Third Person Arrested In Connection With 'Uptown' Street Gang Murder

Davonte “Vont” Hamilton, an alleged member of the “Uptown” street gang, was arrested and is facing various charges, including murder. Hamilton is the 32nd member of the “Uptown” and “Downtown” street gangs in Poughkeepsie to be charged with various offenses for their activities in the area.

Hamilton is the third person charged with murder in aid of racketeering activity and weapons charges in relation to the 2012 murder. He was arraigned in White Plains federal court on Monday. 

“Uptown” is a criminal organization whose members referred to themselves by many names, including the “Spready Gang,” “400 Savages,” the “Boogotti Boys and the “Mob Stars.” They are based in the eastern part of Poughkeepsie, east of Hamilton Street. They reportedly control the narcotics trade within the Hudson Gardens housing development and have committed crimes to protect that enterprise.

“Downtown” has been known as “420 Boys,” “L-Block,” “Most Hated,” “Hamo Gang,” the “C-Eazy Gang” and the “Bully Hard Hunna” faction of the Bloods street gang. Their base of operations was located in the western portion of Poughkeepsie, west of Hamilton Street to the Hudson River, particularly within the Martin Luther King and Rip Van Winkle housing developments, where they reportedly controlled the narcotics trade in the area, distributing heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and firearms.

Hamilton was charged with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering activity and murder through the use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He is due to be sentenced later this year, when he will face life in prison.

“The work done on this investigation is a perfect example of how our law enforcement partnerships have a positive impact helping innocent people. Getting these alleged gang members, dealers, and murderers off the streets has made Poughkeepsie safer," FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said. "The FBI Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force won’t let up on our pursuit of these alleged violent criminals until we stop their destructive hold on the community.”

“As alleged, Devonte Hamilton aided and abetted the murder of Daquelle LeBlanc nearly six years ago," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman added. "Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue justice for victims like Mr. Leblanc against all involved in such violent offenses.”

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