Gang leader convicted of racketeering and related offenses, including attempted murder in subway station
NEW YORK – DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge James Hunt and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Geoffrey S. Berman announced that Michael White, a leader of two violent street gangs, “MBG,” and the “Young Gunnaz,” was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense. White was convicted following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet.
“Michael White, a leader of two gangs, committed a spree of shootings in and around New York City Housing Authority’s Mill Brook Houses," said U.S. Attorney Berman. "He shot rival gang members in front of a public school, in a community center, and in a subway station. Now he stands convicted for his crimes. We thank the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their tireless efforts to secure this important conviction.”
According to the evidence presented in court during the trial:
From 2007 through October 2017, White was a member of MBG, also known as “Money Bitches Guns,” a local gang based in the Mill Brook Houses. From 2010 through October 2017, White was a member of the Young Gunnaz set of the YGz gang also based in the Mill Brook Houses. As part of his membership in both gangs, White shot seven people. Specifically, on Jan. 25, 2010, White shot and injured a 16-year-old rival on a street corner in the Mill Brook Houses. On Jan. 31, 2010, White shot and injured an 18-year-old rival at a baby shower. Later on Jan. 31, 2010, White shot a rival gang member near a building in the Mill Brook Houses, causing the individual to suffer life threatening injuries. On Feb. 12, 2010, White shot and injured an 18-year-old rival outside a public school. On Oct. 28, 2012, White shot and injured three individuals in the Cypress Avenue Subway Station.
White, 30, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of two counts of racketeering conspiracy, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of violent crime in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of use of a firearm during a violent crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence for the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, New York Division, Group D-22 and the New York City Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Jordan Estes, Gina Castellano, and Alexandra Rothman are in charge of the prosecution.
# # #
