Attorney General James And NYSP Superintendent Keith Corlett Announce Convictions Of Narcotics Trafficking Kingpins In "Operation Jailhouse Rock"

14 People Sentenced in Cocaine & Heroin Trafficking Ring that Spanned New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida and Puerto Rico; 20 Kilos of Cocaine & Heroin Seized   

   Attorney General Letitia James and New York State Police (NYSP) Superintendent Keith Corlett announced the sentence of 14 individuals for their roles in a narcotics trafficking operation that spanned New York, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, and Puerto Rico. In the investigation, dubbed “Operation Jailhouse Rock,” police seized more than 20 kilograms of heroin and cocaine, including kilos that were sent through U.S. mail. The total street value of the narcotics seized in the bust was over $1.5 million at the time of the takedown. 

“New York will continue to use every tool at our disposal to take down those who traffic dangerous drugs throughout our state,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “These individuals engaged in a widespread operation to flood our streets with narcotics that are fueling the opioid crisis and claiming countless lives every day. We will prosecute these actions to the fullest extent of the law.” 

“We have zero tolerance for those who profit from the trafficking of these dangerous drugs with absolutely no regard to the damage they inflict on our communities," said State Police Acting Superintendent Keith M. Corlett. “I commend our members, the Attorney General’s Office, and all of our law enforcement partners for their efforts. This case was made possible only through the extensive collaboration between our agencies.”   

After a two-year investigation that lead to their indictment, the 14 convictions occurred over the past two years in Bronx County Supreme Court, before Justices Steven Barrett, Ralph Fabrizio, Barry Warhit, and James McCarty, who sentenced the 14 to a total of over 90 years in state prison. 

The indictment and guilty pleas detail a sophisticated distribution ring that moved cocaine and heroin from Puerto Rico, Florida, Massachusetts, and elsewhere to New York and other states, which was ultimately distributed across the eastern seaboard. Kilograms of cocaine were also sent through the mail hidden in boxing equipment and statues of Santa Maria destined for recipient locations in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. The heroin was transported and recovered in multiple states hidden in concealed compartments, also called "traps." 

One of the ringleaders directed the mailing of kilograms of narcotics via a contraband cellphone – that was later seized – while he served a ten-year federal drug trafficking sentence in Florida.  Another ringleader directed his part of the organization entirely from Puerto Rico – never setting foot in the Bronx, where four kilograms of cocaine he had sent to a co-conspirator were seized.  In Washington Heights, police seized nine kilograms of heroin from a third individual, who had just flown into the JFK Airport from Puerto Rico. 

Those convicted, their age, last known city of residence, and the state prison sentence each received, were:

Angel Melendez Orsini (38), Miami, FL (Federal Prison), 13½ years
Edwin Vega (42), Bronx, NY, 8 years + $50,000 forfeiture
Juan Rodriguez, a/k/a “Compadre” (53), Bronx, NY, 8 years + $3,807 forfeiture
Jan Santiago Garcia (40), San Juan, PR, 8 years
William Estrada (39), Bronx, NY, 7½ years + $7,490 forfeiture
Francisco Vega Vasquez, a/k/a “Mono” (54), Caguas, PR, 7 years
Mayolo Toxqui (39), Bronx, NY, 7 years
Ramon Amaro, a/k/a the “Boxing Gym Guy” (39), Bronx, NY, 6 years
Jamille Nelly Nieves (44), Carolina, PR, 6 years
Juan Javier Rivera (41), Winter Haven, FL, 5 years
Wilber Marquez Torres (33), Richmond Hill, NY, 4½ years
George Suggs (56), Bronx, NY, 4½ years
Francisco Vega Cancel (29), Cidra, PR, 4 years
Victor Holloway (56), Kinston, NC, 4 years

Attorney General James And DOI Commissioner Garnett Announce Guilty Plea Of Department Inspector Who Accepted Bribes From Asbestos Abatement Contractor

Defendant Accepted Cash Bribes in Exchange for Benefits to Contractor, Jeopardizing New Yorkers’ Health and Safety   

  New York Attorney General Letitia James and New York City Department of Investigation (DOI) Commissioner Margaret Garnett announced the guilty plea of Samuel Nebedum, 64, an Inspector with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Nebedum engaged in a long-term bribery relationship with an asbestos abatement contractor, wherein he accepted cash bribes, meals, and fish in exchange for providing various benefits to the contractor, including intentionally overlooking violations at the contractor’s worksites and the referral of additional abatement business. 

