Twenty-eight individuals associated with the Valentine Avenue Crew have been charged in Manhattan federal court. The charges include racketeering, drug trafficking, and violent crimes over a period exceeding three decades. Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky announced the indictment alongside DEA Special Agent Frank A. Tarentino, FBI Acting Assistant Director Leslie R. Backschies, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.
The indictment names Edwin Carrasquillo and Johana Alcantara among others for their roles in operating a drug trafficking operation on Valentine Avenue in the Bronx since 1993. "Today, we have filed charges against twenty-eight alleged members of a violent drug trafficking gang that held an entire neighborhood of this city hostage for over three decades," said Podolsky.
The group is accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack while employing violence to maintain control over their territory. "This street crew... allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack along several blocks on Valentine Avenue," Podolsky added.
Frank A. Tarentino emphasized the DEA's commitment to tackling such organizations: “Today’s indictment against the Valentine Avenue Crew... shows the commitment the Drug Enforcement Administration and our law enforcement partners have when targeting drug trafficking organizations."
Leslie R. Backschies from the FBI highlighted how these activities threatened local residents: “For over three decades... their alleged commandeering of a Bronx neighborhood allowed criminality and violence to flourish.”
Jessica S. Tisch from NYPD remarked on the fear instilled by this group: “The Valentine Avenue Crew created immense fear within their community for decades.”
Several defendants were previously arrested; others were apprehended recently or remain at large as per law enforcement officials' statements.
