Dangerousness Hearing Held for Accused Drug Trafficker

BOSTON, April 23, 2021— Continuing on District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ commitment to address the impacts of drug trafficking and violent crime on Suffolk County communities, Suffolk prosecutors today sought a 58A dangerousness hearing for a man charged with trafficking in narcotics and multiple gun offenses.

DALE CLARKE, 24, of Boston, was ordered held for 120 days by Boston Municipal Court Judge John Garland who allowed the motion that Clarke be held.

Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Celio told the court that no conditions of release can ensure the safety of the community. She noted that following an investigation into drug distribution along Mass and Cass, Boston Police executed a search warrant at Mr. Clarke’s Ellington Street apartment on April 15, 2021.  As a result, officers recovered a loaded 9mm FEG pistol, which was kept under his pillow, a Springfield XP9-3.3 handgun, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic handgun, approximately 771 grams of fentanyl, approximately 326 grams of crack cocaine, and a total of $44,484 in cash.

In addition to the weapons, the arsenal also included brass knuckles and knives, and a stolen ballistics vest. The apartment contained all the equipment needed to package drugs for street level distribution, and some of the drugs seized were packaged as such.

“There are clear differences between those who struggle with substance use disorder and those who prey on others’ substance use, vulnerability and desperation,” District Attorney Rollins said.  “Substance use disorder is a public health crisis and often co-exists with mental illness, trauma or other challenges.  This individual is accused of profiting off the pain and suffering of others.  In addition, his alleged actions have impacted the communities where he sold his deadly product.  Let me be clear – those who commit crimes that harm and prey on the afflictions and vulnerability of others will be prosecuted.”

Clarke was arraigned April 16 in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court on charges of trafficking in fentanyl (more than 200 grams), trafficking in cocaine (more than 200 grams), three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, receiving stolen property over $1,200 and additional drug and firearm related charges. He is additionally charged as an Armed Career Criminal.  This sentencing enhancement applies to individuals charged with unlawful possession of a firearm who have prior qualifying convictions for crimes of violence or drug distribution. 

Mr. Clarke was represented at arraignment by attorney Scott Niemisto.  He returns to court May 28, 2021.

All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins’ office serves the communities of Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop, Mass. The office handles over 25,000 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.