Nebedum pleaded guilty to charges of Bribe Receiving in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a Class D felony; Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E felony; and two counts of Official Misconduct, an A misdemeanor. Nebedum was sentenced to a conditional discharge, and must pay $15,000, $5,000 of which must be paid by July 15, 2019. The Court will determine the remaining pay schedule, to be paid to the New York City DEP.    

"By accepting bribes, Samuel Nebedum violated public trust and put the health and safety of New Yorkers at risk,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “New Yorkers deserve to be able to trust the integrity of their officials. My office will continue to hold accountable those who disregard the interests of the public in favor of financial gain.” 

“Today’s guilty plea sends the message that a City inspector, entrusted with safeguarding the public, will be held accountable and prosecuted when he trades in his integrity for bribes,” said DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett.“This defendant is now a convicted felon who no longer works for the City. DOI will continue to work with its partners, in particular the state Attorney General, to expose and prosecute corruption in this City.”  

The joint Attorney General and DOI investigation revealed that this arrangement has allegedly gone on for over ten years and put the health and safety of workers and New York City residents at risk.  

According to the felony complaint filed in December 2018 at the Queens County Supreme Court, Nebedum had been an Inspector with the DEP since May 29, 1990, and during the course of his employment allegedly accepted over $10,000.00 in bribes from a contractor during that time. With his guilty plea, Nebedum admits to an agreement or understanding that his actions or decisions were influenced upon the receipt of the bribes.  As alleged in the complaint, Nebedum used his position as an Inspector to give advance notice prior to official DEP inspections taking place at this contractor’s jobsites, ignored asbestos removal violations at this contractor’s jobsites, and referred additional business to the contractor, which stemmed from his official jobsite visits, all in violation of DEP policy.  

The DEP is the primary City agency responsible for the regulation of the asbestos abatement industry. Proper abatement procedures involve requiring all workers at a jobsite to wear Personal Protective Equipment, which includes a protective mask and hazmat suit; wetting down all asbestos containing material (“ACM”) when removed, so as to prevent asbestos from becoming airborne; the setting up of a proper decontamination unit with proper air-monitoring equipment, to ensure the work area does not have air containing ACM escaping; and the dumping of materials containing ACM at designated disposal facilities. As set forth in the felony complaint, the Attorney General and DOI alleged that Nebedum ignored these regulations during the course of this bribery scheme, putting the health of many workers and City residents at risk for inhaling and ingesting asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is hazardous to human health and is known to cause a type of cancer known as mesothelioma.  

Attorney General James and DOI Commissioner Garnett would like to thank the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for their assistance during this investigation. Attorney General James and DOI Commissioner Garnett also would also like to thank the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Bureau of Environmental Crimes Investigation for their support.  

DOI ARRESTS EIGHT INDIVIDUALS FOR SUBMITTING FORGED PARKING PLACARDS IN EFFORT TO HAVE PARKING TICKETS DISMISSED

  Margaret Garnett, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), in partnership with Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr., announced today the arrests of eight individuals for allegedly using forged parking placards to dispute parking tickets with the New York City Department of Finance (“DOF”) in an effort to have the tickets dismissed. The investigation began after DOI received a referral from the City Department of Transportation (“DOT”). The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.

 DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said, “Parking comes at a premium in a city like New York and using fraudulent placards to circumvent the rules is a crime. These individuals abused City parking regulations and attempted to escape paying the penalties by posing as City employees with City-issued placards or by using fake handicap parking placards reserved for those in real need, according to the charges. DOI is proud to partner with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office on cracking down on fraudulent placards and thanks DOT for referring these cases for investigation and their ongoing assistance in this proactive matter.” 

