Boston city staffer among 29 arrested on drug charges

BOSTON — An undercover drug sweep has netted 29 arrests in Brockton and Boston – including a staff member for Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

The cases were brought as part of the Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhood Initiative, which aims to bring together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crimes.

Thursday's operation involved over 150 federal, state and local law enforcement agents from all over New England.

Gary Webster, the Director of Constituent Services for Wu’s office, was among those arrested in the sweep, which U.S. Attorney Andrew Lelling said netted many repeat and persistent drug offenders.

He was hired by the Boston Planning and Development Agency as a Project Manager in August 2017, but has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

Officers involved in the investigation bought or seized 15 guns and purchased fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and cocaine base, according to a news release.

All 29 people have been charged in relation to federal drug crimes.

Among those charged is Terrell Walker, who was convicted of manslaughter in the 1973 killing of Boston police officer John Schroeder. Walker is now charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and other offenses.

It wasn't immediately clear if Walker has an attorney.

Also charged is Gary Webster, a project manager for the Boston Planning & Development Agency and former employee of a city councilor. Prosecutors say Webster sold drugs to someone secretly working with authorities.

Webster has been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

Boston 25 News has reached out to Michelle Wu's office for comment, but has not yet heard back.

Here is a statement from BPDA Director Brian Golden:

“The Boston Planning & Development Agency holds every employee to the highest of standards and these allegations are deeply troubling. We have placed the individual on unpaid administrative leave and will determine next steps."

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

Cox Media Group