The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle R. Sassoon, announced the sentencing of Daivon Morgan, also known as "Leeky," marking the conclusion of a significant case involving members of the street gang "ABG" in the Bronx. Morgan received a 292-month prison sentence for his involvement in various crimes linked to ABG, including the murder of Darren Scruggs in February 2019 and an assault on a rival gang member in February 2021. He pled guilty to conspiracy charges related to racketeering and violent crime before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
U.S. Attorney Sassoon stated: “ABG terrorized communities in the Bronx with violence and drug-dealing. Among ABG’s many victims was Darren Scruggs, who was gunned down at the age of 19 by members of ABG. The 10 ABG leaders and members charged in this case have now been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. We will continue to protect the public from gangs and the senseless violence they bring.”
The court documents reveal that since at least 2017, ABG operated as a criminal enterprise primarily around Mitchel Houses in the Bronx. Many members were also affiliated with the national Crips gang. The gang engaged in narcotics trafficking and violent acts such as murder to generate income, defend territory, and enhance their reputation.
Significant incidents include Roberto Espinosa's fatal shooting of Scruggs on February 18, 2019, assisted by Henry Jones and Morgan; Elijah Perkins' involvement in shootings on October 30, 2018, and August 21, 2021; Amier Wilson's participation in an August shooting; Jones' November shooting aided by Juan Reyes; Reyes', Perkins', and Xavier Arau's attack on May 8, 2020; and Morgan's slashing incident directed by David Trusty on February 20, 2021.
The successful prosecution involved collaboration between multiple agencies including the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Corrections. The case was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Heavey, Christopher Brumwell, and James Ligtenberg from the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
