HIGH PROFILE ARREST IN SDNY ANONS
https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/recording-artist-and-performer-tekashi-6ix-9ine-and-five-other-members-and-associates
Recording Artist And Performer Tekashi 6ix 9ine And Five Other Members And Associates Of Violent New York City Gang Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering And Firearms Offenses
Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Ashan M. Benedict, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging six members and associates of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, also known as “Nine Trey,” with racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses.
Five defendants were taken into custody last night and today; they will be presented and arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman later today. A sixth defendant is in state custody and will be transferred to federal custody. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “As alleged in the indictment, this gang, which included platinum-selling rap artist Tekashi 6ix 9ine, wreaked havoc on New York City, engaging in brazen acts of violence. Showing reckless indifference to others’ safety, members of the gang were allegedly involved in robberies and shootings, including a shooting inside the crowded Barclay’s Center, and a shooting in which an innocent bystander was hit. Thanks to the extraordinary work of HSI, ATF, and the NYPD, the defendants will now face justice in federal court.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Angel M. Melendez said: “Members of Nine Trey, who wielded firearms and pushed highly addictive drugs onto New York City streets, allegedly showed an unprecedented level of violence this year, and for that they are now facing multiple charges, including an incident in which an innocent bystander was shot. This criminal enterprise has no business in our city, and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure that Nine Trey crew members, including the more well-known ‘Tekashi 6ix 9ine,’ are in a place where they cannot inflict further violence on our communities.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Ashan M. Benedict said: “ATF stands firmly at the frontline in the fight against violent crime. The individuals charged today with racketeering conspiracy and firearms offenses are members and associates of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, also known as ‘Nine Trey.’ The members and associates of this street gang engaged in violent robberies, assaults, and shootings. The ATF/ NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, with members from HSI, Federal Probation, NYS Parole and NYC Department of Correction, work tirelessly alongside their other law enforcement partners to rid the streets of individuals that spread violence and endanger their fellow citizens. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their work in prosecuting in the case.”