Forty-one violent gang members were busted for murder, conspiracy, robbery and more in a massive takedown following a yearlong investigation, the Brooklyn District Attorney's office said Wednesday.
The Bushwick-based gang members, know as the True Bosses Only and Team Bang out, have terrorized parts of Brooklyn since 2010, the DA's office said, openly brandishing weapons in the street and bragging on social media about their crimes. The 68-count indictment includes murder, attempted murder, conspiracy, robbery, assault, burglary and more, officials said.
"The TBO Gang brought fear to the people of Bushwick, roaming the streets, committing violent crimes," Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes said.
"This takedown is yet another reminder to gangs that if you continue your illegal activities, it is not a question of whether you are going to get caught, but when you will get caught," he said.
The gang started in 2003, quickly recruiting new members and taking over new territory, officials said, branching out into sub-groups and other neighborhoods. The highly organized gang had a strict hierarchy, with titles such as Top Gangster, Original Gangster Warriors and Bangers.
TBO's use of social media to discuss its crimes made it especially unique, officials said, and police incorporated it into the investigation.
"Once again we have young gang members using social media to boast about murder and mayhem, and once again we have New York City Police officers 'friending' them to help end the violence," Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said. "When young men plot to take their battles from tweets to the streets, the NYPD wants to be there to stop the bloodshed."
Most of the suspects are due back in court in January.
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