Richler Morette, also known as “Breezy,” has pleaded guilty in federal court in Brooklyn to racketeering charges tied to the murder of a man misidentified as a rival gang member and conspiracy to murder rival gang members. The plea was entered before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. Morette is the eighth member of the Hyena Crips, a Brooklyn-based street gang, to plead guilty to charges that include racketeering activity over ten years, involving murders, robberies, and fraud.
According to prosecutors, the Hyena Crips operated out of Flatbush and engaged in violent crimes and financial frauds. Members were involved in several homicides: Leandre Mallinckrodt was fatally stabbed at the West Indian Day Parade in 2012 after being mistaken for a rival; Samuel Joseph, age 15, was shot and killed in 2019 following an altercation; Roodson Polynice was killed during a drive-by shooting in 2020 as retaliation for previous shootings targeting Hyena Crips leaders.
The superseding indictment also includes allegations of identity fraud related to unemployment insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic and defrauding the Small Business Administration (SBA), money laundering, attempted murder, and other violent acts.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York—which handles federal prosecutions and civil matters for Brooklyn and surrounding counties (official website)—announced the plea alongside officials from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG).
“The prosecution of these Hyena Crips gang members has dismantled a violent and ruthless gang that terrorized our communities for too long, killing innocent people, robbing local businesses, and stealing the identities of hard-working peoples,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “It is my sincere hope that the guilty pleas represent justice and some measure of closure for the victims and their loved ones.”
“With this guilty plea, Richler Morette has acknowledged his link to vicious murders and attempted killings of the innocent public and rival gang members alike,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “As a result of this investigation, eight Hyena Crips gangsters have plead guilty and will face the full force of the law — reflecting the real change that HSI New York, together with our partners, are endeavoring to make within New York City communities. HSI New York remains committed to restoring safety and peace for all New Yorkers.”
“This guilty plea underscores the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General’s unwavering commitment to bring to justice those who defrauded unemployment insurance programs during the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated DOL-OIG Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to pursue those who engage in exploitation of governmental programs and American taxpayers.”
The case is managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, Joshua Dugan from their Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
Morette faces up to life imprisonment when sentenced. Seven other defendants have previously pleaded guilty; two have been sentenced while five await sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office operates from offices in Brooklyn and Central Islip (official website) serving areas including Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County (official website). The office provides prosecution services for federal crimes such as those charged against Morette (official website).
