Twenty Free Money Gang Members and Associates Arrested on Racketeering, Murder, Drug Trafficking and Firearms Charges

 

An 18-count superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday in the Southern District of Texas charging 20 defendants – all alleged Free Money gang members and associates from Houston – with federal crimes, including racketeering (RICO) conspiracy, murder and attempted murder in aid of racketeering, Hobbs Act Robbery, and related firearm and drug offenses.

According to court documents, members and associates of Free Money, a violent, Houston-based street gang, used violence and intimidation to control their territory and retaliated against rival gang members, including by conducting numerous drive-by shootings, and raised money through drug trafficking and robberies.

“This twenty-defendant indictment alleges that the Free Money gang terrorized the streets of Houston with drive-by and calculated shootings, often in public places like grocery store parking lots, putting countless lives in danger,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “These brazen tactics show the wide-ranging danger posed by violent gangs. The Criminal Division will continue to prioritize investigations and prosecutions of violent gang members so that innocent Americans get what they deserve – their communities restored and their lives unencumbered by the fear and carnage that these gangs perpetuate.”

“The indictment unsealed yesterday alleges that the Free Money gang engaged in a campaign of robbery, drug trafficking, and armed violence to intimidate their rivals and terrorize the people of Houston,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “That ends now. Houstonians should be able to live their lives without fear of either themselves or their loved ones being robbed, maimed, or caught in the crossfire of gang warfare. SDTX’s message on this point is clear and unmistakable: if you’re thinking of engaging in violent, criminal conduct on a Houston street, think again.  The Southern District has your number.”

“The sheer number of murders and shootings these individuals are suspected of freely carrying out for years, and the level of indiscriminate violence they’re accused of executing is alarming,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Hudson of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Yesterday’s coordinated arrests across Houston are the result of years-long investigations by our FBI Houston team and our partners. We hope the residents of the Houston neighborhoods they terrorized can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals are free no more.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 24, 2022, in broad daylight, surveillance video captured defendants Terry Ardoin, 24, and Travonte Ardoin, 28, as they followed a Chevrolet Equinox into a shopping center parking lot. The driver of the Equinox entered a nearby store while the passenger remained in the vehicle. When the driver returned, the video showed the Ardoins exiting their vehicle wearing masks and opening fire on both individuals. Multiple rounds struck the Equinox’s passenger compartment, killing the passenger. 

Surveillance Video of Defendants

Free Money members hunted for rival gang members throughout Houston and were indiscriminate when they attacked. For instance, on Aug. 3, 2022, defendant Shakeil Anderson, 23, and other Free Money members allegedly drove past and shot repeatedly into the home of the grandmother of a perceived rival gang member.

The gang allegedly financed the buying of guns and provided money to jailed fellow gang members through robberies and drug sales. For example, on June 3, 2024, defendant Walter Tolbert, 21, and other Free Money members allegedly stole jewelry, Sony PlayStations, and money from a pawn store, robbing the store employees at gunpoint.

The gang also targeted rival gangs for robberies. On Aug. 14, 2022, Free Money members and associates attempted to rob a rival gang member’s drug stash house and kill the inhabitants. Defendants Joci Barley, 26; Terrel Davis,28; Walter Tolbert; Shakeil Anderson; Jakobe Anderson, 24; Chase Franklin-Williams, 21; Terry Adroin; Travonte Ardoin; Deandre Thompson, 22; Emery Goodley, 26; Jymonte McClendon, 28; and Maurkael Brown, 31, allegedly planned the robbery of the drug stash house while at a Free Money meeting during which they avowed to “kill and do everything they needed to do” to rob the drugs and money they believed were in the house even knowing that the house was likely occupied. Luckily, law enforcement was able to stop the home invasion while the robbers were driving to the stash house location. During the police chase, Travonte Ardoin threw a gun out of his car window.

The gang allegedly also trafficked in crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. As alleged, defendant Orlando Calloway, 52, supplied crack cocaine to the gang by cooking cocaine the gang ordered.

FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Trial Attorney Ralph Paradiso of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Brown for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

This case is part of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative to prosecute violent crimes in Houston. The Criminal Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas have partnered, along with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, to confront violent crimes gang members and associates have committed through the enforcement of federal laws and use of federal resources to prosecute violent offenders and prevent further violence.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Senator Gustavo Rivera on NYSNA’s Contract Ratification with Montefiore Health System

 

Last night, NYSNA nurses voted almost unanimously to ratify a new 3-year contract with Montefiore, ending a historic, month-long strike.

“I want to thank the NYSNA nurses and Montefiore leadership for working together to reach this now ratified 3-year contract. It was not an easy process, but I believe that both parties understood that ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both patients and nurses were paramount. 

When I visited the nurses at the picket line, I was struck by their energy even in the bitter cold. It was also very clear to me that instead of marching outside, these nurses would much rather be in their units doing what they love: dutifully caring for their patients. 

This hard fought contract is a victory for the healthcare needs of The Bronx, nurses in our City, and our State’s labor movement.”

Morris Park Community Association February Meeting

 

Morris Park Community Association February Meeting

By Robert Press

It was a jam packed MPCA meeting with the Bronx Commissioner of DEP, Propel NY Energy, the local assemblyman, a representative from Congressman Ritchie Torres, and the NYPD 49th Precinct Community Affairs officer who brought two members of the Q-Team. 

First up were the police officers as Community Affairs Detective Hall explained that the Q-Team are Quality of Life officers who handle 311 calls. Officer Fernandez and Officer Gil explained their duties, and took some questions before going back on their tours. Next was Assemblyman John Zaccaro who said he just got in from Albany. He mentioned that he is now on the Assembly Housing Committee, while mentioning a free tax and free food giveaway he is hosting. When asked about The mayor being in Albany asking for funding, the assemblyman said he is not on the committee the mayor went before. To a question on mail service the representative from Congressman Torres office said that the Postal Service doesn't talk to the congressman's office.

The first presentation was from Bronx Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Effie Ardizzone on Downspouts. They lead from the roof to the sewer system which is being overloaded with the stronger storms and over development. DEP does not want the water to go into the sewer system, but into yards, and in the past gave out rain barrels to hold the excess water to be used to water gardens or wash cars, easing sewer overflows. Effie also went over Winter 101, where the DEP recommends to keep pipes from freezing to run your faucets to keep the flow of water flowing. She also said if water in a pipe freezes, use a hair dryer or heater, but never an open flame that can set off an explosion, even in water pipes. On social media DEP is listed as NYC water with other tips.  

Last up was Jose Rodriguez from Propel NY Energy who had a powerpoint project update of what Propel NY is, and where they are in their solution to the growing energy needs of the metro NYC area including Long Island. Mr. Rodriguez said Propel NY is not a battery storage, not an offshore wind project, not tied to any one generation source,  or permitted through the RAPID ACT. He said Propel NY is a core infrastructure for all generation sources, an underground electric transmission project, a project that benefits local areas and state, and is permitted through NYS Article VII. 

It was also mentioned that eighty percent of the aging infrastructure transmission was built before 1980. That it is estimated to be a fifty to ninety percent increase in demand in the next twenty years. Increased dependency on electrical devices, whereas Long Island leads New York in EV car ownership. In answering a question if Propel NY Energy was going to increase the amount of electricity, the answer was that it was not going to produce new energy, but redistribute the current electricity to where it was needed. 

49th Precinct Community Affairs Detective Hall speaks as Q-Team officers Fernandez and Gill are standing next to a seated Assemblyman John Zaccaro.

Assemblyman John Zaccaro addresses the audience.

(R - L) Bronx DEP Commissioner Effie Ardizzone, MPCA officer Lori Peterson, MPCA officer Patti Marinello, and MPCA President Al D'Angelo.

