Federal law enforcement officers arrested eight people on February 19, 2026, in connection with an investigation into the Harvard Street Gang (HSG). The operation involved searches in several Massachusetts towns, including Boston, Randolph, and Brockton. These arrests are the latest step in a long-term investigation that began in 2019. Prosecutors state the group worked together to sell illegal drugs like fentanyl and cocaine. During the raids, officers found many weapons and large amounts of cash and drugs. The case focuses on how the group allegedly used a local clothing store to hide their illegal activities and store dangerous items.
Timeline and Key Figures
The investigation into the Harvard Street Gang has lasted over six years. Starting in 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) focused on affiliates based in Randolph who allegedly sold drugs across the Brockton and Randolph regions.
Read More: Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie Uses Pacemaker Signals in Tucson Desert
2019: Federal and state authorities begin a broad investigation into HSG.
2019–2025: More than 20 people are charged with drug and gun crimes.
February 2026: Police search homes in Boston, Randolph, Taunton, West Bridgewater, and Brockton.
February 19, 2026: Eight suspects are taken into custody.
Individuals Charged:| Name | Primary Charges || :—- | :—- || Felipe Jonet-Branco (31) | Drug trafficking and gun possession in a crime || Jose Mendes (35) | Drug trafficking and gun possession in a crime || London Cohen (36) | Drug trafficking and gun possession in a crime || Giovany Fouyolle (31) | Possession with intent to distribute drugs || Adonis Graham (34) | Possession with intent to distribute drugs || Correia | Possession with intent to distribute drugs || Fernandes | Conspiracy to distribute drugs |
Physical Evidence Seized
During the recent searches, police collected a significant amount of evidence from several locations. These items support the government’s claim that the group was running a large-scale operation.
Firearms: 15 guns and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were found.
Illegal Substances: Approximately three kilograms of cocaine, 50 pounds of marijuana, and various amounts of fentanyl.
Currency: About $38,000 in cash was taken by authorities.
Core Insight: The discovery of 15 guns alongside distribution-level quantities of fentanyl and cocaine suggests a high level of organization and potential for violence within the network.
Allegations Involving "Banks & Brancos" Streetwear
Federal prosecutors focused heavily on a business located at 828 Crescent St. in Brockton. The shop, known as Banks & Brancos, is owned by Felipe Jonet-Branco.
"Feds say Brockton streetwear shop hid guns, drugs for Harvard St. Gang… Banks & Brancos was a front for drug trafficking, according to court documents."
The shop allegedly sold clothing that featured Disney characters using drugs. Investigators claim the store was not just a retail space but served as a "front." This means the business appeared legitimate to the public while secretly being used to hide and move illegal items.
Methods of Concealment
The investigation revealed unusual ways the suspects allegedly hid their items. According to court records, one firearm was found hidden inside a vending machine.
The government must now prove whether these locations were chosen specifically to avoid police detection. While the presence of guns in a business or a vending machine is unusual, the defense may question who had access to these areas and if the business owner was fully aware of every item on the property.
Investigation Scope and Network
The DOJ reports that this group did not act alone. Since 2019, the government has charged more than 20 leaders and members of the Harvard Street Gang. This suggests the gang is a large network with many levels of management.
Regional Cooperation: The suspects in Randolph and Brockton allegedly worked together to move drugs through the suburbs of Boston.
The Charges: Most suspects face charges of "intent to distribute," which means the police believe the drugs were meant for sale, not for personal use.
Safety Risks: The presence of fentanyl is a major part of the case, as the government views this drug as a high risk to public health.
Expert Analysis
Official statements from the Department of Justice and the office of the prosecutor indicate that this was a coordinated "bust" aimed at dismantling the gang’s infrastructure.
Operational Impact: By targeting both the people and the business used as a "front," authorities aim to stop the flow of money and tools the gang uses.
Evidence Strength: The seizure of 15 firearms is a significant data point. Prosecutors often use the presence of weapons to argue that a drug operation is "dangerous," which can lead to longer prison sentences.
Unresolved Questions: Investigators have not yet detailed how the money from the streetwear shop was handled or if any legitimate sales were occurring alongside the alleged illegal activity.
Conclusion
The arrest of eight individuals linked to the Harvard Street Gang marks a major point in a six-year federal investigation. The government’s case rests on the discovery of 15 guns and large quantities of drugs across multiple cities. A central part of the upcoming legal proceedings will be the role of the Banks & Brancos shop. Prosecutors will attempt to prove it was a "front" for criminal activity, while the defense will likely examine the link between the suspects and the specific items found during the raids. All eight suspects are currently in custody as the legal process begins in state and federal courts.
Sources
The Boston Globe: Reports on the 8 suspects and guns found in vending machines. Link
WHDH 7News: Details the investigation timeline since 2019 and the seizure of 50 lbs of marijuana. Link
AOL / The Enterprise: Focuses on the "Banks & Brancos" streetwear shop as an alleged front. Link
Boston Herald: Provides specific names and ages of the individuals arrested. Link
