Bloodhound Brims Leader and Gang Members Indicted for Racketeering and Attempted Murders on Long Island

Earlier today, a 22-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Central Islip charging Jussiah Herbert, a leader of the Bloodhound Brims (BHB) street gang, and BHB gang members Brandon Hicks and Janell Johnson with racketeering, attempted murders in aid of racketeering, assaults and attempted assaults in aid of racketeering, firearms charges and narcotics possession and distribution.  Herbert was arrested today in North Carolina and will make an initial appearance tomorrow in federal court in Winston-Salem.  Hicks and Johnson were previously arrested and will be arraigned at a later date. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Rodney K. Harrison, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the arrest and charges. 

“As alleged, Herbert showed zero regard for others by ordering his underlings to carry out shootings that wounded numerous victims and endangered the community just so he could maintain and increase the violent reputation of the ruthless street gang that he led,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office and our law enforcement partners will continue working relentlessly to address gun violence in our district and bring to justice members of violent gangs.”  

“Jussiah Herbert is accused of using violence, fear, and intimidation to maintain his leadership of the Bloodhound Brims (BHB) street gang,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo. “He is alleged to have ruthlessly ordered gang members to commit horrific acts, to include attempted murder against suspected rival gang members to further his criminal enterprise and control Long Island neighborhoods so the BHB could thrive. HSI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and free of violent gang members.”

As alleged in the indictment and court filings and proceedings, Herbert directed other BHB gang members, including Hicks, to shoot at members of rival gangs on August 16, 2020, August 25, 2020 and October 15, 2020 at locations in Brentwood, Central Islip and West Babylon, New York.  During those shootings, four individuals were shot and suffered injuries as a result of the shootings.  In a fourth incident, which occurred on September 15, 2021, in Bay Shore, New York, Herbert and other BHB members, including Johnson, shot at individuals whom they believed to be rival gang members. 

Hicks was previously arrested on federal narcotics and firearms offenses in April 2021 and Johnson was previously arrested in December 2022 in connection with New York State conspiracy offenses.  Both Hicks and Johnson are currently incarcerated and awaiting trial on the earlier charges. 

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Herbert faces up to a maximum sentence of 60 years’ imprisonment.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Bradley T. King is in charge of the prosecution.    

The Defendant Arrested Today:

JUSSIAH HERBERT (also known as “Loko” and “Lokkoo BeenHoundin”)
Age: 26
Blanch, North Carolina

The Defendants Previously Arrested:

BRANDON HICKS (also known as “Bang Swoop” and “Swoopy”)
Age: 21
Hauppauge, New York

JANELL JOHSNON (also known as “Jahh Jahh” and “Glizzy”)
Age: 20
Shirley, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 23-CR-164 (GRB)