4 alleged members of Dominican gang accused of running drug ring.
vitalityvillage.online/a-closer-look-at-4-defendants-with-alleged-gang-ties-charged-in-staten-island-drug-trafficking-scheme/
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — District Attorney Michael E. McMahon announced criminal charges against four Staten Island residents accused of running a large-scale drug trafficking operation on the island.
On Monday, the group was apprehended by police after New York police executed a search warrant at a New Brighton home that turned up drugs and weapons, according to the district attorney’s office.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly operated the network for a four-month period beginning in July 2023. Court documents allege that the defendants sold narcotics to undercover agents on a total of 13 separate dates.
“Our message to those who bring drugs to our shores and sell them to our loved ones who suffer the horrors of addiction is simple: you will be caught and you will be fully prosecuted,” McMahon said. “In the days and weeks ahead, we will continue to work to not only apprehend the remaining defendants in this case, but also to continue to investigate every overdose in our neighborhood, disrupt drug trafficking networks and, as always , to offer treatments that save lives. to those who need it. The drug crisis is the challenge of our lifetime, and such enforcement is an essential part of our Marshall Plan approach to ending the drug epidemic once and for all.
The prosecutor’s office said the four individuals charged are believed to be members of the Trinitarios, a Dominican-American criminal organization based in New York. The defendants allegedly conducted the majority of their drug activities at a single residence located on the 200 block of Corson Avenue in New Brighton.
Here’s a look at the defendants and the charges each faces:
YEURIS ROBLES, 21 YEARS OLD
Robles, a Concord resident who lives on Hanover Avenue, was the main target of the investigation. He is also known by the pseudonym “Menor”. Currently, he is charged with 18 counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance.
According to court documents, on July 24, Robles sold cocaine to undercover police officers. On August 7, 8, 21, 23 and 29, Robles is accused of selling a half-ounce of cocaine and fentanyl. On September 6, 12 and 19, Robles allegedly sold between a half and two ounces of cocaine and fentanyl. On October 5, 9 and 24, officers said he sold them cocaine and fentanyl. On November 6, officers say they purchased fentanyl from Robles.
If convicted of all 18 counts, he faces a minimum of 47 years in prison. Robles’ bail was set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 surety.
LEXIAN FANTAUZZI, 22 YEARS OLD
Fantauzzi, a resident of Bement Avenue in West Brighton, allegedly sold cocaine and fentanyl to undercover agents on Sept. 12 with Robles. A few days later, on Sept. 19, Fantauzzi, who also goes by the nickname “Lex,” sold more cocaine to undercover agents along with Robles and an unnamed defendant, according to court documents.
He faces three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. Fantauzzi’s bail was set at $100,000 cash or $200,000 surety.
LUIS TEJADA, 22 years old
Tejada, of Corson Avenue in New Brighton, was charged with three counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance. On July 24, Tejada allegedly sold cocaine to police officers along with Robles. On August 23, the two men allegedly sold cocaine and fentanyl to undercover police officers.
Upon his arrest on April 16, 2024, police allegedly found Tejada in possession of a loaded Raven Arms MP-25 .25 caliber pistol. Tejada was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. He was also in possession of cocaine, fentanyl and oxycodone at the time of his arrest, leading to additional drug charges.
Bail was set at $50,000 cash or $150,000 surety.
HOWIE CLEMONS, 27 YEARS OLD
Clemons, who resides on Metcalfe Street in Stapleton and also goes by the name “Bowie,” was charged with one count of criminal sale of a controlled substance. According to court documents, on Oct. 5, Clemons and Robles sold fentanyl to police officers.
He was placed on probation, according to court records.
“We are awaiting what little evidence and discovery the DA’s office has regarding my client,” said Brendan Tracy, Clemons’ defense attorney. “My client denies these accusations and we look forward to defending Mr. Clemons in court.”
All accused are due to appear in court again on May 8. Attorneys for Robles, Fantauzzi and Tejada did not respond to a request for comment at the time of publication.