Sentencing of Travon “Budda” Jones for Gang-Related Crimes – On Thursday, Travon “Budda” Jones, a 22-year-old man from Bridgeport, Connecticut, was sentenced to over 22 years in federal prison for his involvement in a street gang and his participation in several violent crimes, including murder and attempted murder. The charges stem from his association with the “East End” gang, a criminal organization in Bridgeport, known for its violent and illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and violent retaliation against rival gangs.
The East End gang originally formed in Bridgeport’s East End neighborhood, but over time, its influence spread across the city and into surrounding areas. This gang has allegedly had associations with other criminal groups, including the PT Barnum Gang, the East Side gang, and the 150 gang. These groups have been aligned in opposition to several rival organizations, including the “Original North End” (O.N.E.) and the “Greene Homes Boyz” (GHB/Hotz), which are based in Bridgeport’s North End. These rival gangs engaged in violent disputes over territory, power, and control of illicit activities within the city.
The federal investigation into Jones and his fellow gang members began after a series of violent events linked to the East End gang’s activities. On January 26, 2020, members of the East End gang were involved in the murder of Myreke Kenion and the attempted murder of D’Andre Brown, both affiliated with the GHB/Hotz gang. This shooting sparked a retaliatory attack the following day by members of GHB/Hotz and O.N.E., who opened fire on East End members in a shooting outside a state courthouse on Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport, injuring four individuals.
The investigation revealed that Jones had played a direct role in several murders and violent crimes. On July 12, 2019, Jones and fellow East End gang member Tyrone Moore shot and killed Sean Warren, an O.N.E. gang member. Later, on October 17, 2019, Jones shot and attempted to kill Joshua Gilbert, another O.N.E. member. These acts were part of a broader pattern of violence between rival gangs in the city.
Jones was arrested on October 17, 2019, and remained in detention until his sentencing. Initially, Jones pleaded guilty to charges in August 2022, but later sought to withdraw his plea. However, after a jury trial in December 2023, Jones was convicted, along with three other associates, of conspiring to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, including murder, attempted murder, and other violent crimes.
Jones’s co-defendant Tyrone Moore also faced charges for his role in the criminal activities and was sentenced to 250 months in prison on June 26, 2023. The East End gang’s involvement in drug trafficking was another significant element of the case, as gang members distributed heroin, crack cocaine, marijuana, and Percocet pills, contributing to their violent and criminal behavior.
The East End gang members openly celebrated their criminal activities on social media, further demonstrating their disregard for the law. They engaged in acts of intimidation, made threats to witnesses, and used violence to protect themselves and maintain their criminal enterprise. These actions exemplify the broader issue of gang violence in urban communities and the challenges law enforcement faces in tackling organized crime.
In total, nearly 50 members and associates of the East End, O.N.E., and GHB/Hotz gangs have been convicted of federal offenses related to racketeering, drug trafficking, and violent crimes.
Travon “Budda” Jones’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of gang violence and the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime. The conviction and lengthy prison sentence underscore the severity of the crimes committed by Jones and his associates, sending a clear message that involvement in gang-related violence will result in significant legal consequences. The case also highlights the challenges faced by communities plagued by gang violence and the importance of continued efforts to dismantle criminal organizations.