A former Boston Police officer has been charged with making false statements to the FBI.
Authorities say Mel Steele, 36, made false statements regarding an investigation into the Academy Homes Street Ganag, a violent narcotics-trafficking gang, in the city's Roxbury section.
It is alleged that between 2009 and 2011, Steele used his BPD computer to run a license plate check on a vehicle which was later determined to be an unmarked BPD vehicle operated by a detective who was conducting surveillance on the AHSG.
On another occasion, Steele contacted a Massachusetts State trooper to obtain information about a gang member's pending charges.
In May 2011, prosecutors say Steele made false statements about these matters when confronted by FBI agents.
Steele faces no more than five years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
