Bronx, New York, Man Admits Role In Conspiracy To Distribute Heroin And Fentanyl From A Drug Mill In The Bronx

  NEWARK, N.J. – A Bronx, New York, man today admitted participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin and fentanyl from a drug mill in the Bronx to locations in New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Jose Antonio Vasquez Pena, a/k/a “Tono,” 47, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas in Newark federal court to an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing fentanyl. Dilson Vazquez Genao, 23, Eddie Urena Rodriguez, 35, and Francisco Mercedes Gil, 31, also of the Bronx, New York, pleaded guilty before Judge Salas to the same charges in September 2019.

Three other individuals – Jhan Carlos Capellan Maldonado, 31, Daury Contreras Ulerio, 34, and Reimon Genao Rosario, 23 – were indicted on the same charge as Pena in August 2019. Their cases are pending.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

In early February 2019, law enforcement officers learned that Maldonado used an apartment in Bronx to store, mix, and package heroin and fentanyl in distribution quantities. Pena stayed at the apartment in order to safeguard the narcotics and narcotics supplies. Maldonado employed approximately five workers at a time—including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, and Genao—to assist in preparing the heroin and fentanyl for distribution, which Maldonado then distributed to customers in New Jersey.

On Feb. 25, 2019, law enforcement officers saw Maldonado drive to a retail store and emerge with several full shopping bags and then drive to the apartment. Genoa came out of the building and met with Maldonado, who got out of his vehicle and gave Genoa the plastic shopping bags. Through its investigation, law enforcement later learned that the plastic shopping bags contained materials to package heroin and fentanyl.

Genoa went back inside the building and was followed by law enforcement officers, who watched as Genoa entered Maldonado’s apartment with a key, still carrying the shopping bags. On Feb. 27, 2019, law enforcement searched Maldonado’s apartment and found seven individuals inside, including Rodriguez, Ulerio, Rosario, Gil, Maldonado, Pena, and Genao. All seven defendants attempted to escape out a window, but all but one – Rosario – were apprehended and arrested by law enforcement officers waiting outside. Rosario was arrested at a later date. Law enforcement recovered nearly a kilogram of fentanyl from the apartment, along with materials to grind and package fentanyl for distribution.

Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum potential penalty of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 27, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito credited the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)’s New Jersey Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael, with the investigation leading to the charges.

The charge and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We have left in the City of Newark N.J. 

We now have to question if this was a man/men who was/were placed in living quarters in Newark N.J., unsupervised by the NYC Department of Homeless Services.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr. District 18 Bronx County, New York

MAYOR OF SAN JUAN CARMEN YULIN CRUZ AND FORMER NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER MELISSA MARK VIVERITO ARE DEAD WRONG

 You should know that when Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico on September 20th, 2017, we in Bronx County, executed a humanitarian relief effort that lasted 24 hours.
 

It is important for you to know that on Saturday, September 30^th, 2017 together with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. and The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, we coordinated a relief effort to help Puerto Rico in their time of need.

 

This activity was supposed to begin at 12 noon and end at 5 pm, but the response was so large that the activity continued up until the following Sunday, September 31^stat 12 noon.

 

We were able to to fill 6 large containers for Puerto Rico and one for Mexico, but we ran into a problem. We were expecting to fill only 1 or 2 containers, but the response was so big we filled out 7 containers and by 9pm we still had extra goods, foods, water, and clothes that we had no idea what to do with.

 

Thanks to a call placed to Governor Andrew Cuomo by my son Ruben Diaz, Jr., that night 21 National Guard trucks arrived (see video attached) to help us move the rest of goods and to help clear the street.

 

I, as a Puerto Rican, and the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization have no way to thank the Governor for coming to the rescue and giving us a big hand. The Bronx executed a huge Puerto Rican relief effort and we owe our gratitude to Governor Andrew Cuomo. 

