Gang member charged for 2020 murder of a teen in Poughkeepsie

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Rolison and Rosser pay respects at the site where Frederick Wells was murdered. Mid-Hudson News file photo.

WHITE PLAINS – Elijah “Quiet” Bermudez, 29, of New York City, has been indicted on federal charges of murder in aid of racketeering, the use of a firearm resulting in death, racketeering conspiracy, and illegal possession of ammunition, for the June 20, 2020, shooting death of 16-year-old Frederick Wells in the vicinity of Charles Street in Poughkeepsie.  Bermudez is allegedly a member of the Bully Hard Gang.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, who announced the indictment said, “Gangs like Bully Hard reward violence with promotions within the group, which often leads to tragic deaths, including the minor victim in this case.  We hope this investigation and prosecution brings some measure of closure to the family of Bermudez’s alleged victim.”

Bermudez is charged with one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of murder through the use of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison; and one count of being a felon in possession of ammunition, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Dutchess County Chief Assistant District Attorney Matthew Weishaupt touted the interagency cooperation in securing this indictment.  “Our office has worked for many years with our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York when the federal system brings an advantage in evidentiary matters, resources, or sentencing options.”

The county’s senior prosecutor and a potential candidate for District Attorney next year also said, “We will continue to work collaboratively to eradicate the scourge of ongoing violence within our communities.  We remain focused on making our communities a safer place for everyone through our continued joint efforts.”




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