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Boston Gang Associate ‘Meech’ Gets 4.75 Years in Prison
Michael Lopes, a/k/a ‘Meech,’ 35, of Pawtucket, R.I., was handed a 57-month prison sentence for his role in a violent Boston gang’s cocaine trafficking operation.
Lopes pleaded guilty in February 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine. The 35-year-old associate of the notorious Cameron Street gang allegedly conspired with cousin Anthony Centeio, the alleged leader, and others to peddle the illicit substances in Boston, Braintree, and Pawtucket, R.I.
According to court documents, Lopes and Centeio made several sales to a cooperating witness, and a search of Lopes’ Rhode Island residence in April 2022 turned up 174 grams of cocaine base, 215 grams of cocaine, 180 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, and $2,342 in cash.
The investigation, which lasted two years, was a joint effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and local law enforcement agencies.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy praised the collaborative effort, saying, ‘This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of our joint law enforcement efforts in disrupting and dismantling violent gangs and their illicit activities.’
Lopes’ sentence was handed down by U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young. He will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. The case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative.
The OCDETF Program uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the highest-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.
As part of the OCDETF operation, Lopes’ case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno of the Criminal Division.
The details contained in the charging document are allegations, and the remaining defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Massachusetts
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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