Raphael Osborne, also known as ‘Gusto,’ the ruthless leader of the Rollin’ 60s Crips set in Roosevelt, New York, was sentenced today to three consecutive life sentences plus 145 years in federal prison. The 31-year-old gang kingpin was convicted after trial in April 2016 on charges including racketeering, conspiracy, robbery, attempted murder, witness retaliation, assault with a dangerous weapon, drug conspiracy, and multiple counts of brandishing and discharging firearms during violent crimes. The sentence, handed down in Central Islip, shuts down a decade-long reign of terror marked by shootings, drug trafficking, and retaliation against informants.
Between 2003 and 2013, Osborne commanded his gang under a brutal ‘on sight’ rule: attack rival Bloods members in Roosevelt at every opportunity, by any means. Under his leadership, the Rollin’ 60s engaged in a wave of violence that left 15 shootings and three homicides tied directly to his orders. The Eastern District of New York, led by then-U.S. Attorney Robert L. Capers, called it one of the most violent and organized street gangs on Long Island. The gang’s coffers were built on the trafficking of crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methylone — commonly known as ‘molly’ — as well as the illegal sale of hundreds of firearms, including assault rifles and submachine guns.
The breaking point came in October 2012, when Osborne ordered the murder of a cooperating federal informant. After the informant attempted to buy a firearm from him, Osborne grew suspicious and orchestrated a hit. On October 13, 2012, a fellow gang member lured the informant from his Hempstead home to a prearranged spot where another Crip opened fire, shooting him five times at close range. The victim survived but was left paralyzed — a fact prosecutors used to hammer home the cold-blooded nature of Osborne’s command.
Osborne, identified as E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 14-264 (S-5) (JS), wasn’t acting alone — but his role as the central figure in the syndicate made him the government’s top target. The federal investigation, a joint effort by the Nassau County Police Department’s Gang Investigations Squad and the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, dismantled the operation and led to the arrest of 20 members and associates. To date, 18 have been convicted, with two still awaiting trial. Osborne is the eighth defendant to be sentenced in the sprawling case.
Others already locked up include Jahmani Hamilton, sentenced June 21, 2016, to ten years; Kurtis Philip, August 4, 2016, ten years; Courtney Smith, August 5, 2016, ten years; Merlyn Benitez, September 23, 2016, ten years; Derick Hernandez, October 13, 2016, 20 years plus four years; Kwame Lake, October 19, 2016, five years consecutive to an eight-year state term; and Tyshawn Gitto, November 4, 2016, 13 years. Each sentence reflects the depth of corruption and fear the gang instilled in Roosevelt, a community long plagued by violent crime.
The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicole Boeckmann, Christopher Caffarone, and Michael Maffei, who called the takedown a landmark victory against organized street violence. ‘This sentence sends a clear message,’ said Capers in a statement: ‘Gang leaders who wage war on communities will face the full weight of federal justice.’ With Osborne now buried under multiple life terms, the Rollin’ 60s Crips may be down — but the scars they left on Roosevelt won’t fade quickly.
Related Federal Cases
- MS-13 Boss Gets Life for Murder, Racketeering · New York
- Shaun Taylor ‘S-Dot’ Gets Life for Bushwick Murders · New York
- Pablo ‘Paul’ Plaza Gets Life for 3 Murders in Drug Empire · New York
- James Kendrick Gets Life for 2 Murders in Drug Empire Bloodshed · New York
- Angelo Ocasio Gets Life for Murder, Drug Ring · New York
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Organized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized CrimeOrganized Crime