A brutal act of witness retaliation in the Bronx has led to a 3-year prison sentence for Christian Nieves, a member of the notorious Trinitarios street and prison gang.
On February 5, 2019, Nieves, also known as ‘Eric Rosario’ and ‘White Boy,’ slashed a witness across the neck with a razor blade in a violent attempt to silence him.
The victim, a former associate of Nieves, had testified against him in a previous federal murder trial, violating the Trinitarios’ strict prohibition against testifying against gang members.
‘Christian Nieves’s violent assault of a witness to federal crimes was a naked attempt to subvert the administration of justice, sow fear through the community, and prevent future witnesses from coming forward,’ said U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss. ‘Today’s sentence proves that justice will prevail, and sends a clear signal to other gang members that witness retaliation will not be tolerated.’
Nieves was convicted on April 23, 2021, following an 8-day jury trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff, who also imposed the 3-year sentence.
The Trinitarios gang, with its written rules, oath, and constitution, has a long history of violence and intimidation, particularly against those who cooperate with law enforcement or speak out against the gang.
The case was prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allison Nichols and Jun Xiang leading the prosecution.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department were praised for their investigative work in bringing Nieves to justice.
Defendant: Christian Nieves, a/k/a ‘Eric Rosario,’ a/k/a ‘White Boy’
Criminal Charges: Violent Assault in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3))
City and State: Bronx, New York
Date: February 5, 2019 (crime date); April 23, 2021 (sentencing)
Sentence: 3 years in prison
Defendant Name: Christian Nieves
Exact Criminal Charges: Violent Assault in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(3))
City and State: Bronx, New York
Exact Date: February 5, 2019 (crime date); April 23, 2021 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 3 years in prison
Companies, banks, funds, and other legal entities are not applicable in this case.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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