HARTFORD, Conn. (WCAX) – A federal grand jury has indicted seven Connecticut gang members for what they say was a years-long interstate crime spree that extended into northern Vermont.
Authorities say the members of the Hoodstar Gzz were involved in murders, gun trafficking, extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and other crimes. They say the violent acts against both rival gang members and innocent civilians, involved a drugs-for-guns pipeline in the Green Mountains. They say the group also recorded and distributed rap music to promote their activity.
“This case is a clear demonstration of our commitment to relentlessly pursue and dismantle organizations that threaten the peace and security of our communities. The effort to connect these violent acts and bring these individuals to justice has been a collaborative one, and I want to thank the federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved for their dedication to make our communities, both here in Connecticut and in Vermont, safer,” U.S. Attorney for Connecticut Vanessa Roberts Avery said in a statement.
Those indicted include:
Angel Rivera, a.k.a. “Rico,” a.k.a. “Slatt,” 24
Raquan Knight, a.k.a. “RQ,” 21
Paul Downer, a.k.a. “Luap Benji,” 28
Mekhi Thompson, a.k.a. “Midnight,” 24
Paul Clarke, a.k.a. “Tommy Bunz,” 30
Tyshon Walker, a.k.a. “Pone Gwapoo,” 26
Joshua Cruz, a.k.a. “Hop-out Curly,” 24