10th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering

BUFFALO, N.Y.—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Derrick Yancey, 27, of Buffalo, N.Y., pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, to Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Conspiracy (RICO Conspiracy). The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that from 2005 through 2010, the defendant was a member of the 10th Street Gang. As a part of his involvement in the gang, Yancey admitted driving fellow 10th Street Gang members to shoot rival 7th Street Gang members. Specifically, on September 15, 2008, the defendant drove armed 10th Street Gang members to shoot rival 7th Street Gang members, who were standing outside on Busti Avenue in Buffalo. While Yancey drove the car, his 10th Street Gang accomplices shot and killed Omar Fraticello-Lugo, and injured two others. The defendant then drove the shooters from the scene. Brandon Bobbitt was also convicted for his role in the murder of Omar Fraticello-Lugo.

Derrick Yancey is the 39th 10th Street Gang member or associate convicted as a result of this investigation which began in 2009.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Division, the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda, and the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto.

Sentencing is scheduled for October 22, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.