(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, together with Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr., and Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison, today announced the indictment of 21 defendants, including members and associates of the “9-Trey Bloods” street gang in a 197-count indictment that includes six conspiracies to distribute and possess narcotics and firearms. The indictment covers 63 total criminal acts dating back to December 2021.
In Suffolk County, we had over 350 young people die last year from fentanyl. That is more young people from Suffolk County than those who died during all the years of Vietnam war put together. We can’t stand by and let this continue,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Fentanyl is involved in more deaths of Americans under 50 than any other cause of death, including heart disease, cancer, homicide, suicide, firearms and accidents. Preventing fentanyl deaths is the number one priority of my office.”
“This collaborative effort led to an incredible number of illegal guns, deadly drugs and dangerous criminals being taken off our streets,” said Suffolk Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “Fentanyl has taken a devastating toll on our County and operations like these are a step toward keeping our residents safe. Thank you to the taskforce members from Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney’s Office, and our other Suffolk law enforcement partners for their diligent work in this case to uncover this violent drug and gun trafficking ring that this gang was conducting in Suffolk.”
“The success of this long-term investigation is evident with the arrests of close to two dozen people and the seizure of drugs and guns,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to combat gun violence and ensure those fueling addiction by trafficking powerful narcotics are held accountable. I commend the hard work of the investigators on this case whose efforts have made our communities safer.”
Riverhead Police Departmentbers of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force, East End Drug Task Force, and Gang Violence Task Force, in collaboration with members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Telephone Records and Surveillance Section, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, and Riverhead Police Department, began an investigation into several members and associates of a criminal organization known as the “9-Trey Bloods,” who were trafficking deadly narcotics, including fentanyl; trafficking and possessing firearms; and committing acts of violence in Suffolk County.
Law enforcement utilized various investigative methods including the execution of over 190 search warrants into residences, vehicles, cellular telephones, and other digital data sources, as well as thousands of hours of physical and electronic surveillance to gather evidence and intelligence about narcotics and firearms trafficking related to the targets of this investigation. These investigative methods revealed the scope and structure of this narcotics operation as well as the defendants’ access to and sale of firearms.
The investigation culminated in a three-month grand jury presentation charging 18 of the 21 defendants with six separate conspiracies related to narcotics and weapons trafficking and possession. The indictment further charges the 21 defendants with 63 separate criminal acts dating back to December 2021, including the possession of 12 illegal firearms, nine large capacity ammunition feeding devices, a gang related shooting, a fentanyl sale that resulted in a fatal overdose, several undercover narcotics transactions, and possession with intent to sell multiple controlled substances. During the investigation, investigators recovered more than 250 grams of fentanyl and heroin; more than 220 grams of methamphetamine; more than 200 grams of cocaine (including powder cocaine and crack-cocaine); and approximately two hundred pills containing narcotics drugs and controlled substances.
Among the incidents charged are the following:
The Fatal Overdose of 25-year-old woman at the Rodeway Inn, 3055 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, on November 13-14, 2022
On November 13, 2022, at about 9:00 p.m., JUSTIN LLEWELLYN allegedly sold a 25-year-old Yasmin DeLeon and another individual fentanyl and crack cocaine at a room at the Rodeway Inn in Ronkonkoma. The next morning, DeLeon was unresponsive to attempts from multiple individuals to wake her up. A few minutes later, LLEWELLYN entered the room and attempted to administer Narcan to DeLeon, which had no effect. When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they were unable to resuscitate the victim. LLEWELLYN was arrested on scene while allegedly in possession of narcotics, including fentanyl. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on LLEWELLYN’s vehicle and recovered drug paraphernalia including scales and an “overdose kit” containing multiple additional doses of unused Narcan.
LLEWELLYN is charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and faces up to 12 years’ incarceration for this charge.
LLEWELLYN is additionally charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree for conspiring to distribute narcotics. LLEWELLYN faces up to 25 years to life incarceration on that charge.
