Three Members Of Shooting Boys Gang Charged With Racketeering, Murder, And Firearms Offenses

Source: United States Department of Justice News

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the filing of a five-count indictment today charging three individuals — WANDER RIVERA, a/k/a “Ciru,” EDWARD PEREZ, a/k/a “Perico,” and RAMON RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Pollo” — with certain federal crimes, including racketeering conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, and firearms offenses.  The defendants are charged for their roles in the “Shooting Boys” gang and associated acts of violence, including the June 21, 2021, murder of Milton Grant and attempted murder of another victim in Manhattan during a robbery.  In a coordinated operation, PEREZ and RIVERA were arrested last night and this morning.  Both defendants will be presented later this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jennifer E. Willis in Manhattan federal court.  RODRIGUEZ remains at large.  The case is assigned to United States District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.    

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, these defendants committed crimes with a street gang that has engaged in robbery, murder, drug trafficking, and other acts of violence.  The indictment unsealed today alleges that Milton Grant was murdered as a result of this gang’s wave of violence.  Gang violence is a threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods, and we will continue to work to end it.  These defendants now face substantial time in federal prison for their crimes.”  

HSI Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said: “As alleged, Shooting Boys gang members Wander Rivera, Edward Perez, and Ramon Rodriguez utilized extreme violence and intimidation in furtherance of their criminal activities, acting without remorse or regard for human life.  Gang members prey upon the communities they live in, committing the most heinous acts against their victims.  The New York City metropolitan area is much safer when criminal gang members are arrested and held to account for their crimes.  We appreciate the critically important work of our partners at the New York City Police Department and remain dedicated to working collaboratively to help rid our communities of these unrepentant criminals.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “Dismantling gangs to prevent the senseless violence so often associated with their illegal activities is among the highest priorities for the NYPD and our law enforcement partners.  We will continue to target the relatively small percentage of people responsible for a disproportionate amount of the crime and disorder committed in New York City.  I commend and thank everyone in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and all of the NYPD and HSI investigators involved in this case for their work in leveling these charges today.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court and based on statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

The “Shooting Boys” gang is a criminal organization based in the University Heights section of the Bronx.  Since at least 2017, gang members sold drugs, used guns, and committed numerous acts of violence against members of rival gangs.  Originally associated with the “Trinitarios” gang, the Shooting Boys broke off from the “Sunset” chapter of the Trinitarios in about 2018. 

The Shooting Boys sold crack, cocaine, heroin, and marijuana in select areas of the Bronx.  Gang members also specialized in armed robberies, often targeting individuals wearing designer jewelry.  During one early morning robbery, on June 21, 2021, Milton Grant was shot and killed as he sat in his car after exiting a Manhattan nightclub.  After Grant was shot, RODRIGUEZ stole Grant’s Audemars Piguet watch, pictured below: 

Another victim (“Victim-1”), who was with Grant at the time, was also shot during the robbery as he attempted to flee from the robbers.  Victim-1 survived his injuries.   

*                *                *

A chart containing the names, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.  The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and HSI and thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.    

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile, James Ligtenberg, Adam S. Hobson, and Jamie Bagliebter are in charge of the prosecution.  

The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Charge	Defendants	Minimum and Maximum Penalties
Count One Racketeering Conspiracy	WANDER RIVERA EDWARD PEREZ RAMON RODRIGUEZ	Maximum: Life in prison
Count Two Murder in Aid of Racketeering	WANDER RIVERA EDWARD PEREZ	Mandatory life in prison or death
Count Three Murder through Use of a Firearm	WANDER RIVERA EDWARD PEREZ	Maximum: Life in prison or death Minimum: Five years in prison, which much be consecutive to any other term imposed
Count Four Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering	WANDER RIVERA	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Five Firearms Offense	WANDER RIVERA	Maximum: Life in prison Minimum: 10 years in prison, which much be consecutive to any other term imposed