NOB Gang Busted on Warrant from Federal Rico Case

In the early morning today, Tuesday June 16, 2020 at approximately 06:00 hours Boston Police, ATF & the US Marshals with Boston EMS standing by executed an arrest and search warrant at 34 Norton Street, Apt 1 in Dorchester. This was part of a state wide crackdown on the NOB (Norton, Olney, Barry) Gang a subsidiary/branch/associate of the notorious Wendover Street Gang who are under an ongoing RICO case headed by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts office. Here is the overview of suspects named in the affidavits listed in part below.

1. Michael Brandao, a/k/a “G Fredo,” and “Frizzblock Fredo,” 19, is charged with RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
2. Kelvin Barros, a/k/a “Kal” or “7981 Kal,” 24, is charged with RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
3. Ricky Pina, a/k/a “Blake,” 23, is charged with RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
4. David Rodriguez, a/k/a “D,” 34, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
5. Wilson Goncalves-Mendes, a/k/a “Dub,” 24, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
6. Joshua Teixeira, a/k/a “Trouble,” 25, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
7. Joseph Gomes, a/k/a “Joey” or “J-Money,” 24, is charged with RICO conspiracy.
8. Alidio Barbosa, a/k/a “Ace Boogie” or “Ace,” 23, is charged with possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
9. Samael Mathieu, a/k/a “Hamma” or “Hamma Thang,” 23, is charged with RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
10. Moses Cabral, a/k/a “Moe Money,” 26, is charged with RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution.
11. Delven Carvalho-Centeio, a/k/a “Delly,” 22, is charged with RICO conspiracy; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; and crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution.
12. Darius Bass, a/k/a “Tre” or “Trigga Tre,” 26, is charged with violent crimes in aid of racketeering.
13. Damian Cortez, 31, is charged with crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
14. Anton Lopes, a/k/a “Ton Ton,” 25, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
15. Brian Cardoso, 27, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
16. Theresa Alves, 26, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
17. Hailey Stringfield, 19, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
18. Jawwad Freeman, 22, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
19. Gullit Gomes, 28, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
20. Devon Hamilton, 20, is charged with bank fraud.
21. Adriano Cortez, a/k/a “A,” 26, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
22. Fabrice Teixeira, 32, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
23. Armando Gomes, a/k/a “G,” 31, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
24. Patrick Dunn, 28, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
25. Daniel Barbosa, a/k/a “D,” 25, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
26. Carlos Monteiro, 43, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
27. Tre Fernandes, a/k/a “OZ” or “OC,” 25, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
28. Sandro Pereira Cabral, 23, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
29. John Rodrigues, a/k/a “Joao Fernandes Rodrigues,” 26, is charged with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.
30. Sean Brown, 25, is charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
31. Eric Rodriguez, 32, is charged with possession with intent to distribute controlled substances; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Affidavit #1: RICO

“This affidavit is based on an ongoing, multi-agency investigation into the criminal activities of a criminal organization and street gang known as “NOB.” NOB is an abbreviation for Norton/Olney/Barry – streets in Boston. NOB is a Boston-based gang and is associated with the Wendover street gang. The agencies involved in the investigation include, but are not limited to: the Boston Police Department (“BPD”), the ATF, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Massachusetts State Police (“MSP”), the Randolph Police Department, the Stoughton Police Department, the Quincy Police Department, and the New Bedford Police Department

This affidavit is being submitted in support of a criminal complaint for members and associates of NOB for various crimes, including: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); violent crimes in aid of racketeering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1959; conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1); possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c); crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2421 (the Mann Act); possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(k); and felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1).

Michael Brandao (a/k/a “G Fredo” and “Frizzblock Fredo”) – Brandao is a member of NOB. Based on the investigation, Brandao has been involved in multiple NOB- related crimes both as a juvenile and an adult.1 As discussed below, these crimes include: (1) a 2018 murder in Boston (when Brandao was a juvenile); (2) a conspiracy/attempt to commit another gang-related murder in Boston shortly thereafter (when Brandao was a juvenile); (3) and drug trafficking as an adult. Brandao has been involved in the production/performance of numerous rap recordings and videos promoting NOB’s illegal activities. In these videos, Brandao has repeatedly stated that: (1) he is an active and leading member of NOB; (2) he has committed multiple shootings and murders on behalf of the organization; and (3) he and the gang will continue to commit gang-related violence. Brandao has openly flashed gang hand signs and worn gang-related clothing. There is probable cause to believe that Brandao has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1).

Kelvin Barros (a/k/a “Kal” or “7981 Kal”) – Barros is a member of NOB, and has been involved in various crimes, including drug trafficking, violent crimes, and sex trafficking. Barros has been identified on recorded jail calls with other NOB members/associates discussing gang-related topics, including violence and drug trafficking. In jail calls, Barros has bragged about committing shootings, and, in coded language, offered to participate in shootings upon being released from custody. Barros has openly flashed gang hand signs and has gang-related tattoos. Barros has also been involved in the production/performance of numerous rap recordings and videos promoting NOB’s illegal activities, including its violent crimes and drug trafficking. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that he has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1).

