33 Charged In Connection With Violent Gang Activity, Drug Trafficking Near Mill Brook Houses In Bronx
NEW YORK - James J. Hunt, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Division of the DEA; 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 FBI; and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police (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
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.”
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.”
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 DEA, FBI, 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.
United States v. Gary Davis, et al.
United States v. Algi Crawford, et al.
United States v. Bernard Franklin
United States v. James Green
[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.
