A federal court in Brooklyn unsealed a second superseding indictment involving charges against Jalon Lenny Garrett and four others related to the robbery, kidnapping, and shooting of marijuana dealers in Queens. The incident occurred on July 25, 2024, with Garrett arrested in Baltimore, Maryland, and scheduled for an initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York. The indictment also includes charges against Marcus Pittman for illegal possession of ammunition during the fatal shooting. Pittman and others involved will face arraignment at a future date.
Federal authorities, including John J. Durham, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director, FBI New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, NYPD Commissioner, announced the arrests. Durham emphasized the case highlights issues of gun and drug violence, stating, “This prosecution underscores the ongoing threat of guns and drugs in our communities.” Raia expressed concerns over violent robberies linked to illegal drug trades, while Tisch noted the deliberate, violent nature of the crime intended to instill fear.
The indictment, along with public filings, details the defendants as part of a Baltimore-based group targeting marijuana dealers. On July 24, 2024, the group initiated a violent robbery in Queens, resulting in the death of one victim, identified as John Doe #1. Marcus Pittman is accused of shooting and killing him during the operation.
The alleged plan involved driving from Maryland to New York with the intent to rob two dealers. Garrett and the others executed the robbery at a Queens stash house, forcibly restraining the victims and transporting them while demanding drugs and money. The indictment alleges Pittman killed John Doe #1 in a U-Haul van during the robbery. Following the crime, the defendants reportedly fled back to Maryland.
Upon conviction, Marcus Pittman, Delonta Pittman, and Jerome Waters could face mandatory life imprisonment. Garrett could face a minimum of ten years to life imprisonment. The charges remain allegations until proven in court.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, an initiative to reduce violent crime through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The prosecution is led by Assistant United States Attorneys Chand Edwards-Balfour and Adam Amir, with support from Paralegal Specialist Samuel Ronchetti.