Ricky Pina (a/k/a “Blake”) – Pina is a member of NOB, and has been involved in various crimes, including drug trafficking and violent crimes. In numerous recorded jail calls, Pina has identified as a member of NOB during discussions involving ongoing gang activities.
Pina has flashed gang hand signs and participated in NOB-related rap videos. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Pina has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1).

David Rodriguez (a/k/a “D”) – Rodriguez is a member/associate of NOB. There is probable cause to believe that he has committed at least two gang-related murders in Boston in 2019 and 2020. Rodriguez has been charged in Suffolk County with one of the murders, which occurred in Dorchester on or about February 5, 2020.2 He is presently being held in state custody on the murder charge and related charges. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Rodriguez has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d).

Wilson Goncalves-Mendes (a/k/a “Dub”) – Goncalves-Mendes is a member of NOB. Goncalves-Mendes has been identified as a member of NOB in gang-related videos. In addition, Goncalves-Mendes has posted gang-related materials on social media platforms. There is probable cause to believe that Goncalves-Mendes has been involved in at least three NOB- related shootings in New Bedford and Stoughton (all of which involved victims), as well as drug trafficking. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Goncalves-Mendes has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d).

Joshua Teixeira (a/k/a “Trouble”) – Teixeira is a member of NOB, and there is probable cause to believe that he has been involved in numerous NOB-related crimes, including at least one gang-related attempted murder and drug trafficking. In recorded jail calls, Teixeira has conspired with other gang members to commit crimes as well as discussing gang-related topics. Teixeira has been in numerous NOB-related rap videos. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Teixeira has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d) and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846.

Joseph Gomes (a/k/a “Joey” or “J-Money”) – Gomes is a member of NOB. Gomes has admitted in recorded jail calls to committing crimes on behalf of NOB, including committing violence against NOB rivals. Gomes has a gang-related tattoo, and has been observed wearing gang-related clothing. Based on the investigation, Gomes has been involved in two gang-related armed robberies. The second of these armed robberies included the theeft of a vehicle, which was subsequently used in a February 2020 gang-related murder in Brockton, MA. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Gomes has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d).

Alidio Barbosa (a/k/a “Ace Boogie” or “Ace”) – Barbosa is a member of NOB. Barbosa’s participation in gang-related crimes has been discussed in recorded jail calls. In addition, Barbosa’s residence in Dorchester was used to facilitate gang-related activities for a period of time before Barbosa was arrested on state charges. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Barbosa has violated the following federal criminal laws: possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(k).

Samael Mathieu (a/k/a “Hamma” or “Hamma Thang”) – Mathieu is a member of NOB and has been involved in NOB-related crimes, including drug trafficking and sex trafficking. Mathieu has a gang-related tattoo prominently displayed on his arm, has been involved in multiple NOB-related rap videos, and has also openly flashed gang hand signs. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Mathieu has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d) and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846.

Moses Cabral (a/k/a “Moe Money”) – Cabral is a member/associate of NOB.3 Cabral has been involved in NOB-related crimes, including sex trafficking and drug trafficking. There is probable cause to believe that Cabral has violated the Mann Act on at least two occasions by trafficking women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution, and at least one of these occasions involved a minor victim. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Cabral has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1); and crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2421 (the Mann Act).

Delven Carvalho-Centeio (a/k/a “Delly”) – Carvalho-Centeio is a member of NOB. There is probable cause to believe that he has committed numerous NOB-related crimes, including drug trafficking and sex trafficking. Carvalho-Centeio has multiple gang-related tattoos, has openly flashed gang hand signs, and has been involved in NOB-related rap videos. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that he has violated the following federal criminal laws: RICO conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1962(d); conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §846; possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1); and crossing state lines for the purposes of prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2421 (the Mann Act).

Darius Bass (a/k/a “Tre” or “Trigga Tre”) – Bass is a member of NOB. There is probable cause to believe that he was involved in the attempted murder of a rival gang member on or about January 1, 2017. Investigators have recovered electronic communications related to NOB gang activity from a cellular phone used by Bass, as well as images of Bass and other NOB members/associates flashing NOB hand signs. Investigators have also recovered jail calls in which Bass discusses NOB-related activities. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Bass has violated the following federal criminal laws: violent crimes in aid of racketeering in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1959(a)(3) and (a)(5).

Damian Cortez – Cortez is a member/associate of NOB. There is probable cause to believe that Cortez has violated the Mann Act on at least one occasion by trafficking women with defendants Moses Cabral and Delven Carvalho-Centeio across state lines for the purpose of prostitution in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2421 (the Mann Act). There is further probable cause to believe that Cortez possessed fentanyl with the intent to distribute it in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1).

