Bridgeport Man Sentenced In Federal Street Gang Case: U.S. Attorney

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 25-year-old Bridgeport man was sentenced Thursday to more than 15 years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a violent street gang that was responsible for multiple shootings and drug trafficking in the city, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Marc H. Silverman, and local and state authorities.

Jahaz Langston, also known as "Haz," was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Bridgeport by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley. Langston pleaded guilty in September 2023 to conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and has been in custody since his arrest in July 2021.

Federal prosecutors said Langston was a member of the Original North End (O.N.E.) gang, which operated primarily in the Trumbull Gardens area of Bridgeport and was involved in violent confrontations with rival gangs, including the East End, East Side, and PT Barnum gangs.

The gang was also involved in narcotics distribution, armed robberies, and car thefts. Investigators said members often used social media to plan and promote their criminal activities.

According to court documents, Langston conspired with other gang members, including Amire Newsome, to commit violent acts. In March 2021, authorities say the two shot and seriously injured the mother of two rival gang members as she drove on Interstate 95.

The case is part of a broader federal investigation that has led to the convictions of approximately 47 members and associates of Bridgeport-based gangs. Authorities say the investigation has helped solve eight murders and roughly 20 attempted murders.

Newsome pleaded guilty in August 2023 and is awaiting sentencing.

The investigation was conducted by a coalition of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Forces, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, Connecticut State Police, and the Bridgeport Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted under several federal initiatives, including Project Safe Neighborhoods, Project Longevity, and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces program.