Malden Pair Arrested In Drug Trafficking Plot: Feds

MALDEN, MA — A man and woman from Malden have been charged in a drug and weapons conspiracy that included five shootings in Chelsea, Somerville and Cambridge, federal authorities said.

Jaiir Coleman, 22, known as "JC" and "Chino," and Christina Bernbaum, 23, known as "Tina," participated in a long-running conspiracy to manufacture and deal large quantities of drugs in the Bangor, Maine area, the U.S. Attorney's office said.

The pair were recorded several times discussing the sale and distribution of controlled substances, the USAO said. Charging documents also contain videos and images showing Coleman and Bernbaum brandishing weapons, including a suspected machine gun, federal authorities said.

Bernbaum is accused of conspiring to deal drugs on Coleman's behalf while he was imprisoned. Coleman has been linked to five shootings, including four that took place on Nov. 11, 2019 in Chelsea and Somerville, during which homes and vehicles were riddled with gunfire, the USAO said.

He also used a machine gun to fire into a crowd in Cambridge in July 2020, federal authorities said.

Coleman is charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance; conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy; possessing a machine gun; and possessing a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.

Coleman is currently in state custody following a Jan. 6 arrest on a charge of operating with a suspended license, during which a machine gun was found in his car, the USAO said. Earlier that week, a music video was posted online showing Coleman holding the same machine gun, federal authorities said.

Bernbaum was arrested Wednesday. She faces charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiring to possess, use and carry firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.