STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Four men involved in a months-long undercover drug operation tied to the Trinitarios criminal organization have pleaded guilty, culminating in the $25,000 drug bust on Staten Island’s North Shore.
The Drug Operation and Its Connection to Los Trinitarios
The recent takedown of a drug-dealing operation linked to the Trinitarios gang has exposed the hierarchy within the Staten Island branch of the Dominican gang. Known as Los Trinitarios, or 3ni, this organization primarily operates by intimidating rival gangs and asserting dominance over neighborhoods. The group, originally formed in New York’s prison system in the 1990s, has expanded its influence, using distinct colors tied to the Dominican flag—green, red, blue, and white—to mark their territory.
Previously, the gang had not been associated with Staten Island, but law enforcement sources reveal that the bust marks a significant moment for the gang’s presence in the area.
The Defendants and Their Sentences
Yeuris ‘Menor’ Robles, 22
Yeuris “Menor” Robles, 22, was identified as the main target of the investigation. Robles was connected to the drug operations in a Concord apartment, where the crew ran its illegal activities. He pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance and is scheduled to face 8–10 years in prison when sentenced on November 6.
Luis Tejada, 23
Luis Tejada, 23, was involved in managing the local drug operation. Tejada was arrested during a pre-dawn raid in July 2022, where police seized oxycodone pills and an imitation pistol from his residence. He has also pleaded guilty to criminal sale of a controlled substance and is set to be sentenced to 8 years in prison. His mother expressed her belief that her son was framed on gun charges, although this remains unsubstantiated.
Lexian Fantauzzi, 23
Lexian Fantauzzi, 23, took a plea deal and was convicted of attempted sale of a controlled substance. As part of his plea agreement, he will serve 5 years probation instead of jail time, with additional requirements to complete peer pressure counseling and a job training course. The first-time felon is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9.
Howie Clemons, 27
The final defendant, Howie Clemons, 27, entered a plea for third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Clemons’ case was moved to problem-solving court, which offers alternative sentencing like substance abuse treatment and mental health services. If Clemons fails to meet program requirements, he could face jail time.
Trinitarios Gang’s Operations and Impact on Local Communities
The Trinitarios gang, which dominates communities through intimidation, has faced significant law enforcement efforts in recent years. The federal report from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement highlighted how gang leaders, known as state supremes, maintain control by directing operations from New York to the Dominican Republic. The recent bust showcases the group’s attempts to expand into Staten Island, further indicating its growing footprint in local communities.
Officials Urge Vigilance Against Gang Influence
Authorities have called on local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity tied to gang violence. With the rise of organized crime in the area, law enforcement agencies have intensified their efforts to track and dismantle criminal organizations like Los Trinitarios.
“We are dedicated to protecting our communities from the reach of these dangerous gangs,” said a law enforcement official involved in the investigation.
Conclusion and Community Safety
The guilty pleas of the four defendants mark a major victory in the ongoing battle against gang influence in Staten Island. Residents in neighborhoods affected by drug trafficking and gang intimidation are encouraged to stay alert and cooperate with local authorities to keep their communities safe.
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