In a major crackdown on gang activity, eight alleged members of the ‘54 Tiny Locos’ clique were arrested in Queens on charges of racketeering and assault.
The defendants, ranging in age from 24 to 38, are believed to have operated primarily along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, an area notorious for its criminal activities.
Among those apprehended are Felix Bonilla Ramos, also known as ‘Chabelo’ and ‘Ferras,’ Uriel Lopez, also known as ‘Tanke,’ and Refugio Martinez, known as ‘Cuco.’ Others include Margarito Ortega, ‘Pinocchio,’ Orlando Ramirez, ‘Niñote,’ German Rodriguez, ‘Loco,’ David Vasquez Corona, ‘Teba,’ and Marco Vidal Mendez, ‘Matute.’
The indictment reveals that six of the defendants face racketeering conspiracy charges, with allegations including narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses.
Additionally, they are implicated in the production and sale of fraudulent identification documents and extortion. Seven of the defendants are also linked to assaults committed in furtherance of their gang activities.
As detailed in the press conference led by Joseph Nocella, Jr., the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, these arrests signal a concerted effort to dismantle violent gang networks that have plagued the community.
“This indictment represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to dismantle violent gang networks in our communities,” Nocella stated.
Nocella emphasized that the gang exploited a neighborhood in Queens, transforming it into a center for illicit activities.
He reassured the public that law enforcement agencies are committed to ensuring that these violent criminals face justice.
According to the charges, the ’54 Tiny Locos’ allegedly financed their operations not just through drug trafficking but also by offering fraudulent identification services, including fake passports, Social Security cards, and other documents.
The gang is also accused of extorting other businesses in the area, taking ‘rent’ from unregulated enterprises such as brothels.
The indictment further outlines several violent incidents attributed to the gang.
One notable incident occurred on December 31, 2021, when several gang members, including Bonilla Ramos and Ramirez, reportedly assaulted two victims outside a bar in Queens.
The assailants allegedly questioned the victims’ gang affiliations before launching a violent attack, during which one victim suffered severe lacerations to his face due to a glass bottle assault.
Another assault took place on January 15, 2022, when gang members reportedly attacked two individuals outside a different bar.
A co-conspirator is accused of stabbing one victim while others held him down.
The second victim was attacked with large wooden planks, resulting in serious injuries requiring medical attention.
Additionally, on June 20, 2024, the gang members allegedly targeted a rival gang member in a parking lot, beating him with a bike lock and metal chair.
The victim of this attack also required medical care for head lacerations that necessitated stitches.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stressed the importance of community safety and pledged her office’s dedication to fighting gang violence.
“Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street,” Katz said, emphasizing her commitment to combatting violent criminal enterprises.
Appreciation was expressed by Nocella towards various law enforcement agencies that contributed to the investigations, including the FBI, the Department of Labor, and the Department of Homeland Security.
This series of arrests represents a significant development in the ongoing battle against gang-related violence in Queens, reinforcing the community’s right to safety and peace.
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