An Everett man has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Boston for allegedly trafficking firearms. Joao Victor Da Silva Soares, 21, faces charges of dealing firearms without a license and conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. He is scheduled for arraignment in federal court on July 30, 2025.
The indictment follows previous charges filed against Da Silva Soares in January 2025. According to the charging documents, he supplied firearms for sale in Eastern Massachusetts between August and September 2024. On August 26, 2024, Da Silva Soares allegedly sold two AM-15 rifles for $6,000 in Malden. Another transaction reportedly took place on September 11, 2024, involving five firearms outside a residence in Milford.
If convicted, the charges could result in up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000 per count. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with officials from various law enforcement agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations. The Massachusetts State Police and local police departments provided assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Reynolds is prosecuting the case. It is important to note that these are allegations and Da Silva Soares is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
