BROOKLYN, NY – Even behind bars, a convicted double murderer proved he was a menace to society, orchestrating a brutal home-invasion robbery crew that preyed on Chinese American families across New York, Long Island, and New Jersey. Lamonte Johnson, 54, of Auburn, New York, was sentenced today to 96 months in federal prison for conspiring to commit robbery and using force and threats, a sentence that will run consecutive to his existing two life sentences for two prior murders.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York revealed that Johnson, while serving his life terms since 1986, connected his half-brother, John Martin, 50, of Brooklyn, with Shi Zhen Lin, 31, of Maspeth, New York. Lin, a fellow inmate known to Johnson, was tasked with identifying vulnerable Chinese American families for the crew to target. The operation, launched in March 2019, quickly escalated into violent robberies.
The most harrowing incident occurred in May 2019 in Little Neck, Queens, where Martin, along with Brandon Daniels, 28, of Brooklyn, and Corey Mobley, 52, of Brooklyn, invaded a home. The crew held a group of women and children at gunpoint. The ordeal didn’t stop there – one of the victims was also sexually assaulted. The details, laid bare during a week-long jury trial in May 2022, secured Johnson’s conviction.
“Lamonte Johnson was not deterred by prison walls from organizing armed home-invasion robberies,” declared U.S. Attorney Breon Peace. “But today’s sentence ensures he has been held accountable for these vicious crimes, and that there is justice for his victims.” The investigation, led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the New York City Police Department, successfully dismantled the crew.
Johnson isn’t the only one facing consequences. His co-conspirators have already received significant prison sentences. Shi Zhen Lin received seven years, while Brandon Daniels awaits his fate. Corey Mobley, responsible for the most horrific acts in the Queens home invasion, has been sentenced to 19 years. John Martin’s sentence is still pending. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Siegel and Michael W. Gibaldi of the Organized Crime and Gangs Section are prosecuting the case, with support from Paralegal Specialist Brittany Wissel. The E.D.N.Y. Docket No. is 19-CR-221 (S-3). This case serves as a stark reminder that even within the confines of prison, violent criminals can continue to pose a threat, and law enforcement remains vigilant in pursuing justice for all victims.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: Official Press Release
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