Overview
Damion “World” Hardy led the Cash Money Brothers (CMB), a Brooklyn street gang centered in the Lafayette Gardens Houses in Bedford-Stuyvesant. Federal prosecutors alleged that CMB controlled narcotics trafficking there for more than a decade through crack distribution, intimidation, witness violence, kidnapping, and murder.
Organization
The 2005 federal indictment described a crack-distribution conspiracy operating from approximately 1991 through August 2004. Apartments in Lafayette Gardens were used to cook, store, and package crack cocaine, while violence was directed against competitors, witnesses, and others perceived as threats.
Retaliation after Myron Hardy’s Killing
On June 12, 1999, Hardy’s brother Myron “Wise” Hardy was shot and killed during a turf dispute. Federal prosecutors alleged that Damion Hardy then directed a sustained retaliation campaign against rival dealer Ivery “Peanut” Davis and people associated with Davis. The resulting murder allegations included Jerrod “Kojack” Mackens, Darryl “Homicide” Baum, James “JR” Hamilton, Ivery Davis, and Tyrone Baum.
Federal Prosecution
Hardy and Aaron “E-Bay” Granton were convicted in 2015 of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, narcotics offenses, and related crimes. Hardy received multiple life sentences. The Second Circuit affirmed the convictions and sentences in 2017.
Network Connections
- Cash Money Brothers — organization led by Hardy.
- Aaron “E-Bay” Granton — CMB enforcer later recruited in the Troy Singleton contract killing.
- Ivery “Peanut” Davis — rival drug dealer targeted in the retaliation campaign.
- Darryl “Homicide” Baum — Davis associate murdered after being targeted by CMB.
Evidence Status
A. Core organizational, homicide, conviction, and sentencing facts are documented in Department of Justice records and the Second Circuit appeal.