Anton Lopes (a/k/a “Ton Ton”) – Lopes is a member of NOB. Lopes has been identified as being involved in gang-related criminal activity through recorded jail calls. On December 16, 2019, a handgun which was modified to fire automatically was recovered from Lopes’ residence along with fentanyl pills and drug trafficking paraphernalia. As set forth below, there is probable cause to believe that Lopes has violated the following federal criminal laws: possession with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. §841(a)(1); possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(k); and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of 18 U.S.C. §924(c).

Brian Cardoso – Pursuant to the investigation, Cardoso is a member of NOB. There is probable cause to believe that he was a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. §922(g)(1).”

Affidavit #2 Narcotics; Fentanyl and Cocaine

“There is probable cause to believe that the following defendants violated 21 U.S.C. § 846 as set forth herein:

• ADRIANO CORTEZ (a/k/a “A”);
• FABRICE TEIXEIRA;
• ARMANDO GOMES (a/k/a “G”);
• PATRICK DUNN;
• DANIEL BARBOSA (a/k/a “D”);
• CARLOS MONTEIRO;
• TRE FERNANDES (a/k/a “OZ” or “OC”);
• SANDRO PEREIRA CABRAL; and
• JOHN RODRIGUES (a/k/a “JOAO FERNANDES RODRIGUES”). “

Affidavit #3 Narcotics; Fentanyl Cocaine and Heroin

ATF, the Boston Police Department (“BPD”), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the Massachusetts State Police (“MSP”), the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office and several local Massachusetts Police Departments. This team is involved in the investigation of the criminal activities of a criminal organization identified as “NOB” and its members/associates. I submit this affidavit in support of an application for a criminal complaint charging THERESA ALVES and HAILEY STRINGFIELD, (hereinafter referred to as the “TARGETS”) with conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 846. In this regard, the TARGETS were involved in a drug distribution network with various other individuals, including NOB members Samael “Hamma” Mathieu and Kelvin “Kal” Barros.

The ATF, BPD and other federal and local law enforcement agencies are engaged in an ongoing investigation of criminal activities committed by two aligned criminal organizations – the NOB street gang and the Wendover street gang (hereinafter referred to as “Wendover”). Based on the investigation, NOB is involved in violence (including multiple murders/attempted murders) and other criminal activities, including drug trafficking. NOB members/associates often refer to themselves as being part of the “Head Shot Mafia” and use the acronyms “HSM” or “H$M.” In rap videos, NOB members/associates, including Samael Mathieu, often brag about being in the “Head Shot Mafia” gang. On at least one occasion, Alves has referred to herself as “HSM First Lady.” On or about May 19, 2020, Alves posted a picture of herself on social media wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with the “H$M” logo.

ALVES and STRINGFIELD have worked with Mathieu to distribute drugs throughout various communities, including communities on Cape Cod. ALVES and STRINGFIELD have supported Mathieu’s drug dealing while Mathieu has been on the street and while Mathieu has been incarcerated. In this regard, throughout 2019 and continuing to the present, Mathieu has been in and out of custody. On September 27, 2018, Mathieu was arrested in Brockton on firearm and drug-related charges while driving in a vehicle with ALVES. He was released from custody on December 28, 2018. Mathieu returned to custody on March 18, 2019, and remained in custody until approximately June 14, 2019. Upon release, based on the investigation, Mathieu resided at STRINGFIELD’s apartment at 426 Washington Street, Taunton, MA. Mathieu resided with STRINGFIELD and her mother, who rented the apartment. The investigation has revealed that ALVES also spent time at the Taunton address, but that it was not her primary residence. On July 2, 2019, Mathieu was taken into custody after being arrested for operating a motor vehicle without a license. ALVES was a passenger in the vehicle. On August 30, 2019, Mathieu was released from jail. Finally, on October 1, 2019, Mathieu was arrested by MSP troopers on a probation violation warrant. Additional federal firearm and drug charges arose out of his arrest based on evidence seized from his person and inside 426 Washington Street in Taunton – STRINGFIELD’s residence. Mathieu has remained in federal custody since that date.

Affidavit #4 Bank Fraud

“Based upon an ongoing joint investigation of NOB, a violent criminal organization, investigators identified Hamilton as being a member/associate of NOB. In the fall of 2019, investigators identified that Hamilton, using the Snapchat social media platform, began to post images of bank receipts, often in excess of $5,000. Hamilton would accompany these images with postings in which he sought accomplices who had access to checking accounts. Hamilton included information regarding multiple financial institutions in these postings, including the Quincy Credit Union (which is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration).

Based on the evidence set forth above, there is probable cause to believe that defendant Devon Hamilton has committed bank fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1344(1) and (2).”