Brooklyn, NY – A superseding indictment was partially unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn, charging seven members of the Brooklyn-based Hyena Crips gang with racketeering, using a firearm in the course of a murder, and other crimes dating back to 2012.
The indictment alleges that the Hyena Crips, a violent criminal enterprise operating in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn, engaged in acts of violence, including murder, robbery, and assault, and earned money through drug trafficking, bank fraud, and access device fraud.
The seven defendants, whose ages and cities of residence are not publicly available, were charged with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, and other crimes. Three of the defendants were arrested this morning and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James R. Cho.
“For years, the Hyena Crips terrorized our community with brutal acts of violence – including murders, shootings and brazen armed-robberies – and funded their criminal activities through fraud schemes,” said Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.
The indictment specifically alleges that the defendants were involved in the murders of Samuel Joseph, Leandre Mallinckrodt, and Roodson Polynice, who were senselessly killed in connection with rival gang activity.
“The crimes alleged in today’s superseding indictment illustrate well the damage this gang has wrought on individuals, small businesses and the community at-large,” said Peace. “This Office and its law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to dismantle violent criminal enterprises, take out their leadership and obtain justice for their victims.”
The investigation was conducted by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“HSI New York will never forget its commitment to seeking justice on behalf of victims, regardless of how much time has passed,” said Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York.
“The ‘Hyena lifestyle’ was one of wanton violence coupled with acute ineptitude, as the individuals charged today allegedly murdered innocent men they mistook for rival gang members,” said Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department.
Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, added, “An important part of the mission of the U.S Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 pandemic unemployment insurance programs.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara L. Norman and Stephanie M. Salim.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges are possible.
The superseding indictment is the result of a joint investigation by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
Related Federal Cases
- FDIC Appoints Five New Members to Advisory Committee on Community Banking · Mississippi
- Sununu Declares War on Trump’s GOP Grip · New Hampshire
- Wall Street Bailout: NY & CA Lose $2 Trillion · North Carolina
- “K Money” Crumbles: Wall St. Pretender Admits $2M Scam · New York
- PPE Lie: Edison Execs Plead Guilty to $10M Scam · Ohio
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News