Federal Jury Convicts CBL/BFL Gang Member Of Two Murders In Aid Of Racketeering, And Multiple Other Charges

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that, following a six-week trial, a federal jury has convicted CBL/BFL Gang member Dalvon Curry, 23, of Buffalo, NY, of murder in aid of racketeering; racketeering and narcotics conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory penalty of life in prison, and a $10,000,000 fine. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul C. Parisi and Seth T. Molisani, and Christopher O. Taylor, of the Department of Justice Organized Crime and Gang Section, who handled the prosecution of the case, stated that the defendant is a member of the CBL/BFL Gang which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” Identified as a “shooter” in the gang, Curry shot and killed rival gang member Jaquan Sullivan on December 5, 2015. He also shot and killed Xavier Wimes on January 1, 2017.

“Today’s verdict brings to an end the reign of terror by the CBL/BFL Gang that has tormented the residents living in the Towne Gardens Housing Complex for more than a decade,” stated U.S. Attorney Kennedy. “These residents deserve to live without the daily fear of drug deals, gunfire, and violence. Let this investigation and prosecution serve as a warning to any other group of individuals who any be thinking about picking up where this group left off, we will track you down, we will arrest you, and we will prosecute you. Period.”    

“For the FBI, community impact is our measure of success -- we need to improve the quality of life for the people who live and work in Buffalo,” said FBI Buffalo Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert. “We will continue to pursue violent gangs through sustained, proactive investigations and federal prosecutions. And we will continue to stay involved with our community partners in an effort to prevent violent crimes before they happen.”

The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operates primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The Towne Gardens served as a central hub for the gang with many members living within the housing complex, and many housing units used to store firearms and narcotics. Parking lots and business fronts adjacent to the Towne Gardens were utilized by members of the gang to distribute street level quantities of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances.

The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang. An attack on a member typically resulted in retaliation by all members of the gang. Members and associates also used social media, such as Facebook and Snapchat, to display gang affiliation, brandish firearms, display quantities of currency and narcotics, and show participation in violent acts. They also produced, sang, and appeared in music videos at locations in and around the gang's territory that promoted the enterprise and its activities.

In order to enforce the authority, members and associates maintained a ready supply of firearms. Certain members and associates carried and discharged firearms. These “enforcers” or “shooters,” retaliated with deadly force against threats of encroachment and violence, both actual and perceived, from rival gangs or individuals. CBL/BFL gang members also threatened witnesses who they suspected might testify or provide information to law enforcement about the crimes committed by the gang.

Twelve other CBL/BFL Gang members and associates were previously convicted in this case, they include:

• Shawn Woods, a/k/a Pif;

• Michael Walker, a/k/a Yam;

• Mikel Lowe, a/k/a L-O;

• Aaron Mack, a/k/a Dean, a/k/a Deano;

• Shameris Washington, a/k/a GB;

• Maurice Rice, a/k/a Reese;

• Miquise Jones, a/k/a Scaife;

• Dajon Nettles, a/k/a Gucc;

• Larell Watkins, a/k/a 90-Ls;

• Larry Watkins, Jr.;

• Larquon Watkins, a/k/a 90; and

• Rashad Rose, a/k/a Gotti.

The verdict is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major James Hall; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief Michael Sliwinski; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ray Donovan, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge John B. Devito, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.

Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date before U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo, who presided over the trial of the case.