A 23-year-old Boston gang member, known for his violent tendencies, has been sentenced by a federal judge on charges of racketeering linked to an armed break-in that occurred in 2018, the Massachusetts U.S. Attorney’s Office announced.
Michael Nguyen, a Quincy resident who is also referred to as “Asian,” admitted his guilt in conspiring to engage in a racketeering enterprise and conspiring to disrupt commerce through threats or violence in December 2023, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office. He received a sentence of nearly six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release this Wednesday.
Nguyen was identified as a participant in the Dorchester-based Cameron Street gang. This gang is notorious for employing violence to safeguard, extend its territory, and boost its income. The gang’s activities include murder, attempted murder, illegal possession and use of firearms, drug distribution, armed robberies, and involvement in human trafficking.
The U.S. Attorney’s office highlighted that the gang also leverages social media platforms to promote its presence on Cameron Street, glorify murders and other violent acts, and disparage rival gangs.
In his capacity within the Cameron Street gang, Nguyen frequently ventured into the territories of rival gangs to carry out surveillance for his associates. He, along with gang members Brendon Amado and Deronde Bethea, orchestrated a violent home invasion in July 2018.
Armed with firearms and masked, the trio entered a residence through the back door, which led one of the occupants to dial 911. Another victim was forcibly taken to the living room, where he was punched in the head and threatened with a firearm.
The gang members absconded with $2,000 in cash and a safe, fleeing the scene in a truck. Their escape was short-lived, as a car chase with the police ensued, culminating in a collision with a police cruiser in Stoughton that allowed the men to flee on foot.
Through phone records and a shoe left at the crime scene, law enforcement was able to identify Nguyen. Amado and Bethea were later identified through security footage from a convenience store they visited before the break-in.
Amado and Bethea, like Nguyen, have pleaded guilty to charges stemming from their involvement in gang activities. They are set to receive their sentences on May 29 and May 16, respectively, as per the U.S. Attorney’s office.