Leah B. Foley United States Attorney for the District of Massachusetts | Department of Justice
A Boston man has pleaded guilty to several federal charges related to his leadership role in the Cameron Street gang, a group described by authorities as violent and based in the Dorchester neighborhood. Anthony Centeio, also known as “Wheezy,” age 37, entered his plea before U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick, who scheduled sentencing for May 7, 2026.
Centeio admitted guilt to conspiracy to participate in a racketeering enterprise; conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine; and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. He was one of 22 individuals charged in May 2023.
According to law enforcement officials, Cameron Street is a gang that uses violence and threats to control territory and intimidate rivals. Members display tattoos or wear clothing associated with the gang and use social media platforms to promote their activities or mock opposing groups such as NOB (Norton, Onley and Barry Streets), also called Wendover.
Authorities stated that Centeio played a leading role within Cameron Street. In June 2018, he and another member, Daronde Bethea (“Freeze”), attempted to murder an NOB/Wendover gang member using a firearm in Dorchester. Bethea was sentenced earlier this year to nearly 24 years for his involvement with the gang.
From February 2021 through March 2022, law enforcement conducted controlled purchases from Centeio involving both firearms and significant quantities of narcotics. His cousin Michael Lopes was involved in these transactions as well; Lopes received a sentence of over four years imprisonment last May.
During an April 2022 search at Centeio’s Rehoboth residence, police recovered $25,760 in cash, a Glock .45 caliber pistol with ammunition, as well as items linked to Cameron Street. At Lopes’ Pawtucket home where Centeio was present, officers seized hundreds of grams of drugs along with packaging materials for street sales.
Federal statutes provide for severe penalties: up to 20 years for RICO conspiracy; five years minimum (and up to 40) for drug distribution conspiracy; and up to ten years for being a felon with firearms or ammunition. Actual sentences are determined by federal judges according to sentencing guidelines.
The case announcement came from United States Attorney Leah B. Foley alongside leaders from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Boston Police Department; Massachusetts State Police; Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office; multiple county district attorneys’ offices; and several local police departments across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
“This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159,” officials said in the statement. “The HSTF is a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels... Through historic interagency collaboration... identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations.” The statement noted special focus on child trafficking cases under HSTF initiatives.
The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher J. Pohl and Charles Dell’Anno from the Criminal Division.
Officials reminded that all remaining defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