 The following defendants are charged with Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony. Upon conviction, a class E felony is punishable by up to four years in prison. According to the indictment and DOI’s investigation:

  MAXHUN HYKOSMANI, 53, of the Bronx, N.Y., received a summons for Failure to Display a Parking Meter Receipt on January 22, 2018 in Manhattan. In an effort to get the ticket dismissed, HYKOSMANI allegedly submitted a fraudulent City Law Department parking placard to DOF in February 2018. HYKOSMANI’s plea was denied by DOF and the summons was paid in full. Because HYKOSMANI allegedly used a City Law Department placard, purporting to be a City Law Department employee, HYKOSMANI is also charged with Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year’s incarceration.

  ELLIOT OBENG-DOMPREH, 33, of Bloomfield, N.J., received a summons for No Standing in a Meter Zone on August 25, 2017 in Manhattan. In an effort to get the ticket dismissed, in September 2017, OBENG-DOMPREH allegedly submitted to DOF a fraudulent City DOT handicap parking placard. OBENG-DOMPREH’s summons was dismissed by DOF

  YING J. LIN, 47, of Fresh Meadows, N.Y., received two summonses for Failure to Display a Muni Meter Receipt and Failure to Display a Parking Meter Receipt on August 8, 2017 and February 26, 2018, respectively, both in Queens. In an effort to get the tickets dismissed, in August 2017 and March 2018, LIN allegedly submitted two fraudulent City DOT handicap parking placards to DOF. LIN’s plea was denied by DOF and the summonses were paid in full.

  RAMON ARIAS, 57, of East Elmhurst, N.Y., received a summons for Failure to Display a Parking Meter Receipt on January 16, 2018 in Manhattan. In an effort to get the ticket dismissed, ARIAS allegedly submitted a fraudulent New York Blood Center parking placard to DOF in January 2018. ARIAS’ plea was denied by DOF and the summons was paid in full. Because ARIAS allegedly used a New York Blood Center placard, purporting to be a New York Blood Center employee, ARIAS is also charged with Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor.

  ARSEN ISKHAKOV, 47, of Forest Hills, N.Y., received a summons for parking in a No Parking Zone during street cleaning on February 20, 2018 in Queens. In an effort to get the ticket dismissed, ISKHAKOV allegedly submitted to DOF in February 2018 a fraudulent City DOT handicap parking placard. ISKHAKOV’s plea was denied by DOF and the summons was paid in full.

  CANDIDA ROMAN, 47, of Manhattan, N.Y., received two summonses for Failure to Display a Parking Meter Receipt on May 9, 2018 and May 10, 2018, both in Manhattan. In an effort to get the two tickets dismissed, ROMAN allegedly submitted to DOF in May 2018 a fraudulent City DOT handicap parking placard. ROMAN’s plea was denied by DOF and the summons was paid in full.

  ADRIAN RAMPRASAD, 27, of South Richmond Hill, N.Y., received summonses for Failure to Display a Parking Meter Receipt on May 30, 2018 and September 20, 2018 in Queens. In an effort to get these tickets dismissed, RAMPRASAD allegedly twice submitted a fraudulent City Law Department placard to DOF, in October 2018 and June 2018. RAMPRASAD’s plea was denied by DOF and the summonses were paid in full. Because RAMPRASAD allegedly used a City Law Department placard, purporting to be a City Law Department employee, RAMPRASAD is also charged with two counts of Criminal Impersonation in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor.

  JENNIFER ROSARIO, 36, of Manhattan, N.Y., received a summons in a No Standing Except for Authorized Vehicles zone on July 22, 2018 in Manhattan. In an effort to get the ticket dismissed, ROSARIO allegedly submitted to DOF in July 2018 a fraudulent City DOT parking placard purportedly assigned to the United States Postal Office. ROSARIO’s plea was denied by DOF and the summons was paid in full.

 Commissioner Garnett thanked Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr., DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg, and their staffs, including DOT Director of Security Operations Stefanie Panuccio, for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.

