7 Charged In Connection To HS Graduation Assault At Hofstra: Nassau DA

MINEOLA, NY — Seven men have been charged in an alleged violent assault of two victims outside of a high school graduation ceremony at Hofstra University's athletic complex in June, prosecutors said.

Isaiah Moore, 19; Devon Moore, 19; Devon Fenner, 18; Zachariah Fulton, 19; Taiwan Jackson, 23; Unique Pruitt, 21; and Michael Gaines, 21, all of Hempstead, were charged with:

• First-degree attempted gang assault (a violent felony)
• Second-degree assault (a violent felony)
• and third-degree assault, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Isaiah Moore was also charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

"What was meant to be a celebration of achievement devolved into an afternoon of violence," Donnelly said. "These defendants allegedly attacked a victim outside a high school graduation ceremony, striking him and slashing his leg. After another bystander attempted to intervene, he too, was allegedly attacked."

Fulton was arraigned on Monday today and bail was set at $125,000 cash, $250,000 bond, and $1.2 million partially secured bond. Jackson and Pruitt were arraigned on August 6. Jackson’s bail was set at $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond. Pruitt’s bail was set at $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond.

Michael Gaines, Devon Moore, and Devon Fenner were arraigned on August 8. Gaines’ bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond.

Moore’s bail was set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, and $99,000 partially secured bond. Fenner was released to pre-trial services with electronic monitoring.

Isaiah Moore was arraigned on August 12. His bail was set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, and $1.4 million partially secured bond.

Gaines is due back in court on September 12. Isaiah Moore, Devon Moore, Fenner, Jackson, and Pruitt are due back in court on September 4. Fulton is due back in court September 26.

The defendants pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison.

"This kind of wanton violence has no place in Nassau County, certainly not at a school celebration, and it will not be tolerated by my office," Donnelly said.