Eight Members And Associates Of The Mount Vernon Goonies Street Gang Charged In Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Anthony A. Scarpino Jr., Westchester County District Attorney, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging MARKEL OVERTON, a/k/a “Kellz,” THOMAS BLANTON, a/k/a “LT,” MARQUIS COLLIER, a/k/a “Keise,” KADEEM DINHAM, a/k/a “Polo,” DONNIE DIXON, a/k/a “Scooter,” RAHEEM JONES, a/k/a “Rah Trigger,” a/k/a “Trigga,” JAMAAL SINCLAIR, a/k/a “Diggz,” and NOEL SMITH, a/k/a “Georgie,” with various crimes relating to racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses.  The defendants have been charged as a result of their membership in the “Goonies” street gang that operated in the City of Mount Vernon, New York. OVERTON was arrested on these charges yesterday. COLLIER and DIXON were arrested on these charges today. DINHAM, who was already in custody on state charges, was transferred to federal custody today; BLANTON, SINCLAIR, and SMITH, who were also already in custody on state charges, will be transferred to federal custody as soon as possible; and JONES was already in federal custody on related charges.  The defendants will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Lisa M. Smith this afternoon in White Plains federal court.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, the eight members and associates of a violent Mount Vernon street gang charged today engaged in attempted murder, drug dealing and firearms offenses.  One of our most important missions, as federal prosecutors, is to investigate and prosecute street gangs that threaten our communities through violence and narcotics trafficking, as the Goonies allegedly did in Mount Vernon.”

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said:  “This gang was allegedly engaged in serious criminal activity that included shooting incidents, armed robberies, gun possession and narcotics distribution.  We are pleased that this is now coming to an end.  I want to thank our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District and the New York office of the FBI for their unstinting dedication and determination that led to this indictment and today’s arrests.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, the motives of this gang were sinister and criminal, using violence and illegal drugs to intimidate the community.  The FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force works diligently with our law enforcement partners every day to stop these gangs, and keep them from negatively impacting communities.”

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

From 2007 to 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, OVERTON, BLANTON, DINHAM, DIXON, JONES, SINCLAIR, and SMITH were members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Goonies.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Goonies committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including attempted murder and robbery; they conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute narcotics; and they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and firing them.  BLANTON, COLLIER, DINHAM, DIXON, and JONES also conspired with one another, and certain other members of the Goonies, to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided in the attached table for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Kim thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises agents and detectives from the Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Westchester County Police Department, Peekskill Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, New York City Police Department, and U.S. Probation.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorneys Anden F. Chow, Christopher J. Clore, Sarah Krissoff, Olga Zverovich, and Special Assistant United States Attorneys John O’Rourke and Lauren Abinanti are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

United States v. Markel Overton, et al.

CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAXIMUM PENALTIES
Count One Racketeering Conspiracy	MARKEL OVERTON   a/k/a “Kellz” THOMAS BLANTON   a/k/a “LT” MARQUIS COLLIER   a/k/a “Keise” KADEEM DINHAM   a/k/a “Polo” DONNIE DIXON   a/k/a “Scooter” RAHEEM JONES   a/k/a “Rah Trigger”   a/k/a “Trigga” JAMAAL SINCLAIR   a/k/a “Diggz” NOEL SMITH   a/k/a “Georgie”	20 years in prison
Count Two Firearms Offense	MARKEL OVERTON THOMAS BLANTON MARQUIS COLLIER KADEEM DINHAM DONNIE DIXON RAHEEM JONES JAMAAL SINCLAIR	Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
Count Three Firearms Offense	NOEL SMITH	Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison
Count Four Narcotics Conspiracy	THOMAS BLANTON MARQUIS COLLIER KADEEM DINHAM DONNIE DIXON RAHEEM JONES	Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison

DEFENDANT	AGE
MARKEL OVERTON	27
THOMAS BLANTON	24
MARQUIS COLLIER	33
KADEEM DINHAM	25
DONNIE DIXON	28
RAHEEM JONES	28
JAMAAL SINCLAIR	29
NOEL SMITH	24

 

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[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

33 Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, Firearms, And Bank Fraud Offenses In Connection With Violent Gang Activity And Drug Trafficking Near The Mill Brook Houses In The Bronx, New York

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James J. Hunt, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of three Indictments and two Complaints charging 33 individuals with racketeering, narcotics, firearms, and bank fraud offenses in connection with violent gang and drug trafficking conduct near the Mill Brook Houses, in the Bronx, New York.    

