Salvadoran National Arrested for Allegedly Selling Firearms Without a License
Defendant is an alleged gang associate who sold four pistols – two with defaced serial numbers – and more than 100 rounds of ammunition to gang members
BOSTON – A Salvadoran national unlawfully residing in Chelsea, Massachusetts, was charged with allegedly making multiple illegal firearms sales. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance to the investigation.
The U.S. Attorney announced that Melbi Ovidio Ortez was charged by criminal complaint with one count of engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license. Ortez was recently arrested. Following an initial appearance in court, he was ordered detained pending probable cause and detention hearings scheduled for July 18, 2025.
According to charging documents, Ortez was identified as an 18th Street Gang associate who supplied firearms and controlled substances to gang members. On four different occasions between April 3, 2025, and May 2, 2025, Ortez allegedly sold firearms and ammunition behind his Chelsea residence. It is further alleged that the serial numbers on two pistols had been defaced. Ortez also allegedly sold suspected cocaine on two occasions during that same period.
The charge of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant is subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Leah B. Foley, United States Attorney; Kimberly Milka, acting special agent in charge of the FBI, Boston Division; and Scott Riordan, acting special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Boston, Chelsea, Everett, Falmouth, Lynn, Medford, Nantucket and Revere Police Departments; Massachusetts State Police; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations; USCIS’ Fraud Detection and National Security Unit; Massachusetts Department of Correction; and the Suffolk County and Middlesex County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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