The investigation was conducted by DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for DOT.

The case is being prosecuted by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.

Indictments are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

MORE THAN 50 POUNDS OF FENTANYL RECOVERED IN INVESTIGATION OF TRAFFICKING GROUP WITH TENTACLES FROM MEXICO TO U.S. CITIES;

ORGANIZATION FLOODED THE BRONX WITH HEROIN AND FENTANYL 22 People Indicted After Investigation by Bronx DA, NYPD, DEA and HSI

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan and Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez today announced that 22 people have been indicted on charges related to distributing heroin and fentanyl in the Bronx. Three of the defendants are charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a maximum of life in prison if convicted. During the investigation, more than 50 pounds of fentanyl destined for the Bronx and elsewhere in the Northeast were seized. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “This organization allegedly spanned street dealers in the South Bronx to significant suppliers in Mexico linked to the Sinaloa cartel. These indictments charge traffickers whose poison kills an average of 20 Bronxites a month. Fortunately, 23 kilos (50 pounds) of fentanyl were intercepted before it could wreak havoc. The stamp on many of the heroin packs says it all: PAID. But with our law enforcement partners, we will pursue those at every level of the illegal narcotics trade who put money above human beings.” 

 New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said, “The success of this operation means that large quantities of illegal narcotics were prevented from hitting the streets of New York City. The NYPD will continue to be relentless in the pursuit of narcotic traffickers. This result is a clear example of what the combined powers of local law enforcement agencies can achieve.”

 Special Agent in Charge Donovan said, “This case provides a bird’s eye view of how the Sinaloa Cartel’s operation and transportation network brings heroin, fentanyl, and death to New York City doorsteps and users throughout the Northeast. Fentanyl is the deadliest threat facing communities nationwide. Through this investigation, we have saved lives; we intercepted 23 kilograms of fentanyl that had a lethal capacity to kill the population of New York City before it hit the streets.”

 Special Agent in Charge Melendez said, “As fentanyl continues to flood through our borders, drug dealers in the Bronx and elsewhere are lacing narcotics with the highly addictive opioid, creating a more desired product among its customer base. Law enforcement understands the potential havoc this drug can effect on our communities, and we remain partnered in the effort of disrupting and dismantling those drug trafficking organizations who profit with no concern for their own communities.”

 New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “Great law enforcement partnerships and police work led to the arrest of these 20 individuals in the Bronx. Through communication and cooperation, a drug trafficking organization was dismantled and more than 20 kilos of Fentanyl were taken off the streets, some of it bound for New York State. The State Police are proud to be a part of this Strike Force Group. Each arrest, each seizure is saving lives and decreases the additional crime that surrounds these illegal and dangerous operations.”

 District Attorney Clark said 17 of the 22 defendants were arrested, most of them during a takedown on May 28, 2019 that yielded drugs, a Mossberg .22-caliber semi-automatic rifle and 189 rounds of ammunition. The defendants are charged in two indictments. One indictment charges 11 individuals with 236 counts of various degrees of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy. Three of the defendants—Roberto Gonzalez Franco, of Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico; Oscar Alessandro Garcia, of Palmerton, PA; and John Doe of the Bronx—are charged with Operating as a Major Trafficker, which carries a minimum of 15-25 years to maximum of life in prison if convicted.

 A second indictment charges 11 individuals with 281 counts of various degrees of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy.

 Sixteen of the defendants have been arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice April A. Newbauer. Most of the defendants are due back in court on June 20, 2019.

 According to the 20-month investigation by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, NYPD Criminal Enterprise Investigative Section, Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force and Homeland Security Investigations, dubbed “Operation Getting Paid,” the defendants were part of two different groups that trafficked several kilograms of fentanyl and heroin monthly, and sold it in bulk to distributors in the Bronx, Philadelphia, Albany, and other cities in the northeast. The drugs wound up on the streets in $10 packets.

