Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that seven men were charged in an alleged violent assault of two victims outside a high school graduation ceremony that took place at Hofstra University’s athletic complex in June.
Isaiah Moore, 19; Devon Moore, 19; Devon Fenner, 18; Zachariah Fulton, 19; Taiwan Jackson, 23; Unique Pruitt, 21; and Michael Gaines, 21, all of Hempstead were charged with:
- Attempted Gang Assault in the First Degree (a C violent felony)
- Assault in the Second Degree (a D violent felony)
- Assault in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor)
Isaiah Moore was also charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor).
Fulton was arraigned today before Judge Christopher Quinn and bail was set at $125,000 cash, $250,000 bond, and $1.2 million partially secured bond. Jackson and Pruitt were arraigned on August 6, 2024. Jackson’s bail was set at $50,000 cash, $50,000 bond, and $100,000 partially secured bond. Pruitt’s bail was set at $75,000 cash, $150,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond.
Michael Gaines, Devon Moore, and Devon Fenner were arraigned on August 8, 2024. Gaines’ bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond, and $250,000 partially secured bond.
Moore’s bail was set at $10,000 cash, $20,000 bond, and $99,000 partially secured bond. Fenner was released to pre-trial services with electronic monitoring.
Isaiah Moore was arraigned on August 12, 2024. The defendant’s bail was set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, and $1.4 million partially secured bond.
Gaines is due back in court on September 12, 2024. Isaiah Moore, Devon Moore, Fenner, Jackson, and Pruitt are due back in court on September 4, 2024. Fulton is due back in court September 26, 2024.
The defendants pleaded not guilty. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison.
“What was meant to be a celebration of achievement devolved into an afternoon of violence,” said DA Donnelly. “These defendants allegedly attacked a victim outside a high school graduation ceremony, striking him and slashing his leg. After another bystander attempted to intervene, he too, was allegedly attacked. This kind of wanton violence has no place in Nassau County, certainly not at a school celebration, and it will not be tolerated by my office.”
DA Donnelly said, according to the charges, shortly after 4 p.m. on June 19, 2024, the defendants arrived at a high school graduation ceremony at the Mack Sports Center at Hofstra University as it was ending. They allegedly approached the victim when he exited the building.
Together, at approximately 4:17 p.m., Devon Moore, Fenner, Fulton, Jackson, Pruitt, and Gaines allegedly struck the victim multiple times in the face and body, stomped on, and kicked the victim when he was on the ground. Moore allegedly held a sharp object in his hand and slashed the back of the victim’s leg, resulting in a laceration to the thigh and excessive bleeding.
Another individual attempted to intervene to help the victim and suffered a cut to the ear.
Both victims were transported to Nassau University Medical Center where they were treated and released. The defendants allegedly attempted to flee the scene.
Isaiah Moore, Devon Moore, Fenner, Fulton, Jackson, and Pruitt were apprehended at Hofstra University by members of the Nassau County Police Department.
Gaines was arrested on July 23, 2024, by members of the NCPD.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Rivka Shuter of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Nicholas Mauro and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan.
Isaiah Moore is represented by Karen Johnston, Esq. Devon Moore is represented by Michael Nolan, Esq. Fenner is represented by Steven Gaitman, Esq. Fulton is represented by Stuart Austin, Esq. Jackson is represented by Kenneth St. Bernard, Esq. Pruitt is represented by Lori Golombek, Esq. and Gaines is represented by Nicole Guliano, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.