Eric Celestino, a member of the Boston-based H Block gang, was sentenced on Mar. 23 in federal court to five years in prison and three years of supervised release for his role in a drug conspiracy. U.S. District Court Judge Leo T. Sorokin handed down the sentence after Celestino pleaded guilty in December 2025 to charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Celestino is one of ten H Block members and associates charged following a multi-year investigation that responded to increased gang-related drug trafficking, shootings, and violence in Boston. The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address organized crime and public safety concerns related to gangs operating within the city.
According to court documents, investigators seized over 500 grams of cocaine, crack cocaine, fentanyl, and more than 20,000 doses of drug-laced paper during the operation targeting H Block associates. Since the investigation began in 2021, law enforcement linked twelve incidents involving gunfire to members or associates of the gang. Six individuals were arrested on drug charges while four others were already held in state custody at the time.
From 2022 through 2023, Celestino supplied cocaine as part of a broader conspiracy involving multiple co-conspirators who sold drugs—including transactions with an undercover officer—according to court filings. The H Block Street Gang has been described as one of Boston’s most influential gangs since its formation as the Humboldt Raiders in Roxbury during the 1980s before re-emerging under its current name.
The sentencing announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley along with officials from several federal agencies including Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Jarod A. Forget; U.S. Secret Service Special Agent Randy Maloney; FBI Special Agent Ted E. Docks; Department of Labor Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.
This prosecution is part of a Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159 aimed at combating criminal organizations operating domestically and internationally through interagency collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities.
