(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, together with law enforcement partners, today announced the 57-count indictment of 18 alleged members and associates of a Riverhead-based gang that refers to itself as the “48 Gang.” The indictment followed an investigation by the District Attorney’s Office Gang Violence Task Force in conjunction with the Riverhead Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, Southampton Town Police Department, Nassau County Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force.
“This indictment is yet another example of my office’s steadfast commitment to eliminating gang violence in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Once again, working with all our local and federal partners throughout Long Island, we were able to secure this consequential indictment and help bring justice to victims of gang violence throughout Suffolk County. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, gangs and illegal weapons have no place in Suffolk County, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that any gang member, or anyone aiding gang members, operating in Suffolk County, will be brought to justice.”
“I’d like to thank the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, as well as all the agencies that made this case a success,” said Riverhead Police Department Chief of Police Ed Frost. “Above all else this case highlights two critical points. First, the violent acts of a few will not be allowed to destroy the lives of many. Second, this case highlights the fact that no one is above the law. I also would like to recognize the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for its tireless efforts and unwavering partnership with our police department. This case is a direct result of that collaboration.”
“There is no place for gang violence in our communities, and we will not stand on the sidelines while individuals bring fear to our neighborhoods through their violent actions,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “Working alongside the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we will not relent in our pursuit of those responsible. Whether it takes months or years, we will continue to investigate, solve these crimes, and bring justice to the victims and their families.”
“Once again, Suffolk County’s law enforcement partners has demonstrated what’s possible when agencies work together,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “This investigation reflects months of coordinated, intelligence-driven police work that led to the dismantling of a dangerous gang and the removal of illegal weapons from our streets. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of these officers, we are able to hold these criminals accountable and continue to protect our communities.”
The 48 Gang
According to the investigation, the defendants were members and associates of a violent criminal street organization operating primarily in the Town of Riverhead, specifically, the areas surrounding Oakland Drive, known as the “4 Block,” the Doctors Path Apartments at 641 Doctors Path, and the River Pointe Apartments at 821 East Main Street. Borrowing from each of the above addresses, the gang referred to themselves as the “48 Gang.”
The indictment is the culmination of a multi-year investigation conducted by members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, working with detectives from the Town of Riverhead, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and other local and federal agencies.
The investigation revealed that 48 Gang members also affiliated with widely-recognized gangs such as the “Bloodhound Brims” and “Mak Balla Family” and associated with other local gang members. The defendants’ connection to Riverhead was allegedly prioritized over other gang associations and the defendants worked together to allegedly share illegal firearms and use those firearms in the commissions of shootings and armed robberies.
The investigation culminated in a five-month grand jury presentation charging two murders, eight armed robberies, five additional shootings, and the possession of 13 illegal weapons. In addition, the investigation uncovered that from January 2021 through December 2022, defendant KYREN BRAUNSKILL conspired with multiple alleged gang members to sell and possess illegal firearms. During that time, BRAUNSKILL worked as a 911 operator with the New York City Police Department before becoming a police officer for the Mount Vernon Police Department in December 2022, where he currently holds the rank of Detective.
It is alleged as overt acts in the indictment that in December 2022, the same month BRAUNSKILL became a member of the Mount Vernon Police Department, that BRAUNSKILL attempted to arrange the sale of multiple illegal firearms to an alleged gang member, worked with an alleged gang member to attempt to deposit forged checks, and even solicited the assistance of an alleged high-ranking gang member to commit a shooting on BRAUNSKILL’s behalf.
BRAUNSKILL is one of sixteen defendants charged in a long-term conspiracy to illegally possess weapons spanning from 2021 through 2025. During that time, members of law enforcement recovered twelve illegal weapons from the defendants, which were alleged to have been used in multiple shootings and armed robberies.
In addition to the conspiracy to possess weapons, eight of the defendants are charged in long-term conspiracy to commit murder, and 11 defendants are charged in a conspiracy to commit armed robberies. It is alleged that the defendants allegedly used violence as a means of establishing geographical dominance over the Riverhead area and funded their criminal activity through armed robberies, firearms sales, narcotics sales, and financial frauds.
Several of these shootings and armed robberies charged within the indictment are described below:
The Shooting of an Aquebogue Residence in June 2021
On June 23, 2021, defendants JACOB MOORE, JUSTIN DICKS, and JAVON HOLLIDAY allegedly got into a verbal dispute with several individuals. Following the dispute, MOORE, DICKS, and HOLLIDAY drove to the Aquebogue residence of one of the individuals, believing said individual to be inside the residence.
