Leaders Of Latin Kings Set Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Dermot F. Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), John B. Devito, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (“ATF”), and Geraldine Hart, the Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department (“SCPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 17 defendants with committing various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses in Manhattan and the Bronx.  Ten of the defendants were arrested today and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses in Manhattan federal court.  Three of the defendants are already in state custody and will be presented at a later date.  Four defendants remain at large.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:   “As alleged in the indictment, the defendants in this case include high-ranking members of a violent set of the Latin Kings gang.  They are alleged to have engaged in acts of violence, robberies, narcotics trafficking, and the use of firearms.  Thanks to the efforts of our partners at the FBI, NYPD, ATF, and SCPD, the defendants now face federal charges for these very serious crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Rounding up these alleged gang members is more than just removing violent criminals from the streets they believe they control.  They’re pushing and selling drugs that are killing thousands of people each year in our country, adding to the epidemic tearing apart families and communities.  Our work today, and the work we will continue to do tomorrow on our FBI Metro Safe Streets Gang Task Force, is vital to combating the spread of these drugs, and crucial to saving people’s lives.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. Devito said:  “The defendants are alleged to have conspired on, threatened and committed numerous acts of violence to influence and control their members and enforce the territorial boundaries of their illegal narcotics operations.  Thankfully through the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners this operation has been disrupted and dismantled.  We will stand with all of our local, state and federal partners to see that these violent gangs are eradicated from our communities.  I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”

SCPD Commissioner Geraldine Hart said:  “More than a dozen alleged violent gang members are now off the streets thanks to the collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners.  As alleged, these criminals have zero consideration for the well-being of anyone, inside or outside their gang, distributing narcotics and possessing firearms in an attempt to instill fear in our communities.  We will continue to work together with our partner agencies to rid our communities of violent street gangs.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot F. Shea said: "Targeting and dismantling gangs and crews, and preventing the violence so often associated with their illegal activities, continues to be among the highest priorities for the NYPD. We continue to relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to identify, arrest, and build the strongest possible cases to hold to account anyone who involves themselves in such behavior."

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and statements made in court[1]:

CARMELO VELEZ, a/k/a “Jugg,” CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Taz,” LUIS SEPULVEDA, a/k/a “Red,” ANGEL LOPEZ, a/k/a “SB,” CHRISTOPHER LUM, a/k/a “Un,” EMMANUEL BONAFE, a/k/a “Eazy,” CHRISTOPHER NELSON, a/k/a “Hype,” JOSIAH VELAZQUEZ, a/k/a “Siah,” ALBERTO BORGES, a/k/a “AB,” JUAN HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Goldo,” HEINNER SOLIS, a/k/a “Juelz,” EZEQUIEL OSPINA, a/k/a “Izzy,” RAIMUNDO NIEVES, a/k/a “Dobule-R,” DEESHUNTEE STEVENS, a/k/a “Kay,” HECTOR BONAPARTE, a/k/a “June,” and MICHAEL GONZALEZ, a/k/a “Wisdom,” are members and associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Black Mob,” which operates in the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and Long Island.  The Black Mob is a set, or “tribe,” of the nationwide Latin Kings gang.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of the Black Mob committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and crack; committed robberies; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

VELEZ, 30, RODRIGUEZ, 34, SEPULVEDA, 27, LOPEZ, 34, LUM, 28, BONAFE, 27, NELSON, 28. VELAZQUEZ, 22, BORGES, 29, JUAN HERNANDEZ, 31, JESUS HERNANDEZ, 26, SOLIS, 25, and OSPINA, 23, are each charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Those 13 defendants, as well as NIEVES, 46, STEVENS, 46, BONAPARTE, 37, and GONZALEZ, 33, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute: (i) one kilogram and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of heroin, (ii) 400 grams and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, (iii) 280 grams and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of crack cocaine, (iv) five kilograms and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine, (v) oxycodone, (vi) alprazolam, and (vii) marijuana, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

All of the defendants except GONZALEZ are also each charged with possessing, carrying, and using firearms in relation to, and in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, NYPD, ATF, and SCPD.  Mr. Berman also thanked the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision for its assistance in the case.

The charges contained in the 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 Indictment constitutes only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

13 Members And Associates Of Mac Baller Brims Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

Indictment Includes Charges for Five Attempted Murders

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), today announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 13 members and associates of the Mac Baller Brims gang that operated in and around the Mount Hope section of the Bronx with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including five attempted murders between September 2018 and July 2019. 

