Richler Morette, also known as “Breezy,” has pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to racketeering charges related to the murder of a man mistaken for a rival gang member and conspiracy to murder other rivals. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. Morette is the eighth member of the Hyena Crips gang from Brooklyn to plead guilty under a superseding indictment that covers a decade of violent activity, including the murders of Samuel Joseph, Leandre Mallinckrodt, and Roodson Polynice. He faces up to life in prison at sentencing.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York; and Anthony D’Esposito, Special Agent in Charge at the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Northeast Region.
“The prosecution of these Hyena Crips gang members has dismantled a violent and ruthless gang that terrorized our communities for too long, killing innocent people, robbing local businesses, and stealing the identities of hard-working peoples,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “It is my sincere hope that the guilty pleas represent justice and some measure of closure for the victims and their loved ones.”
"With this guilty plea, Richler Morette has acknowledged his link to vicious murders and attempted killings of the innocent public and rival gang members, alike,” stated HIS Special Agent in Charge Patel. “As a result of this investigation, eight Hyena Crips gangsters have plead guilty and will face the full force of the law — reflecting the real change that HSI New York, together with our partners, are endeavoring to make within New York City communities. HSI New York remains committed to restoring safety and peace for all New Yorkers.”
"This guilty plea underscores the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General's unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who defrauded the unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated DOL-OIG Inspector General D’Esposito. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who engage in the exploitation of governmental programs and the American taxpayer.”
Nocella thanked Homeland Security Investigations’ Violent Gang Task Force, NYPD, and DOL’s Office of Inspector General for their work on this case.
Court documents describe how members or associates from Flatbush-based Hyena Crips engaged in crimes such as murder, robbery, fraud—including identity theft related to unemployment insurance fraud—and money laundering over several years.
One incident cited was on September 3, 2012: Rick Jasmin fatally stabbed Leandre Mallinckrodt during Brooklyn’s West Indian Day Parade after mistaking him for a rival gang member.
On February 22, 2019: Martial H. Amilcar shot 15-year-old Samuel Joseph following an earlier altercation involving Joseph’s brother.
On September 2, 2020: Dave Augustin directed Bradley Augustin, Morette (the defendant), and others to retaliate against another gang after two Hyena Crips leaders were shot non-fatally; Roodson Polynice was killed during this drive-by shooting while sitting in his car.
The indictment also includes allegations about attempts or conspiracies relating to murder or robbery as well as defrauding government agencies like SBA through fraudulent schemes.
Seven other members have previously pleaded guilty; sentences include Martial H. Amilcar receiving 30 years’ imprisonment on November 13, 2025 for racketeering tied both to murder and attempted robbery; Martial C. Amilcar received eight years’ imprisonment on November 12 for racketeering connected with SBA fraud schemes and conspiracy charges; five co-defendants await sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, Joshua Dugan with paralegal support from Elizabeth Reed and Erin Payne under EDNY’s Organized Crime & Gangs Section.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Eastern District of New York prosecutes federal crimes—including cases like this one—and represents civil matters within its jurisdiction covering Brooklyn among other areas official website. The office maintains locations in Brooklyn and Central Islip official website.
