Man Involved in Drugging and Robbing Gay Men in NYC Gay Bars Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

Butts, 30, pleaded guilty to two counts of first - degree robbery and one count of conspiracy as part of a plea deal with prosecutors. Initially, he was charged with robbery, grand larceny, and identity theft. Last month, three men were convicted of murder, robbery, and conspiracy, and two others pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

From March 2021 to June 2022, the criminal gang targeted gay bars and nightclubs in Manhattan, New York City, causing great panic among the local gay community. A May 2022 NBC News report on the mysterious death of 25 - year - old social worker Julio Ramirez brought this criminal scheme to light. The gang targeted five men and drugged them with a cocktail laced with fentanyl.

Prosecutors said that once the men were incapacitated, the gang would steal their phones, use facial recognition to access their bank accounts, and empty them before going on shopping sprees. Ramirez was left to die in the back of a cab, and 33 - year - old John Umberger was found dead in his apartment.

Surviving victims of the scheme testified at the murder trial this year. Prosecutors said that although Butts was not charged with Ramirez's death, security video showed him buying sneakers with Ramirez's credit card. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said on Thursday that Butts has been held accountable for his role in a "deadly and callous conspiracy." Bragg also said, "While it's fortunate that the victims targeted by Mr. Butts survived, I know they're still suffering from the trauma of this incident, and I hope they can continue to recover."