Fifty-nine are members or associates of either the Elm Street Wolves or the Cliff Street Gangsters – two street gangs based in that city charged

Authorities Tuesday announced the unsealing of five separate indictments against 65 people charging them with federal crimes including murder, narcotics distribution and firearms possession in Yonkers.  Fifty-nine are members or associates of either the Elm Street Wolves or the Cliff Street Gangsters – two street gangs based in that city.

A 21-count indictment charges 47 members and associates of the Elm Street Wolves with several counts related to distribution of crack cocaine as well as firearms offenses.

Three of the members, including its leader, Steven Knowles, are also charged with the murder of Christopher Cokley, a member of a rival gang, on July 4, 2009.

A five-count indictment charges 12 members and associates of the Cliff Street Gangsters with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana, as well as firearms offenses.

Two additional indictments charge four Yonkers residents with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine as well as possession and distribution of the drug.

A fifth indictment charges two residents with conspiracy to distribute firearms and with selling two semi-automatic firearms.

During the warrant searches at 13 locations Tuesday, authorities seized a number of firearms, crack and marijuana and cash from at least 11 individuals and locations.

The new federal charges “should make it crystal clear that if you join a gang or deal drugs or engage in violence in Yonkers, you are facing federal time now,” said US Attorney Preet Bharara.

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