Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn found Charles Powell, Brian Castro, and Musah Coward guilty on four counts of a superseding indictment. The charges include the firearm-related murder of Rodney Maxwell, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy, and Hobbs Act robbery. Additionally, Powell was convicted for being a felon in possession of ammunition. These convictions relate to an armed robbery conducted by the defendants at an illegal gambling venue located at 181 Hegeman Avenue in Brownsville, Brooklyn. The verdict follows a three-week trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Eric R. Komitee. Each defendant could face life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
The announcement was made by John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office; and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the NYPD.
“Today’s verdict delivers justice for the victims of this vicious and senseless crime that was driven by greed and carried out with a complete disregard for human life,” stated United States Attorney Durham. “The defendants are responsible for murdering Rodney Maxwell, who was gunned down in cold blood, and the carnage could have been even worse with the wanton shooting of terrified bystanders."
The trial revealed that on October 7, 2020, Powell and Castro entered an illegal gambling site in Brownsville while Coward waited outside in their vehicle after driving them from New Jersey to Brooklyn. During the heist, both Powell and Castro shot Maxwell who provided security at the location; Castro used a 9-millimeter pistol to shoot him once in the back while Powell used a .380 caliber pistol to shoot him once in the chest—Maxwell later succumbed to his injuries.
Powell also fired into a crowd trying to flee during which three men were injured but survived their wounds. Subsequently, Castro confessed his involvement to an acquaintance unaware they were an FBI informant recording their conversation where he mocked Maxwell’s death sound.
Powell had previously been convicted for felony possession of weapons in New Jersey; he was found guilty again for possessing three .380 caliber cartridges linked to shots fired during this incident.
The prosecution team includes Assistant United States Attorneys Andy Palacio, Raffaela Belizaire along with Megan Larkin from Organized Crime & Gangs Section supported by Paralegal Specialist Theodore Rader.
Defendants’ details:
- Charles Powell (also known as “Payback”), aged 26 from Newark
- Brian Castro (also known as “Morenaje”), aged 24 from Paterson
- Musah Coward (also known as “General Mecka” or “Red” or “General Red”), aged 33 from Paterson