MINEOLA, N.Y. — Seven men from Hempstead have been charged in connection with an alleged violent assault that occurred outside a high school graduation ceremony at Hofstra University in June, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on Monday. The incident, which took place outside the Mack Sports Complex, left two victims injured.
The accused—Isaiah Moore, 19; Devon Moore, 19; Devon Fenner, 18; Zachariah Fulton, 19; Taiwan Jackson, 23; Unique Pruitt, 21; and Michael Gaines, 21—face multiple charges, including Attempted Gang Assault in the First Degree, a C violent felony, and Assault in the Second Degree, a D violent felony. Isaiah Moore faces an additional charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree, an A misdemeanor.
According to the charges, the defendants arrived at the graduation ceremony on June 19, 2024, as it was concluding. They allegedly targeted a 20-year-old man who had just exited the building. The group reportedly attacked the victim, striking him repeatedly in the face and body before knocking him to the ground. Isaiah Moore is accused of slashing the back of the victim’s leg with a sharp object, causing a severe laceration and excessive bleeding.
A second victim, who attempted to intervene, was also injured, suffering a cut to the ear. Both victims were treated at Nassau University Medical Center and later released.
“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,” said DA Donnelly in a statement. “What was meant to be a celebration of achievement devolved into an afternoon of violence.”
The defendants were apprehended at the scene by members of the Nassau County Police Department, except for Michael Gaines, who was arrested on July 23, 2024.
Bail amounts for the defendants vary, with Isaiah Moore’s set at $150,000 cash, $300,000 bond, and $1.4 million partially secured bond. The other defendants have also been arraigned, with bail ranging from $10,000 to $125,000 in cash. Devon Fenner was released to pre-trial services with electronic monitoring.
The seven men have pleaded not guilty to the charges. If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in prison. Court dates for the defendants are scheduled in September.
