A sweeping multi-agency investigation has led to a 57-count indictment targeting an alleged Riverhead gang tied to years of violence across Suffolk County.
Suffolk County, NY – Eighteen alleged members and associates of a Riverhead-based gang known as the “48 Gang” have been indicted on 57 counts tied to two murders, multiple shootings, armed robberies, and illegal weapons possession spanning several years, prosecutors announced Friday.
The indictment, the result of a joint investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies, outlines alleged criminal activity from 2021 through 2025, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney. Among those charged are Justin Dicks and Jacob Moore in connection with a 2021 homicide in Mastic Beach, and Nickomas Allen for a 2023 killing on Main Street in Riverhead.
“This indictment is yet another example of my office’s steadfast commitment to eliminating gang violence in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Once again, working with all our local and federal partners throughout Long Island, we were able to secure this consequential indictment and help bring justice to victims of gang violence throughout Suffolk County. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, gangs and illegal weapons have no place in Suffolk County, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that any gang member, or anyone aiding gang members, operating in Suffolk County, will be brought to justice.”
Multi-agency investigation targets years of alleged violence
Authorities said the charges include two murders, five shootings, eight armed robberies, and the possession of 13 illegal firearms. The investigation was led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office Gang Violence Task Force in coordination with multiple agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force.
Key Points
- 18 alleged gang members indicted in sweeping 57-count case
- Charges include two murders, five shootings, and eight armed robberies
- Investigation spans 2021 to 2025 and involves multiple law enforcement agencies
One of the more notable defendants, Kyren Braunskill, is currently a detective with the Mount Vernon Police Department and is charged with conspiracy to possess weapons for allegedly supplying firearms to gang members in 2021 and 2022.
“I’d like to thank the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, as well as all the agencies that made this case a success,” said Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost. “Above all else this case highlights two critical points. First, the violent acts of a few will not be allowed to destroy the lives of many. Second, this case highlights the fact that no one is above the law.”
Officials stress collaboration in dismantling alleged gang
Law enforcement leaders emphasized the scale of coordination behind the case and its impact on public safety across Suffolk County communities.
“There is no place for gang violence in our communities, and we will not stand on the sidelines while individuals bring fear to our neighborhoods through their violent actions,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina. “Working alongside the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, we will not relent in our pursuit of those responsible. Whether it takes months or years, we will continue to investigate, solve these crimes, and bring justice to the victims and their families.”
Suffolk County Sheriff Errol D. Toulon, Jr. added, “This investigation reflects months of coordinated, intelligence-driven police work that led to the dismantling of a dangerous gang and the removal of illegal weapons from our streets. Thanks to the dedication and hard work of these officers, we are able to hold these criminals accountable and continue to protect our communities.”
The case represents one of the most extensive gang-related indictments in Suffolk County in recent years, with prosecutors alleging a pattern of organized violence that impacted multiple communities across Long Island.