The indictment in U.S. v. Michael White, et al. charges a total of 14 individuals, eight of whom are charged with racketeering conspiracy in connection with their membership in a gang known as “MBG” (also known as “Money Bitches Guns” and “Millbrook Gangstas”) and 11 of whom are charged with racketeering conspiracy in connection with their association with the gang known as the “Young Gunnaz,” also known as the “YGz.”  The indictment in U.S. v. Gary Davis, et al. charges a total of 15 individuals, four of whom are charged with racketeering conspiracy in connection with their membership in a gang known as “Killbrook.”  The indictment in U.S. v. Algi Crawford, et al. charges two individuals with bank fraud.  The complaint in U.S. v. Bernard Franklin, charges one individual with heroin distribution.  The complaint in United States v. James Green, 17 Mag. 7566, charges one individual with crack cocaine distribution.

A total of 24 defendants were taken into custody today; five other defendants are already in state custody on other charges.  Of the 33 defendants, 23 will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker later today.  DAVID OQUENDO was arrested in the Northern District of New York and will be presented and arraigned in the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York later today.  U.S. v. Michael White is assigned to U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet.   U.S. v. Gary Davis is assigned to U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.   U.S. v. Algi Crawford is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.   U.S. v. Bernard Franklin and U.S. v. Eric Green are not yet assigned to District Judges

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, members and associates of these gangs and crews plagued the Mill Brook Houses for a decade, engaging in violence and selling drugs.  One of the victims was Bolivia Beck, a 21-year-old who was shot dead in broad daylight.  Thanks to the terrific investigative work of the FBI, DEA, and NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.” 

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “The gang members we rounded up in this case, and in many other investigations, seem to not learn the lesson that they cannot act with impunity.  These gangs have a significantly negative impact on the neighborhoods where they operate, but we can’t make these arrests in a vacuum.  We need the community to seize the chance at a fresh start to rebuild a safer place to live.  With that said, we have had tremendous success in bringing down crime in New York City through our collaboration on the FBI NY Metro Safe Streets Task Force.  We will keep focusing our resources against these gangs, and we won’t ever stop pursing the most violent criminals who look to fill the void.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said:  “The drug trafficking of all three gangs around the Mill Brook Houses was a breeding ground for violence.   By working collaboratively with our partners, law enforcement removed these gang members who are allegedly responsible for jeopardizing the safety of their neighbors by putting them in the middle of their turf war.”

As alleged in the Indictments and Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and in other court papers[1]:

MBG was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including attempted murders, in the vicinity of the Mill Brook Houses in the Bronx.  Members and associates of MBG enriched themselves by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine and marijuana.  In particular, on or about February 4, 2013, MBG member DAVID OQUENDO attempted to murder a rival gang member in the Mill Brook Houses. On August 17, 2014, CHRISTOPHER HOWARD, a/k/a “Juju,” attempted to murder rival gang members in the Mill Brook Houses.

The YGz was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including attempted murders, in the vicinity of the Mill Brook Houses in the Bronx.  Members and associates of the YGz enriched themselves by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine and marijuana.  On October 28, 2012, YGz member MICHAEL WHITE, a/k/a “Mike,” attempted to murder rival gang members, causing injuries to multiple people.

Killbrook was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including murder and attempted murders, in the vicinity of the Mill Brook in the Bronx.  Members and associates of Killbrook enriched themselves by selling drugs such as crack cocaine and marijuana.  On or about April 18, 2011, Killbrook member GARY DAVIS, a/k/a “Reckless,” a/k/a “Poppa,” murdered Bolivia Beck in the Mill Brook Houses. 

           

Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, DEA, and NYPD. 

The charges contained in the Indictments and Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.       

