Cambridge Police Seize Cache of Firearms, Parts and Ammunition; Arrest Suspect

The Cambridge Police Department today announced that a 39-year-old Cambridge resident has been arrested after 28 illegal firearms, as well as gun parts, ammunition, bullet proof vests, a milling machine and other tools were recovered in Cambridge. Mathew Devine, 39, from 43 Seven Pines Avenue in Cambridge, was arrested by Cambridge Police Officers late yesterday at his home following a four-month investigation.

The investigation began in early July 2018 after the Cambridge Police Department were notified by the United States Postal Inspection Services of suspicious activity occurring at Devine’s 43 Seven Pines Avenue residence. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that more than 75 packages worth more than $26,000 were delivered to Devine, including a complete AR-15 build kit and a milling machine, with return addresses primarily originating from gun and weapon companies. The gun parts were purchased online, distributed through the mail and assembled into untraceable complete firearms. Devine did not have a license to carry.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Cambridge Police executed search warrants on Devine’s residence and a family member’s Gold Star Road residence. After thoroughly searching both locations, the Cambridge Police seized a number of items, including the following:

•                 25 illegal firearms
•                 3 unregistered assault rifles
•                 Parts to make dozens of additional illegal firearms
•                 Hundreds of rounds of ammunition
•                 5 bullet proof vests and other body armor
•                 Milling machines

Devine will be charged with 26 counts of Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition without an FID Card, three counts of Illegal Possession of Assault Rifles, six counts of Illegal Possession of a Large Capacity Feeding Device, three counts of Possession of a Silencer, one count of Possession of ammunition, and one count of use of body armor in the commission of a felony. He is expected to be arraigned today in Cambridge District Court. 

“I wanted to commend our Detectives and our cooperating partners, who have diligently worked on this case over the last several months,” said Commissioner Branville G. Bard, Jr. of the Cambridge Police Department. “The operation that was identified was deeply troubling and the results of this long-term investigation will make a significant positive impact on our community.”

In addition to the United States Postal Inspection Services, the Cambridge Police Department was assisted on this investigation by the U.S. Marshalls Service, New England Electronic Crimes Task Force and the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.

The investigation of this operation is ongoing and the Cambridge Police asks that anyone who may have more information to contact (617) 349-3300. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone, text message or e-mail, can visit http://www.cambridgema.gov/cpd/communityresources/anonymouscrimetips

The details contained above are allegations. The suspect is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.