Massive Takedown Of 'Bloodhound Brim' Street Gang On Long Island: DA

LONG ISLAND, NY — A massive takedown of a deadly street gang was announced on Long Island Thursday, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney.

A total of 31 members of the "Bloodhound Brim" gang faced a 103-count indictment, with charges regarding an array of incidents, including 18 shootings — one of which led to the death of a Long Island schoolteacher — three armed robberies, and possession of 12 illegal weapons, Tierney said.

The long-term investigation, which began in 2022, covered 34 separate incidents, Tierney said.

According to the indictment, those charged are reportedly members and associates of the
Bloodhound Brim, or "BHB," street gang, the DA said.

The Bloodhound Brims are an established and organized subset of the nationwide Bloods gang, and a faction of the state-wide Bloods set known as the New York Blood Brim Army, Tierney said.

The members of BHB adhere to a strict oath, commandments, rules, and hierarchy led by defendant Latique Johnson, also known as "La Brim," and communicated through local Long Island leaders, Jussiah Herbert, also known as "Lokko," and Oumar Barry, also known as "Dollo," Tierney said.

In early 2022, District Attorney investigators, Suffolk County Police detectives, and members of
the Riverhead Town Police Department and the Suffolk County Sherriff’s Office, began
investigating a series of violent acts allegedly committed by members of BHB, Tierney said.

Working with Assistant District Attorneys of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, over the course of the almost two years, investigators executed more than 100 search warrants into residences, vehicles, and digital sources to gather evidence and intelligence about members and associates of BHB, Tierney said.

Working in collaboration with members of the Nassau County Police Department, Southampton Town Police Department, United States Department of Homeland Security, United States Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the investigation revealed the "sprawling and extensive" criminal conduct allegedly committed by members of BHB dating back to August, 2021, Tierney said.

According to Tierney, it is alleged that from August 2021 through February 2024, BHB members and their associates operated throughout Long Island, primarily centered in the Suffolk County communities of Bay Shore, Coram, Mastic and Riverhead. Members of BHB sought to establish geographical dominance by committing shootings and violence aimed at rival gang members and innocent civilians alike, the DA said.

The violence was orchestrated and ordered by high-ranking BHB members Johnson, Herbert, and Barry, and generally carried out by lower-ranking members who would receive approval or promotions within the gang upon completion of the violence, Tierney said.

The violence charged in the indictment dates back to August 2021 following the death of an alleged BHB member, the DA said. Members of BHB reportedly set on a course of conduct to avenge the death and to establish a reputation on Long Island as the most violent and respected street gang within the community, Tierney said.

BHB members were ordered to not cooperate with law enforcement, contribute money to BHB and high-ranking BHB members, and to commit violent acts, specifically shootings against any individual or gang that disrespected BHB, he said.

BHB members reportedly generated money through criminal activity, generally through armed robberies or narcotics sales, Tierney said. That money was allegedly distributed to high-ranking BHB members, including Johnson, who was serving a federal prison sentence in Victorville, California, Tierney said.

Despite his incarceration, Johnson maintained communication, control, and dominance over BHB, as evidenced by more than $31,000 in his Federal Bureau of Prisons account, funded by numerous payments from local BHB leaders, the DA said.

The investigation culminated in a five-month grand jury presentation charging members and associates of BHB with three separate conspiracies, including conspiracies to commit murder,
criminal possession of a weapon, and robbery, the DA said.

The indictment further charges 34 separate criminal incidents dating back to August 2021, including 18 shootings, three armed robberies, narcotics sales, the grand larceny of two vehicles, and resulting in the recovery of 12 illegal firearms, Tierney said.

Some of the alleged incidents are detailed below, the DA said:

Shooting of North Amityville Residence on August 23, 2021: In the early morning hours of August 23, 2021, after a prominent BHB member was shot and killed, members of BHB from Nassau County and Suffolk County reportedly gathered at the residence of Herbert, who ordered BHB members to travel to the residence of the suspected rival gang shooter, Tierney said.

About seven hours after the BHB member’s death, Janell Johnson and several other members of BHB, reportedly acting on Herbert's orders, traveled to the suspected shooter’s residence, where Johnson fired seven shots into the residence; no one was injured in the shooting, Tierney said.

Two shootings on January 12, 2022: On January 12, 2022, Herbert allegedly ordered lower ranking BHB members Johnson, Kariem Harrell, and Raymond Villegas, to shoot at multiple rival gang residences, the DA said.

Johnson, Harrell and Villegas first traveled to the Brentwood residence of a high-ranking rival gang member, and then 30 minutes later, to the Mastic residence of another high ranking rival gang member, the DA said. The trio allegedly fired two guns at both residences, the DA said. A resident was present within the Mastic residence at the time of the shooting and was shot in the leg, Tierney said.