Wallingford Man Charged with Trafficking 16 Kilograms of Fentanyl into Connecticut

 

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Jarod Forget, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration for New England, today announced that JOSEPH MONTANEZ, also known as “Jose” and “Max,” 44, of Wallingford, has been charged by indictment with a fentanyl trafficking offense.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, on January 13, 2026, law enforcement stopped a car on I-80 in Nebraska that contained approximately 16 kilograms of fentanyl.  The investigation revealed that Montanez had rented the car in Connecticut and arranged to pay a courier $20,000 to drive to California, pick up the fentanyl, and drive it back to Connecticut.  Thereafter, investigators arranged a controlled delivery of the drug shipment to Montanez using approximately 40 grams of fentanyl and 16 kilograms of fake fentanyl.

It is further alleged that, on January 15, 2026, investigators observed Montanez as he traveled to meet a vehicle carrying the fentanyl, exit his vehicle, enter the vehicle carrying the fentanyl, and direct the driver to go to a service plaza on Route 15.  Montanez’ first vehicle then traveled a short distance away to the area of Exit 58 in Wallingford.  Investigators stopped the first vehicle, detained the driver, and seized approximately $23,000 in cash.  Montanez was then taken into custody at the service plaza.  He has been detained since his arrest.

On January 28, 2026, a grand jury in Hartford returned an indictment charging Montanez with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, 400 grams or more of fentanyl, an offense that carries mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life.  Montanez appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector in New Haven and entered a plea of not guilty.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This matter is being investigated by the DEA New Haven District Office (NHDO) Task Force, DEA Omaha, and the Seward County (Neb.) Sheriff’s Office.  The Task Force includes participants from the U.S. Marshals Service, the Connecticut State Police, and the New Haven, Waterbury, Branford, West Haven, Ansonia, Meriden, Naugatuck, Middletown, and Shelton Police Departments.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan J. Keefe.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Bronx Gang Member Convicted Of 2013 Murder

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that a jury found LAMAR WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Little Black,” a/k/a “Chase Money Marz,” guilty of murder in aid of racketeering, murder through use of a firearm, and racketeering conspiracy.  The convictions relate to WILLIAMS’ murder of 28-year-old Rasheed Barton on August 11, 2013, in the Bronx, New York, and WILLIAMS’ leadership of the Mac Ballers gang.  WILLIAMS was convicted following a seven-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Loretta A. Preska, who will impose sentence on May 19, 2026. 

“Moments ago, a unanimous Manhattan jury rightly found that Lamar Williams, a leader of the violent Mac Ballers set of the Bloods gang, gunned down Rasheed Barton in cold blood,” U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said.  “New Yorkers want violent gang members off our streets.  Our office, together with our law enforcement partners—including the NYPD, FBI, DEA and HSI—is committed to that mission.  In this important case, I commend the women and men of this Office for closely partnering with New York’s finest in bringing a leader of a gang whose stock and trade is murder, violence, and intimidation.” 

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

From at least 2013 to 2022, WILLIAMS was a member and leader of the Mac Ballers, which is associated with the national Bloods gang.  The Mac Ballers operated primarily in the northeast United States, including in the Bronx, and in jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.

Members of the Mac Ballers committed acts of violence, including murder, to protect and expand the gang’s territory, to retaliate against rival gang members, to keep victims and potential victims in fear of the gang, and to otherwise promote the gang’s reputation.  They also distributed controlled substances in order to enrich themselves.  Mac Ballers members promoted and celebrated the gang’s criminal conduct, including acts of violence, drug distribution, and firearm usage.

On August 11, 2013, WILLIAMS shot and killed Rasheed Barton in the vicinity of East 174th Street and Bronx River Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  WILLIAMS murdered Barton in connection with WILLIAMS’ membership in the Mac Ballers gang and his conspiring to sell crack cocaine.

WILLIAMS, 35, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison; and one count of racketeering conspiracy with special sentencing factors, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison.

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

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office.

Run the 2026 NYC Marathon for Van Cortlandt Park

 

Photo Credit: Ronald Yan

Do you love to run? Do it for a good cause.

As an official charity partner, Van Cortlandt Park Alliance is offering guaranteed entry into the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1 — simply by fundraising for the park you love.

Act fast... There are only 3 spaces available to join Team Van Cortlandt Park!

