by Guy Page
The Jan. 15 federal indictment in Connecticut of seven members of the Hoodstar Gzz gang has shed light on a series of violent crimes and illegal activities linked to the gang, spanning both Connecticut and St. Johnsbury, the Caledonian-Record reported this morning.
The gang’s activities, which include murder, gun and drug trafficking, arson, and extortion, have been part of an extensive RICO conspiracy.
Three members of the gang have been tied to specific criminal acts in St. Johnsbury. Raquan Knight, known as RQ, was involved in a high-speed chase in Newport in 2022 and was found in possession of a significant quantity of fentanyl and cash. Paul Clarke, or Tommy Bunz, allegedly set fire to an apartment building while distributing drugs. Paul Downer, a.k.a. Luap Benji, has been linked to the shooting of Ryan Farnham over a drug debt and other local crimes, including fentanyl trafficking and aggravated assault.
A raid on a Portland Street residence uncovered large amounts of drugs, cash, and firearms, showcasing the extent of the gang’s illegal operations. Despite these findings, the case against Downer for the shooting of Farnham was dismissed due to insufficient evidence, highlighting the challenges in prosecuting such cases.
The investigation involved significant collaboration among local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, with commendations given to specific officers for their detailed work in the case. This cooperative effort underscores the complexities of tackling organized crime and the importance of inter-agency coordination in such endeavors.