United States v. Michael White, et al.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	MICHAEL WHITE (age 29) JOEY COLON (age 28) DEMETRIUS WINGO (age 25) ANTHONY BUSH (age 27) DAVID OQUENDO (age 27) CHRISTIAN PEREZ (age 24) JAMES ROBINSON (age 30) CHRISTOPHER HOWARD (age 25)	20 years in prison
2	Racketeering conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	MICHAEL WHITE JOEY COLON DEMETRIUS WINGO ANTHONY BUSH DAVID OQUENDO CHRISTIAN PEREZ ALLEN KNIGHT (age 28) MIGUEL CALDERON (age 23) JAMESE SNIPES (age 19) WESLEY MONGE (age 20) OSCAR BRIONES (age 20)	20 years in prison
3	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	JOEY COLON DEMETRIUS WINGO ANTHONY BUSH DAVID OQUENDO CHRISTIAN PEREZ JAMES ROBINSON ALLEN KNIGHT MIGUEL CALDERON JAMESE SNIPES WESLEY MONGE OSCAR BRIONES ROY ROBINSON (age 38)	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
4	Violent crime in aid of racketeering   18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3), (5)	MICHAEL WHITE	20  years in prison
5	Violent crime in aid of racketeering   18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3), (5)	DAVID OQUENDO	20 years in prison
6	Violent crime in aid of racketeering   18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3), (5)	CHRISTOPHER HOWARD	20 years in prison
7	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime   18 U.S.C. § 924(c )	JOEY COLON DEMETRIUS WINGO ANTHONY BUSH DAVID OQUENDO CHRISTIAN PEREZ JAMES ROBINSON CHRISTOPHER HOWARD	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
8	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime   18 U.S.C. § 924(c )	MICHAEL WHITE ALLEN KNIGHT MIGUEL CALDERON WESLEY MONGE OSCAR BRIONES	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
9	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime   18 U.S.C. § 924(c )	ROY ROBINSON	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison

                         United States v. Gary Davis, et al.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	GARY DAVIS (age 27) RAMEL JACKSON (age 26) ANDREW BURRELL (age 26) QUENTIN STARKES (age 25)	For GARY DAVIS, life in prison   For all other defendants, 20 years in prison
2	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	ANDRE COFIELD (age 40) PATRICK INNIS (age 39) GARY DAVIS RAMEL JACKSON ANDREW BURRELL QUENTIN STARKES MATTHEW COOPER (age 26) JUSTIN COOPER (age 29) NAYSEAN CHAVIS (age 25) HASSAN MUHAMMAD (age 20) CHIMBA CARLOS (age 31) WILLIAM RAY (age 27) JEFFREY GOODRIDGE (age 30) MICHAEL LAMAR (age 36) LUIS GOMEZ (age 24)	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
3	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime   18 U.S.C. § 924(c )	GARY DAVIS RAMEL JACKSON ANDREW BURRELL	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
4	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a drug trafficking crime   18 U.S.C. § 924(c )	WILLIAM RAY	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison

                          United States v. Algi Crawford, et al.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Bank fraud conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1349	ALGI CRAWFORD (age 35) JONATHAN GRIFFIN (age 31)	30 years in prison
2	Bank fraud   18 U.S.C. § 1344	ALGI CRAWFORD JONATHAN GRIFFIN	30 years in prison

                      United States v. Bernard Franklin

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Distribution of heroin   21 U.S.C. §§ 812, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C)	BERNARD FRANKLIN (age 32)	20 years in prison

                  United States v. James Green

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine   21 U.S.C. §§ 812, 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(B)	JAMES GREEN (age 49)	40 years in prison

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and Complaint constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Six Members Of The “Rollin’ 30s” Crips Street Gang Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearm Offenses

