Boston City Worker Among 29 Charged In Drug, Gun Raids

BOSTON (CBS/AP) – A man who works for the city of Boston was among more than two dozen people arrested in sweeps targeting drug and gun crimes in the Boston area Thursday.

Gary Webster was one of 29 people charged with state and federal drug, firearms and counterfeiting crimes.

Webster is a project manager for the Boston Planning & Development Agency and former staffer for City Councilor Michelle Wu. Prosecutors say Webster sold fentanyl and cocaine in 2016 to someone secretly working with authorities. He was hired by BPDA in August 2017 after serving as Wu's constituent services director.

"The Boston Planning & Development Agency holds every employee to the highest of standards and these allegations are deeply troubling. We have placed the individual on unpaid administrative leave and will determine next steps," Director Brian Golden said in a statement.

"I am saddened at the news that a former employee of mine is facing serious allegations. Although Gary Webster has not worked in my office for over a year, he was part of my team when I first took office. We are all shocked at the allegations," Wu said in a statement.  "Today's news only strengthens my commitment to creating opportunities for all in our city. Whenever one of our aspiring young people makes choices that lead to actions such as those alleged here, it is a discouraging and sad day for the city."

Also charged is Terrell Walker, who was convicted of manslaughter in the 1973 killing of Boston police officer John Schroeder. Walker is now charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and other offenses. He was arraigned in Suffolk District Court and is being held on $500,000 bail.

Webster was released on $10,000 bond and ordered to not have any contact with witnesses.

(© Copyright 2018 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)