Dorchester Man Charged with Gun Possession After Police Raid

Keto Powell, 51, faces multiple charges including illegal firearm and drug offenses following a two-month investigation.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 4:20am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a handgun magazine with bullets, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.The discovery of an untraceable 'ghost gun' during a police raid underscores the ongoing challenge of illegal firearms in Boston neighborhoods.Boston Today

Keto Powell, a 51-year-old Dorchester resident, was arrested outside a convenience store on Dorchester Avenue and charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, and other related offenses. The charges stem from a two-month investigation by Boston police and the FBI that culminated in a search warrant executed at Powell's apartment, where several guns and drugs were allegedly recovered.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to crack down on illegal firearms and drug activity in Boston neighborhoods like Dorchester, which have historically grappled with higher rates of violent crime. The discovery of the obliterated serial number on one of the guns also raises concerns about untraceable 'ghost guns' being used in criminal enterprises.

The details

According to the police statement, officers arrested Powell outside a convenience store on Dorchester Avenue and then searched his apartment at 46 Mallon Road, which was being used as an illegal rooming house. During the search, they allegedly found a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol with 10 rounds in the magazine and an obliterated serial number, as well as quantities of crack cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

  • On April 16, 2026, Boston police and the FBI executed search warrants on Powell's apartment.
  • On April 17, 2026, Powell was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing.

The players

Keto Powell

A 51-year-old Dorchester resident who was arrested and charged with illegal firearm possession, drug offenses, and other related crimes.

Boston Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that conducted a two-month investigation and executed the search warrant that led to Powell's arrest.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that collaborated with Boston police on the investigation into Powell.

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What’s next

Powell is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, where the judge will determine if he poses a threat to public safety and should remain in custody.

The takeaway

This arrest underscores the persistent challenges Boston faces in addressing the intertwined issues of illegal guns and drug trafficking, which often fuel violence in certain neighborhoods. The discovery of the obliterated serial number on one of the firearms also highlights the growing problem of 'ghost guns' that are difficult for law enforcement to trace.