Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney, together with law enforcement partners, held a press conference on May 1 to announce the 168-count indictment of 22 alleged members and associates of a violent criminal street organization known as the Mak Balla Family (“MBF”). This long-term investigation resulted in an indictment spanning over four years that charges covered over 38 separate incidents, including 17 shootings, the possession of 22 illegal firearms, three armed robberies, four long-term conspiracies, including a conspiracy to commit murder and a conspiracy to possess and sell illicit narcotics throughout Suffolk County.
“These comprehensive investigations and consequential indictments are exactly what I promised the people of Suffolk County when I formed the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau in 2022,” Tierney said. “This case is another example of my office’s prioritization and dedication to ridding Suffolk County of gun and gang violence. We will work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that any violent organization operating here in Suffolk County will be taken down and have their members brought to justice.”
“This multi-year investigation demonstrates the power of coordinated intelligence sharing and interagency cooperation. The Mak Balla Family represents a dangerous threat to our communities, and we are committed to bringing these gang members to justice,” said Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. “The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office is proud to support this investigation with intelligence that helped bring this operation down.”
“Members and associates of the Mak Balla Family spent years spreading violence and narcotics, all to further their gang’s status while wreaking havoc in Suffolk County communities,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure those attempting to undermine public safety are held accountable.”
The Investigation
According to the indictment, the defendants are alleged members and associates of the nationally recognized set of the Bloods street gang known as MBF or local associated street gangs of MBF known as 4Eva Rich (“4R”), and Real Ni**az Only (“RNO”). The members of the MBF adhere to a strict oath, commandments, rules, and hierarchy focusing on the primary goals of increasing their dominance and status as a gang through armed violence, illicit narcotics sales and robberies. The narcotics sales and armed robberies are specifically motivated to make money for gang coffers and for the defendants to post about their apparent extravagant lifestyle on social media.
In early 2022, District Attorney Investigators, together with Suffolk County Police Detectives, began investigating a series of violent acts allegedly committed by members of MBF. Working with Assistant District Attorneys of the VCE Bureau over the course of three years, investigators executed approximately 100 search warrants into residences and digital sources to gather evidence and intelligence about members and associates of MBF, 4R and RNO, which revealed the sprawling and extensive criminal conduct allegedly committed by these defendants dating back to January 2021.
The MBF/4R and RNO Gangs
It is alleged that, from August 2021 to April 2025, MBF, 4R and RNO members and their associates operated throughout Long Island, primarily centered in the Suffolk County communities of Mastic, Mastic Beach, Shirley and Coram.
Members of MBF sought to establish dominance over their gang rival Blood sets, primarily the Blood Hound Brims (“BHB”) street gang, by committing shootings and violence aimed at their rival gang members. Similarly, members of the associated 4R and RNO gangs tried to establish reputations in these smaller gangs to enhance their own reputation and credibility within larger, more recognized gangs like MBF.
In February 2024, Tierney announced a 103-count indictment charging 31 members and associates of the MBF rival BHB gang for violence including 18 shootings, three armed robberies and the recovery of 12 illegal weapons. Much of the violence charged in the BHB indictment was directed towards members of the MBF, and the retaliation for some of that violence allegedly committed by MBF towards members of BHB is charged in this indictment.
This violence was allegedly orchestrated and ordered by high-ranking MBF members, and generally carried out by lower-ranking members who would receive approval or promotions within the gang upon completion of the violence. Members of the organizations had instructions to “shoot on sight,” meaning shoot to kill rival gang members whenever MBF members saw a rival, day or night.
As stated, MBF members and associates allegedly adhered to an oath, strict set of commands and established hierarchy formalized in writing which was distributed to MBF members upon admission into the gang. MBF members pledged loyalty and adherence to the gang, specifically pledging “MBF ‘til the death.” MBF members used a distinctive system of coded words to communicate with one another verbally, to avoid detection by law enforcement and prove membership and loyalty to the gang.
Additionally, members of the MBF used social media to communicate with each other and rival gang members. MBF members frequently created and posted rap music and other videos where they would give specific details and boast about acts of violence against rivals, referred to as “opps.” The defendants also allegedly sold drugs and committed robberies to acquire funds to post bail for fellow MBF members, to fund the commissary accounts of incarcerated MBF members, and for members to portray the extravagant lifestyle of an MBF member on social media, such as producing rap music and videos, renting luxury motor vehicles and purchasing expensive clothing and jewelry.
