A federal jury has found Ramon Rodriguez, also known as “Pollo,” guilty of multiple charges including murder in aid of racketeering, attempted murder, firearms offenses, and racketeering conspiracy. The verdict was announced by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. The convictions stem from Rodriguez’s involvement with the Shooting Boys gang—a subset of the Trinitarios—and his role in violent crimes committed in New York City.
According to prosecutors, Rodriguez participated in a series of criminal activities with the Shooting Boys between 2018 and 2025. The gang operated mainly in the Bronx and Manhattan and was involved in murders, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation.
The case centered on two robberies that occurred in June 2021. On June 13 outside a Bronx nightclub, Rodriguez shot a man during a robbery, resulting in significant injuries to the victim’s leg. Eight days later on June 21 outside a Manhattan nightclub, Rodriguez fatally shot Milton Grant in the head during another robbery and stole Grant’s watch. As Grant’s friend fled the scene, Rodriguez fired at him as well.
Rodriguez continued his gang activities even after being detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. On December 3, 2023, he participated with other gang members in attacking an inmate who was cooperating with law enforcement.
“For years, Ramon Rodriguez—along with members of the Shooting Boys—committed shootings, robberies, drug trafficking, fraud, and witness retaliation throughout New York City,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “Worst of all, Rodriguez murdered Milton Grant in cold blood during a robbery, senselessly killing him for his watch, and attempted to murder another innocent victim at the same time. Gang violence poses a grave threat to our communities. Thanks to our prosecutors and law enforcement partners, including the NYPD whose detectives drove this murder case from the beginning, New York streets are safer tonight.”
Rodriguez faces one count of murder in aid of racketeering (maximum sentence: life imprisonment), one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon (maximum: 20 years), two counts related to firearms use during violent crimes (each carrying up to life imprisonment with mandatory minimums), and one count of racketeering conspiracy (maximum: life). Sentencing is scheduled before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff on June 30.
Jay Clayton commended investigative efforts by both local police and federal agencies as well as assistance from the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dominic A. Gentile and Jim Ligtenberg from the Violent Organizations and Crime Unit.
