Lil Tjay’s legal team is speaking out after recent reports incorrectly claimed that the rapper was involved in a federal gang indictment in New York.
The 23-year-old artist, whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, was rumored to be among those named in an indictment targeting the Slattery Gang, also known as the “Slaughtery” Gang, which is accused of various violent crimes in the Bronx.
These rumors began circulating after news of an indictment involving about 20 individuals allegedly tied to the gang, which is reportedly linked to a series of shootings, carjackings, and other crimes in the Fordham area. Despite the widespread reports, Lil Tjay’s name does not appear in the official list of defendants released by Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and NYC Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban.
To address the confusion, Lil Tjay’s attorney, Dawn Florio, released a statement confirming that her client was not involved in the indictment.
“Despite recent reports, we want to clarify that my client, rap artist Tione Jayden Merritt, professionally known as Lil Tjay, has not been indicted,” the statement read. She continued, “We are aware of several news outlets that have shared false information regarding his legal matter, and we wish to address these inaccuracies.”
“We encourage all media outlets to exercise caution and ensure proper fact-checking before publishing speculative or inaccurate claims. Misinformation not only affects reputations but also misleads the public,” she continued.
The Bronx District Attorney’s office confirmed that the indictment includes charges against 20 alleged members of the “Slaughtery” Gang, with offenses ranging from conspiracy and attempted murder to weapons possession. The charges stem from alleged crimes that occurred between 2020 and 2024 in neighborhoods like Fordham Heights and Kingsbridge. Eleven defendants have already been arraigned, with more expected in court soon.
