10th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Conspiracy

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Renel Velasquez, 27, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara, to RICO conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine of $250,000 dollar amount or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant was a member and associate of the 10th Street Gang who sold marijuana, supplied by the gang, on the West Side of Buffalo. Velasquez also permitted other 10th Street Gang members to store cocaine, firearms, and ammunition inside his apartment for use as a part of the gang’s illegal activities.

In addition, on February 1, 2008, the defendant and other 10th Street Gang members and associates developed a plan to rob an individual, identified as victim C.M., of United States currency and other items of value. Velasquez and others went to the victim’s apartment, entered, and waited for the victim to arrive home. During the time the defendant waited for the victim to arrive, he maintained cellular telephone communication with a female who was in the presence of victim C.M. The female kept the defendant apprised of when victim C.M. would be returning home. When the victim returned home, the defendant, along with his 10th Street gang associates who were waiting inside the victim’s residence, punched, choked, and kicked the victim repeatedly. Velasquez struck the victim repeatedly in the head and back with a hammer, which caused bodily injury to the victim. While the victim was laying on the ground, the defendant and his accomplices stripped the victim of his clothing, and took the victim’s leather jacket, cellular phone, and over $600 U.S. currency. The defendant later split the proceeds from the robbery with his 10th Street gang associates. The victim suffered injuries to his head, face, and vertebrae which required admission into the Erie County Medical Center.

In September, 2010, authorities arrested the defendant and 26 other members and associates of the 10th Street Gang. In addition to narcotics trafficking, various defendants were accused of committing several murders and attempted murders, and robbery. Velasquez is the fifth defendant to plead guilty in the case. Any defendants awaiting trial are presumed innocent unless and until such time as jury returns a verdict of guilty in the case.

“The violence demonstrated in this case alone is the precise reason why our office will utilize every federal tool at our disposal to dismantle and bring to justice gang members who attempt to take over the streets of our community,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Christopher M. Piehota; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Christopher Cummings; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 17, 2012 at 12:30 p.m., in Buffalo, N.Y., in front of Judge Arcara.