The streets of the Bronx, specifically around the Mitchel Houses, and the intersections of 135th and 138th Streets and Lincoln and Willis Avenues, have seen a significant decrease in gang-related terror following the sentencing of key members of the ABG gang. In a recent announcement by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle R. Sassoon, justice has been brought to the community with the sentencing of the last of 10 ABG gang members, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Daivon Morgan, also known as "Leeky," has been sentenced to 292 months in prison for a litany of crimes, including murder, attempted murder, racketeering, and firearms offenses. His sentencing marks the conclusion of a case in which 10 individuals have been held accountable for their roles within the gang. These crimes include the murder of 19-year-old Darren Scruggs in February 2019 and a slashing incident in February 2021. "We will continue to protect the public from gangs and the senseless violence they bring," Sassoon stated to the U.S. Attorney's Office, affirming the justice system's commitment to dismantling such criminal networks.
ABG's history of crime extends back to at least 2017, when the gang began trafficking narcotics, engaging in violent acts, and openly professing their gang affiliation on social media. Their influence, bolstered by connections to the national Crips gang, established a reign of fear and control over their claimed territory. The combined efforts of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Department of Corrections were pivotal in the investigation that led to these convictions.
Among the violence attributed to ABG, several incidents stand out, including the joint effort which led to Scruggs' murder by ROBERTO ESPINOSA, HENRY JONES and MORGAN, and various shootings and slashings targeting rival gang members. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Heavey, Christopher Brumwell, and James Ligtenberg have been recognized by Ms. Sassoon for their outstanding work in prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney's Office highlighted its commitment to disrupting criminal enterprises like ABG that threaten community safety.