Some of the 38 incidents charged in the indictment are detailed below:
Multiple shootings in a stolen motor vehicle
On July 6, 2023, defendants JOEL ESTRELLA, BENJAMIN JONES, BRANDON BERMUDEZ and TAVION ELTING allegedly stole a white SUV from a house party that they attended on Monticello Drive, in Shoreham. Over the next few days, members of the defendants allegedly used the stolen vehicle to carry out shootings at rival gang members’ residences.
On July 7, 2023, ESTRELLA, JONES, BERMUDEZ and ELTING allegedly fired multiple shots into the residence of a rival’s residence located at Titmus Drive in Mastic. Two days later, on July 9, 2023, at approximately 2:30 a.m., ESTRELLA, JONES and BERMUDEZ allegedly shot up a rival gang member’s residence located on Hamilton Road in Mastic Beach. Later that day, the stolen vehicle was recovered and found shot up with a blown-out window, indicative of its use during a shootout. Inside the stolen vehicle, spent shell casings and other items were recovered. Nobody was injured in either of these shootings. The illegal firearm allegedly used in these shootings was subsequently recovered from defendant TERRANCE BULLOCK on July 10, 2023.
Shooting of two rival gang members in August 2023
A little over a month later, on August 12, 2023, ESTRELLA allegedly sought out two rival gang members in Mastic and encountered them walking in the road. Upon spotting who he believed to be rival gang members – two teenagers who were 14 and 15 years old at the time – on Locust Drive in Mastic, ESTRELLA and other MBF associates allegedly fired multiple shots at them, hitting one victim in the leg and the other victim in the arm, as well as firing multiple shots into an unoccupied residence. The victims were rushed to the hospital where they underwent emergency treatment for their injuries. Both victims survived.
Two Armed Robberies on September 3, 2023
On September 3, 2023, defendant JOHN RIVERA allegedly directed lower-ranking MBF member ELTING and others to commit multiple armed robberies. Around 8:20 p.m., the defendants allegedly traveled to the parking lot a vape shop in Middle Island and approached a civilian victim sitting in a vehicle parked in the parking lot. ELTING allegedly hit the victim with a handgun and took the victim’s iPhone before fleeing the scene in RIVERA’S motor vehicle.
Later that evening, at approximately 9:20 p.m., the defendants allegedly drove to a deli on Montauk Highway in North Bellport, where ELTING and another allegedly entered the store, brandished a silver handgun, and stole approximately $7,000 in cash from the New York State Lottery register before again fleeing in RIVERA’S motor vehicle.
Two Shootings at Rivals on Back-to-Back Nights in January 2024
On January 21, 2024, at approximately 4:40 a.m., defendants RAMEL ROSARIO and MAURICE DAVIS allegedly drove to an apartment complex in Ridge looking for rival BHB gang members. Upon arriving at the parking lot of the apartment complex, ROSARIO and DAVIS allegedly spotted the BHB associates seated in a vehicle parked in the parking lot and allegedly shot multiple times at the vehicle. No one was injured during this shooting incident.
The next day, on January 22, 2024, at approximately 4:58 a.m., ROSARIO and DAVIS again allegedly drove to a rival BHB associates’ residence on Panamoka Trail in Ridge. Upon arriving at the residence, ROSARIO and DAVIS allegedly fired multiple shots into the occupied residence. Again, no one was injured during this shooting incident.
Loaded gun found at an altercation inside Smith Haven Mall on Black Friday 2024
On November 29, 2024, also known as “Black Friday,” just after 7:00 p.m., ELTING and others allegedly engaged in an altercation with rival gang members inside of the crowded food court of Smith Haven Mall. During the altercation, a loaded 9 mm caliber pistol allegedly fell from ELTING’S pocket and onto the mall floor. A bystander was able to kick the gun away from ELTING and another bystander placed it in a safe location until it was recovered and secured by Suffolk County Police Officers. A video of the brawl can be seen here. (WARNING: Contains violent content.)
Narcotics Possession and Sales
During the time period of the conspiracy, in addition to the violence detailed above, there were also additionally over 40 illicit narcotics sales allegedly committed by members of the MBF/4R, the proceeds of which were primarily used to fund the gang lifestyle.
