A Leader of Brooklyn Eight Trey Cowboy Crips Gang Pleads Guilty to Narcotics Trafficking and Firearms Charges

Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, Rahmel Smith, a leader of the Eight Trey Cowboy Crips gang that operates in Flatbush, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base, heroin and marijuana, and use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.  When sentenced, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.  The guilty plea was entered before United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant is now facing a significant prison sentence for endangering the Flatbush community not only by dealing dangerous drugs, but also by using firearms in connection with his gang’s drug trafficking,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “This Office will continue to working tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle and eradicate violent street gangs like the Eight Trey Cowboy Crips.”  Mr. Donoghue expressed his grateful appreciation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work on the case.

Between May 2018 and February 2019, Smith directed fellow gang members to sell crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana on a daily basis. As part of the government’s investigation, law enforcement agents and officers intercepted numerous telephone communications during which Smith discussed narcotics transactions with fellow gang members.  Between May 10, 2018 and December 18, 2018, under the supervision of law enforcement, a confidential informant made 12 crack cocaine purchases from Smith in the total amount of approximately 280 grams. 

As part of his plea agreement with the government, Smith will forfeit three firearms he used in furtherance of the gang’s drug trafficking, specifically, a .25 caliber Lorcin pistol, a Jimenez 9mm pistol and a Romarm Cugir rifle, commonly referred to as an AK-47.          

Two co-defendant gang members, Michael Martin and Shakim Carr, pleaded guilty in May 2019 and October 2019, respectively, to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base, heroin and marijuana, and are awaiting sentencing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorneys’ Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid and Temidayo Aganga-Williams are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

RAHMEL SMITH (also known as “Mello”)
Age: 30
Brooklyn, New York

Defendants Who Previously Pleaded Guilty:

SHAKIM CARR (also known as “Sha”)
Age:  39
Brooklyn, New York

MICHAEL MARTIN (also known as “Scooter”)
Age:  26
Brooklyn, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 19-CR-137 (ARR)