Police Commissioner: RVCPD Gang Plan Getting Results

An ongoing investigation by the Rockville Centre Police Department focusing on eradicating gang presence in the village is showing positive results, according to police officials.

Police say that since its inception in 2010, the investigation has seen 48 arrests resulting from gang-related offense, including include drug trafficking and violent crimes. Drugs, money and numerous firearms have been seized during the investigation.

In early 2010, Police Commissioner Charles Gennario introduced a plan to address Rockville Centre’s gang issues. Focusing on gang-specific criminal behavior and incorporating the assistance of the FBI, Gennario spearheaded an investigation that has seen 40 of the 48 defendants either get convicted or plea to the crimes charged.

Combined, these defendants could serve more than 600 years in prison -- an average of more than 15 years per defendant. In addition, several of the arrested persons are facing life imprisonment. More pleas or convictions are expected for the remaining defendants, police said.

"The safety of our residents is paramount and these convictions will have a long-lasting positive impact on the welfare of the citizens of Rockville Centre," Gennario said. "The Rockville Centre Police Department wants to thank all of our partners in this case, and I particularly want to express my appreciation for the efforts of the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our colleagues at the Nassau County Police Department."

Police officials told Patch that violent crime is down as a result of their efforts and that the investigation is currently ongoing.

Here is a list of articles related to the arrests made during the investigation:

• Two OMC Residents Charged with Attempted Murder
• RVC Convicted Killers Sentenced to 75 Years to Life
• RVC Duo Convicted in Yonkers Murder
• UPDATE: Lakeview Gang Leader Charged With Attempted Murder in RVC
• Bloods Gang Leader Pleads Guilty in 2011 OMC Drug Bust
• UPDATE: Names Released in Crack-Cocaine Ring Bust on Old Mill Court
• Police: RVC Drug Suspects Conspired to Sell 280 Grams of Crack