A federal jury in Central Islip convicted Akeem Chambers, Jonathan Vazquez, and Jerell Shaw on April 9 of racketeering, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery, wire fraud conspiracy, mortgage fraud conspiracy, and money laundering. The three defendants are members of the Insane Crip Gang based on Long Island and the Rollin 60s based in Brooklyn. Each faces a maximum sentence of life in prison following an 11-week trial before United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack.
The case is significant due to the breadth and severity of crimes involved. Prosecutors say the convictions send a message about law enforcement’s efforts to address gang violence across Long Island and Brooklyn.
“With today’s convictions, a clear message has been sent to those who perpetuate the cycle of gang violence on Long Island, in Brooklyn, and throughout our district: you will be prosecuted, and you will be held accountable,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. “Our Office…will continue working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to advance the Administration’s mandate to Take Back America by dismantling and eradicating lawless violent gangs like the Insane Crips and make our communities safer.” Nocella thanked local police departments for their roles in bringing these defendants to justice.
FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr. said that “these three Crips gang members are responsible for a litany of crimes across Long Island… Today’s guilty verdict marks a significant milestone in the FBI Long Island Safe Streets Task Force’s unwavering fight against criminal enterprises flooding our streets with violence.” Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder highlighted that officers face daily risks when confronting such dangerous criminals: “These individuals committed dangerous crimes including robbery and murder… Working with our law enforcement partners we will stop at nothing to pursue individuals who harm our communities.” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly added that “this verdict is a powerful message to the gangs that think they can operate with impunity across Long Island.” NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated that “the NYPD is intensely focused on taking down gangs removing guns from our streets and keeping communities safe.”
Evidence presented at trial showed Chambers was involved in multiple shootings resulting in deaths between 2020-2022; Vazquez participated in murders dating back as far as 2016; Shaw orchestrated kidnappings as well as financial schemes using stolen identities during COVID-19 relief programs; all three were found guilty on charges relating both to violent acts—including shootings targeting rival gang members—and extensive financial fraud involving government aid.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York supports community outreach efforts for victims while handling prosecutions for federal crimes within its jurisdiction—which includes Brooklyn Queens Staten Island Nassau County Suffolk County—and maintains offices both in Brooklyn and Central Islip. The office operates as designated federal prosecutor’s office led by Breon Peace.
The convictions represent one part of ongoing efforts by local state federal agencies aimed at dismantling organized crime groups operating within New York City area.
