Seven individuals associated with a Hartford gang have been indicted on federal charges, including murder and racketeering offenses. The indictment alleges that these individuals were involved in a long-term RICO conspiracy spanning multiple states, engaging in crimes such as gun trafficking, extortion, arson, and drug trafficking.

The announcement was made by several law enforcement officials, including Vanessa Roberts Avery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut; Brent S. Wible from the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Hartford State’s Attorney Sharmese L. Walcott; Hartford Police Chief Kenny A. Howell; FBI Special Agent Robert Fuller; and HSI Special Agent Michael J. Krol.

The indictment was returned by a grand jury in Hartford on January 8, 2025. Those charged include Angel Rivera, Raquan Knight, Paul Downer, Mekhi Thompson, Paul Clarke, Tyshon Walker, and Joshua Cruz. Clarke and Walker were arrested on January 9 and are detained alongside others who were already in custody.

The Hoodstar Gzz gang has allegedly operated since 2010 under various names within specific areas of Hartford. The gang is accused of distributing narcotics and committing violent acts against rivals and civilians alike while also trafficking drugs to Vermont.

Specific incidents cited in the indictment include attempted murders and fatal shootings involving rival gangs or individuals connected to drug debts or other disputes. "We allege that members of the Hoodstar Gzz have engaged in murder and numerous other violent acts," said U.S. Attorney Avery.

This case marks the first RICO indictment following the launch of the Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Hartford last year. Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible stated that "violent gangs like the Hoodstars terrorize local communities."

State’s Attorney Walcott emphasized collaboration between state and federal offices to reduce crime: "These arrests are a clear sign of our commitment to making a significant impact on gun violence."

FBI Special Agent Fuller noted efforts over two years to dismantle this organization: "Let this be a firm message that the FBI... will remain relentless." HSI's Krol echoed this sentiment regarding criminal gangs' impact on communities.

Charges against these defendants range from conspiracy to engage in racketeering activity to murder under VCAR statutes with potential life sentences if convicted. Additional charges involve firearms use during violent crimes.

This prosecution is part of broader initiatives like OCDETF and PSN aimed at reducing crime through coordinated efforts across multiple levels of law enforcement.