NYC Gazette

Federal authorities have charged three individuals in connection with a murder-for-hire conspiracy orchestrated from within a federal detention center. The announcement came from Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Patrick J. Freaney, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the United States Secret Service.

The indictment names Dajahn McBean, also known as "Jeezy Mula" or "Freeze," Karl Smith, also known as "Pacavell," and Chelsey Harris, also known as "Ms. Chinn." They are accused of plotting to murder an individual in December 2023, which led to the death of Clarisa Burgos on December 26, 2023.

According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, “As alleged, Dajahn McBean and his co-conspirators planned and carried out an elaborate plot to murder another individual by causing others to shoot at the target several times in New York City. During one of those shootings, an innocent bystander, Clarisa Burgos, was killed."

The charges against McBean include using a contraband cellphone from within MDC Brooklyn to direct this plot while awaiting sentencing for a previous gang-related shooting. Thanks to efforts by prosecutors and law enforcement partners, McBean and his co-conspirators will face justice for their actions.

Patrick J. Freaney emphasized the seriousness of the case: "The abiding intent to cause death, as alleged in this murder-for-hire case, is truly shocking." He credited the NYPD Financial Crimes Task Force for their role in investigating this case.

Court documents allege that McBean conspired with Smith and Harris while detained at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. They allegedly used social media to feud with another gang member ("Victim-1") and arranged multiple attempts on Victim-1's life outside nightclubs in Queens. These attempts resulted in two shootings; during the second incident on December 26th outside Club-2, bullets intended for Victim-1 struck his girlfriend Clarisa Burgos instead.

McBean faces multiple charges including murder-for-hire conspiracy resulting in personal injury and death; stalking resulting in life-threatening bodily injury and death; and conspiracy to destroy records. These charges carry severe penalties including potential life imprisonment or death.

U.S. Attorney Williams commended the USSS Financial Crimes Task Force and NYPD for their work on this investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan W. Allison, Andrew K. Chan, and Jared D. Hoffman from the Violent & Organized Crime Unit.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.