A Boston man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in trafficking illegal firearms from South Carolina to Massachusetts. Aizavier Roache, 31, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin and will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. In October 2024, Roache pleaded guilty to charges of firearms trafficking and conspiracy.
The investigation into Roache's activities began when a firearm used in a Boston shooting was traced back to South Carolina, where it had been purchased just 15 days earlier. Over the course of three years, Roache conspired with Trevon Brunson to transport illegal firearms from South Carolina to Massachusetts. The scheme involved Roache sending Brunson photos of desired firearms via text message. After purchasing the weapons in South Carolina, Brunson would meet Roache at various locations in Columbia, S.C., to hand over the firearms.
Evidence collected during the investigation included numerous text messages and records related to bank transactions, travel, and firearm purchases. One intercepted communication revealed that Brunson used Roache’s credit card for a multi-gun purchase when he lacked sufficient cash; during this transaction, Roache provided Brunson with his card's pin number via text message. Additionally, a video found on Roache’s phone showed him displaying a carry-on bag containing four firearms while on a bus returning to Massachusetts after an April 2023 multi-gun purchase.
In total, more than 24 illegal firearms were trafficked from South Carolina into Massachusetts by the defendants. Eleven of these weapons were later recovered in Massachusetts after being used in criminal activities.
Trevon Brunson also pleaded guilty in October 2024 and is scheduled for sentencing on March 21, 2025.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives' Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luke A. Goldworm from the Major Crimes Unit is handling the prosecution.