Member of 10th Street Gang Pleads Guilty to Racketeering Charges

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Jimmy Sessions, 26, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a fine of $250,000 or both.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who handled the case, stated that from 2000 to 2010, the defendant was a member of the 10th Street Gang, a criminal enterprise engaged in racketeering activity. As a part of his involvement in the 10th Street Gang, Sessions, along with other members and associates of the gang, sold cocaine, crack cocaine, and other controlled substances on the West Side of Buffalo, New York. The defendant possessed firearms with other 10th Street Gang members and conspired to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine and over 280 grams of crack cocaine as a part of the affairs of the 10th Street Gang.

Jimmy Sessions was indicted along with 34 other 10th Street Gang members or associates. He is the 16th defendant to be convicted.

“Today’s development represents yet another step in our effort to combat gangs operating in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who would harm our community through gang activity are brought to justice.”

The plea is the culmination of an investigation on the part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Christopher M. Piehota, Special Agent in Charge; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Christopher Cummings; and the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 10 , 2013, at 12:30 p.m. before Judge Arcara.