Trinitarios Gang Member Sentenced to 135 Months in Prison in Connection With Two Shootings and an Attempt to Smuggle Contraband into the Metropolitan Detention Center

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Abel Mora, also known as "Moreno," was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to 135 months' imprisonment. Mora, a member of the Trinitarios street gang, pleaded guilty last year to Hobbs Act robbery and discharging a firearm after he robbed and shot an individual (the "Victim") in East New York on August 13, 2023. After his guilty plea, and while detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York (MDC), Mora attempted to smuggle a rope full of contraband, including a weapon, drugs and other items, into the MDC. On June 24, 2025, Mora pleaded guilty to possession of contraband in prison.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD) announced the sentence.

"Mora not only shot and robbed a man in Brooklyn, he subsequently attempted to smuggle drugs, weapons and other contraband into prison," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "Our Office has zero tolerance for inmates that make jails less safe and will continue to aggressively prosecute gang members who victimize the public by engaging in gun violence and put innocents at risk as they go about their day."

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the FBI/NYPD Metro Safe Streets Task Force and the NYPD's 75th and 101st Precincts for their outstanding work and assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

"Abel Mora, a Trinitarios gang member, boldly attempted to smuggle drugs and weapons into a federal detention center despite previous convictions related to a gunpoint robbery and public shootout. His sustained propensity to criminality displays a blatant disregard for the wellbeing of others and the law. May today's Operation Coast to Coast sentencing emphasize the FBI's determination to hold accountable any gang member who jeopardizes the safety of our communities and our prisons," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.

"Abel Mora showed exactly why he is a danger to society - first by recklessly shooting and robbing New Yorkers in plain view, and then by trying to smuggle weapons and other contraband into a federal detention center," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. "Today's sentencing is a strong reminder that we will stop at nothing to identify and dismantle street gangs like the Trinitarios that are placing our communities at risk. I thank the NYPD investigators, all our law enforcement partners, and the prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's Office for their work getting this dangerous criminal off our streets."

As set forth in the government's sentencing memorandum and other court filings, Mora committed two shootings in Queens in Brooklyn on August 13, 2023. First, at approximately 1 p.m. on August 13, 2023, Mora shot at a vehicle in a residential neighborhood in Queens. As reflected on video surveillance cameras, a fight broke out between Mora and an associate and the occupant of the vehicle, resulting in a shoot-out which sent residents of the neighborhood, including children, running for their safety.

Later that night in Brooklyn, Mora committed a second shooting with the same firearm. At approximately 9 p.m. outside of 3441 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, Mora shot the Victim and robbed him of his backpack. Video surveillance cameras capturing this incident showed that Mora committed this brazen shooting and robbery directly outside of a busy corner store with customers both inside and out. Immediately following the shooting, Mora fled with the stolen property.

Mora was arrested on September 26, 2023 at his home. Law enforcement recovered the firearm used in both the Brooklyn and Queens shooting in a radiator in the defendant's bedroom. The firearm was loaded with thirteen rounds of ammunition.

After pleading and while detained at the MDC, Mora and several co-defendants attempted to smuggle a rope full of contraband, including a scalpel, a cell-phone charging cord and plug, two lighters, cigarettes and illegal narcotics into the MDC. Video surveillance inside of the MDC captured Mora and his co-conspirators as they attempted to pull the rope full of contraband into the facility using a line that they connected to the rope.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's Organized Crime and Gangs Section and General Crimes Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Emily J. Dean, Dana Rehnquist and Russell Noble are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendant:

ABEL MORA (also known as "Moreno")
Age: 24
Far Rockaway, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket Nos. 23-CR-383 (NGG), 25-CR-108 (NGG)