Pepo Herd El Sentenced for Carrying Loaded Gun and Armor-Piercing Bullets
A Dorchester man, Pepo Herd El, 51, has been sentenced to approximately 49 months in prison after pleading guilty to carrying a loaded gun and armor-piercing ammunition on the MBTA in 2020. The sentence includes time served since Thanksgiving 2020, as announced by U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy.
Arrest and Charges
Herd El, who pleaded guilty to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, was arrested on Thanksgiving Day 2020 at Ruggles station in Roxbury. Police found a loaded semi-automatic pistol, a laser sight, spare magazines, ammunition, a knife, and an infrared camera in his possession. At the time of his arrest, Herd El was also wearing a bullet-proof vest and a jacket labeled “security.”
Sentencing and Background
The judge sentenced Herd El to time served plus 10 days, amounting to nearly four years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Investigators linked him to the crime through his online purchase history, which revealed acquisitions of firearm accessories and chemicals capable of creating incendiary or explosive compounds.
Legal Restrictions
Due to prior convictions in 2004 for possessing firearms without permits and other offenses, Herd El is prohibited from owning firearms and ammunition. Despite this, he was found in possession of the illegal items, leading to his arrest and subsequent sentencing.
As we grapple with the implications of this case, it’s crucial to reflect on the broader issue of gun violence and the importance of enforcing existing laws to protect our communities. Let us consider how we can work together to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of all individuals.