Earlier today in Brooklyn federal court, Martial H. Amilcar, known as “Drippy,” was sentenced to 30 years in prison for racketeering charges that included the murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and an attempted armed robbery at a Brooklyn pharmacy. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.
The announcement was made by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York.
“In seeking to exact retribution and promote gang violence, Amilcar ended the life of an innocent child,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “A lengthy prison sentence cannot undo the loss this family and this community has suffered but it delivers a powerful message that senseless violence carries serious consequences.”
“Martial Amilcar’s sentencing is a testament to HSI New York’s relentless commitment to protecting innocent New Yorkers from violent gangs that have brutalized our neighborhoods and exploited fraud schemes to fund their reign of terror,” stated HSI Special Agent in Charge Patel. “The defendant’s cold-blooded murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph and the violent attempted robbery that endangered families and a child highlight the deadly grip gang violence holds on our communities. Today serves as a powerful reminder that HSI New York, together with our partners, will relentlessly pursue those who devastate our neighborhoods and shatter innocent lives with their savagery.”
Nocella thanked HSI’s Violent Gang Task Force, the New York City Police Department, and the Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General for their work on the investigation.
According to court documents, Amilcar shot Samuel Joseph on February 22, 2019. The incident followed an earlier altercation between Amilcar’s brother—also a Hyena Crips member—and Joseph’s older brother, who belonged to a rival gang. After his brother was stabbed during that confrontation outside a convenience store on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn, Amilcar changed clothes and met up with other alleged Hyena Crips members before going to Joseph’s apartment building. Surveillance footage showed Amilcar waiting outside; when Joseph entered the stairwell to exit the building, Amilcar followed him inside and shot him three times at close range.
On June 9, 2020, prosecutors said Amilcar participated in an attempted armed robbery at a pharmacy on Avenue H in Brooklyn along with two other alleged Hyena Crips members. During the incident, he ordered customers—including a small child—and employees to the back of the store while displaying a firearm and grabbing one victim by the throat before attempting unsuccessfully to rob the establishment. Video surveillance recorded these events.
Eight defendants were charged in connection with racketeering related to their membership in Hyena Crips. Two have pleaded guilty: Martial C. Amilcar (Amilcar’s brother), who was sentenced yesterday to eight years for racketeering involving fraud against the Small Business Administration and conspiracy to murder rival gang members; and Matthew Harris (“Kappy”), age 26 from Brooklyn.
Five remaining defendants are scheduled for trial starting January 26, 2026. Their charges include previously unsolved murders from past years.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devon Lash, Jessica Weigel, Joshua Dugan, with support from paralegal specialists Elizabeth Reed and Erin Payne within the Organized Crime and Gangs Section.
Defendant:
– Martial H. Amilcar (“Drippy”), age 28
Previously convicted defendants:
– Martial C. Amilcar (“Hype”), age 27
– Matthew Harris (“Kappy”), age 26
Defendants awaiting trial:
– Bradley Augustin (“Cradley”), age 26
– Dave Augustin (“Juice”), age 39
– Rick Jasmin (“Jab”), age 32
– Wisny Joseph (“Weezy”), age 34
– Richler Morette (“Breezy”), age 30
Case number: E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-18 (S1)(AMD)
