Federal authorities have charged Jalen Teague, also known as “Bizzle” and “Too Official,” and Cheleia Council Sanders, also known as “Mercedes,” with racketeering conspiracy. Teague faces an additional charge of murder in aid of racketeering for the August 16, 2023 death of a robbery victim in midtown Manhattan. Megan Sterngast, also known as “Megan – E Village,” is charged alongside Teague and Sanders with conspiring to distribute Gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), resulting in death.
The charges were announced by Jay Clayton, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; Christopher Roberts, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Task Force Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick.
“As alleged, Jalen Teague directed a group of workers to locate, drug, and then rob men in New York City and across the country,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton. “These defendants displayed a startling indifference for New Yorkers, resulting in the death of an innocent man. We deeply appreciate our agency partners at DEA and NYPD for ensuring these charges and ending this deadly scheme.”
“The charges filed today against Jalen Teague for allegedly masterminding a scheme to target, rob, and poison unsuspecting victims, including one which resulted in death, reflect the devastating consequences when individuals use controlled substances as weapons,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “GHB is a powerful and dangerous illicit drug, and in this case its misuse proved fatal. These crimes represent a profound violation of trust and a complete disregard for human life. The DEA remains committed to protecting the public and working with our law enforcement partners to ensure justice is delivered for the victims and their families.”
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, from November 2022 through June 2024 Teague led an enterprise that provided female associates with GHB—a substance capable of causing unconsciousness—to facilitate robberies targeting men displaying signs of wealth at bars or clubs across several U.S. cities including New York City. The women allegedly dosed victims’ drinks without their knowledge before stealing valuables such as luxury watches, wallets, credit cards, smartphones, gaming consoles, or identification documents.
Authorities say after each robbery Teague would retrieve his associates and attempt to use stolen financial information before accounts could be frozen by their owners. The group is believed to have committed over 100 GHB-assisted robberies nationwide during this period.
Several victims required hospitalization due to GHB exposure; on August 16 last year one victim died as a result.
If anyone believes they may be a victim related to this case they are encouraged to contact Victim & Witness Services at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York at 866-874-8900.
A chart listing defendants’ names—Jalen Teague (32), Cheleia Council Sanders (31), Megan Sterngast (42)—alongside corresponding charges shows that penalties range from mandatory minimums of 20 years up to life imprisonment or death depending on conviction counts.
Jay Clayton acknowledged investigative efforts by both DEA and NYPD as well as support from the New York County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebecca R. Delfiner and Joseph H. Rosenberg are prosecuting the case within the Narcotics Unit.
The indictment consists only of allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