Charges Include the March 26, 2015, Murder of Innocent Bystander Victor Chafla

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York City (“HSI”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging WALSTON OWEN, a/k/a “Purpose,” RICHARD FELIZ, a/k/a “Dirt,” SHAQUILLE BAILEY, a/k/a “Shaq,” a/k/a “Jefe,” MIGUEL CABA, a/k/a “Miggs,” and NATHANIAL RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Cook,” with various crimes relating to racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including charges against FELIZ for the March 26, 2015, murder of Victor Chafla, an innocent bystander.  The defendants are charged as a result of their membership in the “Rollin’ 30s,” a subset of the nationwide Crips street gang.  Another individual, LEWIS TURNBULL, a/k/a “Lew,” was charged solely with a narcotics offense.  OWEN and COOK were arrested on these charges yesterday; FELIZ, BAILEY, TURNBULL, and CABA were already in federal custody on other charges.  OWEN and COOK will be presented in Manhattan federal court today before Chief Magistrate Judge Deborah Freeman.  The case is before United States District Judge Victor Marrero, and the defendants will be arraigned before Judge Marrero on September 14.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged in the superseding indictment, these defendants brought drugs and violence to the streets of our community, including the tragic murder of an innocent bystander, Victor Chafla. We commend the extraordinary efforts of our law enforcement partners to bring these defendants to justice, and express our hope that Mr. Chafla’s family and friends find some measure of justice in today’s charges.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said:  “These gang members are purported to have committed acts of violence, including murder and robbery, just to fund and protect its criminal enterprise, with one crew member alleged to have shot and killed an innocent bystander. These street gangs plague our community and HSI, with its longstanding partnership with the NYPD, will continue its efforts to rid our neighborhoods of such tormenters and ensure it’s known that they are not welcome.”

NYPD Commissioner O’Neill said:  “These alleged members of a Crips crew have been indicted on racketeering, narcotics and firearms-related charges.  One of the defendants is accused of shooting and killing an innocent bystander during a dispute with a rival gangmember in the Soundview section of the Bronx. These are serious offenses, and the type of violence we remain focused on that has led to significant reductions in crime.  I want to thank the members of the NYPD, the Southern District, and Homeland Security Investigations who have been working on this case.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment[1] and other documents in the public record, and statements made in court:

From 2013 to 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, WALSTON OWEN, RICHARD FELIZ, SHAQUILLE BAILEY, MIGUEL CABA, and NATHANIAL RODRIGUEZ were members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Rollin’ 30s.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and robbery; they conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.  LEWIS TURNBULL also conspired with certain members of the Rollin’ 30s to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana.

During a dispute with a member of an opposing crew, on March 26, 2015, FELIZ fired a gun in an attempt to kill that individual.  FELIZ instead hit an innocent bystander, Victor Chafla. Chafla died from his wounds a few days later.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided in the attached table for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by a judge

Mr. Kim praised the investigative work of the NYPD and HSI.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

	Count	Charges	Defendants	Maximum Penalties
1		Racketeering Conspiracy	WALSTON OWEN, RICHARD FELIZ, SHAQUILLE BAILEY, MIGUEL CABA, and NATHANIAL RODRIGUEZ	Life in prison (all defendants except FELIZ)   Life in prison or death (FELIZ)
2		Conspiracy To Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering	RICHARD FELIZ	Life in prison
3		Murder in Aid of Racketeering	RICHARD FELIZ	Life in prison or death
4		Use of a Firearm Resulting in Death	RICHARD FELIZ	Life in prison or death
5		Using, Carrying, Possessing, Brandishing, and Discharging Firearms	WALSTON OWEN, RICHARD FELIZ, SHAQUILLE BAILEY, MIGUEL CABA, and NATHANIAL RODRIGUEZ	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
6		Narcotics Conspiracy	WALSTON OWEN, RICHARD FELIZ, SHAQUILLE BAILEY, and LEWIS TURNBULL	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison

13 Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses In Connection With The “Hot Boys” Robbery Crew

Charges Include the October 27, 2006, Murder of Kelly Diaz

  Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 13 defendants with various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including the murder of Kelly Diaz on October 27, 2006.  The defendants are charged in connection with their membership in a robbery crew known as the “Hot Boys,” in Upper Manhattan.  The defendants will be presented in Manhattan federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim stated: “As alleged, the ‘Hot Boys’ robbery crew terrorized victims for more than a decade, stealing all manner of drugs to sell on the streets of Washington Heights. When anyone got in their way, they allegedly resorted to violence, including the tragic murder of Kelly Diaz. Thanks to the dogged work of our partners in the FBI and NYPD, today’s arrests mark the end of the Hot Boys, and the beginning of justice for Diaz and his family.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated: “Our communities and country are facing a deadly epidemic of overdoses due to prescription and illegal drugs. Groups like the one rounded up in this case are allegedly using that epidemic to make money, and show their dominance through violence. The FBI and our law enforcement partners’ ultimate goal in these investigations is to go after the leadership of these enterprises, and to cut off the access to the substances that are killing people every day.”           

