RODERICK “RA RA” ARRINGTON | Buffalo NY Schuele Boys Gang Member Sentenced To Life In Prison | Multiple Acts Of Violence, The Distribution Of Cocaine, Crack Cocaine, Marijuana And The Murder Of Quincy Balance | ALS

Roderick Arrington. Autographed Letter, Signed. Handwritten, Commercial #10 (4.125 × 9.5 envelope). Harrisburg, PA. September 20, 2024. Content unknown. SEALED.

Roderick Arrington, also known as "Ra Ra," was a key member of the Buffalo-based Schuele Boys Gang. They were involved in criminal activities such as assault and drug trafficking. Arrington faced charges for the murder of Quincy Balance, also known as "Shooter," on August 30, 2012. The murder was believed to be an act of retribution as the Schuele Boys alleged that Balance was connected to the shooting of one of their members four days earlier. Arrington faced a number of counts, including racketeering conspiracy and murder-in-aid-of-racketeering. During the trial, it came to light that Arrington shot Balance three times near the Northland and Stevens intersection on Buffalo's East Side. Regardless of Balance's protestations of innocence, Arrington carried out the murder as an act of retribution. After a jury trial, Arrington was convicted of racketeering conspiracy, murder-in-aid-of racketeering, and additional charges. He was sentenced to consecutive life sentences in jail, plus an additional 30 years for two firearms offenses. Arrington's conviction and punishment were viewed as significant achievements in the fight against gang violence in Buffalo, with law enforcement officials underlining the significance of these efforts in making neighborhoods safer and discouraging further criminal activity.

The gang trafficked illegal substances including cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana. They employed advanced means to escape detection, such as swapping cell phones and rented cars and driving evasively. The gang was involved in a number of violent incidents involving shootings and killings, notably the 2010 mass shooting at the City Grill in downtown Buffalo. Members of the group were charged with racketeering conspiracy, which included murder and attempted murder in support of racketeering.

The gang encountered rigorous government enforcement measures such as wiretaps, electronic surveillance, controlled drug transactions, and informant utilization. Key arrests and convictions include Roderick "Ra Ra" Arrington, who was convicted of racketeering conspiracy and murder-in-aid-of-racketeering, and Marcel Worthy, who was found guilty of his role in the City Grill mass shooting. Julio Contreras, a significant cocaine and marijuana supplier, was arrested and convicted as part of the larger investigation.

The Schuele Boys Gang's actions had a tremendous detrimental impact on Buffalo's East Side, increasing violence and drug addiction. The successful prosecution and dismantling of the gang were seen as major victories for law enforcement and the community, leading to reduced crime rates and enhanced safety.

The investigation was a joint operation between the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, the Buffalo Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the New York State Police. Collaboration enabled the pooling of resources and knowledge, which improved the investigation's effectiveness.

Despite the gang's efforts to avoid detection, law enforcement was able to adapt and collect evidence. The conclusion of these operations resulted in the arrest and indictment of numerous gang members, including 17 Schuele Boys Gang members and associates in 2014 who were charged with conspiring to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine. These arrests halted the gang's operations and resulted in successful prosecutions. The comprehensive approach employed by law enforcement resulted in the dissolution of the Schuele Boys Gang while also serving as a deterrent to other criminal groups in the area.

• VIDEO: 14 members of suspected gang arrested, 3 still sought | https://youtu.be/ba18MqA0EUQ

• VIDEO: Historic drug bust in WNY | https://youtu.be/Z0gkqjWQ37o

Archiving Protocol:

• Handled with White Gloves ab initio

• Photo Pages/Sheet Protectors: Heavyweight Clear Sheet Protectors, Acid Free & Archival Safe, 8.5 × 11, Top Load

• White Backing Board – Acid Free

Shipping/Packaging: Rigid Mailer 9.5 × 12.5. White, self seal, stay flat, Kraft cardboard, no bend. Each rigid mailer is made of heavy cardboard, which has strong resistance to bending and tearing. Thicker that the USPS mailers. Shipping cost never more than it absolutely has to be to get it from me to you.