Four Shootings and the Recovery of Two Weapons from March 20 to 22, 2022: From March 20 through March 22, 2022, Herbert reportedly ordered lower-ranking BHB members including Cannon and Villegas to shoot at rival gang members, telling Cannon that the rival gang members could not live on Long Island anymore, Tierney said.

On March 20, 2022, Cannon and Villegas, at Herbert's order, allegedly shot at the Central Islip residence of a hig-hranking rival gang member, the DA said. About four hours later, on March 21, 2022, Cannon and Villegas reportedly shot at the Bay Shore residence of another rival gang member, the DA said. On March 22, 2022, Jayvonte Nash allegedly ordered lower-ranking BHB members, including defendants Omarian Francis and Amis Bonner, to join CAnnon and Villegas, Tierney said. That same night, Francis, Bonner, Cannon, and Villegas reportedly shot at another Bay Shore residence of a rival gang member, Tierney said. Cannon and Villegas then shot at a fourth Bay Shore residence later that same night, the DA said.

Cannon was promoted within the BHB ranks for organizing and committing the shootings, Tierney said.

Later, on March 22, 2022, members of the Suffolk County Police Department recovered two 9mm caliber pistols from Villegas' Coram residence, the DA said. The firearms were "microscopically" examined and determined to be the same firearms used in the four shootings from March 20 through March 22, 2022, the DA said. One of the firearms was also determined to be the firearm used in both shootings on January 12, 2022, Tierney said.

The homicide of Kimberly Midgette on April 1, 2023: On March 31, 2023, Barry, who was the reported head of the Nassau County BHB, reached out to Herbert, the reported head of the Suffolk County BHB, the DA said. Barry reportedly asked Herbert to send lower-ranking BHB members from Suffolk to Nassau, in order to commit a shooting for Barry, who had been in a prior dispute with rival gang members in Nassau County, the DA said.

Herbert then reportedly contacted defendant Octavious Rose, who reached out to defendants Joel Badger and a juvenile defendant, Tierney said. Badger and the juvenile traveled to Nassau County with Reymon Rodriguez, the DA said. On the night of April 1, 2023, Badger, Rodriguez, and the juvenile obtained a stolen vehicle and received a gun from Barry, Tierney said. Once on Polk Street in Hempstead, they opened fire at a black sedan, striking Kimberly Midgette in the head, killing her, and striking another passenger in the arm, Tierney said. The evidence suggests that Midgette was not the intended victim of the shooting, but rather, the shooting was one of mistaken identity, the DA said. Midgette was a Bronx elementary school teacher and her 10-year-old daughter was in the backseat, the Nassau County Executive said at the time.

Following the shooting, Herbert checked with Barry to find out how his members "performed," and Barry said they did what they were supposed to do; Herbert then promoted Badger and a juvenile defendant within the gang, the DA said.

Shooting of Brentwood residence on April 15, 2023: On April 15, 2023, defendants Rose, Badger, Javon Holliday, and Acorey Hobbs traveled to a street in Brentwood where they believed a rival gang member lived, Tierney said. Once on the block, the defendants fired three guns at two residences; no one was injured in either residence, Tierney said.

Shooting and Armed Robbery on May 25, 2023: On May 25, 2023, defendant Isaiah Beauford lured a male victim to his residence under the guise that Beauford wanted to purchase marijuana from him, the DA said. When he arrived at Beauford's residence, Beauford, defendant Horace Hibbert, and a juvenile defendant entered the male's vehicle, and directed him to drive to a dead-end road, Tierney said. Once at the dead-end road, the defendants threatened to shoot him, and ordered him to give them money and marijuana, the DA said. When he tried to escape his car, one of the defendants shot him once in the back at close range with a .45 caliber pistol, Tierney said.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is seeking to prosecute all of the juvenile defendants referenced herein as adults, Tierney said.

He sustained gunshot injuries, which required an extended hospital stay, Tierney said. Following the shooting and robbery, defendant Shanecke Tinch, the mother of Beauford, reportedly aided the conspirators in their escape from the scene, Tierney said.

Shooting and armed robbery on July 7, 2023: It is further alleged that on July 7, 2023, defendant Marwan Ghanem, at the direction of one of the juvenile defendants and higher-ranking BHB members, lured a 15-year-old female to the vicinity of a residence under the guise that Ghanem wanted to purchase marijuana, Tierney said. Once the 15-year-old arrived, Ghanem and another juvenile defendant demanded money and "weed" at gunpoint, and then the juvenile defendant allegedly shot the girl in the arm and stole a quantity of marijuana, Tierney said.

