July 11, 2025

South Boston Man Indicted for Possession of Ammunition

News Summary

Brendan Donovan, a 45-year-old South Boston resident, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of ammunition as a felon. Following his arrest for traffic violations, police found a Byrna Less Lethal Pistol, an AR-15 assault rifle, 57 bullets, and fentanyl in his possession. Donovan, who has a long criminal history, faces potential sentences totaling up to 15 years in federal prison. His ongoing legal proceedings highlight pressing issues related to gun possession and drug misuse in the community.

South Boston – Brendan Donovan, a 45-year-old resident of South Boston, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of ammunition as a felon. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. This indictment comes in the wake of multiple charges filed against him in West Roxbury Municipal Court. Donovan’s legal troubles began following his arrest on March 26 when he allegedly ran a red light while riding a scooter, leading to a significant discovery by law enforcement.

During the traffic stop, which occurred around 12:45 p.m., Boston Police Department (BPD) detectives observed Donovan committing several violations, including running a red light at the intersection of Centre, Temple, and Spring streets. After the initial stop, he reportedly drove onto the sidewalk and parked in a nearby lot. As officers approached, they found a Byrna Less Lethal Pistol in his waistband, prompting further investigation.

A search of Donovan’s duffel bag revealed more alarming findings. Inside, officers discovered an AR-15 camouflage assault rifle, accompanied by 57 bullets and a small plastic bag containing fentanyl. The possession of such items has escalated his legal challenges significantly, as he now faces seven additional charges in state court, including:

Possession of a large-capacity firearm
Unlawful possession of a firearm
Two counts of possession of a large-capacity feeding device
Unlawful possession of ammunition
Possession of a Class A drug
Driving without a license

Donovan has a long-standing criminal history dating back to at least 2007, with four convictions for drug distribution. His past offenses cast a shadow over his current legal situation and likely influenced the decision made by a West Roxbury Municipal Court judge, who deemed him too dangerous to be released on state charges. As a result of this determination, Donovan is currently being held without bail.

His arraignment in U.S. District Court is scheduled for July 21, where he will face the federal indictment. The interaction between local and federal law enforcement highlights the seriousness of the situation, as the possession of both the firearm and ammunition is particularly concerning given his previous convictions. The use of a scooter for the traffic stop adds another layer to the circumstances surrounding Donovan’s arrest, reflecting the potential for unexpected situations in law enforcement encounters.

This case serves as a reminder of ongoing issues related to gun possession and drug misuse within the community. The combination of firearms and illegal substances presents significant public safety concerns, which law enforcement agencies continue to address. Donovan’s ongoing legal proceedings will be closely monitored, as they not only impact his future but also serve as a critical case within the broader context of crime in the region.

As the case unfolds, officials are expected to provide updates regarding the legal processes and any further developments surrounding Donovan’s charges. The case represents not only a personal transgression but also highlights broader societal issues regarding safety, drug use, and firearm possession in the community.

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Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.

STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER

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