The U.S. Department of Justice recently announced 14 New York gang members and associates have been charged with offenses related to racketeering, narcotics and firearms crimes.
According to a DOJ news release, a 10-count indictment has been leveled against 14 members of the Young Gunnaz Gang, including some of the gang's top street leaders, for a variety of offenses.
“When I was sworn in as U.S. attorney, I promised that this office would be relentless in rooting out violent crime, in every corner of this district. That’s a promise I am determined to keep,” U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said in the release. “Today, we’re announcing a sweeping RICO indictment charging 14 members and associates of a violent gang that we allege was up to no good — running open air drug markets, engaging in shootouts in the broad daylight and doing whatever it took to control the streets and do their dirt. Well, not anymore. Let today’s massive takedown be a warning to all gang members. The feds are watching. And you better believe we don’t quit.”
"Many communities are seeing a dramatic increase in violent crime, putting people on edge," FBI Assistant Director in Charge Michael J. Driscoll said, according to the release. "The FBI and our law enforcement partners are doing all we can to search out and stop these gangs from terrorizing towns in the Hudson Valley. This investigation should be viewed as a warning to others — we will hold you accountable."
The indictment also accuses several of the suspects of violent crimes including Kashad "Shoca" Sampson, one of the leaders of the Young Gunnaz, who is accused of participating in several violent attacks in Poughkeepsie and Newburgh, N.Y., using a dangerous weapon. The gang is also accused of large-scale drug trafficking in the region as well as engaging in fraud schemes for profit, according to the release.
