A Roosevelt man and leader of a Crips street gang chapter was convicted Monday of federal racketeering charges for his involvement in three murders and other crimes over a decade-long span.
A jury found Raphael “Gusto” Osborne guilty of conspiracy, robbery, attempted murder, witness retaliation, assault with a dangerous weapon, drug conspiracy and discharging firearms.
“The crimes that Osborne stands convicted of underscore the wanton violence the Crips street gang unleashed on neighborhoods of Long Island,” said Robert Capers, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “We will continue to respond to the Crips’ brutal violence with unwavering investigation and prosecution.”
Prosecutors said the 30-year-old gang member, who led the Roosevelt-based Rollin’ 60s Crips, orchestrated 15 shootings and three homicides as well as robberies, drug and gun trafficking between 2003 and 2013.
He ordered his members to attack members of the rival Bloods street gang on sight and conspired to try and kill an informant, who was left paralyzed, authorities said.
Osborne was responsible for bringing hundreds of illegal firearms to Long Island, including revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, assault rifles and submachine guns, according to investigators.
He also conspired to distribute 280 grams of crack cocaine, 100 grams of heroin, 100 kilograms of marijuana and methylone, commonly known as “molly,” prosecutors said.
Osborne faces between 115 years and life in prison when he’s sentenced.