During the time of the conspiracy, over 132 grams of cocaine, and over 20 grams of heroin/fentanyl were allegedly recovered through undercover operations and search warrants executed at MBF/4R members’ residences/person.
Of the 22 defendants, 20 have been arrested and 13 have been arraigned before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. Of the 22 defendants charged, 16 are in custody and two are currently at large.
Indicted Defendants
- Jasheme Fearon, also known as “Gramz,” 32, of Middle Island, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Fearon’s charges are bail eligible. He is in custody and awaiting arraignment.
- John Rivera, also known as “Shiesty,” 26, of East Patchogue, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison, if sentenced as a persistent violent mandatory offender. Rivera’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $200,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $2,500,000 partially secured bond.
- Brendan Ryan, also known as “Bibby,” 25, of Sayville faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 12 ½ to 25 years in prison. Ryan’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $ 250,000 cash, $500,000 bond or $2,500,000 partially secured bond.
- Kavon Birt, also known as “KB,” 19, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Birt’s charges are bail eligible. He is currently at large.
- Justin Birt, also known as “JB,” 19, of Mastic, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Birt’s charges are bail eligible. He is currently at large.
- Bernardo Accardi, also known as “Bernie” and “BMAK,” 19, of Yaphank, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Accardi’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $200,000 cash, $400,000 bond or $2,000,000 partially secured bond.
- Tavion Elting, also known as “Tay Tay” and “T-Dot,” 18, of East Patchogue, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Elting’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $400,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $4,000,000 partially secured bond.
- Joel Estrella, also known as “Flakko” and “Tiny,” 18, of Mount Sinai, faces a top count of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Estrella’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $400,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $4,000,000 partially secured bond.
- Ramel Rosario, also known as “Mel,” and “Bincappin” 21, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Rosario’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $400,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $4,000,000 partially secured bond.
- Benjamin Jones, also known as “Ski,” 18, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Jones’s charges are bail eligible. He is being remanded without bail.
- Brandon Bermudez, also known as “B-Dot,” 23, of the Bronx, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison Bermudez’s charges are bail eligible. He was arrested in Florida and is in custody awaiting extradition proceedings.
- Maurice Davis, also known as “Ruga,” 19, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Davis’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $200,000 cash, $400,000 bond or $2,000,000partially secured bond.
- Landre Simmons, also known as “Gucci,” 25, of Wyandanch, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class “B” felony and up to 8 ⅓ to 25 years in prison. Simmons’ charges are bail eligible. He is in custody awaiting arraignment.
- Terrance Bullock, also known as “T-Block,” 18, of Wyandanch, faces a top count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and faces up to 1 ⅓ to 4 years in prison. Bullock’s charges are not bail eligible. He is currently on supervised release.
- Dameshia Legros, also known as “Coco” and “Smurt,” 23, of Flanders, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and up to 15 years in prison. Legros’s charges are bail eligible. She is being held on $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond.
- Travis Frick, also known as “TKAY” and “Fendi Loc,” 18, of Central Islip faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and up to 15 years in prison. Frick’s charges are bail eligible. He is being held on $400,000 cash, $800,000 bond or $4,000,000 partially secured bond.
- Anthony Cullum, also known as “Ant,” 17, of Mastic, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Cullum’s charges are bail eligible. He is in custody awaiting arraignment.
- Jaylen Hubbard, also known as “Spazz,” 16, of Mastic, faces a top count of Robbery in the First Degree and up to 25 years in prison. Hubbard’s charges are bail eligible. He is in custody awaiting arraignment.
- Tionce Laird, also known as “Mullah,” 23, of Wheatley Heights, faces top counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and up to 9 years in prison. Laird’s charges are not bail eligible. Laird is currently on supervised release.
- Elijah Mora, also known as “Emora” 26, of Coram, faces top counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, and up to 9 years in prison. Mora’s charges are not bail eligible. He is being held on bail on an unrelated case.
- William Bica, 32, of Mastic Beach, faces a top count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree and up to 7 years in prison. Bica’s charges are bail eligible. He is currently at liberty after posting bond.
- Oumar Loum, 24, of Mastic Beach, faces top counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree and up to 9 years in prison. Loum’s charges are not bail eligible. Loum is awaiting arraignment on the indictment.