A Boston-area man has pleaded guilty to his role in a violent Boston gang, according to the Department of Justice. Devante Lopes, 30, of Boston and Quincy, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Lopes, also known as “D-Lopes,” pleaded guilty before U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young, who scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2024.
Court documents reveal that the Cameron Street gang, of which Lopes is a member, is a violent criminal enterprise that engages in murders, armed robberies, carjackings, home invasions, human trafficking, and drug trafficking in the Dorchester neighborhood of Boston and surrounding areas.
The gang allegedly uses violence to maintain and enhance its status and reputation, and to protect its power, territory, and members.
During the investigation, 21 firearms and hundreds of rounds of ammunition were seized from 11 defendants, including Lopes. In April 2022, a search of Lopes’ residence yielded 800 grams of cocaine, as well as two hidden compartments containing cash and ammunition.
Lopes is accused of receiving large quantities of marijuana from California, for which he shipped packages containing between $40,000 to $50,000 in cash. He faces up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $250,000 for the RICO conspiracy charge, as well as up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million for the conspiracy to distribute marijuana and possession with intent to distribute cocaine charges.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location.
The investigation was conducted by the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, United States Postal Inspection Service, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno are prosecuting the case.
Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy commended the cooperative efforts of the law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle violent gangs and organized crime groups in the Boston area.
The sentencing of Lopes is scheduled for October 3, 2024, before U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young.
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Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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