NEW YORK, NY – Former New York City Police Officer Gina Mestre was sentenced to 70 months in prison for her role in obstructing a federal investigation into the Shooting Boys gang and assisting in the aftermath of a murder committed by a gang member. Mestre entered her guilty plea on December 7, 2023, before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote, who issued the sentence today, announced U.S. Attorney Damian Williams.
Williams criticized Mestre for her betrayal of public trust, emphasizing her violation of the oath to protect New Yorkers by assisting a gang leader in evading law enforcement after committing murder. Mestre’s actions included providing confidential information about the investigation and law enforcement operations, compromising the safety of a cooperating witness, and aiding the gang leader’s escape from the United States.
Assigned to the 52nd Precinct’s Public Safety Unit, Mestre initially engaged with Andrew Done, the Shooting Boys’ leader, in June 2020, leading to an intimate relationship. Through this connection, she supplied Done and his associates with sensitive information, severely hindering the precinct’s efforts to curb gun violence in the Bronx.
Done, who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and the murder of a rival gang member, was sentenced to 35 years in prison on February 22, 2023. Mestre’s sentencing closes a chapter on her involvement with the gang, marking a significant breach of duty by a member of the NYPD.