Federal indictment charges 16 alleged New Haven gang members in racketeering case
A federal grand jury has returned a 19-count indictment charging 16 alleged members and associates of the New Haven-based Stand On Business gang with racketeering and related violent-crime, drug-trafficking and firearms offenses.
The Drug Enforcement Administration publicly announced the case July 17. The indictment was returned June 25 in the District of Connecticut, according to the announcement.
Federal authorities allege that the case includes two murders and numerous attempted murders. The indictment also includes allegations involving drug trafficking and firearms trafficking.
Charges are allegations
An indictment is a formal criminal accusation, not a finding of guilt. The public announcement alleges that the 16 defendants were members or associates of Stand On Business, but it does not establish that allegation or prove any charged offense.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court. The announcement does not indicate that every defendant is charged with every alleged act or that each person has the same level of alleged involvement.
Authorities described the group as a New Haven street gang, and the case concerns alleged organized violence in the city. The announced charges combine racketeering allegations with alleged killings, attempted killings, drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Multi-agency investigation
The investigation involved the FBI, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department and Connecticut Department of Correction, according to the DEA.
The involvement of federal, state and local agencies reflects the scope of the investigation described in the announcement. The federal grand jury convened in the District of Connecticut.
Potential maximum penalties vary by defendant and charge. The announcement says some defendants could face life imprisonment, while others could face maximum terms of up to 20 years if convicted.
What is known next
The DEA announcement summarizes the allegations and the broad categories of charges, rather than providing a complete account of each defendant’s individual counts and alleged conduct. Court filings would be needed to determine the specific accusations assigned to each person.
No later case-status information, detention decisions or hearing dates are provided in the approved announcement. Any future court proceedings will determine whether the allegations are proven.
Sources
- Indictment Charges New Haven Gang Members with Committing Two Murders and Numerous Attempted Murders, Drug Enforcement Administration