Mastic Gang Member Sent To Prison For Narcotics, Shooting: Feds

MASTIC, NY — A Mastic gang member was sentenced to 20 years in prison on Tuesday for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, his participation in two shootings and possessing a firearm, according to the U.S. attorney.

At the federal courthouse in Central Islip, 33-year-old Michael Smith, also known as "Bum Jew," a high-ranking member of the Nine Trey Bloods street gang, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joseph F. Bianco.

The Mastic resident had previously pleaded guilty on November 9, 2015.

"With today's sentence, Smith has been held accountable for his ruthless conduct
and for profiting from the human misery he perpetuated in Suffolk County by supplying crack to
other Bloods gang members for re-sale as well as directly to addicts himself," U.S. Attorney Richard Donoghue said.

Between 2008 and 2014, Smith used his leadership position within the Bloods to purchase, process and distribute kilograms of cocaine in several parts of Suffolk County including Bay Shore, Brentwood and Central Islip; he sold narcotics to distribution-level drug dealers, some of whom were other Bloods gang members, and directly to drug users, Donoghue said.

Smith was also typically armed with a gun while distributing narcotics; he was also involved in several violent incidents, Donoghue said.

In 2011, Smith got into an argument with one of his drug suppliers in front of a bar in Patchogue.
During the dispute, Smith shot the supplier in the chest, Donoghue said.

Then in 2013, Smith and several fellow Bloods members drove to a home in Central Islip, where they confronted another Bloods member about his role in a prior shooting; during the confrontation, Smith displayed a firearm and pointed it at the gang member, Donoghue said.

When a bystander restrained Smith, pointing out that there were many women and children present, Smith ordered a Bloods member to shoot the other Bloods member, Donoghue said.

Both members survived their wounds.

"Michael Smith plagued Suffolk County with his distribution of this deadly drug to fellow dealers, gang members, and addicts," FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney said. "As if drug dealing wasn't enough of a threat to the community, Smith then compounded this with his violent activity; involving himself in multiple shootings. Today's sentencing not only brings Smith to justice, but also helps keep our community safe."