Of the 13 defendants, eight – DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” JUSTIN COLON, a/k/a “Lindo,” MICHAEL ROWE, a/k/a “MJ,” CARLOS RIVERA, a/k/a “Nug,” JAHUAN POLLARD, a/k/a “Flip,” CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Barlito,” a/k/a “Barlos,” JUAN TEJADA, a/k/a “Gotti,” and CHRISTIAN LIVERMAN – were taken into federal custody in New York earlier today.  They were presented before Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman today.  Defendant DAVON MCCULLOUGH, a/k/a “Yung,” a/k/a “Dayday,” was also taken into federal custody in Virginia earlier today, and he was to be presented before Magistrate Judge Lawrence R. Leonard today.  Two other defendants – DARRELL LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Capo,” and GIBRIL DARBOE, a/k/a “Mouse,” a/k/a “G Money” – are currently in state custody in Maine on related charges and will be presented in the District of Maine on a later date.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.    

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, the defendants wreaked havoc on the Mount Hope section of the Bronx, through acts of violence and narcotics trafficking as members of the Mac Baller Brims.  Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, HSI, and DEA, the defendants now face federal charges for these very serious crimes.”

Police Commissioner James O’Neill said:  “This case highlights the NYPD’s relentless pursuit of those few individuals who drive the worst kinds of violence and disorder.  Our success reflects how New Yorkers share in our responsibility to keep families and neighborhoods safe to aid us in reducing crime beyond our record-lows.  I want to commend our partners in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, and the members of Homeland Security Investigations, and the DEA, for working together to dismantle a group allegedly responsible for shootings, robberies, drug-dealing, and more.” 

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “This investigation exemplifies law enforcement partnerships prevailing over a criminal enterprise only looking to benefit from chaos.  HSI will not back down and will not stop our fight to secure our communities and our nation from violence and narcotics distribution.  Criminal organizations like the Mac Baller Brims should take note that combined law enforcement efforts like this investigation with HSI, the NYPD and DEA along with the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York only thrive our resolve to end their existence and eliminate any financial gains they hope to profit.”

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

The Mac Baller Brims were a criminal enterprise, and their members and associates committed numerous acts of violence, including shootings, in and around the Bronx.  They engaged in such acts to preserve and protect their power, territory, and profits, and to promote and enhance the gang and its criminal activities.  Members of the gang also enriched themselves by committing robberies and by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, including in New York and in Maine.  While conducting their drug business, members and associates of the gang used, carried, and possessed firearms, and members of the gang brandished and fired those guns on multiple occasions since 2017.           

Count One of the Indictment charges DARRELL LAWRENCE, DAVON MCCULLOUGH, GIBRIL DARBOE, DERRICK CASADO, JUSTIN COLON, MICHAEL ROWE, CARLOS RIVERA, JAHUAN POLLARD, CARLOS ROSARIO, DAVONTE GARCIA, and JOSE NOUEL with conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct and affairs of the Mac Ballers enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity, including through acts involving murder, robbery, and narcotics distribution.

Counts Two and Three charge ROWE with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with a September 14, 2018, shooting, and a related firearms offense.

Counts Four and Five charge COLON with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with a March 9, 2019, shooting, and a related firearms offense.

Counts Six and Seven charge CASADO with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with a May 17, 2019, shooting, and a related firearms offense.

Counts Eight and Nine charge ROSARIO with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with a July 18, 2019, attempted shooting, and a related firearms offense.

Counts Ten and Eleven charge ROSARIO with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering in connection with a July 20, 2019, shooting, and a related firearms offense.

Count Twelve charges LAWRENCE, MCCULLOUGH, DARBOE, CASADO, COLON, ROWE, RIVERA, POLLARD, ROSARIO, GARCIA, and NOUEL, as well as JUAN TEJADA and CHRISTIAN LIVERMAN, with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana.

Count Thirteen charges LAWRENCE, MCCULLOUGH, DARBOE, CASADO, COLON, ROWE, RIVERA, POLLARD, ROSARIO, GARCIA, NOUEL, TEJADA and LIVERMAN with using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging firearms during and in relation to a narcotics conspiracy.

Charts containing the names, ages, residences, 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. Berman praised the outstanding work of the NYPD and HSI on this investigation, and thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration for its assistance.

