Several members of what is described as the most violent drug trafficking gang in Western New York have been taken off the streets. More than a dozen federal, state and local SWAT Teams arrested 13 members of the Schuele Boys Gang early Wednesday morning. The defendants, who operated in the Schuele Street area of the city's East side, have all been charged with drug trafficking.
"Of those defendants, they were all responsible for causing mayhem, violence, gang and drug activity in the City of Buffalo," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Brian Boetig.
U.S. Attorney William Hochul says the Schuele Boys may have been the intended targets of the 2010 mass shooting outside the former City Grill restaurant in downtown Buffalo. Four people were killed and four others were wounded.
"That particular act of violence is one of the most heinous we've seen in quite some time," Hochul said.
Four of the suspects are still wanted and are being urged to turn themselves in. They have all be charged with intent to distribute five kilograms of cocaine and at least 280 grams of crack cocaine.
The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a fine of $10,000,000.
Buffalo Police Commissioner Daniel Derenda says while the operation was a success, there is more work to be done. Derenda says since its inception, the Safe Streets Task Force has put 200 gang members behind bars.
"We've been very successful in taking out gangs," Derenda said. "If you're a gang member, you should be warned now that your day is coming."
Charged in the complaint are:
• Antwan Garner, 29, Buffalo
• Aaron Glenn, 41, North Tonawanda
• Jerome Grant, 33, Buffalo
• James Hicks, 44, Buffalo
• Xavier Hill, 42, Buffalo
• Demetrius Holmes, 23, Buffalo
• Damario James, 32, Buffalo
• Fred Johnson, 21, Buffalo
• Ikeem Lyons, 21, Buffalo
• Benjamin Peoples, 25, Buffalo
• Damario Robbins, 23, Buffalo
• Michael Robertson, 24, Buffalo
• Spencer Rogers, 50, Buffalo
• Antwon Steward, 31, Buffalo
• Shawntorrian Travis, 34, Buffalo
• Andre Wise, 36, Buffalo
• Marcel Worthy, 30, Buffalo