Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the return today of an Indictment charging DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J Rocc,” with the September 19, 2015, murder of Nestor Suazo, 25, in the vicinity of East Tremont Avenue and Clinton Avenue in the Bronx, New York. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Nearly five years ago, Nestor Suazo’s life was senselessly taken.  As alleged in the Indictment, Derrick Richardson was one of those responsible for that terrible crime.  Now, thanks to the determination of our law enforcement partners at the NYPD and HSI, Richardson faces federal murder charges.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “The ability of investigators to bring about justice for this young man and provide a sense of closure to his family is paramount.  The identification and arrest of the suspect in this case was a joint effort that would not have been possible without the collaboration between the NYPD and our law enforcement partners.  I thank the U.S. Attorney and the NYPD Detectives and HSI agents involved in this case.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “Derrick Richardson is charged with the horrible crime of murdering Nestor Suazo in the Bronx in 2015.  As alleged in the indictment, Richardson is a member of the Rollin' 30s Crip, a gang that committed and threatened to commit acts of violence in order to promote its interests.  HSI stands united with its law enforcement partners to bring closure to the families of those lost to gang violence by finding and arresting the alleged offenders and seeking justice for their criminal acts.”

As alleged in the Indictment returned today[1]: 

RICHARDSON was a member of a racketeering enterprise known as the Rollin’ 30s Crips.  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and robbery; they conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and they obtained, possessed, and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.

In connection with his membership in the gang, on or about September 19, 2015, RICHARDSON shot and killed Nestor Suazo in the vicinity of East Tremont Avenue and Clinton Avenue in the Bronx, New York.

*                *                *

RICHARDSON, 27, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison, and murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.  

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

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

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica K. Fender, Anden Chow, and Jacqueline C. Kelly are in charge of the prosecution.

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

_______________________________________

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

 

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging 22 members of a crew operating in and around the Thomas Jefferson Houses in Manhattan with narcotics conspiracy and firearms offenses. 

A total of 14 defendants were taken into custody today; two other defendants were already in federal custody.  Sixteen of the 22 defendants will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman later today.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter.   

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “In this Office’s continuing effort to improve the quality of life for the law-abiding and rent-paying residents of NYCHA housing, today’s indictment charges 22 members with allegedly operating a serious drug distribution network to deal crack cocaine in and around the Jefferson Houses in East Harlem.  These drugs destroy lives and cripple communities.  In addition, members of the crew allegedly possessed firearms to further their drug operation, bringing the danger of gun violence to the streets of New York.  Thanks to the outstanding work of the FBI and NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.” 

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, these drug dealers hold communities hostage by creating an atmosphere of fear, and the wares they’re pushing are now having a deadly impact beyond our city.  The FBI Metro Safe Streets Task Force, which made today’s arrests, is committed to deterring street violence and will continue to pursue those that endanger New York City communities.”  

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

From 2014 up to June 2018, JOSE HERNANDEZ, a/k/a “Cheerio,” a/k/a “Bheerio,” CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE, a/k/a “Hood,” a/k/a ”H.O.,” a/k/a “Peanut,” LUIS AVILES, a/k/a “Toby,” GERALDO BUSANET, a/k/a “Bunazie,” SAMMUEL CABAN, a/k/a “Sammy,” JASON DAVENPORT, a/k/a “Jay,” JAMER DAVIS, a/k/a “J-Rock,” JERRELL FULCHER, a/k/a “Relly,” a/k/a “Butta,” RICO GONZALEZ, CLARENCE GRANDY, a/k/a “Butta,” TITO LLANES, a/k/a “Reek,” BENJAMIN LUCRE, a/k/a “Gotti,” DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “Fazo,” PARIS ROBERTS, a/k/a “Rambo,” ROCKY SANCHEZ, EDWIN SANTANA, a/k/a “E.B.,” a/k/a “Fat,” a/k/a “Defat,” LARRY SMITH, a/k/a “Scrap,” SHAHIEME SMITH, a/k/a “Mills,” a/k/a “Ira,” ISAAC SOLER, a/k/a “Doughboy,” DYLAN WILLIAMS, a/k/a “Rock,” a/k/a “Rockyo,” JAMES WILSON, a/k/a “Gotti,” and ROBERT WRIGHT, a/k/a “Rob Santana,” participated in a conspiracy to distribute 280 grams and more of crack cocaine and in around the Jefferson Houses, a public housing project in East Harlem, New York.

From 2014 up to June 2018, certain members of this Crew, namely JOSE HERNANDEZ, CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE, BENJAMIN LUCRE, EDWIN SANTANA, LARRY SMITH, ISAAC SOLER, and DYLAN WILIAMS used, carried, and possessed firearms in furtherance of the crack cocaine conspiracy of which they were members.

*                      *                     *       

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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD, and commended the NYPD's Manhattan North Narcotics, Major Case. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren Schorr, Jessica Feinstein, Jacob Warren, and Christopher Clore are in charge of the prosecution.