The charges contained in the 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 Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	DARRELL LAWRENCE DAVON MCCULLOUGH GIBRIL DARBOE DERRICK CASADO JUSTIN COLON MICHAEL ROWE CARLOS RIVERA JAHUAN POLLARD CARLOS ROSARIO DAVONTE GARCIA JOSE NOUEL	Life in prison
2	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2	MICHAEL ROWE	20 years in prison
3	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2	MICHAEL ROWE	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
4	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2	JUSTIN COLON	20 years in prison
5	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2	JUSTIN COLON	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
6	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2	DERRICK CASADO	20 years in prison
7	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2	DERRICK CASADO	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
8	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2	CARLOS ROSARIO	20 years in prison
9	Using, carrying, possessing, and brandishing a firearm 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and 2	CARLOS ROSARIO	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison
10	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. §§ 1959 and 2	CARLOS ROSARIO	20 years in prison
11	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging a firearm 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2	CARLOS ROSARIO	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
12	Narcotics conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846	DARRELL LAWRENCE DAVON MCCULLOUGH GIBRIL DARBOE DERRICK CASADO JUSTIN COLON MICHAEL ROWE CARLOS RIVERA JAHUAN POLLARD CARLOS ROSARIO DAVONTE GARCIA JOSE NOUEL JUAN TEJADA CHRISTIAN LIVERMAN	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
13	Using, carrying, possessing, brandishing, and discharging firearms 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii), and 2	DARRELL LAWRENCE DAVON MCCULLOUGH GIBRIL DARBOE DERRICK CASADO JUSTIN COLON MICHAEL ROWE CARLOS RIVERA JAHUAN POLLARD CARLOS ROSARIO DAVONTE GARCIA JOSE NOUEL JUAN TEJADA CHRISTIAN LIVERMAN	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison

DEFENDANT	AGE	RESIDENCE
DARRELL LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Capo”	29	Bronx, New York
DAVON MCCULLOUGH, a/k/a “Yung,” a/k/a “Dayday”	32	Newport News, Virginia
GIBRIL DARBOE, a/k/a “Mouse,” a/k/a “G Money”	22	Bronx, New York
DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D”	19	Bronx, New York
JUSTIN COLON, a/k/a “Lindo”	20	Bronx, New York
MICHAEL ROWE, a/k/a “MJ”	19	Bronx, New York
CARLOS RIVERA, a/k/a “Nug”	18	Bronx, New York
JAHUAN POLLARD, a/k/a “Flip”	18	Bronx, New York
CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Barlito,” a/k/a “Barlos”	18	Bronx, New York
DAVONTE GARCIA, a/k/a “VT”	22	Bronx, New York
JOSE NOUEL, a/k/a “Tutu”	22	Bronx, New York
JUAN TEJADA, a/k/a “Gotti”	19	Bronx, New York
CHRISTIAN LIVERMAN	27	Bronx, New York

MS-13 Leaders Charged With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

Indictment Includes High-Ranking Members of the Governing “Table” of the L.A. Program of MS-13 from New York, California, and Tennessee

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging AMILCAR ROMERO, a/k/a “Soldado,” JAIME SANTANA, a/k/a “Smiley,” JOSE GARCIA, a/k/a “Tricky,” and ALEXANDER RIVERA, a/k/a “Extrano,” with racketeering conspiracy and narcotics distribution conspiracy.  CRISTIAN GUERRERO-MELGARES, a/k/a “Enigma,” and GUSTAVO LLEVANO-RIVERA are charged in the narcotics conspiracy count.  Several defendants also face firearms charges.

GARCIA, GUERRERO-MELGARES, and RIVERA were arrested have been presented today before Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  SANTANA was arrested last night and will be presented today in the Middle District of Tennessee.  ROMERO is currently in state custody in California on other charges and will be transferred to federal custody in New York and presented at a later date.  LLEVANO-RIVERA remains at large.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge William H. Pauley III.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The defendants in this case include alleged leaders of the L.A. Program of MS-13, operating across the United States.  They and their co-defendants are alleged to have engaged in acts of violence, narcotics distribution, and the use of firearms.  Thanks to our remarkable partners at HSI and the NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for these very serious crimes.”

HSI Special Agent-in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “Today, three high ranking members of MS-13 were arrested for various charges, including, racketeering, drug distribution and firearms offenses.  These three gang members allegedly utilized violence and intimidation in order to further their criminal enterprise.  HSI New York and our other field offices around the country continue to work with our local law enforcement partners to combat MS-13.  It is only through these coordinated efforts that we will be able to disrupt and ultimately dismantle this gang.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Targeting gangs and crews, and preventing the violence so often associated with their illegal activities, continues to be among the highest priorities for the NYPD and our law enforcement partners.  By precisely targeting the relatively small percentage of individuals responsible for committing much of the violence in New York, we are making the safest large city in America even safer.  We remain relentless in our efforts to identify, arrest, and prosecute anyone who allegedly involves themselves in such criminal behavior.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court as well as court filings[1]:

ROMERO, SANTANA, GARCIA, and RIVERA are members of a transnational racketeering enterprise known as Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, which operates throughout North and Central America, including in El Salvador, Mexico, New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of MS-13 committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine; and obtained, possessed and used firearms.

