Mother of 7th Street Gang Member Pleads Guilty to RICO Conspiracy Charge

BUFFALO, NY—U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Carmen Geter, 41, of Buffalo, New York, pleaded guilty to Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy before U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

“This case demonstrates both the reach of federal racketeering laws, as well as our continuing commitment to root out all violent gang members and those who illegally support them,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Tripi, who is handling the case, stated that the defendant is the mother of 7th Street Gang member and co-defendant Kasiem Williams. As a member of the conspiracy, Geter facilitated the criminal activities of the enterprise by providing rides in her vehicle to members and associates of the gang at the request of co-defendant Efrain Hidalgo. Those activities include the selling of heroin, cocaine, and marijuana in the territory controlled by the 7th Street Gang and Cheko’s Crew. The defendant knew that those she provided rides for were involved in the distribution of illegal narcotics, firearms possession, and violent crimes.

Charges are pending against Efrain Hildalgo and Kasiem Williams. The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The pleas are the culmination of an investigation on the part of special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian P. Boetig; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Michael Cerretto; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Daniel Derenda; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Thomas J. Cannon, New York Field Office.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 1, 2014, before Judge Arcara.