In a significant crackdown on gang violence, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams for the Southern District of New York, and NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell announced the indictment of Kevin Perez, known as Kay Flock, and several other individuals associated with the “Sev Side” or “DOA” street gang. The indictment, unsealed today, charges Perez and six others with racketeering conspiracy and related crimes stemming from their gang membership in the Bronx, New York. This announcement underscores law enforcement’s commitment to tackling violent crime in New York City.
Expanding the scope of the operation, a superseding indictment was previously unsealed on January 26, 2023, charging ISZAYAH ROWSON and MICHAEL GANT, members of the “Third Side” gang, which has close ties to Sev Side, with similar racketeering conspiracy charges. Kay Flock himself faces an additional charge for the gang-related murder of Hwascar Hernandez, who was fatally shot in Manhattan on December 16, 2021. Furthermore, Perez, along with MASON, BEAMON, JOHNSON, ROWSON, and GANT, are accused of multiple violent felonies, including attempted murder and assault with a dangerous weapon, linked to seven shootings across the Bronx between June 2020 and February 2022.
The Sev Side case is being overseen by Judge Lewis J. Liman, while the Third Side indictment falls under Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. Authorities have Rowson and Gant already in federal custody. This morning saw the arrest of Mason, Johnson, and Castro in the Bronx, with their court appearances anticipated later today before Magistrate Judge Valerie Figueredo. Perez has been transferred to federal custody from state detention and is also expected in court today. Smith and Beamon remain at large as fugitives.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “For several years, members of these gangs allegedly instilled terror in Bronx and Manhattan communities through killings and shootings. These indictments demonstrate our resolve to hold Sev Side and Third Side members accountable for the gun violence plaguing our neighborhoods.”
NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell highlighted the broader implications: “The dangerous combination of gangs and illegal firearms in New York City poses a critical threat to public safety. The NYPD is prioritizing the fight against this crisis, and today’s indictments represent further progress in our mission to eliminate violence and fear from our streets. We are grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and all partners who contributed to making our city safer.”
According to court documents, from 2019 to 2022, Sev Side and Third Side, both operating within the 48th Precinct in the Bronx, formed an alliance to terrorize local communities. Their methods included indiscriminate shootings targeting rival gang members. Adding to the climate of fear, gang members reportedly used social media and their music to promote gang activities and glorify violence, often referencing actual violent incidents.
The disputes between Sev Side, Third Side, and rival groups in both the Bronx and Manhattan have resulted in numerous violent acts, including:
- The murder of Hwascar Hernandez by Perez in Manhattan on December 16, 2021.
- A shooting involving PEREZ, GANT, and ROWSON targeting rivals on June 20, 2020.
- JOHNSON shooting at a rival gang member on June 26, 2020.
- Multiple shootings by GANT at rival gang members on July 7 and July 16, 2020.
- ROWSON shooting at a rival gang member on December 13, 2020.
- A shooting by PEREZ, MASON, and BEAMON targeting rivals on November 10, 2021.
- MASON shooting at a rival gang member, resulting in injury to an innocent bystander on February 10, 2022.
The charges against Kay Flock and the other defendants reflect the serious nature of racketeering and gun violence. While these indictments are accusations, they represent a significant step in addressing gang-related crime in New York City. The community awaits further legal proceedings as the justice system addresses these allegations against Kay Flock and his associates.
| Defendant | Age | Charges | Minimum and Maximum Penalties
