Four 10th Street Gang Members Convicted of Murder, Racketeering and Narcotics Trafficking

BUFFALO, N.Y. U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that following a seven week jury trial, a federal jury has convicted four members of the 10th Street Gang of racketeering conspiracy, multiple violent crimes in aid of racketeering, narcotics trafficking and firearm offenses.

“More than four years ago, our Office declared a focus on gangs and the violent activities that go with them,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “Today, thanks to the unrelenting efforts of law enforcement, the community and the jury, we can announce some of the results of that effort. The convictions of four defendants on racketeering related charges means that 44 10th Street Gang members and associates have now been convicted. But beyond sending these violent predators to prison, in most cases for a very long time, the prosecution means that an entire neighborhood can now enjoy the streets of this fine community. We will continue to assist in the transformation of our fine City thru vigorous prosecution of any remaining gang members.”

Specifically:

Matthew Smith, 28, was convicted of Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO);

Smith, Jonathan Delgado, 26, Domenico Anastasio, 27, and Ismael Lopez, 26, were convicted of RICO conspiracy;

Defendants Smith, Anastasio and Lopez were convicted of murder in aid of racketeering;

Defendants Smith, Delgado, and Lopez were convicted of narcotics conspiracy;

Defendants Smith, Delgado, and Lopez were convicted of possession of a gun in furtherance of drug trafficking activities;

And defendants Delgado, Anastasio, and Lopez were convicted of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of heroin.

The jury also returned a special finding indicating that all four defendants participated in the murders of Brandon McDonald and Darinell Young.

Defendants Anastasio, Smith and Lopez face a mandatory sentence of life in prison; defendant Delgado faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph M. Tripi and John M. Alsup, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the defendants were responsible for multiple acts of violence including the murders of Brandon McDonald and Darinell Young and the attempted murders of three others on April 17, 2006.

In addition to the violent crimes, the 10th Street Gang also trafficked in various controlled substances. Members and associates conspired to distribute 280 kilograms or more of crack cocaine, five or more kilograms of cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.

Today’s convictions are the culmination of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto, the Buffalo Police Department under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives under the direction of Frank Christiano.

Matthew Smith will be sentenced on February 20, 2015; Jonathan Delgado on February 24, 2014; Ismael Lopez on February February 27, 2014; and Demenico Anastasio on March 3, 2015. All sentencings will be before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara who presided over the trial.