Sentencing of Patrick Pizzini is the Second Sentencing of “Main Event” Member in the Past Week

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the sentencing of PATRICK PIZZINI, 25, to 8 years in state prison for his role as one of the ringleaders of a violent drug trafficking ring that operated in West Harlem. On October 19, 2022, PIZZINI pled guilty to one count of Operating as a Major Trafficker and one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree. Last week, ANDREW MCFALINE was sentenced to 12 years in state prison for his role as the leader of the group.

“We continue to pursue full accountability for the violence committed by this dangerous drug trafficking group,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Nobody should have to contend with the violence and chaos that is associated with this activity, and we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to deliver the safe neighborhoods that everyone deserves.” 

As admitted in PIZZINI’S guilty plea, from January 2019 to July 2021, “Main Event,” primarily sold crack cocaine. Many of the individuals involved were family members who grew up in the organization’s primary operating area of Amsterdam Avenue to Riverside Drive on West 135th and West 136th Streets.

MCFALINE divided the group’s area of operations into six locations, one of which was overseen by PIZZINI while he was in prison on a separate case for Assault and Criminal Possession of a Weapon. PIZZINI operated customer lines, and employed street-level dealers, cooks, drivers, individuals who provided security, and other associates. Each of the six locations was in operation nearly 24 hours a day.

The group often used violence in disputes with rivals, including a shooting in 2020 on West 135th Street. Three of the members were also involved in a 2020 stabbing following a dispute over territory. In 2019, there were two confirmed fatal overdoses associated with sales by the organization.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. and Attorney in Charge of Drug Strategies Kaitrin Roberts and Assistant D.A. and Counsel to the Investigation Division Raymond Castello, under the supervision of Christopher Prevost (Chief of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Unit) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Investigative Analyst Molly McElligott has assisted with the case.

D.A. Bragg thanked Detective James Burpoe and the undercover detectives of the NYPD’s Narcotics Borough Manhattan North.

Defendant Information:
PATRICK PIZZINI
New York, New York

Convicted:

• Operating as a Major Trafficker, a class A-I felony, one count
• Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony, one count

Sentenced:

• 8 years in state prison, 5 years post-release supervision

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