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‘White Mike’ Gets 35 Years for Murder-For-Hire Conspiracy
In a major blow to the notorious Young Bronx Money Getters (YBMG) gang, Sphendim Haxhaj, aka ‘White Mike,’ was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in a murder-for-hire conspiracy and racketeering crimes. Haxhaj was the last of seven defendants to be sentenced in the case, which spanned over a decade and involved multiple states.
The sentencing comes after Haxhaj pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder for hire, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Haxhaj’s crimes resulted in the August 16, 2019, murder of Isael Lagares in the Bronx.
According to the Superseding Indictment, YBMG was a criminal enterprise centered in the Bronx that engaged in narcotics trafficking and violence, including murder, to make money and protect its territory. Members of the gang sold heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, promoted their gang affiliation on social media, possessed firearms, and engaged in shootings.
On August 16, 2019, Haxhaj and another gang member, Boris Beltran, hired a hitman to murder a rival gang member, resulting in the death of Lagares. YBMG members also participated in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics in New York and elsewhere, carrying, brandishing, and discharging firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Brumwell, Benjamin Gianforti, Brandon D. Harper, Frank Balsamello, and Mathew Andrews handled the prosecution, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York City Police Department providing crucial support.
‘For more than a decade, the YBMG gang terrorized communities in the Bronx, Long Island, Upstate New York, and Connecticut with drugs, guns, and senseless violence,’ said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. ‘The seven members of this incredibly violent gang have now been convicted and sentenced for their crimes.’
A chart containing the names of the defendants, the charges they were convicted of, and the sentences they received is set forth below.
Defendants and Sentences:
Sphendim Haxhaj, aka ‘White Mike’, 33, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 35 years
Yeltsin Beltran, aka ‘Yells’, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 30 years
Boris Beltran, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 25 years
Jeremy Cedeno, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 20 years
Francisco Ortega, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 20 years
Ivis Perdomo, Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Narcotics Conspiracy, 15 years
U.S. Attorney Clayton praised the outstanding work of the law enforcement agencies involved in the case, saying, ‘The women and men of the Southern District will continue to vigorously pursue those who bring illegal drugs and violence into our communities.’
The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and White Plains Division.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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