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill stated:  “As alleged, these individuals were involved in a host of violent crimes including assault, robbery and murder.  The investigation of these crimes is the type of precision policing that has led to nearly 100 fewer shootings and more than 30 fewer homicides so far this year.  Thanks to the detectives, agents, and prosecutors whose work led to today’s racketeering charges.”

According to the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

From 2006 up to 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, STARLIN NUNEZ, a/k/a “Chino,” a/k/a “Lucky Star,” a/k/a “Junior,” RAMON MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Gordo,” ANDRE BELLIARD, a/k/a “Little Andy,” DAVID SANTIAGO, a/k/a “Bori,” SANDY CASTILLO, a/k/a “Fat Sandy,” ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, a/k/a “Jochi,” STALIN CONTRERAS, a/k/a “Chaka,” WILFRED MEDINA, a/k/a “Papalin,” ALBERT BONILLA, a/k/a “Alski,” a/k/a “Biggie,” EDWIN ARAUJO, a/k/a “Charger Ed,” GUILLERMO ARAUJO, a/k/a “Jun,” SHAJONNY SANTANA, a/k/a “Giovanni,” a/k/a “G-Money,” and ESFRAIN SILVA, a/k/a “Boy,” were all members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Hot Boys.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Hot Boys committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, assault, robbery and burglary; they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing them; and they distributed and conspired to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and various prescription drugs. 

During one robbery committed in furtherance of the Hot Boys enterprise, DOMINGUEZ, CONTRERAS, MEDINA, and BONILLA murdered, and aided and abetted the murder of, Kelly Diaz on October 27, 2006, who was shot and killed in his apartment in Washington Heights.

BELLIARD, CONTRERAS, MEDINA, and SANTANA were taken into federal custody this morning, and will be presented in Manhattan federal court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.  NUNEZ, SANTIAGO, DOMINGUEZ, EDWIN ARAUJO, GUILLERMO ARAUJO, and SILVA were already in custody on other charges.  MARTINEZ and BONILLA remain at large.

Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the respective judges.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD, and thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this investigation.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

COUNT	CHARGES	DEFENDANTS	MAXIMUM PENALTIES
1---	Racketeering Conspiracy	STARLIN NUNEZ, RAMON MARTINEZ, ANDRE BELLIARD, DAVID SANTIAGO, SANDY CASTILLO, ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, STALIN CONTRERAS, WILFRED MEDINA, ALBERT BONILLA, EDWIN ARAUJO, GUILLERMO ARAUJO, SHAJONNY SANTANA, ESFRAIN SILVA	Life in prison
2---	Murder in Aid of Racketeering	ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, STALIN CONTRERAS, WILFRED MEDINA, ALBERT BONILLA	Life in prison or death
3---	Narcotics Conspiracy	STARLIN NUNEZ, RAMON MARTINEZ, ANDRE BELLIARD, DAVID SANTIAGO, SANDY CASTILLO, ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, STALIN CONTRERAS, WILFRED MEDINA, ALBERT BONILLA, EDWIN ARAUJO, GUILLERMO ARAUJO, SHAJONNY SANTANA, ESFRAIN SILVA	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
4---	Use of Firearms Resulting in Death	ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, STALIN CONTRERAS, WILFRED MEDINA, ALBERT BONILLA	Life in prison or death
5---	Using, Carrying, Possessing, and Brandishing Firearms	STARLIN NUNEZ, RAMON MARTINEZ, ANDRE BELLIARD, DAVID SANTIAGO, SANDY CASTILLO, ALVARADO DOMINGUEZ, STALIN CONTRERAS, WILFRED MEDINA, ALBERT BONILLA, EDWIN ARAUJO, GUILLERMO ARAUJO, SHAJONNY SANTANA, ESFRAIN SILVA	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of seven years in prison

19 Members And Associates Of Violent Street Gang In The Bronx Charged In Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, Robbery, Extortion, And Firearms Offenses

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”), Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and James J. Hunt, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced charges yesterday against 19 members and associates of the “Slut Gang,” a violent street gang operating in the Bronx, New York, primarily at the Boston Secor public housing development (“Secor”). The defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, robbery conspiracy, extortion, and firearms offenses.

