A Boston man has been sentenced to over eight years in federal prison for his involvement with Cameron Street, a violent gang operating in the Dorchester area. Jose Afonseca, 32, received a sentence of 100 months from U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young, followed by four years of supervised release. In October 2024, Afonseca admitted guilt to charges including conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise and conspiracy to distribute cocaine.
Court documents revealed that Afonseca was a member of Cameron Street, known for using violence and threats to maintain its influence and expand its territory. The investigation showed that Afonseca collaborated with other gang members to distribute large quantities of cocaine from a stash house in Somerville. He was also recorded discussing illegal firearms acquisition and selling two firearms along with ammunition.
On April 15, 2022, authorities seized 398 grams of cocaine and various drug-related items during a search operation at the stash house.
This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling major criminal organizations through multi-agency collaboration. The initiative focuses on disrupting significant drug traffickers and gangs through intelligence-driven operations.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside several law enforcement officials including James M. Ferguson from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Stephen Belleau from the Drug Enforcement Administration; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox. Multiple local police departments provided assistance in this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno are handling the prosecution.
The indictment's remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
