Franklin Gillespie was sentenced on July 22 to 52 years in prison for crimes related to his leadership role in the Bully Gang, a violent street gang based in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan delivered the sentence at federal court in Brooklyn.
Gillespie was convicted of two murders, including that of a potential witness, as well as two armed robberies while he was on supervised release for prior federal firearms convictions. He was one of four Bully Gang leaders found guilty after a 13-week trial in 2024, which resulted in the arrest and conviction of 53 defendants. His co-defendants—Moeleek Harrell, Derrick Ayers, and Anthony Kennedy—received sentences ranging from 41 to 60 years earlier this year.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent Bryan DiGirolamo, New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata announced the sentencing. Nocella said, “Franklin Gillespie was one of the most violent members of an extraordinarily violent street gang and our Brooklyn community is rid of him thanks to today’s sentence. This important prosecution demonstrates our Office’s commitment to seeking justice for Gillespie’s many victims and their families, and ensures that our communities will be protected in the future from the leaders of this violent criminal organization.”
According to prosecutors and court documents presented at trial, members of the Bully Gang committed murders—including that of a potential law enforcement witness—shootings against rivals on public streets, arson with people inside buildings, armed robberies using trafficked weapons from out-of-state sources, as well as narcotics trafficking operations extending into Maine. Gillespie served as an enforcer who targeted enemies and participated directly in multiple murders; his co-defendants held roles such as founder or manager within both violence-related activities and drug distribution schemes.
ATF Special Agent DiGirolamo said, “This sentence holds accountable a senior gang member whose actions brought violence, fear, and tragedy to our communities… ATF/ NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force remains committed to working alongside… law enforcement partners to identify… those who terrorize our neighborhoods are brought to justice.” NYPD Commissioner Tisch added, “Thanks to the tireless work… Franklin Gillespie and other top members… will never walk free on our streets again.” DOI Commissioner Shihata stated, “While this sentence cannot bring his victims back… it sends a clear message that those who endanger our communities will be brought to justice.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nicholas J. Moscow et al., with assistance from several legal specialists.