Braintree Drug Deal Aids In Case Against Boston Gang Associate

BRAINTREE, MA — A cocaine sale to a cooperating witness in Braintree is part of the reason why a Boston gang affiliate pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy last week, officials said.

Michael Lopes, 35, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, pleaded guilty to a one-count superseding information charging him with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine. Lopes, the Department of Justice said, is an associate of Boston's Cameron Street gang.

U.S. Senior District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for May 6, 2024.

During a two-year long investigation into Cameron Street, officials found that Lopes allegedly conspired with his cousin Anthony Centeio — the alleged leader of Cameron Street — and others to distribute cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine.

Lopes and, allegedly, Centeio made several sales of cocaine and cocaine base to a cooperating witness in Boston, Braintree and Pawtucket.

A search of Lopes’ Rhode Island residence in April 2022 resulted in the recovery of approximately 174 grams of cocaine base, 215 grams of cocaine and 180 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials and $2,342 in cash, officials said.

The charge of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base, and methamphetamine provides for up to 20 years in prison, supervised release of at least three years and a fine of up to $1 million.