 

That is why I can’t understand, with all Governor Cuomo has done for Puerto Rico, the Mayor of San Juan Puerto Rico Carmen Yulin Cruz and former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, both Puerto Rican women, have rejected the Governor and thrown their support to a person who refused to march in the National Puerto Rican Day Parade and has done nothing for the people of Puerto Rico.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, they both are dead wrong in this decision not to support a person who has given so much to help Puerto Rico and our Puerto Rican brothers & sisters on the island. 

 

I hope most Puerto Ricans are not so ungrateful, and that other Hispanics help us show our gratitude to the Governor.                                                                          

 

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18 Bronx County, New York

A Gross Example of What  Fake News  Looks Like

You should know that recently I personally experienced a case of  “Fake News”.  

As you know my dear reader, I am the Chairman of the newly created “Committee on For - Hire – Vehicles” at the NYC Council.   This committee deals with all for hire vehicles and companies such as Uber, Lift, yellow Cabs, Black Car, Livery, Green, Para-Transit, etc…

Councilman Fernando Cabrera and I introduced a piece of legislation {Intro., # 958} to deal with excessive fines given to Livery Taxi Drivers when committing a traffic violation such as picking up a hailing passenger.  This is called an “Illegal Street Hail”.

For Illegal Street Hails drivers, specifically (Livery Drivers), who happen to be Black, Latino, and immigrants are being severely punished with hefty fines as high as $10,000.00 and face having their (T.L.C.) Taxi and Limousine Commission’s License suspended.  

It is important for you to know that our Legislation {Intro., #958} deals exclusively with the mentioned hefty fines imposed on drivers for “Illegal Street Hails”, and NOT for refusing to pick up passengers of color.    But surprise, surprise; according to Dana Rubinstein a Reporter for “Politico” on Tuesday June 26^th wrote that these fines “are designed in part to deter the widespread and persistent problem in this city of trying to hail a cab while Black.”   This is False, False, False, and False reports.  

Dana Rubenstein failed to mention in her report that the $10,000.00 fines, imposed by the TLC are NOT for livery drivers refusing to pick up passengers, quite the contrary.   These fines are given to livery drivers because they picked up passengers in violation of the “Illegal Street Hail”  which is a city ordinance.   Ms.  Rubenstein also failed to report that these fines are given only toLivery drivers who happen to be Black, Latino, and from immigrant communities.

  

Another case of “Fake News” appeared in the New York Post on June 26^th.    It was reported that “ Two City Council Members introduced a bill so racially charged that the NAACP testified against it.”     Both the New York Post and Politico journalists, intentionally or unintentionally forgot or refused to mention the hefty fines as high as $10,000 imposed on livery drivers, members of communities of color.   Both these reports failed to mention that the fines are imposed for picking up “Illegal Street Hails”, and notfor refusing to pick up street hails.  

Both these journalist should know the difference between drivers wanting to pick up “street hails”, but are not authorized.  As a result they get a hefty $10,000 fine for doing so.    The majority of these drivers receiving fines are Black, Latinos, and immigrant drivers.   These drivers are not the same as a driver’s who are authorized to pick up street hails, but refuse to pick up a passenger based on racial discrimination. There is a big difference and as journalists they should know that. 

These reporters should also know that those who are refusing to pick up street hails are NOT Livery Vehicles.  It is the Livery drivers that are asking for equality and justice. The Livery drivers are only asking for fair, equal treatment and for the opportunity to pick up street hails without being penalized with these outrageous fines and punishment for trying to earn a decent and honest living. 

Our bill stipulates that those excessive fines should be lowered.  Obviously, said fines are outrageously high not befitting the violation.  

These are the facts.  This is the truth about said legislation, yet both these two reporters from  “Politico” and the “New York Post”  on Tuesday June 26^th both grossly distorted the facts, and reported a gross example of “Fake News”.   Hmmmm, could this be a failure to check their facts?  I invite you to read our bill {Intro., # 958} and you decide my dear reader what is real (truth) and what is fake (false).

