Mass and Cass “major player” receives up to 10 years for drug trafficking, firearm possession after pleading guilty
BOSTON, February 19, 2025 – A Boston man described as a “major player” in the Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard drug market was sentenced to 9-10 years in prison after pleading guilty to firearm and drug trafficking charges on the day his trial was scheduled to begin, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
KEON LEARY, 45, pleaded guilty to carrying a firearm without a license (3rd offense), carrying a loaded firearm without a license, possession of a firearm while committing a felony, trafficking cocaine over 200 grams, trafficking fentanyl over 36 grams, and distributing a class B substance (subsequent offense).
Leary entered a guilty plea just before jury selection in his trial Tuesday. Judge Anthony Campo sentenced Leary to 9-10 years in prison with three years of probation to follow.
On the morning of August 12, 2022, members of the Boston Police D-4 and Citywide Drug Control Units conducted a “buy and bust” operation in the area of Mass and Cass after receiving reports of Leary often being parked in the area of the Hope House, located at 8 Farnham Street, and selling drugs.
Officers arrested Leary after observing a drug transaction on the corner of Gerard Street. Upon Leary’s arrest, officers seized two backpacks containing 248.18 grams of cocaine, 22.22 grams of fentanyl, 15.57 grams of fluorofentanyl, and .43 grams of valerylfentanyl. Officers also recovered a black Taurus PT22 loaded with nine rounds and $8,994 in cash.
Leary’s arrest came about in part through a tip from the community, Hayden said.
"Keon Leary has been a major player in the Mass and Cass drug market for years, and I’m incredibly grateful for assistance from the community that led to his arrest and conviction. This is yet another example of solid results from cooperation between police, prosecutors and community members," Hayden said.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 20,000 cases a year. More than 160 attorneys in the office practice in nine district and municipal courts, Suffolk Superior Court, the Massachusetts Appeals Court, the Supreme Judicial Court, and the Boston Juvenile Courts. The office employs some 300 people and offers a wide range of services and programs to serve anyone who comes in contact with the criminal justice system. This office is committed to educating the public about the services we provide, our commitment to crime prevention, and our dedication to keeping the residents of Suffolk County safe.
James Borghesani, Chief of Communications