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In the indictment, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said the 14 sold drugs and firearms for several years in the Bronx and Yonkers, and that four of those indicted took part in robberies in the Bronx and Manhattan.
“As alleged, the defendants arrested today plagued the Bronx and Yonkers with drug dealing, guns, and commercial robberies," said Bharara. "Thanks to the outstanding and cooperative efforts of the ATF, NYPD, and DEA, the defendants’ rash of alleged crimes has been brought to an end.”
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office was thanked for its efforts in the case, as well as the Westchester County Police Department.
"The sheriff’s office provided investigatory assistance and gathered intelligence for our law enforcement partners who led the investigation in the case," said Putnam County Sheriff's Office Capt. William McNamara.
According to the indictment, the group worked together from 2011 to 2017 selling and distributing heroin, crack cocaine, and marijuana throughout Yonkers and the Bronx. At least 12 of the defendants were also charged with using, carrying, and possessing firearms during the narcotics conspiracy.
In addition, four of the defendants were charged with committing several armed robberies including a pizzeria and a gas station. Three were also charged with trafficking in firearms, the indictment said.
“A violent drug crew has been taken off the streets today. For years, they allegedly acted like outlaws; selling drugs, brandishing guns and robbing businesses like they were in a time warped Wild West movie. But reality hit them today when they were arrested and brought to court," said DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit and its White Plains Division.
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