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



COUNT





CHARGE





DEFENDANTS





MAX. PENALTIES





1





Narcotics conspiracy

 

21 U.S.C. §§ 841(b)(1)(A) and 846 





JOSE HERNANDEZ, 31

CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE, 34

LUIS AVILES, 31

GERALDO BUSANET, 31

SAMMUEL CABAN, 28

JASON DAVENPORT, 30

JAMER DAVIS, 23

JERRELL FULCHER, 21

RICO GONZALEZ, 21

CLARENCE GRANDY, 20

TITO LLANES, 22

BENJAMIN LUCRE, 18

DERRICK RICHARDSON, 21

PARIS ROBERTS, 19

ROCKY SANCHEZ, 23

EDWIN SANTANA, 29

LARRY SMITH, 28

ISAAC SOLER, 27

DYLAN WILLIAMS, 20

JAMES WILSON, 29

ROBERT WRIGHT, 23

 

 

 





Life in prison

 

Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison





2





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 ) and 2





JOSE HERNANDEZ

CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE

BENJAMIN LUCRE

EDWIN SANTANA

LARRY SMITH

ISAAC SOLER

DYLAN WILLIAMS

 

 

 

 





Life in prison

 

Mandatory minimum of five years in prison



 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James P. O’Neill, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), and Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York City, announced the unsealing of a Superseding Indictment charging five additional defendants, including a leader of the Rollin’ 30s Crips, RANDY TORRES, a/k/a “Rico,” with racketeering and narcotics charges as a result of their membership in the violent Crips street gang.  TORRES, together with CHARLES VENTURA, a/k/a “Gutta,” DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J Rock,” EARL BANKS, a/k/a “EJ,” and former Armed Services Member EMIL MATUTE, a/k/a “Silly,” join other members of the Rollin’ 30s who were previously charged with racketeering, firearms, and narcotics-related offenses, including WALSTON OWEN, a/k/a “Purpose,” RICHARD FELIZ, a/k/a “Dirt,” SHAQUILLE BAILEY, a/k/a “Shaq,” a/k/a “Jefe,” and MIGUEL CABA, a/k/a “Miggs.”

The Superseding Indictment charges FELIZ for the March 26, 2015, murder of Victor Chafla, an innocent bystander.  OWEN, FELIZ, BAILEY, CABA, VENTURA, and RICHARDSON are already in federal custody.  BANKS and MATUTE were arrested earlier today, and will be presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katherine H. Parker.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.  TORRES remains at large.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, these defendants are members of a street gang that has engaged in drug trafficking, robbery, murder, and other acts of violence.  The indictment unsealed today alleges that Richard Feliz murdered innocent bystander Victor Chafla in a botched attempt to kill a rival gang member.  Gang violence is a threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods, and we will continue to work to end it.”

NYPD Commissioner O’Neill said:  “The high level of collaboration employed by the NYPD and our federal partners increasingly results in appropriate, meaningful prison sentences for those convicted of engaging in these types of illegal enterprises and street violence.  I commend all of the detectives and investigators involved, and the U.S. Attorney for leveling these additional charges today.”

HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said:  “The charges against these men span from racketeering to murder; from firearms to narcotics-related offenses.  These members of the violent Crips street gang allegedly did whatever it took to fund their criminal enterprise and protect their interest.  But it is in the interest of HSI and its law enforcements partners, like the NYPD, to ‘close up shop’ on these alleged criminal operations by arresting the operators and bringing them to justice.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Indictment[1] and other documents in the public record, and statements made in court:

From at least in or about 2013 up to and including in or about 2017, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, RANDY TORRES, a/k/a “Rico,” WALSTON OWEN, a/k/a “Purpose,” RICHARD FELIZ, a/k/a “Dirt,” SHAQUILLE BAILEY, a/k/a “Shaq,” a/k/a “Jefe,” MIGUEL CABA, a/k/a “Miggs,” CHARLES VENTURA, a/k/a “Gutta,” DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J Rock,” EARL BANKS, a/k/a “EJ,” and EMIL MATUTE, a/k/ “Silly,” were members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as the “Rollin’ 30s,” also known as the “Harlem Mafia,” or “Dirt Gang.”  In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of the Rollin’ 30s committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery; and they conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics.

During a dispute with a member of an opposing crew, on March 26, 2015, FELIZ fired a gun in an attempt to kill that individual.  FELIZ instead hit an innocent father, Victor Chafla, in the head, while Chafla was standing outside the store where he worked stocking fruits and vegetables. Chafla died from his wounds a few days later.

*                      *                      *



Count





Charges





Defendants





Maximum Penalties





1





Racketeering Conspiracy





RANDY TORRES,

WALSTON OWEN,

RICHARD FELIZ, SHAQUILLE BAILEY, MIGUEL CABA,

CHARLES VENTURA,

DERRICK RICHARDSON,

EARL BANKS, and

EMIL MATUTE





Life in prison (all defendants except FELIZ)

 

Life in prison or death (FELIZ)





2





Conspiracy To Commit Murder in Aid of Racketeering





RICHARD FELIZ





Life in prison





3





Murder in Aid of Racketeering





RICHARD FELIZ





Life in prison or death





4





Use of Firearms Resulting in Death





RICHARD FELIZ





Life in prison or death





5





Narcotics Conspiracy





RANDY TORRES,

WALSTON OWEN,

RICHARD FELIZ, and SHAQUILLE BAILEY





Life in prison

 

Mandatory minimum of ten years in prison



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

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

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Fender, Drew Skinner, and Anden Chow are in charge of the prosecution.

