Cambridge Man Arrested With Ghost Gun, Firearm and Drugs

Joint Release: Cambridge Man Arrested with Ghost Gun, Firearm and Drugs

CAMBRIDGE - Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan, Cambridge Police Commissioner Christine Elow and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoff Noble announced today that Michael Burke, 49, of Cambridge, has been arrested following an ongoing investigation by the Cambridge Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Section, Massachusetts State Police, and the Drug Enforcement Agency.

As the result of a long investigation to address narcotics violations in Central Square and the larger Cambridge community, a search warrant was executed on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in the area of Mount Auburn Street and Putnam Avenue. Burke was taken into custody without incident. Items confiscated as part of the investigation included:

• More than 200 grams of cocaine
• More than $8,000 of US Currency
• A homemade firearm, known as a ghost gun, with an attached switch to give the firearm automatic firing capabilities
• An unregistered firearm

“This case is an example of how focused, collaborative work by law enforcement does result in the removal of drugs and guns from our communities. In this case the defendant allegedly was engaged in cocaine distribution over an extended period and illegally owned firearms - including a ghost gun,” said District Attorney Ryan. “Ghost guns are a significant threat to public safety and those who possess them are intentionally skirting the Massachusetts gun laws. These prosecutions reflect our commitment to holding those in possession of these guns accountable.”

Commissioner Christine Elow and Deputy Superintendent of Investigations, Michael Medeiros, cited this as a fine example of the of the strong collaborative work with our partners at Middlesex CPAC/Special Investigations Unit. “We will always listen to our residents and direct every resource possible to make their community safer,” said Commissioner Elow. “This dogged detective work will make a measurable impact on the safety and quality of life for our residents,” said Deputy Superintendent Medeiros.

"The Massachusetts State Police remains committed to thoroughly investigating illegal firearms, narcotics, and any dangerous behavior posing a threat to public safety," Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoff Noble said. "Our partners at the Middlesex District Attorney's Office and the Cambridge Police Department share that resolve and each agency worked closely in this case to identify the individual responsible and pursue charges. The items recovered during the arrest illustrate the positive impact of state and local law enforcement working together."

Michael Burke was expected to be arraigned today in Cambridge District Court.

Burke faces multiple criminal charges including trafficking more than 200 grams of cocaine, possession of a large capacity firearm or feeding device, firearm or ammunition without FID Card, possession of a machine gun (the homemade firearm), and possession of an undetectable firearm.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.