Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Seven individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale narcotics and racketeering conspiracy, as well as murder and other related offenses. The charges were announced by Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s New York Field Office. The indictment was unsealed in White Plains federal court.
The defendants—Carlos Molina Rodriguez; Samuel Blain (also known as “Lobo,” “Snipes,” “Loboferoz”); Carlos Martinez (“Bway”); Kalif Cox (“Leef,” “LG”); Justice Beard (“Just”); Calvin Lewis (“Ski”); and Emmanuel Idyis—face multiple charges including narcotics distribution, importation, continuing criminal enterprise, racketeering conspiracy, murder, and related crimes in areas around Middletown and Newburgh, New York.
Authorities report that Molina, Martinez, Cox, Beard, Lewis, and Idyis were arrested earlier this year across New York, California, and North Carolina. Blain was expelled from Mexico on August 22 and taken into custody at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. All but Idyis have been ordered detained pending trial. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.
“As alleged, these defendants operated a large-scale narcotics distribution, importation, and racketeering conspiracy to smuggle dozens of kilograms of illegal crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl from Mexico and drive them in specially modified minivans all over the United States, including to New York,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “The defendants are also charged—in connection with their participation in a violent street gang—with murdering an innocent bystander during a gunfight in Newburgh, in September 2019, committing numerous robberies, illegally trafficking firearms, and creating child pornography. The wide-ranging criminal conduct described in this Indictment shows a troubling indifference to the safety of New Yorkers that cannot be tolerated. This Office and our partners will not rest until every individual responsible for these heinous crimes—wherever they may be hiding, whether in Mexico or New York—is brought to justice.”
“These seven defendants allegedly used any illicit means necessary to support their criminal enterprise—including smuggling large amounts of narcotics into this country—trafficking illegal firearms—and shooting at rivals—which included the murder of an innocent bystander by one of the defendants,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia. “Their alleged nondiscriminatory criminality depicts a relentless appetite to promote the gang’s operations regardless of the affected community left in its turmoiled wake. This Summer Heat indictment demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast dedication to crushing all forms of violent crime and eradicating any criminal organization using our communities to perpetuate their unlawful activities.”
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings—all facts remain allegations at this stage—the group is accused of importing significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine,cocaine,and fentanyl from Mexico between 2022 and April 2025.The operation involved recruiting drivers who traveled from the United States into Mexico via California.They received minivans modified for transporting drugs or proceeds across borders.Drivers then delivered shipments throughout various locations nationwide—including Middletown—while remaining under direction from leaders within what authorities call the Molina DTO.
Additionally,the indictment alleges that between 2019 through April 2025,Carlos Martinez led an organized gang called Forbes List—a subset of Makk Ballas—with members including Cox,Bear,Lewis,and Idyis.Blain connected Forbes List with Molina DTO,enabling cross-border drug movement.Members are also accused of shootings,weapons trafficking,fraud,and robberies.Cox faces specific charges involving murder during a gunfight on September 21st ,2019,involving an innocent bystander named Amed Alberto Alvarado Baquedano.He is also charged with inducing a minor victim to record sexually explicit material,sending it to him;illegal interstate firearms trafficking;and carrying out a drug-related shooting in Bronx during July 2024.Other allegations include Martinez illegally possessing ammunition( May 2024)and Beard possessing firearms while dealing drugs(Yonkers).
A chart detailing each defendant's name,potential penalties,and corresponding charges accompanies official filings.Maximum sentences range up to life imprisonment depending on charge specifics.Any sentencing decisions will ultimately be determined by judicial discretion.
U.S.Attorney Clayton acknowledged investigative efforts by multiple agencies:the FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force,FBI offices(Los Angeles,Dallas),Mexican law enforcement,FBI Mexico Legal Attache,U.S.Attorney’s Offices(Southern District CA,Northern District TX,Eastern District NC),Department Homeland Security Investigations,the DEA,U.S.Customs/Border Patrol,Bureau Alcohol,Tobacco Firearms & Explosives,U.S.Postal Inspection Service,state/local police departments(Newburgh,Middletown,Yonkers,etc.).
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S.Attorneys Ryan W.Allison ,Justin L.Brooke ,Jennifer N.Ong ,and Margaret N.Vasu .
All information presented regarding allegations should be considered as such unless proven otherwise through legal proceedings.
