Last Friday, Pedro Serrano, also known as "Papo," the recognized leader of the "OZP" branch of the notorious Trinitarios street gang, received a sentence for his role in a violent clash dating back to June 2021. According to a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York, Serrano was sentenced to 183 months in prison—over 15 years—for organizing a shooting in Queens that left three people injured.
On June 29, 2021, while driving through a residential area, Serrano carried out a shooting targeting members of a rival Trinitarios set, stemming from an ongoing violent conflict involving territorial disputes. Aiming to target members of the Southside set, Serrano and co-conspirator Albert Santana-Fernandez, known as "Pipa," drove around until locating their rivals. Firing from their moving vehicle, they left one victim with a severe gunshot wound to the head. According to the prosecution, at least 13 shell casings were found scattered at the scene.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. outlined the serious consequences of Serrano's actions, denouncing the gang leader's involvement in criminal activity that poses a significant threat to community safety. "Such warfare jeopardizes public safety and underscores the importance of my Office’s mission to eradicate violent gangs from our communities," Nocella said in the press release. Alongside Nocella, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia spoke to the recklessness of Serrano's actions, emphasizing the FBI’s dedication to "crushing any gang violence that threatens our city."
Mr. Nocella acknowledged the efforts of law enforcement, commending the New York City Police Department for their dedicated support in the case. The prosecution, part of a larger initiative targeting organized crime, was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Lindsey R. Oken and Benjamin Weintraub of the Office's Organized Crime and Gangs Section. Santana-Fernandez, who was involved in the same incident, is currently awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty in October 2024.
