Seven men were charged in an alleged violent assault of two victims outside a high school graduation ceremony that took place at Hofstra University’s athletic complex in June.
Isaiah Moore, 19; Devon Moore, 19; Devon Fenner, 18; Zachariah Fulton, 19; Taiwan Jackson, 23; Unique Pruitt, 21; and Michael Gaines, 21, all of Hempstead were charged with:
- first-degree attempted gang assault (a Class C violent felony)
- second-degree assault (a Class D violent felony)
- third-degree assault (a Class A misdemeanor)
Isaiah Moore was also charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon (also a Class A misdemeanor).
Fulton was arraigned on August 26 before Judge Christopher Quinn and bail was set at $125,000 cash, $250,000 bond, and $1.2 million partially secured bond. Jackson and Pruitt were arraigned on August 6, 2024. Jackson’s bail was set at $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond. Pruitt’s bail was set at $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond.
Gaines, Devon Moore, and Fenner were arraigned on August 8, 2024. Gaines’ bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond. Moore’s bail was set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, and $99,000 partially secured bond. Fenner was released to pre-trial services with electronic monitoring.
Isaiah Moore was arraigned on August 12, 2024. The defendant’s bail was set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, and $1.4 million partially secured bond.
Gaines is due back in court on September 12, 2024. Isaiah Moore, Devon Moore, Fenner, Jackson, and Pruitt are due back in court on September 4, 2024. Fulton is due back in court September 26, 2024.
The defendants pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison.
Shortly after 4 p.m. on June 19, the defendants arrived at a high school graduation ceremony at the David S. Mack Sports Center at Hofstra University as it was ending. They allegedly approached the victim when he exited the building. Together, at approximately 4:17 p.m., Devon Moore, Fenner, Fulton, Jackson, Pruitt, and Gaines allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the face and body, stomped on, and kicked the victim when he was on the ground. Moore allegedly held a sharp object in his hand and slashed the back of the victim’s leg, resulting in a laceration to the thigh and excessive bleeding.
Another individual attempted to intervene to help the victim and suffered a cut to the ear.
Both victims were transported to Nassau University Medical Center where they were treated and released. The defendants allegedly attempted to flee the scene.
Isaiah Moore, Devon Moore, Fenner, Fulton, Jackson, and Pruitt were apprehended at Hofstra University by members of the Nassau County Police Department. Gaines was arrested on July 23 by members of the NCPD.
“What was meant to be a celebration of achievement devolved into an afternoon of violence,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “These defendants allegedly attacked a victim outside a high school graduation ceremony, striking him and slashing his leg. After another bystander attempted to intervene, he too, was allegedly attacked. This kind of wanton violence has no place in Nassau County, certainly not at a school celebration, and it will not be tolerated by my office.”