10th Street Gang member gets 6 1/2-year prison term

 Renel Velazquez, a member of the notorious 10th Street Gang, was ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard J. Arcara to serve 6z years in prison on his RICO conspiracy conviction in connection with the gang’s activities. Velazquez, 27, was involved in a violent assault and robbery Feb. 1, 2008, and sold marijuana in territory controlled by the gang on Buffalo’s West Side, U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul Jr. and trial prosecutor Joseph M. Tripi said Thursday. Hochul said Velazquez also permitted other 10th Street Gang members to store cocaine, firearms and ammunition in his apartment. Prosecutors said Velazquez and other gang members and associates carried out a robbery plan in 2008, breaking into their victim’s Buffalo apartment and waiting for him. While they waited, prosecutors said, Velazquez kept in cellphone contact with a woman who was with the victim. When the man arrived, Velazquez and the others beat, punched, choked and kicked him repeatedly. Prosecutors said Velazquez also beat the victim over the head with a hammer. The victim, who required hospitalization, was stripped of his clothing and his leather jacket, cellphone and more than $600 in cash.

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