BRIDGEPORT, CT – Laderrick Jones, 31, also known as “Lexus,” has confessed to his role in the brutal activities of the 960 gang, a notorious Waterbury street crew. Jones pleaded guilty today in federal court to a racketeering charge, admitting to narcotics trafficking and acknowledging the gang’s history of violence, including murder and attempted murder. The confession marks a significant, though likely incomplete, victory in a multi-agency crackdown on the 960’s operations.
The case stems from a sprawling investigation launched by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Waterbury Police Department, focused on dismantling Waterbury-based criminal groups. A federal grand jury indicted Jones and 15 other alleged 960 members back on September 14, 2021, with a litany of offenses – racketeering, narcotics trafficking, firearm possession, murder, attempted murder, assault, and obstruction of justice. The indictment painted a picture of a ruthless organization operating with impunity in the city.
Court documents reveal that Jones didn’t just handle drugs; he was aware of the gang’s violent acts. His guilty plea to racketeering conspiracy isn’t a plea of ignorance. He understood that 960 was engaged in deadly activity, and he participated in the enterprise knowing full well the consequences. This admission is crucial, suggesting a willingness to cooperate further, or at least to avoid a more severe sentence by distancing himself from the most heinous crimes committed by his associates.
Jones has been locked up since June 27, 2019, meaning he’s already spent years awaiting trial. He’s scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley on June 11, where he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment. Whether that will be the final outcome remains to be seen, dependent on his level of cooperation with investigators and the judge’s assessment of his role within the 960 gang’s hierarchy.
The investigation involved a broad coalition of law enforcement, including the Watertown Police Department, New Milford Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Geoffrey M. Stone, John T. Pierpont, Jr., and Natasha M. Freismuth are leading the prosecution, alongside Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Don E. Therkildsen, Jr. and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Alexandra Arroyo, who have been designated as Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys. The prosecution is bolstered by the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs, highlighting the federal commitment to tackling violent crime and organized criminal enterprises.
This case is another example of the relentless cycle of gang violence plaguing cities like Waterbury. While the conviction of Laderrick Jones is a step forward, it’s unlikely to eradicate the 960 gang entirely. The underlying issues – poverty, lack of opportunity, and the lure of easy money – will continue to fuel the recruitment of new members and the perpetuation of violence. The fight for Waterbury’s streets is far from over, and Grimy Times will continue to report on the grim realities of federal crime.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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