Wareham MA-A Wareham man is heading to federal prison after admitting he played a role in a murder-for-hire plot that targeted a federal witness in a drug trafficking case.
Kareem Pires, 27, of Wareham, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison after pleading guilty earlier this year to conspiracy to tamper with a witness by attempting to kill them.
Prosecutors say the case is tied to a larger federal investigation into a fentanyl trafficking operation involving co-defendant Elijah Melton of Middleboro, who was already in custody at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island when the alleged plot unfolded.
According to court records, Melton allegedly tried to arrange violence against a witness he believed was cooperating with federal authorities — and even discussed targeting others connected to his case. Investigators say Pires, who was out of custody at the time, helped by gathering information on potential targets, including photos and identifying details.
Authorities say the plan was stopped before anyone was hurt, thanks in part to a cooperating witness who alerted investigators and helped expose the scheme.
Federal officials didn’t hold back in their reaction. Prosecutors said the case shows how seriously the justice system treats threats against witnesses, noting that people have to be able to testify without fear of retaliation. The FBI also called the plot a calculated attempt to interfere with the courts.
Pires is also linked in court documents to the Harvard Street Gang, which has been under federal and state investigation for years over drug and gun-related activity across several Massachusetts communities.
Melton’s case is still moving through the federal court system.
