BOSTON, MA. – A Boston man with a history of firearm offenses has been sentenced to nearly four years in prison after his online activity raised concerns about potential criminal activity.
Pepo Herd El, 51, was arrested on Thanksgiving Day in 2020 and has remained in custody since. His arrest followed an investigation triggered by his online purchases of firearm accessories and chemicals that could be used to create explosives.
Herd El, who reportedly adheres to the anti-government sovereign citizen ideology, had purchased items such as a laser sight, magazines, a concealable holster, and extended magazine plates. He also acquired chemicals and a chemistry book with notes on making explosives like TNT and C-4.
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On the day of his arrest, Herd El was traveling by bus to the Ruggles MBTA station when authorities detained and searched him. They found him carrying a loaded semi-automatic pistol, a laser sight, ammunition, a knife, and an infrared camera. He was also wearing a bulletproof vest and a jacket with “security” written on it. Herd El claimed he was on his way to Thanksgiving dinner.
A subsequent search of his residence revealed more ammunition, including armor-piercing rounds, as well as drawings of firearm components and suppressor designs.
Due to prior convictions in 2004 for possessing firearms without permits, Herd El is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition.
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He pleaded guilty in December 2024 to two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Judge Allison D. Burroughs sentenced him to time served plus 10 days, which amounts to approximately 49 months in prison. He will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.
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