A Boston man has admitted to his involvement with Cameron Street, a violent gang in the city. James Rodrigues, 34, pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to racketeering and drug trafficking. U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young has set the sentencing for January 30, 2025.
Rodrigues was linked to Cameron Street, a gang primarily active in Dorchester, Boston. The gang is known for using violence and intimidation to control territory and enhance its reputation. Members of the gang are involved in various criminal activities including assaults and drug distribution.
Rodrigues collaborated with other members of Cameron Street to distribute significant quantities of cocaine from a stash house located in Somerville. Authorities seized nearly 400 grams of cocaine during a search on April 15, 2022, along with other items related to drug trafficking.
The legal consequences for RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence can include up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and fines up to $250,000. Conspiracy to distribute cocaine carries similar penalties but includes potential lifetime supervision and fines up to $1 million.
The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy alongside officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; and Boston Police Department. Assistance came from multiple law enforcement agencies across Massachusetts.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration.
All defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.