Eric Hayes, aged 28, known by the alias "Heavyweight Champ," has been sentenced to 165 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. His sentencing was delivered by U.S. District Judge Victor A. Bolden in New Haven. This decision is part of a larger investigation into violent street gangs in Bridgeport.
The announcement came from Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, Joseph T. Corradino, State’s Attorney for the Fairfield Judicial District, Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter, and an array of federal agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA, and U.S. Marshals.
Court documents and evidence from a lengthy trial revealed Hayes's involvement in the East End gang, a group known for its violent activities and narcotics trafficking, including the murder of rival gang members. The investigation, undertaken by law enforcement agencies including the FBI, started after the January 2020 shooting and murder of Myreke Kenion and the attempted murder of D’Andre Brown, attributed to the East End gang. In retaliation, opposing gang members attempted another shooting outside a courthouse the following day.
"Hayes and other East End members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and Percocet pills; used and shared firearms; and committed at least six murders and other acts of violence against rival gang members and other individuals," was detailed in the statement. It was further noted that these members showcased their criminal activities online through rap videos and social media while intimidating witnesses to protect their interests.
Specific incidences include Hayes's involvement in the 2019 murder of Jerrell Gatewood and the coordination of a shooting on Marquis Isreal, with the firearm found on Hayes during his 2019 arrest linked to these crimes. In December 2023, a jury found Hayes guilty, alongside Trevon Wright, Keishawn Donald, and Travon Jones, of racketeering conspiracy.
The broad investigation has led to the conviction of approximately 47 individuals linked to the city's violent gangs. The effort was part of the federal government’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), Project Longevity, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) programs, which aim to reduce violent crime through community engagement and coordinated law enforcement action.
These programs emphasize the need for unified action and focus on violent offenders to combat gang violence and offer pathways for rehabilitation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, Rahul Kale, and Karen L. Peck are prosecuting these cases, with support from various local and federal agencies.
