Travon Jones, also known as "Budda," has been sentenced to 22 years and six months in federal prison. Jones, aged 22, received his sentence today from U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven. Post-sentence, he will be under supervised release for five years. His conviction relates to his involvement with a violent street gang in Bridgeport and his actions in the murder and attempted murder of rival gang members.
Marc H. Silverman, the Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced the sentencing along with key figures from various local and federal law enforcement agencies, including Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District, and Roderick Porter, Bridgeport Police Chief, among others.
The FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals Service, and Bridgeport Police have led investigations into several Bridgeport gangs involved in drug trafficking and violence. Jones is identified as a member of the "East End gang," a group initially based in the East End of Bridgeport. This gang has ties with the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang, and 150, and has rivalries with groups such as the "Original North End" (O.N.E.) and the "Greene Homes Boyz" (GHB/Hotz).
Gang-related violence has been prevalent in Bridgeport. An investigation commenced following the fatal shooting of Myreke Kenion and the attempted murder of D’Andre Brown, both GHB/Hotz members, on January 26, 2020. The ensuing retaliation by GHB/Hotz and O.N.E. gang members was a shooting outside a courthouse that resulted in four injuries.
Evidence from investigations revealed that Jones and East End associates engaged in drug distribution and violent acts, including at least six murders. The gang used social media for celebrations and intimidation, impacting investigation efforts.
On July 12, 2019, Jones and East End affiliate Tyrone Moore killed O.N.E. member Sean Warren, also known as “Kujoe.” Jones also attempted to murder O.N.E. member Joshua Gilbert on October 17, 2019. Although Jones initially pled guilty in August 2022, he later retracted the plea. A jury convicted him and three associates of racketeering in December 2023.
As part of the broader law enforcement action, approximately 47 members of the involved gangs have faced federal convictions, solving eight murders and 20 attempted murders. Tyrone Moore was sentenced to 20 years and 10 months in prison the previous year.
The investigation incorporated various law enforcement agencies and is prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Karen L. Peck. The prosecution aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs. These initiatives aim to reduce violent crime and gun violence through community engagement, focused enforcement, and comprehensive strategies.
