Today’s conviction of Romeo Gonzalez cements the end of a relentless federal prosecution targeting the Brooklyn-based Bully Gang. Gonzalez, the 53rd and final defendant, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine and heroin with intent to distribute as part of the gang’s drug trafficking operation spanning from New York to Maine.
The defendants, including Gonzalez, faced charges ranging from racketeering and murder to gun trafficking and money laundering. Over a series of indictments and criminal informations, 48 pleaded guilty while five were convicted after two separate trials before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan.
“These prosecutions have decimated a violent gang that engaged in drug trafficking on a massive scale, shootings, murder, bribery of corrections officers, and other crimes from New York to Maine,” stated United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., underscoring the extensive nature of the investigation and prosecution.
The Bully Gang was known for its complex drug trafficking schemes, including a multistate conspiracy involving numerous stash houses in Maine and a scheme to smuggle drugs into Rikers Island jail facilities. The proceeds from these illegal activities were funneled back into the gang’s operations, funding more crime and violence.
Since 2020, 53 defendants have been charged with various crimes related to this investigation. Gonzalez was a fugitive for nearly five years before his capture in June 2025. Two defendants are participating in the Special Options Services program for juvenile and young adult offenders.
The success of this case is attributed to the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies, such as the ATF/NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, which remained committed to holding armed gang members accountable.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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