Two members of the Boston-area gang, Cameron Street, have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in drug trafficking activities. The sentencing follows a comprehensive investigation during which 21 firearms and numerous rounds of ammunition were allegedly seized from several defendants.
James Rodrigues, also known as "Bummy," aged 34 from Boston, was sentenced by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young to 42 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. On January 16, 2025, Rodrigues pleaded guilty to charges including conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and conspiracy to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine.
Devante Lopes, referred to as "D-Lopes," aged 31 from Boston and Quincy, received a sentence of 60 months in prison along with three years of supervised release. In May 2024, Lopes admitted guilt to RICO conspiracy and other drug-related charges.
The investigation spanned two years and identified both Rodrigues and Lopes as significant figures within the Cameron Street gang's drug trafficking operations. Rodrigues was implicated in distributing large quantities of cocaine from a stash house in Somerville. Evidence collected included controlled purchases made by law enforcement agents and the seizure of nearly 400 grams of cocaine during an April 2022 search.
Lopes was found to be importing substantial amounts of marijuana from California through the mail system between 2019 and 2020. Law enforcement intercepted packages containing large sums of cash sent by Lopes in exchange for marijuana shipments. A search conducted at his residence revealed significant quantities of cocaine alongside various paraphernalia related to drug sales.
The Cameron Street gang is described as a violent criminal enterprise engaged in various illegal activities such as murders, armed robberies, human trafficking, and extensive drug distribution throughout Massachusetts. According to court documents, the gang employs violence against rivals and witnesses using firearms to maintain control over its territory.
The announcement regarding these sentences was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside key figures from law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation. These included James M. Ferguson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.
This operation falls under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through collaborative efforts among multiple agencies.
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