Once at the residence, at approximately 10:13 p.m., it is alleged that MOORE, DICKS, and HOLLIDAY acted in concert to fire multiple shots from two separate firearms from the passenger side of MOORE’s vehicle into the residence, which at the time was occupied by a 74-year-old woman and 76-year-old man. Thankfully, nobody was injured as a result of the shooting, however several bullets entered the residence, striking the bedroom door and living room couch.
The Murder of Marcel Arrington in October 2021 in Mastic Beach
On October 26, 2021, it is alleged that defendants JUSTIN DICKS and JACOB MOORE allegedly arranged to rob Marcel Arrington, an 18-year-old from Mastic Beach, at gunpoint on Bayview Avenue in Mastic Beach. It is alleged that DICKS and MOORE contacted Arrington under the guise of attempting to purchase a quantity of marijuana.
When DICKS and MOORE arrived to meet Arrington, DICKS is alleged to have brandished a pistol at Arrington and attempted to rob Arrington at gunpoint. During the robbery, it is further alleged that DICKS shot Arrington one time in the chest, killing him, before stealing the marijuana and driving away with MOORE. An examination of the expended shell casing at the scene of the homicide revealed that the pistol DICKS allegedly used was one of the same guns used in the June 23, 2021, shooting of the Aquebogue residence.
The Shooting of Rival Gang Members in Bellport in September 2022
On September 26, 2022, at approximately 7:00 p.m., it is alleged that defendants ELIAS LUGO, ACOREY HOBBS, and OMARION FRANCIS travelled to Taylor Avenue in Bellport, armed with multiple firearms, looking for rival gang members. Once the defendants arrived, it is further alleged that they exited their vehicle and fired multiple shots from three weapons at a group of rival gang members gathered in front of a Taylor Avenue residence. Nobody was injured as a result of the shooting.
The Murder of James Ayers in January 2023
On January 6, 2023, it is alleged that defendant NICKOMAS ALLEN, an alleged high-ranking gang member in the Riverhead area, got into a physical altercation with 47-year-old Mastic man, James Ayers, in the parking lot of 821 East Main Street, Riverhead. It is alleged that during this altercation, Ayers punched ALLEN in the head in front of several individuals, before Ayers exited the parking lot and walked west bound on Main Street.
Following the fight, ALLEN allegedly went into an apartment at the complex, returned with a firearm, and followed Ayers westbound down Main Street until he encountered him in the vicinity of 747 East Main Street. Once ALLEN encountered Ayers, the two engaged in a verbal dispute and ALLEN allegedly shot Ayers in the head. ALLEN fled the scene immediately after the shooting. AYERS was rushed to South Shore University Hospital and died as a result of his injuries days later.
Two Armed Robberies of 7-11 Convenience Stores in September 2023
In the early morning hours of September 26, 2023, it is alleged that defendants JUSTIN DICKS, JACOB MOORE, BRANDON JOHNSON, and JEONTA SCOTT, robbed two 7-11 convenience stores at gunpoint in less than one hour.
At approximately 3:22 a.m., it is alleged that the defendants entered the 7-11 at 193 Caleb’s Path in Central Islip wearing dark clothes and masks. Once inside, MOORE allegedly served as a lookout by the door while defendants DICKS and JOHNSON allegedly brandished two firearms at the 69-year-old cashier, went behind the counter and demanded all the money from the cash register, stealing approximately $600.
Approximately, 50 minutes later, the defendants travelled to a 7-11 in North Bellmore, Nassau County. At 4:09 a.m., MOORE again allegedly served as a lookout by the door while defendants SCOTT and JOHNSON allegedly demanded all of the money from the 67-year-old cashier at gunpoint and stole approximately $1,000 in cash from the cash register.
The Armed Robbery of a Flanders Deli in September 2024
In September 2024, defendants DEMARION WESTON, KEVIN SETCHOY, and JOEL SANDOVAL LLAMAS allegedly conspired to rob the El Quetzal Deli on Flanders Road in Flanders at gunpoint. Shortly before noon on September 23, 2024, WESTON allegedly entered the deli armed with a firearm, threatened the clerk, and stole approximately $6,000 from the cash register. WESTON then allegedly pistol-whipped the clerk about her head and body.
On January 8, 2025, following an investigation into the September 23, 2024, robbery, members of law enforcement executed a search warrant into WESTON’s Farmingville apartment, where he lived with defendant TIANA MACDONALD and MACDONALD’s young child. Inside the apartment, law enforcement recovered a loaded handgun believed to be the same firearm used in the robbery, as well as a quantity of fentanyl, cocaine, digital scales, and United States Currency.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Violence Task Force consists of a team of Investigators, Analysts, and Assistant District Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, and Riverhead Police Department who are assigned to investigate and prosecute gang violence.
