Bloods Member Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Gang-Related Shooting at Hamptons House Party and for Selling Fentanyl that Resulted in Death and Serious Bodily Injury

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Bloods member Joshua Crowell, also known as "Twiggy," was sentenced by United States District Judge Gary R. Brown to 27 years in prison for assault in aid of racketeering and distribution of fentanyl that resulted in a death. Crowell pleaded guilty to these charges in October 2025.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney's Office (SCDAO); Pete Gizas, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.

"Joshua Crowell committed acts of violence and sold lethal drugs on behalf of an extremely violent street gang," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "His criminal conduct left three people wounded by gunfire, claimed one life through a fatal overdose, and caused two others to suffer overdose-related injuries. Today's sentence sends a clear and powerful message that those who terrorize our communities with gang violence and deadly drugs will be held fully accountable for the devastation they cause."

"This defendant unleashed gunfire into a crowded Hamptons house party - wounding innocent people - and trafficked fentanyl that caused a fatal overdose and left others fighting for their lives," stated HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Gizas. "Today's sentence reflects the severe consequences of Joshua Crowell's violent and deadly conduct. These crimes inflicted profound harm on victims, families, and the Long Island community. HSI New York, standing alongside our law enforcement partners, will not allow violent gangs to turn Long Island neighborhoods into battlegrounds or marketplaces for lethal drugs."

"Crowell's actions display a selfish, blatant disregard for the safety of others," stated Suffolk County Police Commissioner Catalina. "He prioritized financial gain by peddling deadly drugs and prioritized gang status over the safety of dozens of individuals. It is my hope this sentence sends a message to others who put their greed above the well-being of the public."

"This Bloodhound Brims defendant along with another gang member and an associate indiscriminately fired with pistols and an assault rifle at partygoers in Southhampton. Amazingly, despite three people being hit, no one was killed. This could easily have been a mass murder," stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. "I thank our federal and local partners for working together to make sure that this defendant was held responsible for that violence, as well as the destruction wrought by the poison sold and multiple overdose deaths caused by this defendant. Suffolk County has no place for those who would terrorize our communities. Today's sentence delivers accountability and sends a clear message that we will use every available tool to bring violent criminals to justice."

As set forth in the government's sentencing memorandum and other court filings, the defendant was an avowed member of the Bloodhound Brims set of the Bloods street gang who openly embraced and promoted his affiliation, including through social media posts. In furtherance of the gang's criminal activities, he engaged in acts of violence and sold lethal drugs. In March 2021, Crowell, along with another member and an associate of the Bloods, traveled to a party hosted by rival gang members at a rental home in Southampton, New York. Upon arrival, they unleashed a barrage of nearly 50 rounds into the residence using two pistols and an AK-47 style assault rifle. Three partygoers were struck by gunfire and injured, though all ultimately survived.

Additionally, Crowell and several co-conspirators operated a drug trafficking network that for years sold fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine. His fentanyl sales had devastating consequences. At least three individuals overdosed after purchasing fentanyl from Crowell, including one victim who died after using the deadly drug he supplied.

The government's case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office's Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorney James R. Simmons and Special Assistant United States Attorney Donald N. Barclay are in charge of the prosecution, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialists Samantha Schroder and Adam Bernard and Legal Assistant Danielle Rompel.

The Defendant:

JOSHUA CROWELL (also known as "Twiggy")
Age: 32
Huntington, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-257 (S-1) (GRB)