Earlier today, Jason Liriano, the founder and leader of the Route Boys gang, was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison. The sentencing took place in Central Islip federal court, presided over by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown. Liriano had pleaded guilty in September 2023 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and using firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking activities. This decision marks the final sentencing of ten defendants linked to the Route Boys gang, involved in a criminal case that included charges of drug distribution, firearm use, pharmacy burglaries, and ATM thefts.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office, announced the sentences. "For two years, the Route Boys, led by Liriano, engaged in a brazen crime spree targeting local businesses throughout the Tri-State area, stealing money and pharmaceuticals to fuel their illegal drug business, which they protected with threats of violence and illegal firearms," stated United States Attorney Durham. He added that these sentences contribute to community safety and result from law enforcement collaboration.
Durham also expressed gratitude towards several law enforcement agencies for their role in the investigation, including the New York City Police Department and the Nassau County Police Department.
According to Christopher G. Raia, "Jason Liriano, the leader of the Route Boys gang, orchestrated a three-year burglary spree targeting various businesses across the city to steal cash and controlled substances for illicit resale." Raia noted the role of firearms used by Liriano to intimidate victims and reiterated the FBI's commitment to eradicating such unlawful activities.
The criminal activities documented in the case began in late 2020, with the gang burglarizing various businesses and stealing cash and tobacco products. Their crimes escalated to targeting pharmacies for controlled substances like oxycodone. Liriano was noted to possess a 9mm handgun during these operations and, even while in detention, engaged in illicit activities, including witness tampering and contraband possession.
Nine other members of the Route Boys gang were previously sentenced to varying prison terms. The government’s case was prosecuted by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division, with Assistant United States Attorneys Samantha Alessi and Andrew P. Wenzel leading the effort.