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Defendant Sentenced to Life in Prison for Racketeering, Violent Gang Activity
A federal judge has sentenced MALIK BAYON, 29, also known as “Pop” and “Dirt,” to life in prison for his involvement in the 960 gang, a violent Waterbury street gang.
According to court documents and statements made in court, Bayon was involved in a series of violent crimes, including a drive-by shooting in the area of Porter Street and Bank Street in Waterbury on October 31, 2017. The shooting resulted in an individual being shot and wounded.
On November 22, 2017, Bayon and other 960 members shot at Clarence Lewis and Antonio Santos, who were in a car at a restaurant in Waterbury. Lewis sped from the scene at a high rate of speed and crashed into a house at the intersection of Wolcott Street and Dallas Avenue in Waterbury. Lewis, 22, and Santos, 20, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Bayon has been detained since his federal arrest on September 16, 2021. During the arrest, he was found flushing fentanyl in a toilet. A search of his residence revealed a firearm, an extended gun magazine, and additional gun magazines, and ammunition.
On February 14, 2024, a jury found Bayon guilty of conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity with special circumstances, murder in violation of the Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (“VCAR”) statute, and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm and in relation to a crime of violence.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI’s Northern Connecticut Gang Task Force, Waterbury Police Department, ATF, and U.S. Marshals Service, with the assistance of the Southbury Police Department.
Bayon’s sentencing marks a significant blow to the 960 gang, which has been linked to numerous violent crimes in the Waterbury area.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan praised the efforts of the investigating agencies, stating, “This sentence sends a strong message that we will not tolerate violent gang activity in our communities.”
Bayon will serve a mandatory five-year consecutive term of imprisonment, bringing his total sentence to life in prison.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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