New Haven man sentenced to 22 years in prison for gang activity
NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — A New Haven man was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his involvement in gang activities, including two murders and additional shootings.
According to evidence and testimony, Tyjon 'TJ' Preston, 22, was a member of the Exit 8 street gang. According to police investigations, the Exit 8 gang was involved in drug trafficking, the use and sharing of firearms, and, since June 2018, at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.
State police K9 helps apprehend home burglary suspect in Morris
Preston was arrested on Sept. 9, 2021. On April 24, 2024, he pled guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity.
Preston specifically admitted to his involvement in several incidents, including on April 27, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members attempted to kill a rival gang member, shooting him in the leg; on May 19, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members conspired to kill rival gang members, and shot and killed an associate of a rival gang; on May 20, 2021, he and other Exit 8 members shot and attempted to kill rival gang members; and on July 5, 2021, he and another Exit 8 member shot and killed a 22-year-old woman after she made a rap song containing derogatory comments about Exit 8.
Exit 8 members and associates also have allegedly promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence. Members would send text messages and use social media apps including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube.
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