 According to the investigation, Roberto Gonzalez Franco is a Mexican national with a B-1 Visa border crossing card restricting his travel to 75 miles from the border. Gonzalez Franco crossed the border approximately 15 times from September 2018 to early February 2019 and held meetings with other defendants in the Bronx, Philadelphia and Chicago.

 According to the investigation, Mario Alberto Urbina Garcia of Los Angeles is an American who frequently traveled with Gonzalez Franco. Urbina Garcia crossed the border approximately 13 times from September 2018 to early February 2019.

 According to the first indictment, on February 8, 2019, 23 kilos (50 pounds) of fentanyl were seized from a hidden compartment within a vehicle in Chicago while en route to the Bronx and other locations. According to the investigation, the fentanyl was being supplied by Gonzalez Franco, Garcia and Urbina. The source of the fentanyl is believed to have been the Sinaloa cartel. Urbina was in the vehicle when the narcotics were seized by the DEA in Chicago. John Doe, who lived in the Melrose section of the Bronx, allegedly was going to receive part of the shipment and allegedly sell it to Carlos Rodriguez Santana and Charlie Rodriguez, of the Melrose and Morrisania sections of the Bronx.

 The investigation began with a probe of drug dealing in the McKinley Houses, where Charlie Rodriguez allegedly headed a group that sold glassines of heroin with the stamp “PAID” and glassine with fentanyl stamped “PRICELESS.”

 One of the defendants, Jose Jaquez, allegedly transported drugs and cash throughout the Bronx in his NYC green taxicab. Charlie Rodriguez also allegedly distributed narcotics to resellers in Albany.

 According to the second indictment, the other group, headed by Kelvin De Leon and Carlos Miguel De Leon, distributed their narcotics from the University Heights, Kingsbridge Heights, and Concourse sections of the Bronx, and supplied Carlos Vazquez with heroin mixed with fentanyl. Vazquez lived in Wakefield and distributed much of his drugs close to the McKinley and Forest Houses.

 On January 6, 2019, Kelvin De Leon died of acute heroin intoxication in his home where it is believed he stored narcotics.

 According to the investigation, defendants Carlos Vazquez and Felipe Marquez frequented drug treatment programs, and may have used them to cultivate vulnerable people as heroin customers or re-sellers

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Lieutenant Edward Barry, NYPD Detectives Shane Gugliucciello and Michael Smyth, and NYPD Police Officer Albert Knowles; the DEA Chicago Division, Illinois State Police, Master Sergeant Ken Benson and Trooper Stephanie Dickson; Pennsylvania State Police, Trooper First Class Gary Knott; and Department of Investigation, Office of Inspector General for NYCHA, Chief Investigator Enio Bencosme for their assistance in the case.

 The DEA STRIKE FORCE is supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA; the New York City Police Department; the New York State Police; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; New York National Guard; the Clarkstown Police Department; U.S. Coast Guard; Port Washington Police Department; and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. 

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and is not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Defendants Indictment # 2019-1092

John Doe, AKA Saul, AKA Alex, East 154 Street, Bronx 

Carlos Rodriguez Santana, 76, East 155 Street, Bronx

Charlie Rodriguez, 45, East 163 Street, Bronx 

Robert Goldberg, 65, Sheridan Avenue, Bronx

Rafael Rodriguez, 57, Herkimer Street, Albany 

Jose Jaquez, 39, Hammersley Avenue, Bronx

Santiago Jose Martinez Sanchez, AKA Eduito, 51, East 141 Street, Bronx 

Silvia Vidal, 30, Bruckner Boulevard, Bronx

Roberto Gonzalez Franco, 50, Los Mochis, Mexico 

Mario Alberto Urbina Garcia, AKA Monstro, 33, Los Angeles, California

Oscar Alessandro Garcia, AKA Junior, 44, Palmerton, Pennsylvania

Indictment #2019-1089 

Carlos Vazquez, AKA, Catano, 66, White Plains Road, Bronx

Damaso Rodriguez, 51, Prospect Avenue, Bronx 

Felipe Marquez, 60, East 165 Street, Bronx

Leonardo Villar-Cruz, AKA Cuba, 62, Morrison Avenue, Bronx 

Juan Serrano, AKA John, 56, Reverend James A. Polite Avenue, Bronx

John Torres, AKA John, 50, Saint John Ave, Bronx 

Jose Muniz, AKA Joey, 37, Tiebout Avenue, Bronx

Eduard Ventura de Leon, AKA Eduardo, 32, Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx 

