ATF Leads Charge in RICO Takedown Of Infamous Cameron Street Gang; 19 Federally Indicted

Early this morning under the cover of darkness, Federal, State and local authorities gathered throughout the Greater Boston Area in preparation for the swift and simultaneous executions of 19 arrest warrants aimed at crippling one of the most terrifyingly violent street gangs in Boston. The Cameron Street Associates, as they are commonly referred to, are a brutal criminal street gang based in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston, near the intersection of Bowdoin Street and Geneva Ave.

This gang alone has been responsible for countless violent crimes and unspeakable acts of terror and mayhem ranging from murder, to narcotics trafficking, to home invasions, to carjackings and more. While the gang is primarily based in Boston, Cameron Street gang’s criminal activity has spanned other communities, including Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Everett, Randolph, Taunton and elsewhere in Massachusetts.

For years, Cameron Street Associates have been on the radar of authorities such as the Boston and State Police ‘Youth Violence Strike Force’ however due to lenient judges and a broken justice system, these repeat, violent offenders continued to be released back onto the street time and time again. Easily identifiable to the trained eye by gang tattoos, jewelry and clothing that incorporated the letter ‘C’ and the numbers ‘3-1-1-3’ (referring to the third, first and thirteenth letters of the alphabet spelling ‘CAM’) officers continued to gather intel and surveil these criminals while building their case.  Another key identifier in the Boston gang culture is the use of sports teams and their memorabilia such as hats and jersey to signify gang allegiance, Cameron Street Associates as often seen wearing ‘C’ related teams such as the Cubs or Canadians. Using all of this intelligence, and the brute ego of these criminals, it was just a matter of time before they could be put away for good. 

Now, almost two whole years after the ATF took out Cameron Street’s main rivals the Wendover Associates from NOB (Norton, Olney, Barry) and the so called ‘Head Shot Mafia’ the tables have turned.  With detailed evidence of crimes dating all the way back to 2017, these 19 gang members truly have no one to blame but themselves. You can read more about the eerily similar downfall of Cameron’s Rivals in our article below from 2020.

Authorities, led by agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the key members of this gang, successfully rounded up this nefarious group of gangsters across the Greater Boston Area on federal charges that experts say will be nearly impossible to beat. A staggering grand total of 37 federal counts were leveled in the RICO case, focused primarily on gun and narcotics related charges, the gang’s bread and butter. Over 20 firearms were seized throughout this investigation and countless rounds of ammunition were taken off the streets.

“This investigation is an example of ATF’s dedication to working with our local, state, and federal partners in identifying, targeting and investigating violent criminals who are involved in selling firearms and narcotics. Individuals who prey upon innocent citizens lessen the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division. “Our neighborhoods deserve to flourish without fear or intimidation inflicted by violent gangs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to reduce the violent crime that has done so much damage to so many of our Boston neighborhoods.”

The following are the names and charges of the Cameron Street Associates who were arrested today during the major takedown:

Kenny Romero, a.k.a. ‘KG’ (YOB:1994) has been charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Anthony Centeio, a.k.a. ‘Wheezy’ a.k.a. ‘Taliban Wheeze’ (YOB:1988)  has been charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Felisberto Lopes a.k.a. ‘Phil’ a.k.a. ‘CheeB’ (YOB:1985) has been charged with three counts of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, one count of felon in possession of ammunition, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Keiarri Dyette, a.k.a. ‘Kemo’ (YOB:1997) has been charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Eric Correia, a.k.a. ‘Bubba’ (YOB:1998) is charged with one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute marijuna, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Paulo Santos, a.k.a. ‘Bucky’ (YOB:1988) is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and marijuna, one count of felon in possession of firearm and ammunition, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Devante Lopes, a.k.a. ‘D-Lopes’ (YOB:1994) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuna, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

Charod Taylor, a.k.a. ‘Pachino’ (YOB:1989) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise. 

Jose Afonseca, a.k.a. ‘Zay’ (YOB:1992) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, one count of dealing in firearms without a license, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

James Rodrigues, a.k.a. ‘Bummy’ (YOB:1990) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

Jonathan Darosa, a.k.a ‘Jeezy’ (YOB:1993) is charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and oxycodone, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

Clayton Rodrigues, a.k.a. ‘Loo’ a.k.a. ‘C-Loo’ (YOB:1995) is charged with one count of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, and one count of conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise.

Images provided courtesy of Live Boston Associate Matt Kaminsky:

Wilter Rodrigues, a.k.a. ‘Walt’ a.k.a. ‘Wo-Wo’ (YOB:1986) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base.

Michael Lopes, a.k.a. ‘Meech’ (YOB:1988) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and cocaine base. 

Victor Nunez, a.k.a. ‘Tito’ (YOB:1980) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base and cocaine. 

Fnu Lnu, a.k.a. ‘Smoke’ (YOB:unknown) is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base. 

Jamaal Davis, a.k.a. ‘Marley’ (YOB:1992) is charged with two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

Michael Nguyen, a.k.a. ‘Asian’ (YOB:2000) is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense. 

Steve Depina, a.k.a. ‘Stizz’ (YOB:1987) is charged with one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. 

The charge of RICO conspiracy provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime provides a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to life in prison, up to five of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances each provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $1 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.