Baltimore Man Sentenced to 27 Years in Prison for Murder During a Violent Drug-Related Robbery in Queens

Earlier today, in federal court in Brooklyn, Marcus Pittman, also known as "Nacho" and "Cheese," was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 27 years in prison for causing death through use of a firearm, in connection with his participation in an armed robbery and kidnapping of two marijuana dealers in Queens, New York, during which Marcus Pittman murdered one of the dealers. Marcus Pittman pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2025.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); and Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

"Today, the defendant was held accountable for an execution-style, drug-related killing that he carried out in our community," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "Marcus Pittman was the trigger man of a robbery crew that traveled to our district for the purpose of kidnapping and robbing marijuana dealers. His sentence affirms that gun violence will be severely punished."

"Marcus Pittman's drug-related violence took a life, and this kind of criminal conduct will never be tolerated," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle. "The FBI is resolute in pursuing those responsible for this type of harm in our communities. We will continue to dismantle the networks that fuel this brutality and ensure individuals who commit these acts are brought to justice."

"As the defendants' pleas confirm, Marcus Pittman and his co-defendants traveled across state lines to carry out a violent robbery, kidnapped two marijuana dealers, and murdered one of them in cold blood," stated NYPD Commissioner Tisch. "Today's sentencing is yet another reminder that the NYPD will continue to find, stop, and hold accountable those who drive violence in our city. I thank our investigators and law enforcement partners at the FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York for their diligent work on this case."

As set forth in the government's sentencing memorandum, prior court filings, and statements during the sentencing, during the night of July 24, 2024 and into July 25, 2024, Marcus Pittman and his co-defendants carried out a violent armed robbery and kidnapping plot that resulted in the defendant shooting and killing John Doe #1 inside of a U-Haul van in Bayside, Queens. Marcus Pittman and his co-defendants drove from Maryland to New York City for the purpose of robbing John Doe #1 and John Doe #2, who were both drug dealers. Once in New York, co-defendants Jerome Waters and William Barnett met with John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 at a stash house in Queens under the guise of purchasing marijuana.

Moments later, Waters and Barnett pulled out their weapons and held up John Doe #1 and John Doe #2. They brought Marcus Pittman and his brother Delonta Pittman into the stash house to assist in the robbery and kidnapping. While in the stash house, Marcus Pittman and his co-defendants restrained John Doe #1 and John Doe #2 with zip ties and forced them outside and into the back of a Jeep and a U-Haul van. At the same time, Marcus Pittman and his co-defendants stole approximately 30 pounds of marijuana from the stash house.

Marcus Pittman's co-defendants drove John Doe #1 and John Doe #2, who were still restrained, through Queens at gunpoint, demanding drugs and money. Co-defendant Jalon Garrett held a gun to John Doe #2 in one vehicle while Marcus Pittman held John Doe #1 at gunpoint in the back of a U-Haul van. Soon thereafter, while in the Bayside section of Queens, Marcus Pittman and John Doe #1 fought in the in the rear compartment of the U-Haul van. Marcus Pittman shot the victim multiple times, killing him. After the shooting, the defendants returned to Maryland. When John Doe #1's body was later found by first responders, he still had a zip tie binding one of his hands and was surrounded by bags of marijuana.

For their roles in the crime, Delonta Pittman was sentenced to 180 months' imprisonment; Waters to 240 months' imprisonment; and Garrett to 156 months' imprisonment. Barnett is awaiting sentencing.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. As part of the program, U.S. Attorneys' Offices work in partnership with federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement and their local communities to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The government's case is being handled by the Office's International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section. Assistant United States Attorneys Adam Amir and Chand Edwards-Balfour are in charge of the prosecution.

Defendant:

MARCUS PITTMAN (also known as "Nacho" and "Cheese")
Age: 31
Baltimore, Maryland

Additional Defendants:

DELONTA PITTMAN (also known as "D Lo")
Age: 32
Baltimore, Maryland

JEROME WATERS (also known as "the Engineer" and "Rome")
Age: 24
Baltimore, Maryland

WILLIAM BARNETT
Age: 28
Baltimore, Maryland

JALON LENNY GARRETT
Age: 21
Baltimore, Maryland

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 24-CR-413 (S-2) (KAM)