That robbery and other crimes were reportedly done to prove the defendants’ worth to BHB as well as to provide funds to the "kitty," which was paid up to higher-ranking BHB members, the DA said.

According to Tierney, indicted defendants include:

1. Latique Johnson, 44, of Victorville, California, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 12.5 to 25 years in prison.
2. Jussiah Herbert, 26, of Copiague, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 12.5 to 25 years in prison.
3. Oumar Barry, 27, of Hempstead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
4. Jayvonte Nash, 23, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree attempted murder, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
5. Octavious Rose, 22, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 12.5 to 25 years in prison.
6. Janell Johnson, 21, of Bellport, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
7. Donovan Cannon, 25, of Wyandanch, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
8. Raymond Villegas, 19, of Coram, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
9. Kariem Harrell, 21 of Medford, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

10. Jermaine Jackson, 19, of North Amityville, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.

11. Isaiah Beauford, 18, of North Amityville, faces a top count of first-degree assault a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
12. Kamar Addison, 17, of Central Islip, faces a top count of first-degree assault, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
13. Khamari Elie, 19, of Hempstead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
14. Jaidan Beaubrun, 20, of Port Jefferson Station, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
15. Keysean Meade, 17, of Wyandanch, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
16. Joel Badger, 18, of Medford, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
17. Reymon Rodriguez, 18, of Hauppauge, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
18. Omarian Francis, 19, of Coram, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
19. Amis Bonner, 22, of Shirley, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class
B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
20. Javon Holliday, 21, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
21. Eric Roman, 17, of East Setauket, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a Class
B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
22. Andrew Little, 16, of Brightwaters, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a
Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
23. Marwan Ghanem, 18, of East Setauket, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
24. Acorey Hobbs, 18, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a
Class B felony, and up to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison.
25. Jaheim Woodson, 22, of Riverhead, faces a top count of second-degree attempted murder, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
26. Horace Hibbert, 18, of Massapequa, faces a top count of first-degree assault, a
Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
27. Shanecke Tinch, 36, of Amityville, faces a top count of second-degree hindering prosecution, a Class E felony, and up to 1 1/3 to 4 years in prison.
28. Aaron Beatty, 19, of Mastic, faces a top count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony, and up to 15 years in prison.
29. Makhi Taylor, 25, of Ridge, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
30. Tanaya Love, 21, of Riverhead, faces a top count of first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony, and up to 25 years in prison.
31. Giavanna Pergola, 20, of Port Jefferson Station, faces a top count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a Class C violent felony, and up to 15 years in prison, Tierney said.

On February 14, 10 of the defendants were arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr.; the remaining defendants’ arraignments are pending, Tierney said.

"This long-term, in-depth investigation is another example of exactly what I promised the people of Suffolk County. Unfortunately, the violence that these alleged gang members and associates inflicted upon our community ended up taking the life of Kimberly Midgette, a 44 year-old school teacher," said Tierney. "We will continue to prioritize our focus on gang violence, using every law enforcement tool we possess and take a coordinated approach to ending violent gang activity."

"Suffolk County’s law enforcement agencies are committed to working together to keep dangerous criminals off our streets. Suffolk Sheriff’s Office investigators were able to share valuable intelligence with the District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department to help apprehend dozens of gang members,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon. "Their criminal acts spanned attempted murder, narcotics sales, grand larceny, and possession of illegal weapons. Thanks to the hard work of our task force members, we are not only indicting these bad actors, but we are preventing deadly drugs and potential violence from entering our communities."

"Kimberly Midgette was a beloved elementary school teacher who was senselessly shot and killed during a drive-by shooting as she sat in her car. Working with our law enforcement partners, we indicted defendant Oumar Barry — an alleged Bloodhound Brims member — for her murder," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

"I would like to thank the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office for its tireless efforts to keep our residents safe by ridding our communities of gangs and criminals and the illegal weapons they possess," said Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller. "Today’s arrests highlight law enforcement’s ability to reduce violence across all of Suffolk County when there is a common goal and interagency collaboration."

"Too many people in our community are exploited or otherwise victimized by gang violence and criminal activity. We are aware that some of our newer residents are more vulnerable to becoming targets of this gang activity. We are here for you! District Attorney Ray Tierney’s tenacity and commitment to prosecute gang violence and gang criminal activity is a comfort to all of us in law enforcement whose mission it is to protect our community," said Southampton Police Chief James Kiernan. "In partnership with each other all Suffolk law enforcement joins with the DA to continue investigations like this and send a clear message that gang activity will not be toleratedon the East End or anywhere in Suffolk County."