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “Today’s indictment charges members and associates of a violent street gang with allegedly wreaking havoc on the streets of the Northern Bronx for years, committing countless acts of violence against rival gang members and innocents alike. Thanks to the terrific investigative work of the NYPD’s Bronx Gang Squad, HSI’s Violent Gang Unit, and the New York Field Division of the DEA, these alleged criminals will face justice in federal court.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “This gang allegedly acted with impunity in the Bronx. But this morning, detectives and agents carried out precise, targeted arrests against the defendants who, as alleged, committed robberies, shootings, and other violence to protect their drug trade. Tonight, the Bronx will be even safer because of the persistence of our detectives, DEA and HIS agents, and prosecutors in the Southern District who brought today’s charges.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “Drugs, guns, and robbery are just the beginning of the charges faced by members of the Slut Gang. This is a violent street gang with alleged involvement in shootings, stabbings, and beatings over several years. The collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies is paramount to gang investigations in New York and forcing gang members to face charges for their actions.”

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt said: “Gangs in New York that allegedly traffic drugs throughout our city streets fuel addiction and violent crime. Law enforcement’s focused efforts to reclaim our city from these gangs have led to numerous takedowns over the past three years and yesterday’s arrests.”

According to the Superseding Indictment[1] unsealed in Manhattan federal court and other publicly filed documents:

The Superseding Indictment arises from a joint investigation, beginning in 2014, by the NYPD, HSI, the DEA, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives into a number of warring street gangs in the Northern Bronx. On April 27, 2016, 120 members of two of these gangs – the Big Money Bosses (“BMB”) and the 2Fly YGz (“2Fly”) – were charged in two cases pending now before United States District Judges Alison J. Nathan and Lewis A. Kaplan – U.S. v. Nico Burrell et al., and U.S. v. Laquan Parrish et al. Forty-seven of 63 defendants in Burrell have already pled guilty, and 49 of 57 defendants in Parrish have already pled guilty.

One of the primary rivals of BMB and 2Fly was the Slut Gang. The Superseding Indictment charges members and associates of the Slut Gang with numerous acts of fatal and non-fatal violence during last several years, including shootings, stabbings, slashings, beatings, extortion, and robberies, as well as drug dealing.

To date, agents and officers have seized, among other evidence, quantities of crack, heroin, MDMA, and marijuana, as well as firearms and ammunition. During the investigation, pursuant to court-authorized electronic surveillance, agents and officers also intercepted hundreds of phone calls, during many of which various members and associates of the

Slut Gang discussed their racketeering and narcotics activities.

In a coordinated operation, 12 defendants were arrested in New York Wednesday and yesterday. They were presented yesterday afternoon in Manhattan federal court. Defendant KERMIT IRIZARRY was in custody on state charges and was transferred to federal custody. Defendant MAURICE STEELE was arrested and was presented yesterday in the Middle District of Florida. Defendant STEVE BORIA was already in federal custody on a related charge. The following defendants are still being sought: NIORGE LOPEZ, JONATHAN FERRELL, DAYVON WILSON, and ISAIAH GRANT. 

Charts identifying each defendant, the charges, and the maximum penalties are in the indictment below.

Download u.s._v._steve_boria_et_al_indictment.pdf

The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Ronnie Abrams.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD’s Bronx Gang Squad, HSI’s Violent Gang Unit, and the New York Field Division of the DEA, as well as the United States Marshals’ Service, New York State Office of Probation, and New York State Division of Parole for their assistance in yesterday’s arrests. He also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Investigation for their support in this ongoing investigation.

The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment, and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.