Jesus Zapata, known as “Jeezy” and “Hendrix,” was sentenced to 17 years in prison for his role as the leader of the Own Every Dollar (OED) gang. The sentencing took place before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken in Manhattan federal court.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton commented on the case, stating: “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.”
According to information presented in court documents and proceedings, Zapata led the OED gang, which is a subset of the Trinitarios gang operating mainly in Washington Heights, Manhattan. Prosecutors have secured convictions against 22 members of OED for five murders, over ten attempted murders, several robberies, and managing a drug trafficking operation involving fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine.
Zapata was found responsible for organizing or committing multiple violent acts at Rikers Island in 2021—including three slashings—and for involvement in narcotics trafficking. He is the 21st defendant sentenced in this case and the 11th to receive a prison term of ten years or more.
In addition to his prison sentence, Zapata received five years of supervised release. He is 36 years old and from New York City.
Jay Clayton acknowledged law enforcement agencies involved: “Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding work of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. Mr. 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 the NYPD Task Force Officers assigned to this Office for their assistance in the investigation.”
The prosecution was managed by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah L. Kushner, Kevin Mead, Ashley C. Nicolas, and Alexandra Messiter from the Office’s Narcotics Unit.
