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Chico Gang of East Harlem behind 21 shootings nabbed in joint operation by cops and prosecutors

'Teens are recruited to take the place of older gang members and continue their bloody rivalries,' DA Vance said after the indicment of gang members

EAST HARLEM, NEW YORK: A violent street gang from East Harlem, New York, was busted in a massive takedown operation conducted jointly by police and prosecutors. Known as the 'Chico Gang', the group was indicted in connection with 21 shootings in the last two and a half years. They are famously based in and around NYCHA's Wagner Houses and were notorious for violent activities against their rival gangs and residents of Jefferson Houses. Thirteen members of the Chico Gang were indicted on August 18, 2021, in the New York State Supreme Court. 

Gang violence in New York has seen an unusual rise in the past few months. Recently, the Brooklyn-based Ninedee Gang was named for allegedly plotting the murder of a federal witness. Speaking about the rising street gang menace in East Harlem, District Attorney Cyrus R Vance stated, "This indictment is one part of our work to break the cycle of violence gripping East Harlem, as teens are recruited to take the place of older gang members and continue their bloody rivalries."

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What is the Chico Gang?

According to the law enforcement authorities, the Chico Gang has terrorized two public housing projects since 2018. They were involved in shooting over a dozen people, including a 12-year-old boy and three other innocent bystanders. "The Chico gang has carried on senseless rivalries targeting other gangs with innocent members of the community — including children — being caught in the crossfire," said NYPD commissioner Dermot Shea. 

The gang operated by communicating over Facebook group chats and instant messages, while they also used Snapchat and Instagram for plotting criminal activities. The arrested Chico Gang members were slapped with a slew of charges, totaling 65 counts. The charges included second-degree attempted murder, fourth-degree conspiracy, first-degree assault, criminal possession of weapons, and others. 

The members named in the indictments are Jabari Albright, Devon Branton, Sahii Butler, Jasan Crockett, Jayden Golden, Kamren Hudson, Joseph Lee, Jamel Williams, Mikell Pettaford, Isaac Rivera, Dakotah Campbell, Jaseir Mitchell, and Melvin Williams. Most of them are young adults and were found to be boasting about their crimes on social media. For instance, 20-year-old Melvin Williams posted a video on Snapchat in July, which shows him holding a silver handgun to another person's head. 

Williams, Campbell and Mitchell were the three members arraigned on August 18. The other members, barring Isaac Rivera, all remain in custody at present. 

While speaking about the major gang bust, DA Vance noted, "While we continue to aggressively prosecute gun violence in all of its forms, we are keenly aware that prosecutions alone cannot break this cycle."

Meanwhile, NYPD commissioner Shea said, "We have worked very hard in the NYPD alongside the Manhattan DA’s Office, using forfeiture money seized from drug crews and criminals to fund programs and places to offer young people choices. These have included sports programs, jobs mentoring and skills. These defendants have made choices that they showed no intention of turning back from. Now, hopefully, they will face the consequences."