The Assistant District Attorneys are from the Violent Criminal Enterprises (“VCE”) Bureau, a bureau formed by District Attorney Tierney on January 1, 2022, to specifically focus on gun violence and other criminal activity perpetrated by gangs and criminal organizations operating in, and affecting, Suffolk County. The District Attorney’s Gang Violence Task Force, working in conjunction with the VCE Bureau, and law enforcement agencies throughout Long Island, uses every investigative strategy to build successful violent gang conspiracy cases against Suffolk County’s most violent offenders. These cases, like the one detailed herein, are designed to incapacitate these violent enterprises that endanger Suffolk County residents.
Indicted Defendants
1. JUSTIN DICKS, 24, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony. DICKS is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. on April 2, 2026. He is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq.
2. JACOB MOORE, 24, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony. MOORE is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on April 2, 2026. He is being represented by Matthew Touhy, Esq.
3. NICKOMAS ALLEN, 38, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony. ALLEN is currently in federal custody in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter and will be transported to Suffolk County to be arraigned at a later date.
4. ELIAS LUGO, 20, of Riverhead faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony. On March 26, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Senft. Justice Senft ordered LUGO held on $250,000 cash, $500,000 bond, or $2,500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. LUGO is due back in court on April 16, 2026, and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by David Besso, Esq.
5. JAVON HOLLIDAY, 23, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. HOLLIDAY is currently in New York State custody on an unrelated matter and will be arraigned at a later date. He faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
6. ACOREY HOBBS, 20, of Southampton, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony. HOBBS is currently in New York State custody on an unrelated matter and will be arraigned at a later date. He faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
7. BRANDON JOHNSON, 21, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. JOHNSON is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on April 1, 2026. JOHNSON faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Austin Manghan, Esq.
8. OMARION FRANCIS, 21, of Coram, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony. FRANCIS is currently in New York State custody on an unrelated matter and is scheduled to be arraigned at a later date. He faces 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
9. KENDALL GAMBLE, 26, of Shirley, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony. On March 26, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Senft. Justice Senft ordered GAMBLE held on $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, or $1,500,000 partially secured bond during the pendency of the case. GAMBLE is due back in court on April 16, 2026, and faces up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Danielle Papa, Esq.
10. DEMARIO WESTON, 23, of Farmingville, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. WESTON is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on April 2, 2026. WESTON faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by the Legal Aid Society.
11. JAYVONTE NASH, 25, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. NASH is currently being held on charges on an unrelated indictment and is scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on March 31, 2026. He faces up to 1 ⅓ to 4 years in prison being represented by Walter Zornes, Esq.
12. JEONTA SCOTT, 25, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. SCOTT is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on April 2, 2026. SCOTT faces up to 25 years if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Ira Weissman, Esq.
13. KEVIN SETCHOY, 23, of Mastic, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. SETCHOY is currently in custody and will be arraigned at a later date. SETCHOY faces up to 25 years if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Brett Bennett, Esq.
14. ANDRE WILLIAMS, 25, of Calverton, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony. WILLIAMS is currently in custody and scheduled to be arraigned before Justice Senft on April 2, 2026. WILLIAMS faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.
15. KYREN BRAUNSKILL, 34, of Mount Vernon, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony. On March 26, 2026, he was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Senft. Justice Senft placed BRAUNSKILL on supervised release with GPS conditions because his charges are considered non-bail eligible under New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. BRAUNSKILL is due back in court on April 15, 2026, and faces up to 1 ⅓ to 4 years in prison. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.
16. COURTNEY GREGG, 34, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Hindering Prosecution in the Second Degree, a Class D felony. On March 26, 2026, she was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Senft. Justice Senft placed GREGG on supervised release with GPS conditions because her charges are considered non-bail eligible under New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. GREGG is due back in court on April 13, 2026, and faces up to 2 ⅓ to 7 years in prison. She is being represented by Carl Irace, Esq.
17. JOEL SANDOVAL LLAMAS, 26, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. On March 25, 2026, SANDOVAL LLAMAS was arrested on these charges in West Virginia and is currently in custody awaiting extradition. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count.
18. TIANA MACDONALD, 24, of Farmingville, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony. MACDONALD is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on April 9, 2026. MACDONALD’s charges are considered non-bail eligible under New York State law, meaning prosecutors cannot ask for, and judges cannot set, bail. She faces up to 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count and is being represented by Glenn Obedin, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys William Richards and Kenneth Collado of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.
The investigation was led by District Attorney Investigator Daniel Crerend of the of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Gang Task Force and Detective Daniel Hogan of the Riverhead Police Department working with members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Gun Crime Reduction Unit, Third, Fifth, and Homicide Squads, Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, Town of Southampton Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Marshals Service Regional Fugitive Task Force.