Every mile you run will help us care for the trails thousands of runners use every day. When you commit to raising $3,000, you’ll not only earn your spot in one of NYC’s most exciting races, you’ll directly support the forests, paths, and green spaces that make Van Cortlandt Park such a special place to train.

We’ll set you up with fundraising tools, an easy-to-use app, and sample messages so you can focus on training while we help you reach your goal.

Ready to run for Van Cortlandt Park?

Click here to take a short survey to show your interest.

And as New York Road Runners celebrates the 50th anniversary of the iconic five-borough course in 2026, this is a once-in-a-generation year to be part of the race — and to run it with purpose.

See you at the starting line!

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

Attorney General James Urges Congress to Pass Senate’s Kids Online Safety Act

 

Bipartisan Coalition of 40 AGs Call on Congress to Reject House Version of Kids Online Safety Act, Citing Language That Would Undermine Existing State Laws

New York Attorney General Letitia James and a bipartisan coalition of 39 other attorneys general today called on Congress to pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), S. 1748, to protect children and their data. In a letter to congressional leaders, Attorney General James and the coalition urged Congress to reject the House version of the KOSA bill, H.R. 6484, which includes preemption language that would undermine existing state laws to protect children, such as New York’s SAFE for Kids Act championed by Attorney General James. Attorney General James and leaders in other states have advanced laws that promote online safety for minors, and the House bill would limit the states’ ability to address evolving online harms in the future. The coalition is calling on Congress to mirror the Senate version of the bill in the House to protect children online.

“Our young people continue to struggle with their mental health because of harmful social media features, and states are already addressing those challenges,” said Attorney General James. “New York and other states should be able to continue to advance strong legislation to keep children safe online. That is why I am joining a bipartisan coalition of my colleagues to strongly urge congressional leaders to reject the House KOSA bill and pass the Senate version to keep children safe.”

Social media platforms are intentionally designed to be addictive, which has led to worse mental health for young people. Increasing evidence demonstrates that social media companies are aware of the their products’ negative effects on underage users’ mental health, yet they have chosen to persist in these practices. Many states have passed legislation to strengthen protections for children online, such as New York’s SAFE for Kids Act, which limits addictive feeds for minors and protects children’s data from being monetized.

Attorney General James and the coalition urge Congress to pass the Senate version of the KOSA bill because it:

• Preserves states’ authority to enact laws, rules, or regulations that provide greater protection for minors;
• Includes a requirement for social media companies to act with reasonable caution to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others; and
• Expands the list of social media harms to include suicide, eating disorders, compulsive use, other mental health harms, and financial harms.

The coalition asserts that these changes will help create a safer online environment for our children.

Joining Attorney General James in sending today’s letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

NYPD OFFICER INDICTED FOR GRAND LARCENY IN COVID-19 LOAN FRAUD SCHEME

 

Defendant Received $40,250 in Paycheck Protection Program Loans For a Non-Existent Business 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a New York City Police Officer was indicted on Grand Larceny, Falsifying Business Records and other related charges for fraudulently obtaining loans intended to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant is accused of falsely applying for and receiving tens of thousands of dollars in loans that were earmarked for small businesses struggling to survive during the COVID-19 pandemic. The allegations are especially egregious given that he is a police officer.” 

District Attorney Clark said that the defendant, Edward Delgado, 41, who was assigned to the 41st Precinct, was arraigned on February 9, 2026, on two counts of thirddegree Grand Larceny, two counts of fourth-degree Grand Larceny, two counts of thirddegree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, two counts of first-degree Falsifying Business Records and two counts of first-degree Offering a False Instrument for Filing before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Pamela Goldsmith. Delgado was released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court on April 13, 2026.

According to the investigation, from February 2021 to April 2021, the defendant applied for two loans of $20,125 each through the Paycheck Protection Program that was being run by the U.S. Small Business Administration, falsely claiming to own a security business. Bank records show that a total of $40,250 was deposited into the defendant’s account between February and April of 2021. He allegedly used those funds to pay bills.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Sergeant Miguel Abreu and Lieutenant Myles McKenna from the Internal Affairs Bureau, and Special Agent Manuel Zoquier of the IRS Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation for their work in the investigation.

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