Mayor Bill de Blasio has ordered the police not to arrest and send to prison marijuana smokers, those who skip the tolls of trains and those who urinate publicly in the streets, because according to the punishment is too great for the crime they make.
Then I asked: Why penalize the drivers of the liveries with fines of up to 10,000.00 for just picking up passengers on the street, in order to honestly earn bread for their family?

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Thank you Reverend Donald Diaz Trump.

What you should know By The Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz District 18 County Bronx, New York

The Last Four Latino elected officials left from the “Old Guard”

  You should know that the leadership of “The Old Guard” of Latino elected officials has been disappearing with only four (4) of us left.

There was a time when the Hispanic community counted with Latino leaders with the caliber of elected officials such as Herman Badillo, Gilberto Gerena Valentín, Armando Montano, Ramón S. Vélez, Luis Nine, Roberto García, Olga Méndez, Angelo Del Toro, Luis Olmedo, Robert Rodriguez, and Hector Diaz... just to name a few.

All these Latino community leaders and elected officials came from Puerto Rico, some of them speaking "Broken English", but they had a mission to help improve the quality of life of the Hispanic people, who back in the day all Hispanics were called Puerto Ricans. 

In those days there was no classification of ethnic groups.   So, if you spoke Spanish or had a Latino surname you were therefore classified Puerto Rican.   Unfortunately for the Puerto Ricans, if something good or bad was done by a Spanish speaking person the guilt, burden or credit was given to a Puerto Rican in spite of their nationality.

Today the Latino leaders of the “old guard” have been disappearing and a new blood of young, Latinos, for the most part, born and raised in New York, have been taking the reins of the city’s Hispanic leadership and have stepped in to continue the fight in favor of Latino “Hispanic community.”

Regrettably those, who back in the day struggle and paved the way with “macanazos”, who were slapped around and arrested in an effort to accomplish things like the construction of the new Lincoln Hospital, the institution of Higher Learning, like Eugenio Maria De Hostos Community College,  Bi-lingual Education not only in New York but throughout the nation, ASPIRA, the Model Cities Student scholarship Program, The Hunts Point Multiservice Center, Casa Boricua, Betances Houses, United Bronx Parents, The South Bronx Community Development, the Puerto Rican Development Project, Promesa, and The Puerto Rican Day Parade.   We have seen that little by little those Latino leaders responsible for creating these great Institutions, that was geared toward serving the needs of the Latino community have been disappearing.

You Should Know, that I'm naming those who became elected officials.  But it's important to note that there is a large majority of community leaders of “the old guard” who were not elected officials but worked just as hard and were an integral part of the Hispanic community's achievements, victories, and triumphs.

Among them were Dr. Evelina Antonetty, Robert "Bob" Muñoz, Belen Dennis, George Rodriguez, Freddy Pérez Sr.,  Dr. Richard Izquierdo, Eliezer Escalante, Rev. Bernie López, Roberto Napoleon (Napy), Michael (Mike) Nuñez, Frank Lugoviña, Nick Lugo Sr., Simón Ramos, Federico Perez, Rev. Ambrosio “Bocho” Rodriguez,  Johnny and Jarán Manzanet, Gumersindo Martinez, Americo Martinez, Israel Martinez, Salvador Cartagena, Iris Capeles, Noris Colon, Paul Mejias, Monserrate Flores and all the members of the Young Lords.

Out of those who became elected officials only four (4) of us remain. They are Congressman José Serrano, the longest serving Hispanic elected official, Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to the state Assembly, Assemblyman José Rivera, whose political life has proven to have more lives than a cat and who can give a lecture on politics to the upcoming young leaders of today.

And finally this servant, who at the age of 75 can thank God for all that I have achieved, for the children He has bestowed upon me, Damaris, Samuel, and Rubencito, and for my wife of 25 years, Leslie and for the affection and support of so many beautiful people, from diverse, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic groups, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, African-Americans, Garifuna, Bangladesh, and so on.    I have been blessed.

