Authorities have charged a man and a woman in connection with an alleged nationwide criminal enterprise that resulted in the death of a New York man. U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton announced charges against Jalen Teague, also known as “Bizzle” or “Too Official,” and Cheleia Council Sanders, known as “Mercedes,” for their alleged roles in a racketeering conspiracy that led to a fatality, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to an indictment unsealed in the Southern District of New York, prosecutors allege that between late 2022 and mid-2024, the defendants carried out more than 100 robberies using gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB. Authorities state that victims were targeted based on perceived wealth, including visible luxury items such as high-end watches, and were allegedly incapacitated with the drug before being robbed. The Justice Department alleges that Teague and others engaged in a recurring scheme involving drugging and theft, which prosecutors say resulted in physical and emotional harm to victims and, in one instance, the fatal poisoning of a victim in August 2023.
Christopher Roberts of the DEA emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, stating that the charges against Jalen Teague for allegedly leading a scheme to target, rob, and poison victims, including one case that resulted in death, reflect the severe consequences of using controlled substances to commit crimes. Roberts also noted the dual nature of GHB, a substance that has legitimate medical uses but can cause significant harm when misused.
In addition to Teague and Sanders, Megan Sterngast, also known as "Megan – E Village," has been charged with conspiring to distribute GHB, as per the press release. The Superseding Indictment alleges that Teague’s operation used female associates to carry out the scheme, targeting men at social venues by secretly administering GHB to incapacitate them before theft. Federal Judge Vernon S. Broderick is overseeing the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Joseph H. Rosenberg leading the prosecution. The charges are serious, but the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Anyone who believes they may have been a victim of the alleged Teague Enterprise is encouraged to contact Victim & Witness Services at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. The Justice Department, working alongside the DEA and NYPD, emphasized that uncovering and dismantling this alleged criminal operation reflects a continued commitment to keeping public spaces safe and holding those responsible accountable.