MS-13 is organized into chapters called “cliques.”  Groups of cliques, in turn, are aligned as “programs.”  Each program is governed by a group of senior gang leaders known as the “table.”  ROMERO, SANTANA, and GARCIA are high-ranking members of the table of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13.

ROMERO, 50, SANTANA, 39, GARCIA, 31, and RIVERA, 31, are charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison. Those four defendants, as well as GUERRERO-MELGARES, 32, and LLEVANO-RIVERA, 23, are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute: (i) 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, (ii) 500 grams and more of mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine, and (iii) mixtures and substances containing a detectable amount of cocaine, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. SANTANA, GARCIA, and GUERRERO-MELGARES are charged with possessing, carrying, and using firearms during, in relation to, and in furtherance of, the narcotics conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  SANTANA and RIVERA are charged with possessing firearms while unlawfully or illegally in the United States, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

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

The charges contained in the 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 Indictment as well as the referenced letter constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Gang Member Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging ALJERMIAH MACK, a/k/a “Nuke,” with racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses in connection with his membership in, and association with, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, also known as “Nine Trey.”  The Superseding Indictment also contains charges against defendant ANTHONY ELLISON, a/k/a “Harv,” who was charged in a previous indictment with racketeering and firearms offenses.  The charges against ELLISON remain the same. 

MACK was taken into custody Thursday afternoon.  He was presented and arraigned before Chief U.S. Magistrate Gabriel W. Gorenstein.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.  

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, Aljermiah Mack, like his Nine Trey co-conspirators, engaged in brazen acts of gun violence and narcotics dealing.  Thanks to our remarkable partners at HSI, ATF, and the NYPD, he now faces federal charges for his serious crimes.”

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, and MDMA. 

The Superseding Indictment charges MACK and ELLISON with racketeering and firearms offenses.  Count One of the Superseding Indictment charges MACK and ELLISON with participating in a racketeering conspiracy for their criminal involvement in Nine Trey.  Count Two charges MACK and ELLISON with using and carrying firearms, which were brandished and discharged, in connection with the racketeering conspiracy.  Counts Three through Five charge ELLISON in connection with his kidnapping and assaulting another member of Nine Trey near the intersection of Bedford Avenue and Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn on or about July 22, 2018.  Count Six charges MACK with conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and MDMA, from in or about 2015 to in or about 2018.  Count Seven charges MACK with using and carrying a firearm in connection with the narcotics conspiracy. 

A chart containing the 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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the New York City Police Department.  He also thanked the New York City Department of Correction’s Intelligence Bureau for its assistance in the investigation.

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

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	ALJERMIAH MACK (age 33) ANTHONY ELLISON (age 31)	20 years in prison
2	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which was discharged   18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	ALJERMIAH MACK ANTHONY ELLISON	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
3	Violent crime in aid of racketeering (July 22, 2018)   18 U.S.C. § 1959	ANTHONY ELLISON	Life in prison
4	Violent crime in aid of racketeering (July 22, 2018)   18 U.S.C. § 1959	ANTHONY ELLISON	20 years in prison
5	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which was brandished   18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	ANTHONY ELLISON	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 7 years in prison
6	Conspiracy to distribute narcotics   21 U.S.C. § 846	ALJERMIAH MACK	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
7	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a narcotics trafficking offense   18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	ALJERMIAH MACK	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison

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

Members Of Violent Bronx Gang Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

Adonis Ramirez, a/k/a “Frenchie,” is Charged With Murder in Aid of Racketeering

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 11 members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew with various racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, and charging an additional three defendants with narcotics and firearms offenses.  ADONIS RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Frenchie,” is also charged with a September 28, 2017, attack on Charles DelToro that resulted in DelToro’s death on October 4, 2017.

