SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — Dozens of alleged members of two Long Island gangs, the Mak Balla Family (MBF) and the “9-Trey” Bloods, were indicted on Wednesday for a series of violent crimes over the last several years, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.
A 168-count indictment against 22 alleged Mak Balla members was announced after a four-year investigation into 38 incidents across Suffolk County that included shootings, gun possession, armed robberies and conspiracy, including conspiracy to commit murder and distribute narcotics. The suspects range in age from 16 to 32, some being 15 at the time crimes were committed.
“These comprehensive investigations and consequential indictments are exactly what I promised the people of Suffolk County when I formed the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau in 2022,” Tierney said. “This case is another example of my office’s prioritization and dedication to ridding Suffolk County of gun and gang violence.”
According to the indictment, members of the MBF adhere to strict rules and hierarchy focused on increasing their gang status through armed violence, illegal drug sales and robberies that are meant to make money for the gang and provide members the opportunity to post about their seemingly extravagant lifestyle on social media.
One of the incidents highlighted in the indictment was a fight on Black Friday between alleged MBF member Taivon Elting and rival gang associates at the Smith Haven Mall. During the altercation a loaded 9 mm caliber pistol allegedly fell from Elting’s pocket, becoming a talking point on Long Island after a social media post regarding the incident was widely circulated.
A 23-count indictment against six alleged members of the “9-Trey” Bloods Street Gang was also unveiled Wednesday, charging the suspects after a four-month investigation prompted by two shootings and the recovery of three illegal guns in November 2024. The alleged members range in age from 30 to 47.
According to the investigation and indictment, the suspects allegedly engaged in criminal conspiracies to share illegal weapons and carry out the shooting of a rival ordered by Joseph Baker, 35, who was incarcerated with the state Department of Corrections at the time.
“This thorough investigation connected a series of related incidents and uncovered a disturbing scheme allegedly orchestrated by an incarcerated New York State inmate, which directly led to violence in Suffolk County,” Tierney said. “I commend my office, and our law enforcement partners for uncovering these alleged conspiracies and we look forward to holding all of these defendants responsible in court.”