A federal jury in Central Islip convicted Akeem Chambers, Jonathan Vazquez, and Jerell Shaw on April 9 of racketeering, murder, attempted murder, assault, kidnapping, robbery, wire fraud conspiracy, mortgage fraud conspiracy, and money laundering. The three defendants are members of the Insane Crip Gang based on Long Island and the Rollin 60s based in Brooklyn. They face a maximum sentence of life in prison after an 11-week trial before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gang violence and related crimes affecting communities across Long Island and Brooklyn. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York covers these areas as well as Queens and Staten Island according to its official website.
"With today’s convictions, a clear message has been sent to those who perpetuate the cycle of gang violence on Long Island, in Brooklyn, and throughout our district: you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable," said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. He also stated that his office would continue working with law enforcement partners to dismantle violent gangs like the Insane Crips.
FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr. said: "These three Crips gang members are responsible for a litany of crimes across Long Island... Today’s guilty verdict marks a significant milestone in the FBI Long Island Safe Streets Task Force’s unwavering fight against criminal enterprises flooding our streets with violence." Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said: "These gang members committed heinous acts of violence... Working with our law enforcement partners we will stop at nothing to pursue individuals who harm our communities." Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly added: "From targeted robberies and the senseless killings... these defendants showed a chilling disregard for human life." NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said: "These Crips members committed a series of violent crimes – from murder and kidnapping to stealing federal relief meant for vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic... Thanks to the work of our NYPD investigators... these violent criminals have been convicted and will be held accountable."
The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District handles both federal crime prosecutions and civil matters representation according to its official website. It operates offices in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website, supports community outreach efforts as noted online, serves as the designated federal prosecutor's office according to its official site, and is led by United States Attorney Breon Peace as noted online.
This conviction underscores coordinated efforts among local police departments including Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad & Gang Investigation Squad as well as FBI task forces targeting organized crime groups operating within New York communities.
