New Charges Filed against Bloodhound Brim’s “Capstone”
By Hank Russell
A notorious gang member who is currently serving a prison sentence in California was brought to Suffolk County to hear additional charges brought against him by members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office.
Latique “La Brim” Johnson, who was the alleged leader of the Bloodhound Brim (BHB) Street Gang, appeared in Suffolk County Criminal Court in Riverhead on April 25 before Acting Supreme Court Anthony Senft, Jr. Wearing a dark green jumpsuit, and standing by the side of his attorney, Jason Barrett, Johnson listened to the additional charges filed against him by Assistant DA William Richards: second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree robbery. If convicted on the top charge, Johnson would serve a prison sentence of 12-1/2 to 25 years.
Johnson, 44, was indicted in February on a top count of second-degree conspiracy, a Class B felony. If convicted, he could face a sentence of 12-1/2 to 25 years in prison. He also faces three counts of conspiracy for allegedly directing gang operations while serving time in a prison in Victorville, California for conspiracy to commit racketeering, attempted murder, gun and drug charges. He was one of 31 defendants indicted on a 103-count indictment in February by the Suffolk DA’s office.
It was alleged that Johnson directed the gang’s Long Island leaders, Jussiah “Lokko” Herbert and Oumar “Dollo” Barry, to order their BHB underlings to carry out acts of violence against rival gang members — including murder. They also told the lower-level members they would have to commit robbery and drug dealing to fund the gang’s activities. They ordered that the money be deposited into Johnson’s prison commissary account, where he accumulated $31,000.
“Latique Johnson was the capstone on the pyramid,” Barclay said. “He was also referred to as ‘the pilot of the big 747.’ What he needs to understand is that Suffolk County is a no-fly zone when it comes to murder.”
Barrett pointed out that his client is being indicted for conspiracy, which means he had no direct involvement in any killings. He also denied that he ordered these killings while in prison. “He wasn’t telling [Herbert and Barry], ‘You go do this’ or ‘You go do that.’ The co-defendants told a third party what Mr. Johnson allegedly said.”
Richards requested a remand with no bail. Barrett requested bail for his client. “The issue is moot” since he is already serving time in prison, Senft said; however, since he considered Johnson to be “a flight risk,” Senft set bail at $5 million cash, $10 million insurance company bond or $50 million partially secured bond. Barrett lamented the amount, saying Johnson has “limited funds as a federal inmate.”
Bureau Chief James Slattery said the bail set was fair. “These allegations are very serious,” he said. “You also have to consider [Johnson’s] criminal history.” Slattery said more evidence will be shown as the case progresses.
Johnson is due back in court on May 16.