A Boston man has pleaded guilty to his involvement in the Cameron Street gang, which has been linked to violent crimes and drug trafficking in the city. Takari Elliott, also known as “T-Paper,” admitted to participating in a racketeering conspiracy that included murder. U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick scheduled sentencing for May 27, 2026.
Elliott was one of 22 people charged in May 2023 for their roles in the gang, which operates mainly in Dorchester. Authorities say members of Cameron Street have used firearms to commit murders and assaults against rivals and to protect their drug operations and profits. The group is also known for displaying tattoos and clothing that signify membership, as well as using social media to promote the gang and celebrate violent acts.
According to prosecutors, Elliott’s actions included involvement in the October 2020 killing of Manuel Duarte, known as “Brava,” in Brockton. On the day of the murder, Elliott communicated with Duarte via Snapchat, urging him to meet at a Brockton address for a drug deal. Another member of Cameron Street rented a car in Boston, picked up Elliott, and met Duarte at a home where Duarte was shot ten times by the other gang member. That individual fled back to Boston after the shooting; Elliott left with others near the scene.
Investigators determined that Elliott and his associate were paid $60,000 for carrying out Duarte’s murder.
Elliott’s connection with Cameron Street dates back at least to January 2011 when he was arrested with a firearm bearing an obliterated serial number along with masks near Cameron Street. He served three years in prison following that conviction.
In 2017, Elliott was convicted on federal cocaine distribution charges and sentenced to 30 months in prison. After his release under supervision, he was arrested again during a traffic stop while possessing cocaine and linked to Duarte’s murder.
Elliott is now the twenty-first person convicted among those charged; one defendant remains at large.
“This defendant and his fellow Carmeron Street gang members terrorized communities for years. Despite previous arrests, and while on federal supervised release, Elliott continued to sell drugs, carry guns and commit a murder for hire. He has no regard for the law and it appears that he is incapable of learning a lesson. Enough is enough. He is facing a harsh sentence which is more than warranted,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley.
“Cameron Street waged a gang war among the residents of Dorchester, terrorizing their community and causing untold grief to countless families and loved ones of their victims. Takari Elliott was a willing participant in the Cameron Street racketeering enterprise, celebrating these killings and dealing drugs across Massachusetts. Elliott then accepted his cut of $60,000 to commit a murder-for-hire. ATF’s primary mission is to target and disrupt violent entities like Cameron Street. Takari Elliott’s plea places an exclamation point on ATF’s long-running investigation into the retaliatory violence,” said Thomas Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), Boston Field Division.
“Violent gang members who flood our communities with deadly drugs and commit acts of brutal violence will be held accountable,” said Jared A. Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New England Division.“This defendant was not only responsible for trafficking dangerous narcotics but also for participating in racketeering activity that included murder.With two prior convictions he had multiple opportunities to change course and instead chose to escalate his criminal conduct.DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to dismantling violent criminal enterprises and protecting the public from those who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”
The charge carries up to life imprisonment plus five years supervised release as well as fines up to $250,000.Sentencing will follow federal guidelines.The remaining defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.