: fifth defendant to plead guilty
• Key items cited from the arrest: a Glock pistol and assorted ammunition

Potential penalties under federal law

Prosecutors said the cocaine distribution charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years and up to a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of up to $1 million. The felon-in-possession charge, prosecutors said, carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

Sentencing in federal cases is determined by a judge and guided by federal statutes and the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Case posture for remaining defendants

While Gray has entered guilty pleas, the broader case remains pending for other defendants. The remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.