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, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging three members of the MacBallas street gang with attempted murder, arising out of their role in an assault and attempted murder against a fellow inmate inside a New York City jail in June 2017.

Two of the defendants, KALVIN THWAITES and ANDREW BURRELL, were taken into federal custody last week and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott.  The remaining defendant, KENDALL NEWLAND, was taken into federal custody this morning and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.  An initial pretrial conference is scheduled for September 20, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., before Judge Marrero.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said:  “As alleged in the Indictment, the defendants tried to kill a fellow inmate in order to promote their membership in the MacBallas street gang.  We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to end gang violence, wherever it occurs.”

HSI Special Agent-in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “These MacBallas gang members were already serving time for their criminal acts when they tried to take the life of another inmate.  When it comes to maintaining power and position, these individuals have little regard for human life.  This is why law enforcement remains diligent in its gang enforcement both on and off the streets.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment[1] and statements made in court:

The MacBallas gang is a criminal enterprise that operates principally in and around the New York City area, including within city, state, and federal jails and prisons.  Members and associates of the MacBallas engage in, among other things, narcotics trafficking, as well as acts of violence, to preserve and protect the power of the gang. 

On June 7, 2017, the defendants, who were detained at the Vernon C. Bain Center, a New York City jail in the Bronx, New York, assaulted with a dangerous weapon and attempted to murder a fellow inmate in order to maintain or increase their position in the MacBallas.

*                *                *

THWAITES, 26, of Queens, New York, NEWLAND, 25, of Mount Vernon, New York, and BURRELL, 28, of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity, which carries a maximum sentence of  20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is 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 HSI and the NYPD.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Swergold and Adam Hobson are in charge of the prosecution.  The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.

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 below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

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. 

 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Estes, Drew Skinner, and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.

 

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.