Related Federal Cases
Four Members of Folk Nation Gangster Disciples Convicted of Gang-Related Shootings in Brooklyn
Brooklyn, New York – In a devastating turn of events, four members and associates of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples were convicted of gang-related shootings in Brooklyn, New York. Lorenzo Bailey, Quincy Battice, Jean Fremont, and Oluwagbenga Agoro were found guilty of conspiracy to murder rival gang members in-aid-of racketeering, attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon in-aid-of racketeering, assault with a dangerous weapon in-aid-of racketeering and possessing, brandishing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence in connection with multiple shootings in Brooklyn in November 2020.
The convictions followed a five-week trial before United States District Judge William F. Kuntz, II. When sentenced, the defendants each face a maximum of life in prison; Agoro and Fremont face mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years, and Bailey and Battice face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years.
The shootings took place on November 7 and 9, 2020, and resulted in three victims being wounded. The defendants, all members or associates of the Flatbush-based Folk Nation Gangster Disciples, also known as “GD,” plotted retaliation against rival gang members after a gold chain and pendant were stolen from Fremont during the filming of a music video in Brooklyn.
The November 2020 Shootings
As proven at trial, on November 7 and 9, 2020, Agoro, Bailey, Battice, Fremont and others carried out four separate drive-by shootings in Canarsie, Prospect Park South, and Brownsville, during which three victims were wounded. In the first November 7 shooting, Agoro, Bailey, Battice, Fremont and others drove to Canarsie, where they shot at a group of individuals. The defendants then drove back to one of the shooter’s residences, before setting out again for a second shooting in Canarsie, during which two individuals were wounded in their legs. On November 9, 2020, Agoro and others drove to Prospect Park South, where they shot at a group of individuals but did not hit anyone. Later that same day, Agoro, Fremont and others drove to Brownsville for another shooting, where one 18-year-old victim was shot in the shoulder and grazed in her back.
Agoro was also convicted of threatening physical violence in connection with a plan to commit extortion in March 2021. He and another individual displayed a gun and threatened to kill the bodega clerk unless the clerk allowed the defendant and his friends to take merchandise from the store for free.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict, stating, “In senseless retaliation for the theft of a gold chain, our Brooklyn communities were terrorized by gangs on a violent gun rampage that left three victims wounded in four separate shootings over a two-day period. The residents of this district deserve to walk the streets of our communities without fear of falling victim to gun violence. Today’s verdict sends a resounding message that defendants who display a callous disregard for human life and safety will be met with the full force of the law and brought to justice.”
Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) for their assistance in the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction effort.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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