A Lowell man has admitted his involvement in a drug trafficking conspiracy associated with the Asian Boyz street gang. Erickson Dao, also known as "Silent," age 32, pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. The plea was entered before U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, who set sentencing for May 13, 2025.
Dao was identified as a drug supplier within a broad trafficking network involving Asian Boyz gang member Bill Phim. Between February and April 2022, Dao delivered counterfeit pills designed to look like Adderall to Phim on multiple occasions. These pills were then sold by Phim to an undercover federal agent for more than $11,000. Chemical analysis revealed that the pills contained methamphetamine and caffeine instead of Adderall. During a search of Dao's residence, investigators found additional counterfeit "Adderall" pills and significant amounts of cocaine.
The charges against Dao could result in a sentence ranging from five years to 40 years in prison, supervised release from four years up to life, and fines reaching $5 million. Sentencing will be determined based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and relevant statutes.
Bill Phim has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Boston Division, and Superintendent Greg Hudon of the Lowell Police Department. The Massachusetts State Police along with police departments from Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover, and Salem provided assistance in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak III from the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is leading the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve while enhancing community safety.
Additionally, this case falls under an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation focused on dismantling major criminal organizations threatening national security through coordinated efforts across multiple agencies.
The allegations detailed in charging documents remain unproven until defendants are proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court proceedings.