MINEOLA, N.Y. — Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder announced indictments against two alleged members of the international criminal organization Tren de Aragua for an attempted murder and robbery that occurred in Hempstead in May 2024.
Frederick Morillo Chavez, 21, of New York City, and Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 20, of East Elmhurst, New York, were arraigned before Judge Robert McDonald on multiple serious charges, including Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, multiple counts of Robbery, Assault, and Criminal Possession and Use of Firearms.
Morillo Chavez pleaded not guilty during his June 4 arraignment and was remanded to custody. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted and is scheduled to return to court on July 15, 2025. Castro Mata was arraigned on June 10, also pleaded not guilty, and was remanded. He faces the same maximum sentence and is due back on July 7, 2025.
DA Donnelly emphasized the rise of Tren de Aragua gang activity in New York City and the current case as the first in Nassau County. She described the incident where the defendants allegedly stalked a woman returning from work, confronted her with a gun, and robbed her. When the victim resisted, she was shot in the arm. Thanks to coordinated law enforcement efforts, this violent gang’s influence is being challenged.
Commissioner Ryder stated, “These violent criminals are off the streets and will face justice. Our department remains committed to eradicating gang violence.”
According to the indictment, on May 22, 2024, around 12:35 a.m., the victim was walking home in Hempstead after getting off a bus near Front Street. Morillo Chavez and Castro Mata approached on a moped, followed her, and then attempted to rob her. When the victim fought back, Castro Mata shot her in the arm before the two fled with her belongings.
Morillo Chavez was arrested on May 16, 2025, and Castro Mata was apprehended on June 10, 2025. Notably, Castro Mata was previously incarcerated in New York City for attempted murder charges related to a shooting involving police officers and was sentenced to 28 years on June 10, 2025.
This case is prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rivka Shuter of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau under senior supervision. Defense attorneys representing the defendants are Scott Gross, Esq. for Morillo Chavez and Greg Zak, Esq. for Castro Mata.
The charges remain allegations until proven in court.