Tiny Rascals Gang member pleads guilty to drug trafficking conspiracy

  Jaiir Coleman, 22, of Malden, pleaded guilty on February 10 to being involved in a drug trafficking conspiracy and a series of shootings in connection with the conspiracy. According to federal law enforcement officials, Coleman was a member of the Tiny Rascals Gang. He was part of a “long-running conspiracy” to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine and crack cocaine in the Greater Boston area as well as in Bangor, Maine.

  In addition, Coleman admitted to committing six shootings, four of which took place in Chelsea and Somerville in November 2019. The fifth shooting, which happened in Somerville in May 2020, targeted individuals who were believed to be rival gang members. The sixth shooting took place in Cambridge three months later when Coleman used a machine gun to open fire on a group of individuals in response to a video that was posted on social media.

  Coleman was arrested on January 6, 2022, for driving with a suspended license. While searching Coleman’s vehicle, police recovered the machine gun that appeared in one of his music videos which was posted only a few days prior.

  Coleman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and 280 grams or more of cocaine base, and other controlled substances; one count of conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy; one count of possessing a machine gun and one count of possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.

  Under the terms of his plea agreement, Coleman is facing a mandatory term of 40 years in prison. He also faces $750,000 in fines. Sentencing is scheduled for June 8.