Earlier today, federal court in Brooklyn unsealed a two-count indictment charging Jason Soto, also known as "Twin," with the February 2015 murder of Shakim Rivera. Soto, a member of the Cypress Gangsta Crips (CGC), was arrested this morning and will be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara.
Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, along with James E. Dennehy from the FBI's New York Field Office and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD, announced the arrest and indictment.
"This indictment makes clear that my Office and our law enforcement partners are relentless in our pursuit of violent gang members who have committed murders and harmed communities like the Cypress Hills Houses for far too long," stated United States Attorney Peace. "We are reducing gang and gun-related violence and saving lives through a coordinated effort to target the most violent offenders, like this defendant."
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy commented on Soto's alleged actions: "Jason Soto, a Crips gang member, allegedly appointed himself as judge, jury, and executioner to murder his own leader as twisted justice for the death of a fellow member. Soto’s alleged actions contributed to the infestation of gang violence plaguing a Brooklyn housing complex and endangered the lives of thousands of its residents."
NYPD Commissioner Tisch added: "The residents of the Cypress Hills Houses, along with all New Yorkers in every neighborhood, deserve to live their lives without fear. The NYPD and our law enforcement partners are dedicated to systematically dismantling the gangs and crews responsible for crime and violence in New York City."
According to court documents, since at least February 2015, Soto was part of CGC operating within Cypress Hills Houses. CGC members engaged in acts of violence to promote their gang's influence through firearm trafficking, narcotics distribution, and robberies.
The investigation uncovered an internal conflict within CGC following Demetrius Graham's murder on February 19, 2015. Believing Shakim Rivera responsible for Graham’s death, CGC members planned retaliation. On February 22, 2015, Soto allegedly lured Rivera to Bayview Place in Brooklyn where he was killed.
This indictment results from a long-term investigation by FBI and NYPD initiated due to gang-related violence around Cypress Hills Houses. Over 20 defendants have been charged with various crimes including drug trafficking and murder.
If convicted, Soto faces life imprisonment or possibly the death penalty. The charges remain allegations until proven guilty.
The case is managed by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section with Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean and Andy Palacio leading prosecution efforts.