12 Members/Associates Of The CBL/BFL Gang Indicted, Charged With Murder And Assault In Aid Of Racketeering, Racketeering And Narcotics Conspiracy, And Gun Possession

CONTACT:  Barbara Burns
PHONE:         (716) 843-5817
FAX #:            (716) 551-3051

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. announced today that a federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging 12 members and associates of the CBL/BFL Gang with racketeering and narcotics conspiracy; possession of firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence; and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.  

Named in the indictment are:

• Shawn Woods, a/k/a Pif, 26;
• Michael Walker, a/k/a Yam, 27;
• Mikel Lowe, a/k/a L-O, 24;
• Aaron Mack, a/k/a Dean, a/k/a Deano, 26;
• Shameris Washington, a/k/a GB, 20;
• Maurice Rice, a/k/a Reese, 20;
• Dalvon Curry, a/k/a Dale, a/k/a Dalo, 22;
• Dajon Nettles, a/k/a Gucc, 24;
• Larell Watkins, a/k/a 90-Ls, 20;
• Larry Watkins, Jr., 26;
• Larquon Watkins, a/k/a 90, 25; and
• Rashad Rose, a/k/a Gotti, 23.

In addition:

• Defendant Dalvon Curry is charged with two murders in aid of racketeering. On December 5, 2015, he is accused of shooting and killing rival gang member Jaquan Sullivan. And on January 1, 2017, he is accused of shooting and killing Xavier Wimes.
• Defendant Larell Watkins is charged with one murder in aid of racketeering for providing Dalvon Curry with the firearm used to shoot and kill Xavier Wines.
• Defendants Shawn Woods, Rashad Rose, and Aaron Mack are charged with assault in aid of racketeering.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul C. Parisi, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, the defendants are members and associates of the CBL/BFL Gang which stands for, among other things, “Cash Been Long” and “Brothers for Life.” The gang, which was involved in the illegal possession and distribution of narcotics, was formed around 2009 and operates primarily in the City of Buffalo at the Towne Gardens Housing Complex. The Towne Gardens served as a central hub for the gang with many members living within the housing complex, and many housing units used to store firearms and narcotics. Parking lots and business fronts adjacent to the Towne Gardens were utilized by members of the gang to distribute street level quantities of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, marijuana, and other controlled substances.

The gang used violence, including murder and attempted murder, threats, and intimidation to defend their territory against rivals and anyone deemed to be a threat to the gang. An attack on a member typically resulted in retaliation by all members of the gang. Members and associates also used social media, such as Facebook and Snapchat, to display gang affiliation, brandish firearms, display quantities of currency and narcotics, and show participation in violent acts. They also produced, sang, and appeared in music videos at locations in and around the gang's territory that promoted the enterprise and its activities.

In order to enforce the authority, members and associates maintained a ready supply of firearms. Certain members and associates carried and discharged firearms. These "enforcers" or "shooters," retaliated with deadly force against threats of encroachment and violence, both actual and perceived, from rival gangs or individuals. CBL/BFL gang members also threatened witnesses who they suspected might testify or provide information to law enforcement about the crimes committed by the gang.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Gary Loeffert; the Buffalo Police Department, under the direction of Commissioner Byron Lockwood; the New York State Police, under the direction of Major Edward Kennedy; the Erie County Sheriff’s Department, under the direction of Sheriff Timothy Howard; the Cheektowaga Police Department, under the direction of Chief David Zack; Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly; the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge James J. Hunt, New York Field Division; the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Ashan Benedict, New York Field Division; the Lackawanna Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Michel; the U.S. Marshals Service, under the direction of Marshal Charles Salina; and the Erie Crime Analysis Center. Additional assistance was provided by the Erie County District Attorney’s Office, under the direction of District Attorney John Flynn.

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.