Shooting at Connetquot Avenue & Veterans Memorial Highway, Central Islip on August 20, 2022
At the intersection of Connetquot Avenue and Veterans Memorial Highway, in Central Islip, at around 2:04 p.m. in the afternoon on August 20, 2022, TYREE LAWRENCE allegedly shot a black handgun through the windshield of his own car at least ten times at a 2009 Cadillac CTS sedan, which he believed to be driven by a rival gang member. Several civilians who were in their cars saw the shooting and called 911. Although the intended victim’s vehicle was struck multiple times, the intended victim was not shot. TYREE LAWRENCE is charged with Attempted Assault in the First Degree and faces up to 15 years’ incarceration for this charge.
In addition to this shooting, TYREE LAWRENCE is charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree for conspiring to distribute narcotics and multiple narcotics sales.
Criminal Sale of Three Firearms Illegally Transported from Pennsylvania and Three Additional Illegal Firearms Recovered at Bay Shore Residence from January 2-4, 2023
Between December 15, 2022 and January 3, 2023, defendants JUSTIN WRIGHT, ROBERT STONE, and RAIVEN LOGAN allegedly arranged for LOGAN, a Pennsylvania resident, to purchase three firearms in Pennsylvania and sell them to WRIGHT and STONE in New York. On January 3, 2023, members of law enforcement conducted surveillance in Manhattan and observed LOGAN transfer a medium-sized bag from her vehicle to the trunk of WRIGHT and STONE’s vehicle. Law enforcement then followed WRIGHT and STONE to Suffolk County, where they conducted a car stop. Subsequently, detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and recovered two 9mm pistols, one .38 caliber revolver, two high-capacity magazines, and ammunition for each gun from the trunk of the vehicle, in the bag they observed LOGAN allegedly transfer to WRIGHT and STONE. LOGAN is charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and faces a maximum of 25 years’ incarceration for this crime. WRIGHT and STONE are charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and each face a maximum of 15 years’ incarceration for this charge.
On January 4, 2023, the morning after WRIGHT was arrested, law enforcement executed a search warrant at WRIGHT’s home in Bay Shore, where they recovered three additional loaded handguns, two large capacity ammunition-feeding devices, ammunition for all three guns, methamphetamine tablets, and a small quantity of fentanyl. WRIGHT is charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for the weapons found at his home and faces up to 15 years’ incarceration for this charge.
In addition to the firearms-related charges WRIGHT is also charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree for conspiring to sell narcotics, as well as multiple narcotics sales in this indictment.
Recovery of an Assault Rifle, Two Additional Loaded Firearms and Narcotics on January 11, 2023
On January 11, 2023, law enforcement arrested defendant RICHARD OWENS at a deli in Central Islip. At the time of his arrest, OWENS allegedly possessed approximately 11 grams of cocaine, 4 grams of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, diazepam tablets, and amphetamine tablets. Law enforcement executed a search warrant on OWENS’s vehicle, which was parked near the deli. From OWENS’s car, police recovered an additional approximately 11 grams of cocaine, morphine tablets, amphetamine tablets, two scales, and packaging materials. Subsequent to OWENS’s arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Ronkonkoma, where they recovered a loaded AK-47-style assault rifle, a loaded Taurus 9MM handgun, a loaded Taurus .38 Special caliber revolver, several large capacity magazines, matching ammunition, and narcotics packaging materials. OWENS faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for this incident and up to 15 years’ incarceration.
In addition to these firearms-related charges OWENS is also charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree for conspiring to sell narcotics, as well as multiple narcotics sales in this indictment.
Recovery of Three Loaded Handguns, Large Capacity Feeding Devices, Multiple Controlled Substances at a Residence in Brentwood on March 16, 2023
On March 16, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at defendant STEVEN HUNT’s residence on Prospect Avenue in Brentwood.
Law enforcement allegedly recovered three loaded handguns, two 9MM pistols, including a ghost gun, and a .45 caliber pistol, two large-capacity ammunition-feeding devices, and ammunition from HUNT’s bedroom closet. Law enforcement also recovered approximately 16 grams of cocaine, 6 grams of methamphetamine, and assorted tablets containing MDMA, also known as Ecstasy, methamphetamine, and oxycodone. HUNT was charged with a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree for this incident, and he faces 25 years to life incarceration.
In addition to this incident, HUNT is charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree for conspiring to distribute narcotics in this indictment.
