Latique Johnson, Violent Enterprise, New York 2024

Thirteen alleged members and associates of the Blood Hound Brims gang, including its founder and self-styled ‘Godfather’ Latique Johnson, were hit with sweeping federal charges today in Manhattan, accused of running a violent criminal enterprise tied to narcotics, gun trafficking, and three attempted murders across New York and Pennsylvania.

The indictment, unsealed by U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern District of New York, charges Johnson and his inner circle—including Green, Sanchez, Murray, Morton, Cherry, Kaid, Grayson, Rosatio, and Evans—with racketeering, drug distribution, and illegal firearms possession. The Blood Hound Brims, a faction of the national Bloods street gang under the New York Blood Brim Army (NYBBA), allegedly operated from 2005 through 2016, terrorizing neighborhoods in New York City, Westchester County, Elmira, and parts of Pennsylvania.

According to court documents, the gang ran like a paramilitary operation: with a strict hierarchy, mandatory dues known as ‘kitty dues,’ and regular ‘pow wow’ or ‘9-11’ meetings where members discussed shootings, rivalries, drug deals, and prison logistics. Dues were funneled to cover commissary accounts, legal fees, weapons, and drugs—all under the command of Johnson, who was referred to as the ‘Godfather’ by subordinates.

The FBI’s New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force, working with the NYPD, dismantled the network after years of surveillance. Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. emphasized the human cost: ‘The violence doesn’t just impact gang members. Innocent people get caught in the crossfire.’ Investigators intercepted coded messages used by members both on the streets and inside prison systems to evade law enforcement detection.

The BHB maintained its own constitution and rules, which new recruits were forced to memorize. Leadership roles included treasurers who collected payments and enforcers who handled discipline. Some pedigrees—subgroups sanctioned by Johnson—had their own chains of command, all feeding loyalty and cash upward. The enterprise thrived on fear, control, and the steady flow of drugs and firearms.

Today’s takedown marks a major blow to one of the region’s most entrenched street gangs. All 13 defendants are expected to appear in federal court in Manhattan. If convicted, they face decades behind bars on charges that include racketeering conspiracy, narcotics trafficking, and use of firearms in violent crimes.