John Hayward, RICO Conspiracy, New York 2024

A notorious gang member from Buffalo, New York, has been sentenced to 168 months in prison for his role in a violent drug trafficking organization.

John Hayward, 33, known to his associates as ‘Frizz,’ pleaded guilty to RICO conspiracy and conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. The charges stemmed from his involvement with the LRGP gang, which operated primarily in the area of Lombard, Rother, Playter and Gibson Streets in Buffalo.

Hayward’s scheme involved using multiple trap houses, including 318 Sobieski Street, 42 Memorial Drive, 559 Fillmore Avenue, and 29 Meyers Street, to manufacture and distribute crack cocaine. His actions were part of a larger investigation that led to the conviction of 19 LRGP gang members and associates.

The investigation, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Buffalo Police Department, uncovered a complex web of violent criminal activity, including the distribution of cocaine and crack cocaine and the use of firearms.

U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara handed down the 168-month sentence, which will be served at a federal correctional facility. Hayward’s conviction marks a significant victory for law enforcement in their efforts to disrupt and dismantle violent gang organizations.

The investigation was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Adam S. Cohen, the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Charlie J. Patterson, New York Field Office, and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

The sentencing of Hayward is a reminder that law enforcement will continue to target and dismantle violent gang organizations that pose a threat to public safety.

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