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, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Field Division (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging nine members of a Bronx drug trafficking organization with narcotics and firearms trafficking offenses. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.

 

Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “The defendants, members of a drug organization associated with the Crips street gang, allegedly sold large amounts of heroin, crack cocaine, and illegal firearms – including assault rifles – on the streets of the central Bronx. Together with our partners at the DEA and the NYPD, we are committed to protecting our city from drugs and illegal guns.”

 

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said: “Gun and drug trafficking have been the financial fortress behind gangs, such as the Hughes Avenue Organization. Unfortunately, these gangs set up shop in communities, intimidating neighborhoods and putting them in danger. Law enforcement has pooled resources to target drug gangs in this city and to remove those responsible for fueling gun violence and drug trafficking.”

 

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed in Manhattan federal court and statements made in court:

 

The members of the Hughes Avenue drug trafficking organization (the “Hughes Avenue DTO”) controlled narcotics trafficking near East Tremont Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Belmont Avenue in the Bronx, New York. From 2016 to August 2017, members of the Hughes Avenue DTO sold heroin and crack cocaine in that area. Certain members of the Hughes Avenue DTO also illegally sold firearms for profit. firearms included an AK-47 assault rifle, an SKS assault rifle, a shotgun, and handguns. Members of the DTO are also members and associates of the “Rolling 30s” neighborhood set of the nationwide Crips street gang.

 

Count One of the Indictment charges ARIEL ACOSTA, a/k/a “A-Loc,” a/k/a “Blue,” a/k/a “True Blue,” ZORA BENITEZ, a/k/a “Baby," DERRICK RICHARDSON, a/k/a “J-Rock,” KEVIN RIVERA, a/k/a “Montana,” SANTOS RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Lefty,” EDWIN ROMAN, a/k/a “Capo,” KENNETH SAMPSON, a/k/a “Remo,” JAYLEN SCOTT-KING, a/k/a “Boo,” a/k/a “Legend,” a/k/a “Flirm,” and ALEXIS VALDEZ, a/k/a “Lil Rico,” with participating in a conspiracy to distribute one kilogram and more of heroin and 280 grams and more of crack cocaine.

 

Count Two of the Indictment charges ACOSTA, SCOTT-KING, and VALDEZ with firearms trafficking.

 

Counts Three and Four of the Indictment charge ACOSTA and VALDEZ with being felons in possession of firearms.

 

In a coordinated operation, eight of the defendants were arrested in New York on Tuesday afternoon and earlier today. Defendants ACOSTA, RICHARDSON, RODRIGUEZ, and VALDEZ were in custody on state charges and have been transferred to federal custody. They will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. BENITEZ remains at large. A chart identifying each defendant, the charges, and the maximum penalties is attached to this release.

 

* * *

 

Mr. Kim thanked the DEA and the NYPD for their work on the investigation.

 

The Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit is overseeing the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Drew Skinner and Anden Chow are in charge of the prosecution.

 

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

 





CHARGE(S)





DEFENDANTS





MAXIMUM PENALTIES





Count One

Narcotics conspiracy, 21 U.S.C. § 846

(Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1 kilogram and more of heroin and 280 grams and more of crack cocaine.)





ARIEL ACOSTA,

a/k/a “A-Loc,”

a/k/a “Blue,”

a/k/a “True Blue,”

 

ZORA BENITEZ,

a/k/a “Baby,"

 

DERRICK RICHARDSON,

a/k/a “J-Rock,”

 

KEVIN RIVERA,

a/k/a “Montana,”

 

SANTOS RODRIGUEZ,

a/k/a “Lefty,”

 

EDWIN ROMAN,

a/k/a “Capo,”

 

KENNETH SAMPSON,

a/k/a “Remo,”

 

JAYLEN SCOTT-KING,

a/k/a “Boo,”

a/k/a “Legend,”

a/k/a “Flirm,”

 

ALEXIS VALDEZ,

a/k/a “Lil Rico”





Lifetime imprisonment

 

Mandatory minimum: 10 years in prison





Count Two

Firearms trafficking, 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(1)(A)





ARIEL ACOSTA,

a/k/a “A-Loc,”

a/k/a “Blue,”

a/k/a “True Blue,”

 

JAYLEN SCOTT-KING,

a/k/a “Boo,”

a/k/a “Legend,”

a/k/a “Flirm,”

 

ALEXIS VALDEZ,

a/k/a “Lil Rico”

 





5 years in prison





 





 





 





Count Three

Felon in possession of firearms, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)





ARIEL ACOSTA,

a/k/a “A-Loc,”

a/k/a “Blue,”

a/k/a “True Blue,”

 

ALEXIS VALDEZ,

a/k/a “Lil Rico”





10 years in prison





Count Four

Felon in possession of firearms, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)





Count Four

Felon in possession of firearms, 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)





10 years in prison





 

 

 

 

 

 



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