Jay Clayton, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York | Department of Justice
Gibran Guerrero, also known as "Cojito," was sentenced on Mar. 23 to 27 years in prison for his involvement in a series of gunpoint robberies as a member of the Trinitarios gang, including an incident that resulted in the death of Johnny Gaston, according to U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton for the Southern District of New York.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address violent gang activity and its impact on local communities. Prosecutors say Guerrero's actions were part of broader criminal activities by the Trinitarios, which included robbery, fraud, narcotics trafficking, and violence.
Clayton said, "For too long, the Trinitarios have used intimidation, robbery, and deadly force to terrorize communities. The defendant and his fellow gang members carried out a series of brazen, gunpoint robberies and, in December 2022, lured victims into an ambush that left one man dead, and another seriously wounded. He is now where New Yorkers want him—in prison for 27 years. Today’s 27-year sentence sends a clear message that gang violence will be met with significant consequences."
According to court documents and public statements made during proceedings, Guerrero was involved with the Trinitarios from at least 2021 through 2023. On December 15, 2022, he participated with other members in robbing two victims in the Bronx; during this incident Gaston was fatally shot while another victim survived after being shot as well. Additional gunpoint robberies involving Guerrero took place on July 30 and September 26 of that year.
In addition to his prison term, Guerrero received three years of supervised release following completion of his sentence. Clayton praised Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department for their work on this case.
The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Ly from the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit.
