Trinitarios Gang Member Convicted Of Murder, Attempted Murder, And Racketeering

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that a jury found RAMON RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Pollo,” guilty today of murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, firearms offenses, and racketeering conspiracy.  The convictions relate to RODRIGUEZ’s participation in the “Shooting Boys” gang (a set of the Trinitarios), the June 21, 2021, murder of Milton Grant during a robbery in Manhattan, and the attempted murder of another victim during that same robbery.  RODRIGUEZ was convicted following a two-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who will impose sentence on June 30, 2026. 

“For years, Ramon Rodriguez—along with members of the Shooting Boys—committed shootings, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation throughout New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Worst of all, Rodriguez murdered Milton Grant in cold blood during a robbery, senselessly killing him for his watch, and attempted to murder another innocent victim at the same time.  Gang violence poses a grave threat to our communities.  Thanks to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, including the NYPD, whose detectives drove this murder case from the beginning, New York streets are safer tonight.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment, public court filings, and evidence presented at the jury trial:

From at least 2018 through 2025, RODRIGUEZ was a member of the Trinitarios and an associate of the Shooting Boys, a set of the Trinitarios.  The Shooting Boys, who operated primarily in the Bronx and Manhattan, engaged in murders, attempted murders, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation.

On June 13, 2021, RODRIGUEZ and members of the Shooting Boys committed a robbery outside a Bronx nightclub.  During the robbery, RODRIGUEZ shot a man in the leg, causing significant injuries.

Just eight days later, on June 21, 2021, RODRIGUEZ and members of the Shooting Boys committed another robbery outside a Manhattan nightclub.  During the robbery, RODRIGUEZ shot Milton Grant in the head, killing him, then stole Grant’s watch from his lifeless body.  As Grant’s friend ran away, RODRIGUEZ shot at him as well, attempting to kill him.

After being arrested and detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, RODRIGUEZ continued to participate in the Shooting Boys gang, including by repeatedly possessing weapons.  On December 3, 2023, RODRIGUEZ and other members and associates of the Shooting Boys ambushed, stabbed, and slashed an inmate who was cooperating with law enforcement in order to retaliate against that potential witness and deter others from cooperating.

RODRIGUEZ, 21, of the Bronx, was convicted of one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; two counts of using, carrying, and possessing firearms—which were brandished and discharged—during and in relation to a crime of violence, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other term of imprisonment imposed; and one count of racketeering conspiracy with a special sentencing factor, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The minimum and mandatory potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations and thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.