Carlos Miguel de Leon, AKA Carlito, AKA Jorge, 28, Walton Avenue, Bronx

Victor Manuel Burgos Ramos, AKA Chaka, 30, Leggett Avenue, Bronx 

Carmen Delia Burgos Ramos, AKA Yeli, 29, Grand Avenue, Bronx

Statement from New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer, Assemblymember Jeffrey Dinowitz and State Senator Brad Hoylman

  “Thursday's vote by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to enact so-called “Best Interest” regulation relating to the responsibility investment brokers and advisors owe to their clients will put New York City’s retirees, consumers and their hard-earned savings at risk. In voting to adopt its final rule the SEC has squandered a historic opportunity to protect the retirement and personal savings of New York families and all retail investors. With this backwards regulation, the SEC is serving the best interest of only bankers and brokers who will use these regulations to profit at the expense of their clients.

“Those who invest their hard-earned money with investment professionals deserve to know those professionals will provide objective advice that benefits their bottom line. However, investment professionals are often permitted to push investments that line their pockets with high fees or commissions. This rule allows brokers to ‘explain away’ any conflicts of interest and squeeze their clients for fees. This will only serve to mislead investors, potentially weaken existing protections, and allow reckless financiers to cash in. It’s another give away to those who gambled away our economy a decade ago. Turning back the clock now makes no sense at all.

“Hardworking New Yorkers deserve honest and responsible investment advice. That is why we will champion State legislation to be introduced in the next session which would require all investment professionals operating within New York State to place the interests and well-being of their customers above their own by abiding by the fiduciary standard, a strict set of requirements that protect consumers and their savings. We won’t let New Yorkers get rolled or allow the rules to be rigged against them. We will stand up for working people and ensure New Yorkers don’t give their hard-earned dollars to dishonest brokers.”

Leader Of Bronx Drug Distribution Organization Sentenced To 188 Months In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HECTOR PALERMO was sentenced today by United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods to 188 months in prison for leading a drug trafficking conspiracy that operated in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.  PALERMO pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman on November 19, 2018.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Today’s sentence sends a message that destructive drug trafficking in our communities will not be tolerated.  We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep the streets free of dangerous narcotics.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, and statements made in court filings and during court proceedings:

Between approximately 2014 and 2017, PALERMO was one of the leaders of a violent drug trafficking organization that controlled the distribution of large amounts of crack cocaine in the Hunts Point section of the Bronx.  PALERMO managed all aspects of the organization, from the preparation of narcotics to the supervision of individuals who conducted hand-to-hand sales of narcotics. 

In addition to his prison sentence, PALERMO, 37, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Berman praised the excellent work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.    

Recording Artist Kintea McKenzie Pleads Guilty In Connection With 2018 Shooting In Times Square

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KINTEA MCKENZIE, a/k/a “Kooda B,” pled guilty today in Manhattan federal court in connection with a shooting outside a hotel in Times Square on June 2, 2018, in furtherance of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”) criminal enterprise.  U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Today, Kintea McKenzie admitted his responsibility for a brazen shooting in bustling Times Square.  In coordination with Tekashi 6ix 9ine and other Nine Trey gang members, McKenzie arranged to have another individual shoot at a rival gang member.  We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to vigorously investigate acts of violence committed by gang members.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:

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.  On or about June 2, 2018, MCKENZIE agreed to accept money from Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” to shoot at a rival gang member and rapper who was staying at a hotel in Times Square.   MCKENZIE helped to organize the shooting in order to scare that rival gang member. 

MCKENZIE, 21, of Brooklyn, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by Judge Engelmayer.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  He also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.