Eight of the defendants, ADONIS RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Crazy,” a/k/a “Locotron,” JONATHAN ESPINAL, a/k/a “Twin,” DERIAN DEL CARMEN, a/k/a “Mel,” ELVIN PEREZ, a/k/a “Choco,” YISANDER RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Bean,” MARIO DELOSSANTOS, and DANIEL GONZALEZ were taken into custody last night and this morning.  They will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara C. Moses later today.  Five of the defendants, ADONIS RAMIREZ, a/k/a “Frenchie,” DAVID GARCIA, a/k/a “Clippa,” BRANDON ESTEVEZ, a/k/a “Boppy,” JONATHAN MALDONADO, a/k/a “Tego,” and LOUIS RIVERA are currently incarcerated in state custody on other charges, and will be presented at a later date.  JEFFREY ESTEVEZ, a/k/a “J,” was already in federal custody, having been previously charged in federal court with narcotics trafficking.  JOSUE SANCHEZ, a/k/a “V,” remains at large.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Deborah A. Batts.  

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, members of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew wreaked havoc in the Bronx, engaging in brazen acts of violence, including murder and multiple attempted murders, as well as narcotics trafficking.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

The 2200 Morris Avenue Crew was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in the Bronx.  Members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of their gang, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of the 2200 Morris Avenue Crew enriched themselves by selling drugs, such as heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana.  

The Indictment charges BRANDON ESTEVEZ, ADONIS RAMIREZ, GARCIA, RODRIGUEZ, ESPINAL, DEL CARMEN, JEFFREY ESTEVEZ, MALDONADO, PEREZ, YISANDER RAMIREZ, and SANCHEZ with participating in a racketeering conspiracy.  Count Two of the Indictment charges ADONIS RAMIREZ with the murder in aid of racketeering of Charles DelToro.  Counts Three and Four charge BRANDON ESTEVEZ, MALDONADO, and PEREZ with participating in an attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting of a rival gang member on February 11, 2018, and a related firearms offense.  Counts Five and Six charge JEFFREY ESTEVEZ with participating in an attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting on May 25, 2018, and a related firearms offense.  Count Seven charges DEL CARMEN, MALDONADO, and RODRIGUEZ with attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a stabbing that occurred on June 19, 2018.  Count Eight charges ESPINAL with attempted murder in aid of racketeering.  Counts Nine and Ten charge SANCHEZ, YISANDER RAMIREZ, GARCIA, and DEL CARMEN with attempted murder in aid of racketeering for a shooting that occurred on March 24, 2019, and a related firearms offense.  Count Eleven charges all of the defendants with a narcotics trafficking conspiracy.  Count Twelve charges all of the defendants with possessing and using firearms in furtherance of the narcotics trafficking conspiracy charged in Count Eleven. 

Charts containing the names, ages, 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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.  He also thanked the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their assistance in the investigation. 

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

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ (24) ADONIS RAMIREZ (24) DAVID GARCIA (19) ADONIS RODRIGUEZ (24) JONATHAN ESPINAL (25) DERIAN DEL CARMEN (23) BRANDON ESTEVEZ (24) JONATHAN MALDONADO  (22) ELVIN PEREZ (24) YISANDER RAMIREZ (21) JOSUE SANCHEZ (25)	Life in prison
2	Murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	ADONIS RAMIREZ	Death or mandatory minimum of life in prison
3	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO ELVIN PEREZ	10 years in prison
4	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO ELVIN PEREZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
5	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ	10 years in prison
6	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
7	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	DERIAN DEL CARMEN JONATHAN MALDONADO ADONIS RODRIGUEZ	20 years in prison
8	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JONATHAN ESPINAL	20 years in prison
9	Attempted murder in aid of racketeering 18 U.S.C. § 1959	JOSUE SANCHEZ YISANDER RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA DERIAN DEL CARMEN	10 years in prison
10	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence, which firearm was discharged 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JOSUE SANCHEZ YISANDER RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA DERIAN DEL CARMEN	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
11	Narcotics trafficking conspiracy 21 U.S.C. § 846	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ ADONIS RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA ADONIS RODRIGUEZ JONATHAN ESPINAL DERIAN DEL CARMEN BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO  ELVIN PEREZ YISANDER RAMIREZ JOSUE SANCHEZ MARIO DELOSSANTOS (52) DANIEL GONZALEZ (22) LOUIS RIVERA (53)	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
12	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a narcotics trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)	JEFFREY ESTEVEZ ADONIS RAMIREZ DAVID GARCIA ADONIS RODRIGUEZ JONATHAN ESPINAL DERIAN DEL CARMEN BRANDON ESTEVEZ JONATHAN MALDONADO  ELVIN PEREZ YISANDER RAMIREZ JOSUE SANCHEZ MARIO DELOSSANTOS DANIEL GONZALEZ LOUIS RIVERA	Life in prison Mandatory minimum of five years in prison

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