Joao Pedro Marques Gama, Racketeering, Massachusetts 2021

Two Brazilian Nationals Sentenced for Racketeering and Robbery

BOSTON, Massachusetts - Two members of a gang with Brazilian origins, Primeiro Comando da Massachusetts (PCM), were sentenced for racketeering, armed robberies, and gun and drug trafficking.

Joao Pedro Marques Gama, a/k/a "Bahianinho," 23, and Vinicius De Assis Goncalves, 23, Brazilian nationals previously residing in Revere, were sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Patti B. Saris to 54 and 87 months in prison, respectively. Each defendant will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.

Gama pleaded guilty to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs by a pattern of racketeering (also known as RICO conspiracy), conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, engaging in the business of dealing in firearms and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Goncalves pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy.

Gama participated in an armed robbery outside a Brazilian money transfer business in Everett and conspired to commit armed robbery of a drug courier. Gama was also responsible for distributing over 28 grams of crack cocaine and nine firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun. Goncalves participated in the robbery of a market in Boston, an armed robbery outside a cellphone store in Framingham and the robbery of a car in Marlborough.

The investigation, which began in September 2018, found that members and associates of PCM were involved in violent crimes, including the illegal sale of firearms, drug trafficking, robberies, kidnappings and armed assaults in numerous communities in Massachusetts, including Boston, Malden, Everett, Somerville, Framingham and Peabody, among others.

Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell, Kelly D. Brady, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, Boston Field Division, William S. Walker, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, and Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, announced the sentencing.

The Chelsea, Lowell, Malden, Marlborough, Somerville and Weymouth Police Departments and the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office provided assistance with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Moran, Deputy Chief of Mendell’s Organized Crime and Gang Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Crowley prosecuted the case.

Defendant: Joao Pedro Marques Gama

Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs by a pattern of racketeering (RICO conspiracy), conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to distribute cocaine and 28 grams or more of cocaine base, engaging in the business of dealing in firearms and being an alien in possession of a firearm

City and State: Boston, Massachusetts

Exact Date: December 10, 2020

Sentence or Outcome: 54 months in prison

Other Facts: Gama will face deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/brazilian-nationals-sentenced-racketeering-and-robbery-charges