A Lynn gang member pleaded guilty Tuesday to federal racketeering charges tied to a 2022 machinegun shooting that wounded two women and a series of convenience store burglaries across Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Westyn Lantigua, 25, admitted participating in the Lynn chapter of the Trinitarios gang and taking part in multiple criminal acts connected to the organization.
Federal prosecutors said Lantigua admitted participating in a June 2022 shooting outside a fast-food restaurant in Lynn. Investigators said Lantigua exited a white Mercedes and fired numerous rounds from a fully automatic firearm at a gray vehicle believed to be associated with rival gang members.
Authorities later determined the vehicle was occupied by two uninvolved women, both of whom survived their injuries. Investigators said the vehicle was struck by 10 bullets, and officers recovered 15 spent 9mm shell casings at the scene.
Prosecutors also said Lantigua admitted participating in convenience store burglaries in Massachusetts and New Hampshire in which stolen lottery tickets were later redeemed by gang members.
Lantigua pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in Boston federal court. Sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 12, 2026.
The case is part of “Operation Paper Machetes,” a federal investigation into the Trinitarios gang in Lynn. Prosecutors said Lantigua is the 10th defendant to plead guilty in the case.