But as we know, all good things must come to an end.   That includes the last four (4) Hispanic Elected Officials from the “Old-Guard”.   As time moves on we “The old guard” must move on to the pages of history to make room for new blood, with new agendas, and new ideas. 

The problem with some of our young Latino leaders of today is that they don’t know the history or the struggles of those who paved the way for them to be where they are today.

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We couldn't agree any more with Councilman Rev. Diaz Sr. anymore, but he needs to look in his own backyard when he says that. 

Has the Bronx Democratic Party turned into the Bronx Communist Party we ask. Does Councilman Diaz Sr. approve of the county leader picking a candidate for a seat months before the seat is vacant by an assemblyman looking to replace Diaz Sr. in the state senate? When asked what if the assemblyman does not win the senate race, Comrade Crespo replied "I guess we won't have a candidate then".

This reminds me of the time a certain Bronx Assemblyman and his father went to the Bronx Democratic County leader (ten years ago), asking him to support a candidate the two were backing for a judgeship. The county leader said I have my candidate, and after some more discussion told the father and son to leave. 

I ask Councilman Diaz Sr. to tell me the difference from ten years ago of the county leader saying that he has a candidate, and the current county leader saying that he has a candidate without any interviews or talking to anyone. 

I asked County Leader Crespo the question, and I was at the Bronx Democratic County office ten years ago when father and son were told to leave by then Bronx Democratic County Leader Jose Rivera. 

That is what you should know, and Councilman Diaz Sr. needs to remember.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW - By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr. District 18 Bronx County, New York

Scott Stringer goes against the only 2 Dominican State Senate Members

You should know that apparently, it seems that the New York City Scott Stringer does not like Latinos, especially Dominicans to occupy state elected office. 

It is important for you to know that all of the seven members in the “New York State Senate Independent Democratic Conference” are facing primaries from other Democrats supported by the Senate Regular Democrats headed by Senator Andrea Stewart Cousins. 

Since 2010 Senator Jeff Klein broke away from the “Regular” Democrats and created the Independent Democratic Conference (IDC).   Since then Senator Klein has been joined by six other dissatisfied senators, thereby creating an alliance with the Republicans and Governor Cuomo.    As a result of said alliance, the IDC members obtain benefits for their respective districts while the “Regular” Democrats are left out in the cold not acquiring any benefits. 

The IDC is made up of a pretty well balance ethnic composition.  Jeff Klein, Diane Savino, David Valesky and Tony Avella are Caucasian.  Senator Jessie Hamilton is African American and Marisol Alcantara and Jose Peralta are Dominican. 

Rumor has it that Mr. Scott Stringer has joined those who hate to see the members of the “IDC” bringing the bacon to their districts while the rest are being left salivating and angry to see how impotent they have become. 

Rumor also has it that Mr. Stringer has seen the opportunity to divide and get even with the Dominicans for past rifts between him and the Dominican Leadership. 

So, like a warrior that hungers for vengeance, Mr. Stringer has decided to support candidates against the only two Dominicans (Alcantara and Peralta) leaving Jeff Klein and his White Senators out of Stringer’s firing range. 

Remember my dear readers all the seven (7) members of the (IDC) all of them have primary challenges……All of them. 

Scott Stringer, owes an explanation to the Dominican Community.  Why is he supporting candidates that are challenging the only two Dominicans?    Why is he not supporting those candidates that are running against the other member’s.

On the other hand I must ask myself where are the voices of those so called Leaders of the Dominican Community?

This is Councilman Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know.  

Rev. Ruben Diaz, Sr.

New York City Council Member 18^th District  

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It did not take long for new Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. to go after the number one contender for mayor in 2021. A race that will see many elected officials who will be running for mayor including his son the current Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. I can not wait to read what Ruben Diaz Sr. has to say about other possible Democratic mayoral candidates such as the current Public Advocate Letitia James, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, the current City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Brooklyn Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, and possibly even a celebrity candidate such as the one running for governor this year.   

