Marcus Ricketts has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for causing death through the use of a firearm, following his guilty plea on April 4, 2024. The sentence was delivered by United States District Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall in Brooklyn federal court.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge at the FBI's New York Field Office, announced the sentencing. "My Office continues to work tirelessly to dismantle violent robbery crews that wreak havoc on communities throughout New York City," stated Nocella. He emphasized that today's sentencing underscores their commitment to prosecuting those who commit violent acts while being in the country illegally.
Ricketts led a robbery crew targeting marijuana dealers across New York City from June 2020 until December 2021. This period followed his illegal return to the U.S. after deportation. During this time, he orchestrated three armed robberies with his crew, which included Mark Goulbourne, Jonathan Goulbourne, Juvanie Crossgill, Chevonne Williams, Amari Webber, and Romeo Jonas.
One of these robberies resulted in a fatal shootout at an Airbnb in Brighton Beach in December 2021. The incident left one victim dead and another wounded as Ricketts and his associates attempted to steal approximately 165 pounds of marijuana.
FBI Assistant Director Raia remarked on Ricketts' disregard for law enforcement despite previous convictions and deportations: "May today’s sentencing reflect the FBI’s steadfast commitment to crush violent crime."
The case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at disrupting high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States.
Several members of Ricketts' crew have already been sentenced or are awaiting trial or sentencing for their roles in these crimes. Mark Goulbourne has pled not guilty and is set for trial on June 16, 2025.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tara B. McGrath, Chand W. Edwards-Balfour, Rebecca M. Schuman, and Francisco J. Navarro from the International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.