Of the 21 defendants, nine defendants were arrested and arraigned on the indictment from April 19-21, 2023, before the Honorable Richard I. Horowitz. Several of the remaining defendants are pending arraignment. Of the indicted defendants, eleven defendants are charged with bail eligible offenses. Eight of those defendants are currently in custody, two have posted bond and one remains at large.
Indicted Defendants:
1. Amina Atelek, 22, of Deer Park, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and up to 10 years’ incarceration. Atelek is still at large.
2. Charles Cooper, 36, of Shirley faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and up to 20 years’ incarceration. Cooper is bail eligible and is currently in federal custody.
3. Dajuan Davis, 40, of Central Islip faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and up to 9 years’ incarceration. Davis is bail eligible and currently in custody.
4. Kellie Gibbs, 39, of Huntington faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration. Gibbs is not bail eligible and not in custody.
5. Michael Grodner, 58, of Huntington faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree and up to 2 ½ years’ incarceration. Grodner is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
6. Henna Harris, 47, of Central Islip faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and up to 10 years’ incarceration. Harris also faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration on Conspiracy in the Second Degree charges. Harris is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
7. Osvaldo Hernandez, 47, of the Bronx, faces a top count of Criminal Solicitation in the Second Degree and up to 2 1/3 to 7 years’ incarceration. Hernandez is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
8. Cynthia Hermann, 65, of Sayville, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree and 5 ½ years’ incarceration. Hermann is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
9. Michelle Horn, 31, of Deer Park, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and up to 9 years’ incarceration. Horn also faces up to 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration on Conspiracy in the Second Degree charges. Horn is bail eligible and currently in custody.
10. Steven Hunt, 42, of Brentwood, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and 25 years to life incarceration. Hunt is bail eligible and is in custody.
11. Robert Jenkins, 62, of Bay Shore, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration. Jenkins is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
12. Davon Lawrence, 31, of Huntington Station, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 12 ½ to 25 years’ incarceration. Davon Lawrence is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
13. Travis Lawrence, 35, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and up to 14 years’ incarceration. Travis Lawrence is additionally charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree and faces 12 ½ to 25 years’ incarceration for that charge. Travis
Lawrence is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
14. Tyree Lawrence, 30, of Ronkonkoma, faces a top count of Attempted Assault in the First Degree and up to 15 years’ incarceration. Tyree Lawrence additionally faces charges of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration. Tyree Lawrence is bail eligible and is in custody.
15. Terrence Lee, 33, of Riverhead, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 12 ½ to 25 years’ incarceration. Lee is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
16. Justin Llewellyn, 34, of Wyandanch, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 25 years to life incarceration. Llewellyn is bail eligible and is in custody.
17. Raiven Logan, 26, of East Stroudsberg, Pennsylvania, faces a top count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and up to 25 years’ incarceration. Logan is bail eligible and is in custody.
18. Richard Owens, 33, of Ronkonkoma, faces at op count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and up to 15 years’ incarceration. Owens additionally faces charges of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration. Owens is bail eligible. He posted bail and is not in custody.
19. George Rodriguez, 48, of Medford, faces charges of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and up to 9 years’ incarceration. Rodriguez faces additional charges for Conspiracy in the Second Degree and 8 1/3 to 25 years’ incarceration. Rodriguez is not bail eligible and is not in custody.
20. Robert Stone, 36, of Islip faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and up to 15 years’ incarceration. Stone is bail eligible. He posted bail and is not in custody.
21. Justin Wright, 33, of Bay Shore faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and up to 15 years’ incarceration. Wright faces additional charges for Conspiracy in the Second Degree and 12 ½ to 25 years’ incarceration. Wright is bail eligible and is in custody.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Fentanyl Task Force is comprised members of the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, District Attorney Investigators, and Suffolk County Police Department.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s East End Drug Task Force is comprised members of the District Attorney Investigators, East Hampton Town Police Department, New York State Police, Riverhead Police Department, Southold Police Department, Southampton Town Police Department, the Suffolk County Police Department and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Gang Violence Task Force are a team of Investigators, Analysts, and Assistant District Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County Police Department, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kristin Barnes and Raymond Coscia of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau. The investigation was assisted by Assistant District Attorney Jacob Kubetz of the Narcotics Bureau.