Senior Leaders Of Own Every Dollar Gang Plead Guilty

Jay Clayton, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty pleas today of JESUS ZAPATA, a/k/a “Jeezy,” a/k/a “Hendrix,” and BRAYAN LLORET, a/k/a “E.T.,” in connection with their leadership of the violent gang Own Every Dollar (“OED”).  ZAPATA and LLORET pled guilty today to several charges, including racketeering conspiracy, before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken.

“Jesus Zapata and Brayan Lloret were two of the top leaders of the deadly Manhattan-based Own Every Dollar gang,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Today’s convictions highlight the commitment of our Office to taking down the street gangs that terrorize New Yorkers, and to ensuring that all gang members —from foot soldiers to bosses—face justice.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in public filings and public court proceedings:

ZAPATA and LLORET are senior leaders of the violent OED gang, a subset of the Trinitarios gang based in and around the Washington Heights area of Manhattan.  ZAPATA is the former “Duarte,” or top leader, of the gang. ZAPATA and LLORET are being held responsible for committing or ordering a number of violent acts on Rikers Island, including three slashings in 2021.

ZAPATA and LLORET are the 21st and 22nd members or associates of OED to be convicted in this case.  The defendants in the case have been convicted for their roles in five murders and more than 10 attempted murders, which occurred in Manhattan, the Bronx, and state and federal prisons.

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ZAPATA, 35, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

LLORET, 27, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge. 

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Alexandra S. Messiter, and Ashley C. Nicolas are in charge of the prosecution.