Jahaz Langston, known as "Haz," was sentenced in federal court by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to over 15 years in prison. Langston, a 25-year-old Bridgeport resident, received a term of 188 months followed by a three-year supervised release period for his involvement in a violent street gang.
The announcement was made by Marc H. Silverman, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut, along with representatives from various law enforcement bodies including the FBI and the Bridgeport Police.
Langston was identified as a participant in the Original North End (O.N.E.) gang, active in the Trumbull Gardens area. The gang engaged in violent activities against rival factions, such as the East End, East Side, and PT Barnum gangs. O.N.E. was involved in drug trafficking, robbery, and vehicle thefts, leveraging social media for their operations.
Evidence, including text messages and social media posts, confirmed Langston's involvement in narcotic sales, firearm possession, and other violent acts with fellow O.N.E. members. Langston, along with Amire Newsome, attempted to murder members of rival gangs and on March 7, 2021, they severely injured the mother of two gang rivals while she was driving.
Langston has been in custody since his arrest on July 20, 2021, and pleaded guilty on September 13, 2023, to racketeering charges. An ongoing investigation has resulted in the conviction of around 47 gang members, solving several murder cases and attempts.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen L. Peck, Jocelyn C. Kaoutzanis, Stephanie T. Levick, and Rahul Kale are responsible for this prosecution which falls under various crime reduction initiatives, including Project Safe Neighborhoods and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).
Newsome, who pleaded guilty in August 2023, is awaiting sentencing.