A Boston man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to his leadership role in the Cameron Street gang, a group known for violence and drug trafficking in the Dorchester area. Anthony Centeio, also known as “Wheezy,” 37, admitted to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise, conspiracy to distribute large quantities of cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick set sentencing for May 7, 2026.
Centeio was among 22 people charged in May 2023 as part of an investigation into Cameron Street’s activities. Authorities identified him as a leader of the gang, which is said to use violence and threats to maintain control over its territory and intimidate rivals such as NOB (Norton, Onley and Barry Streets), also called Wendover.
According to prosecutors, members of Cameron Street often display tattoos or wear clothing signifying their affiliation. They also use social media platforms to promote the gang’s image and celebrate violent acts against rivals.
As described by law enforcement officials, Centeio took part with another member, Daronde Bethea (“Freeze”), in an attempted murder using a firearm against a rival gang member in June 2018. Bethea received nearly 24 years in prison for his involvement with Cameron Street, including that incident.
Between February 2021 and March 2022, investigators conducted controlled purchases from Centeio involving firearms and more than 500 grams of cocaine and cocaine base. Some transactions were made through his cousin Michael Lopes; Lopes was sentenced to over four years in prison in May 2024.
A search of Centeio’s Rehoboth home in April 2022 led officers to seize $25,760 cash, a Glock .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, clothing linked to Cameron Street, and jewelry. At Lopes’ residence in Pawtucket (R.I.), police found hundreds of grams of various drugs along with packaging materials intended for street sales.
If convicted on all counts at sentencing, Centeio faces up to 20 years for racketeering conspiracy; five years minimum (and up to 40) for drug distribution conspiracy; and up to ten years for being a felon with a firearm. Fines could reach several million dollars depending on statutory limits.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “The remaining defendants named in the indictment are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” She was joined by officials from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; multiple district attorney offices; county sheriff’s office; and numerous local police departments across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative created under Executive Order 14159—Protecting the American People Against Invasion—which coordinates federal agencies against criminal cartels and gangs operating domestically or abroad. The HSTF focuses on dismantling organizations responsible for violence within U.S. borders while prioritizing cases involving crimes against children or violent offenders who are not citizens.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno are leading this case on behalf of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts.
