New York, NY — Gina L. Mestre, an ex-officer with the New York City Police Department, admitted in federal court on Thursday to assisting a Bronx gang leader in fleeing a homicide investigation and seeking refuge in the Dominican Republic. Mestre, who departed the NYPD in 2022, pleaded guilty to impeding law enforcement by sharing security camera footage of a killing with the gang leader, Andrew "Caballo" Done, aiding him in avoiding charges related to the murder of a rival gang member.
In a composed demeanor, the 33-year-old Mestre entered her guilty plea before Judge Denise L. Cote, acknowledging the charge of accessory after the fact to murder in aid of racketeering. This offense carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Mestre, who had initially pleaded not guilty, is slated for sentencing on March 21. Following the court appearance, Mestre, maintaining her composure, retreated to a bathroom accompanied by another woman. Her lawyer declined to provide any comments.
Assigned to the 52nd Precinct in the Bronx in 2020, Mestre, with a mission to curb gun violence associated with the Shooting Boys gang, admitted initiating an "intimate relationship" with gang leader Andrew Done shortly after her transfer. Over a span of approximately two years, Mestre leaked confidential information to gang members, aiding in concealing their criminal activities and evading arrest. Her actions included disclosing details about police operations, grand jury proceedings, and even revealing the identity of a witness who subsequently faced assault by Shooting Boys members to obstruct cooperation with law enforcement.
In July 2020, Mestre forewarned a gang member about an imminent federal indictment against the Shooting Boys, advising caution due to increased scrutiny. When Done fatally shot a rival gang member in November 2020, Mestre informed him of authorities' pursuit and shared video footage of the killing. She maintained covert communication with Done for weeks until he successfully fled the country.
Done was eventually apprehended in the Dominican Republic in 2022 and pleaded guilty to charges related to the killing, receiving a 35-year prison sentence in February.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams condemned Mestre's actions, stating, "When law enforcement officers break the laws they are sworn to uphold, they do a disservice to their fellow officers, to the departments that employ them, and to the public they serve."
The case highlights the commitment of the judicial system to a thorough and transparent investigation, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law and maintaining public trust.
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