Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging ANTONIO MORA, a/k/a “Chucky,” and BRIAN MORA, a/k/a “Dottie,” with the September 17, 2018, shooting of a rival drug dealer in connection with a drug conspiracy, after pulling his daughter from his hands.  ANTONIO MORA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox.  BRIAN MORA is already in federal custody.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Antonio and Brian Mora dealt heroin and crack cocaine in the Bronx.  During a dispute with a rival drug crew, the defendants allegedly ripped the victim’s daughter out of his arms before shooting him.  Thanks to our partners at the NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their brazen and callous crimes.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill stated:  “This case illustrates the extreme violence that too often accompanies gang activity and the drug trade, and why we must be vigilant in keeping our communities safe.  I want to thank the law enforcement professionals whose hard work and dedication secured these federal indictments.”

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

Between 2016 and 2018, ANTONIO MORA and BRIAN MORA were involved in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.  During that same time period, ANTONIO MORA and BRIAN MORA used, carried, and discharged a firearm during and in furtherance of that drug conspiracy, including on September 17, 2018, when, in connection with a dispute with a rival drug crew, they shot a man after they pulled his daughter from his arms. 

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ANTONIO MORA, 25, of the Bronx, New York, and BRIAN MORA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin and one count of using and carrying a firearm, which was brandished and discharged, in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

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

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon is 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 descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.