A pair of federal indictments identified 120 violent hoodlums targeted in a series of predawn raids by the NYPD and federal agents at Eastchester Gardens and the nearby Edenwald Houses.
The sweep generated the largest number of busts in a single sweep in the city’s history as a legion of 700 law enforcers flooded more than 100 spots in the New York City Housing Authority complexes in Williamsbridge.
Officers and agents used helicopters and armored trucks to round up the suspects, who were described by Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara as ultraviolent and indiscriminate when it came to their victims.
“If you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could be shot, stabbed and even killed,” said Bharara.
Two unrepentant gangbangers flashed twin middle fingers as they were led away from the 50th Precinct stationhouse in handcuffs and leg irons.
Thirty-one suspects remained on the lam after the massive crackdown, while two others were already in state custody.
The indictments charged the gang members with racketeering conspiracy, narcotics conspiracy, narcotics distribution, and firearms offenses.
The feds also charged the suspects with peddling everything from oxycodone to marijuana, often within range of two Bronx playgrounds and four schools.
Jamal Blair pled guilty in the death of Sadie Mitchell, who was hit by a stray bullet sitting in her Bronx home in 2009. Blair was pulled out of jail to be charged with gang conspiracy Wednesday.
The rivalry between the crews was connected to at least eight murders, including the 2009 killing of a beloved 92-year-old woman who was cut down by a stray bullet as she watched TV in her two-story home.
The brazen gangs recruited new blood via social media, including YouTube clips, and authorities obtained search warrants for 100 Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts.
The raids targeted 2Fly YGZ (Young Gunnerz) and Big Money Bosses (BMB) — rival gangs highlighted in a Daily News investigation this past December into how the NYPD is trying to curb the wave of violence.
Authorities say the gangs wreaked havoc on the area in a turf war around the two housing projects dating to 2007, with 2Fly slinging drugs and stashing guns at an Eastchester playground.
The indictments identified the suspects by a dizzying array of aliases, from “Money Making Kenny” and “Broadway” to “Mark the Gritty Shark” and “Wayne Brady.”
Bharara said the arrests should help the beleaguered residents of city housing projects. The civil division of his office was already investigating whether NYCHA was meeting federal housing regulations, Bharara warned.
“If you live in public housing, you also have the right to live in a clean and safe development,” Bharara said.
Terrified Eastchester Gardens residents praised the surprise clampdown in their strife-torn neighborhood.
“Finally, we’re going to be able to sit outside with our children and grandchildren without having to worry,” said Donna Fischer, 61. “We’re getting our development back from these criminals.”
Gangster Jamal (Fish) Blair, already convicted in the killing of 92-year-old Sadie Mitchell, and reputed BMB kingpin Nico Burrell were arraigned side by side in Manhattan Federal Court. Blair, 24, was brought down from Elmira Correctional Facility, where he was serving 161/2 years for his manslaughter conviction. As Burrell left the courtroom, a sobbing woman began screaming: “I love you, Nico! I love you, Nico!”
The two gangs are also linked to the murders of Alexander Walters, 17, who was stabbed to death in 2012; Donville Simpson, 17, who was shot to death in 2013; Keshon Potterfield, 18, and Fabian Pennant, 24, both shot to death in 2014; Jordan Jackwett, 23, shot and killed last year; Jeffrey (Famous) Delmore, 15, who was stabbed to death on E. Gun Hill Road last May, and Darren Epps, 47, who was shot to death in March.
read more
No comments:
Post a Comment