Defendant Pleads Guilty in Murder-for-Hire Conspiracy Targeting a Federal Witness

PROVIDENCE, RI - A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Providence to charges related to a conspiracy to murder a federal witness to prevent the witness from testifying in a criminal matter pending before the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, announced United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda.

Kareem Pires, 27, of Wareham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to tamper with a witness or informant by killing or attempting to kill, in a murder-for-hire plot. Pires will be sentenced on May 18, 2026. The sentence imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The charges to which Pires pleaded guilty carry significant potential penalties.

According to court documents, Pires participated in a conspiracy to arrange for the killings of a federal witness connected to a pending federal criminal case. The agreement between Pires and a co-defendant, to kill a witness in an official proceeding in the District of Massachusetts was formed while co-defendant Elijah Melton was awaiting trial at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility.

"Threats or acts of violence against witnesses, or anyone involved in the administration of justice strike at the very foundation of our legal system," said United States Attorney Charles C. Calenda. "This guilty plea reflects our commitment, along with law enforcement partners, to investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to intimidate or harm those who are witnesses in court proceedings."

"Kareem Pires not only wanted the witness dead, but he was also willing to help kill other intended targets," said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Boston Division. "Given Mr. Pires' lack of respect for human life, he belongs behind bars, and that's exactly where today's conviction will keep him. We refuse to cede our cities to criminals who think solving a problem means pulling a trigger. That's why your FBI and our partners will continue to work together and bring all our resources to bear to disrupt deadly plots like this one in an effort to keep our communities safe."

The matter is being prosecuted by Criminal Chief Stacey A. Erickson and Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan.

The matter was investigated by the FBI and U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts, with the assistance of the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility in Rhode Island.