The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Danielle R. Sassoon, has announced the sentencing of Daivon Morgan, also known as "Leeky." Morgan is the last of ten defendants sentenced in a case involving members of the ABG street gang based in the Bronx, New York. He received a prison sentence of 292 months for his involvement in crimes linked to ABG, including the murder of Darren Scruggs and an assault on a rival gang member. Morgan had pled guilty to conspiracy charges on December 15, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Mary Kay Vyskocil.
U.S. Attorney Sassoon remarked: "ABG terrorized communities in the Bronx with violence and drug-dealing. Among ABG’s many victims was Darren Scruggs, who was gunned down at the age of 19 by members of ABG. The 10 ABG leaders and members charged in this case have now been convicted and sentenced for their crimes. We will continue to protect the public from gangs and the senseless violence they bring."
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, ABG has operated as a criminal enterprise since around 2017, primarily in the vicinity of Mitchel Houses in Bronx neighborhoods around 135th and 138th Streets and Lincoln and Willis Avenues. Many members were also affiliated with the national Crips gang. To support their operations financially and territorially, they engaged in narcotics trafficking and acts of violence.
Among other violent acts attributed to ABG:
- On February 18, 2019, Roberto Espinosa shot Darren Scruggs with assistance from Henry Jones and Morgan.
- Elijah Perkins participated in shootings against rival gangs on October 30, 2018.
- Amier Wilson took part in a shooting on August 21, 2021.
- Juan Reyes assisted Jones in another shooting on November 7, 2021.
- Reyes joined Perkins and Xavier Arau to beat a victim on May 8, 2020.
- Under David Trusty's direction on February 20, 2021, Morgan slashed a victim's face.
The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Courtney Heavey, Christopher Brumwell, and James Ligtenberg from the Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
Ms. Sassoon acknowledged contributions from multiple agencies: "We appreciate the outstanding work done by New York City Police Department (NYPD), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with support from NYC Department of Corrections."