BOSTON, MA – Daronde Bethea, aka “Freeze,” 32, of Boston and Brockton, admitted today to a shocking spree of violence as a key member of the Cameron Street gang, a ruthless outfit terrorizing the Dorchester section of Boston. Bethea pleaded guilty to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise (RICO conspiracy), conspiracy to interfere with commerce by force or violence, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He’s looking at a potential 20-year stretch for the RICO charge alone.
Court documents paint a grim picture of Cameron Street as a gang fueled by violence. Members allegedly used murder and attempted murder to maintain control of their turf, brazenly flaunting their crimes on social media. The gang’s activities weren’t limited to bloodshed; they allegedly dealt drugs, robbed homes, and even engaged in human trafficking, all to line their pockets. Bethea, according to prosecutors, was right in the thick of it.
The most chilling admission: Bethea confessed to attempting to murder a rival gang member in Dorchester back in June 2018. As the victim entered his vehicle, Bethea opened fire, inflicting multiple gunshot wounds that caused a collapsed lung. The attack wasn’t an isolated incident. Bethea was also implicated in two violent home invasion robberies – one in Dorchester in November 2017 and another in Canton in July 2018.
Following the Canton home invasion, police gave chase. A dashcam captured Bethea clutching a loaded handgun during the pursuit. That weapon was later recovered and linked back to the gang member. This wasn’t just street-level thuggery; it was a calculated, organized effort to expand power and profit through intimidation and violence. The ATF, DEA, and Boston PD all worked together to bring Bethea to justice.
U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, speaking on the case, emphasized the seriousness of the charges. Bethea faces up to 20 years in prison for both the RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to interfere with commerce, along with three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine for each. The firearm charge carries a potential 10-year sentence, another three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for May 16, 2024, before U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young.
This case is part of a larger Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative. The multi-agency collaboration includes the ATF, DEA, Massachusetts State Police, and numerous local police departments and district attorney’s offices. The goal? To dismantle the most dangerous criminal organizations plaguing the region. This bust sends a clear message: Grimy Times will continue to cover this case and others like it, and the feds are coming for you if you prey on the citizens of Massachusetts.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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