Own Every Dollar gang leader receives 17-year federal prison sentence for directing violence and drug trafficking

New York – A violent gang leader tied to years of bloodshed, drug trafficking, and intimidation in New York City will spend nearly two decades behind bars, federal prosecutors announced, marking another major milestone in a sweeping gang takedown.

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton said Jesus Zapata, also known as “Jeezy” and “Hendrix,” was sentenced to 17 years in prison for his leadership role in the Own Every Dollar gang, commonly referred to as OED. Zapata, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken and will also face five years of supervised release following his incarceration.

“This case reflects our efforts to dismantle violent gangs, with today’s sentence reinforcing that accountability reaches gang leaders, like Jesus Zapata, who directed and ordered violence that harmed New Yorkers and their quality of life,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.

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According to federal prosecutors, Zapata served as the “Duarte,” or top leader, of the Own Every Dollar gang, a violent subset of the Trinitarios street gang operating primarily in and around the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. The gang maintained a reputation for extreme violence and strict internal discipline, using fear to control territory and protect its illegal operations.

The prosecution of OED has resulted in the convictions of 22 gang members connected to a staggering list of crimes. Authorities say those convictions include responsibility for five murders, more than 10 attempted murders, numerous robberies, and the operation of a large-scale drug trafficking network. The gang was involved in selling fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in significant quantities throughout New York City.

Zapata’s leadership extended even while he was incarcerated. Prosecutors held him accountable for committing and ordering multiple acts of violence on Rikers Island, including three slashings in 2021. Officials said these attacks demonstrated how gang influence continued behind bars, with Zapata allegedly directing violence to maintain control and enforce loyalty.

Federal authorities described Zapata as a central figure in both the gang’s street-level operations and its internal hierarchy. His sentence makes him the 21st defendant to be sentenced in the case and the 11th to receive a prison term of 10 years or more, underscoring the scale and seriousness of the prosecution.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation emphasized that the sentence sends a strong message about accountability at the highest levels of organized criminal groups. Prosecutors said dismantling gangs like OED requires targeting leadership structures, not just street-level offenders.

In announcing the sentence, Clayton praised the coordinated efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies that worked together over several years to bring the case forward. He specifically recognized the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force for their investigative work.

Clayton also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the New York State Police, and NYPD task force officers assigned to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their assistance throughout the investigation.

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The case was prosecuted by the Narcotics Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter led the prosecution, presenting evidence that tied Zapata to both violent acts and large-scale drug distribution.

Federal officials said the case highlights the ongoing effort to disrupt violent gangs that threaten public safety and destabilize communities. By targeting leadership figures like Zapata, prosecutors aim to weaken the structures that allow gangs to operate and expand.

With Zapata now sentenced, authorities say the outcome represents both justice for victims and a broader step toward restoring safety in neighborhoods affected by gang violence. The investigation remains one of the most significant recent efforts to dismantle a violent criminal organization operating in New York City.