Earlier today in Brooklyn federal court, Martial H. Amilcar, also known as “Drippy,” was sentenced to 30 years in prison for racketeering charges related to the murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and the attempted armed robbery of a pharmacy in Brooklyn. United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly issued the sentence.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York.
“In seeking to exact retribution and promote gang violence, Amilcar ended the life of an innocent child,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “A lengthy prison sentence cannot undo the loss this family and this community has suffered but it delivers a powerful message that senseless violence carries serious consequences.”
“Martial Amilcar's sentencing is a testament to HSI New York’s relentless commitment to protecting innocent New Yorkers from violent gangs that have brutalized our neighborhoods and exploited fraud schemes to fund their reign of terror,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “The defendant's cold-blooded murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and the violent attempted robbery that endangered families and a child highlight the deadly grip gang violence holds on our communities. Today serves as a powerful reminder that HSI New York, together with our partners, will relentlessly pursue those who devastate our neighborhoods and shatter innocent lives with their savagery.”
Nocella also thanked HSI’s Violent Gang Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General for their work on this case.
According to court documents, Amilcar was part of the Hyena Crips set within the Crips street gang. The group operated with a hierarchical structure similar to other Crips sets and generated income through fraud and robberies while maintaining its reputation through acts of violence.
On February 22, 2019, Amilcar shot Samuel Joseph three times at close range inside Joseph’s apartment building after an earlier altercation between members of rival gangs involving his brother. The events leading up to and including the shooting were captured on security cameras.
Amilcar was also involved in an attempted robbery on June 9, 2020 at a pharmacy in Brooklyn where he threatened customers—including a small child—and employees before fleeing without obtaining money or goods. Video surveillance documented this incident as well.
Eight individuals were charged under a superseding indictment for racketeering connected to their involvement with Hyena Crips. Two defendants have pleaded guilty so far; among them is Martial C. Amilcar—brother of Martial H.—who received an eight-year sentence for racketeering related to fraud against the Small Business Administration and conspiracy to murder rival gang members.
Five remaining defendants are scheduled for trial beginning January 26, 2026. Charges include previously unsolved murders from past years linked to gang activity.
The prosecution is being managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, Joshua Dugan from the Organized Crime and Gangs Section along with paralegal support staff.
Defendants involved include:
- Martial H. Amilcar (“Drippy”), age 28
- Previously convicted: Martial C. Amilcar (“Hype”), age 27; Matthew Harris (“Kappy”), age 26
- Awaiting trial: Bradley Augustin (“Cradley”), Dave Augustin (“Juice”), Rick Jasmin (“Jab”), Wisny Joseph (“Weezy”), Richler Morette (“Breezy”)
E.D.N.Y Docket No.: 23-CR-18 (S1)(AMD)