Not only has Ruben Diaz Sr. insulted the White voters of the city, but he also has insulted the Dominican leaders and elected officials of the city. 

It is going to be a fun next three years watching Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr, go from a contender for Mayor to a candidate for City Comptroller.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Charges Against Mamadou Ndao And Diabel Samb For String Of Gunpoint Robberies Of Cellphone Stores In Westchester County And Orange County, New York

  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”), Anthony A. Scarpino Jr., the Westchester County District Attorney, and Christopher T. McNerney, Chief of the Greenburgh Police Department (“GPD”), announced the arrest of MAMADOU NDAO and DIABEL SAMB on charges of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, Hobbs Act robbery, and a firearms offense.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, Ndao and Samb endangered the lives of customers and store employees in a series of armed robberies.  Thanks to our law enforcement partners, the defendants are now in custody and will face justice in federal court.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “Hard-working people go to work every day to earn a living, and abide by the laws of our country.  The subjects in this case allegedly chose to skip being hard-working and law abiding, and demanded money from stores at gunpoint, putting both customers and employees in harm’s way.  The FBI Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force pursues criminals each and every day who choose what they may believe is an easier way of life, but now face years in federal prison.”

           

Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said:  “Due to the efforts of our dedicated partners in law enforcement, these perpetrators have been delivered into the Criminal Justice System where they belong.  We remain committed to reducing all types of crime, particularly those involving criminals who would resort to terrorizing retail store employees by robbing them at gunpoint. These arrests are a testament to our resolve and continued successful relationship with our partners in law enforcement at all levels.”

Greenburgh Police Chief Christopher T. McNerney said: “This successful investigation is the direct result of an outstanding cooperative effort by all of the agencies involved.  The arrests of these violent individuals and pending federal prosecution sends a message to the residents of Westchester and beyond that we are committed to using all resources available to fight crime and prosecute offenders to the fullest extent of the law.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complain charging NDAO and SAMB:

On October 24, 2017, NDAO and SAMB committed a gunpoint robbery of a Verizon store located in Scarsdale, New York.  SAMB entered the store carrying a firearm.  He displayed the gun to two store employees and directed them to open a safe in the back room of the store.  NDAO subsequently entered the store carrying a suitcase, which SAMB and NDAO filled with cellphones and other electronic devices.  Following the robbery, SAMB and NDAO fled in a vehicle that had been parked outside the store.  Law enforcement intercepted SAMB and NDAO in Mount Vernon, New York, where they were ultimately apprehended by the Greenburgh Police Department.  Law enforcement recovered clothing worn by SAMB and NDAO during at least two of these robberies in the vehicle the defendants had used to flee the scene.  Numerous stolen cellphones and other electronic devices were recovered from the suitcase NDAO had carried into the Scarsdale Verizon store.

NDAO, 24, of New York, New York, and SAMB, 32, of New York, New York, are each charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of using a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, which carries a maximum sentence of life 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 a judge.

NDAO and SAMB were arrested by the GPD on October 24, 2017, and are expected to be presented tomorrow in White Plains federal court before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding investigative work of the Westchester County Department of Public Safety and the Real Time Crime Center, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the Yonkers Police Department, the Tarrytown Police Department, the Town of Newburgh Police Department, the Pelham Police Department, the Greenburgh Police Department, and the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises agents and task force officers from the FBI, the U.S. Probation Office, the Westchester County Department of Public Safety, the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, the New York City Police Department, the City of Yonkers Police Department, the City of Yonkers Police Department, the Peekskill Police Department, and the Mount Vernon Police Department.  Mr. Kim thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its significant contributions to the investigation and for its assistance in the arrest and apprehension of the defendants.

The charges contained in the Complaint 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 Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below 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.