‘Bully Gang’ Bosses Face Life Behind Bars After Brooklyn Trial

BROOKLYN – The top brass of the notorious “Bully Gang,” a violent street crew that terrorized Bedford-Stuyvesant and beyond, are facing decades – potentially life – in federal prison following a grueling 13-week trial. Moeleek Harrell, Derrick Ayers, Franklin Gillespie and Anthony Kennedy were convicted Thursday and today on a staggering 21 counts of an eighth superseding indictment, including racketeering, murder, murder conspiracy, robbery, drug offenses, money laundering, and the shocking bribery of state correction officers.

Federal prosecutors laid out a case demonstrating how the Bully Gang, headquartered at 1625 Fulton Street, operated as a criminal enterprise, using intimidation and brute force to control territory and rake in illicit profits. Harrell, identified as one of the founders and the undisputed leader, faces the most severe penalties. Ayers, a high-ranking member, Kennedy, a longstanding fixture in the gang, and Gillespie, a designated enforcer, were all found guilty of participating in the gang’s wide-ranging criminal activities.

The verdict, handed down by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan, marks a significant victory for the collaborative law enforcement effort spearheaded by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI). U.S. Attorney Breon Peace minced no words, stating the convictions “took down the leadership of the Bully Gang and their criminal enterprise is a shell of the violent crew that wreaked havoc…with murder, broad daylight shootings, robberies, arsons, drug trafficking and bribery of correction officers at Rikers Island.”

The scope of the gang’s corruption extended inside the walls of Rikers Island jail, where members allegedly bribed correction officers to facilitate a drug trafficking scheme. This internal compromise of security further fueled the gang’s operations and emboldened their brazen disregard for the law. ATF Special Agent-in-Charge Bryan Miller emphasized the multi-jurisdictional nature of the investigation, highlighting collaboration with law enforcement in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maine. “These convictions put an end to the reign of terror committed by this gang,” Miller stated.

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban echoed that sentiment, declaring a “powerful message” had been sent: “Our city will not tolerate such criminal activity.” The charges against the defendants aren’t just about street violence; they represent a systemic assault on the community and a calculated effort to profit from misery. The DOI Commissioner, Jocelyn Strauber, noted the far-reaching effects of the gang’s actions, including the compromise of jail security.

Each of the four defendants now faces a maximum sentence of life in prison, alongside mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 15 to 55 years. Sentencing dates have not yet been announced. This case serves as a grim reminder of the persistent threat posed by organized crime and the dedication required to dismantle these dangerous networks, bringing those responsible to justice – and finally, some measure of peace – to the streets of Brooklyn and beyond.