Richler Morette, a member of the Hyena Crips gang, pleaded guilty to racketeering charges including involvement in murder and conspiracy to murder rivals. The admission took place in federal court in Brooklyn before US District Judge Ann M. Donnelly, where Morette faces a possible life sentence at his future sentencing. The Hyena Crips, active for over a decade, are linked to various violent crimes, particularly in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood.
This plea marks the eighth member of the Brooklyn gang to admit guilt following a sweeping indictment targeting the group's extensive criminal activities, including fraud, robbery, and murder. In a statement obtained by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York, Joseph Nocella commented on the case, saying, "The prosecution of these Hyena Crips gang members has dismantled a violent and ruthless gang that terrorized our communities for too long."
According to the Justice Department's announcement, details emerged about the gang's notorious crimes, including the September 3, 2012 murder of Leandre Mallinckrodt, the February 22, 2019 killing of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph, and the September 2, 2020 drive-by shooting that claimed the life of Roodson Polynice. These acts of violence stemmed from mistaken identities, retaliation, and gang feuds, reflecting the bleak reality of gang rivalries in New York.
The unraveling of the Hyena Crips' decade-long reign of terror in Brooklyn results from a collective law enforcement effort. Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New York, Ricky J. Patel remarked in a message that was awash with gun crime, "As a result of this investigation, eight Hyena Crips gangsters have plead guilty and will face the full force of the law." Their actions signaled a commitment to restoring safety in New York City communities. Moreover, the Department of Labor's role in the investigation highlights the gang's exploitation of government programs during the COVID-19 pandemic—a grave concern for DOL-OIG Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito, as per the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The long arm of the law has so far seen five members of the Hyena Crips, including the Amilcar brothers and others involved in violent crimes and fraud, facing various prison sentences. Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, and Joshua Dugan are at the helm of this prosecution, demonstrating the relentless pursuit of justice for the victims of these heinous crimes.
