🚨 The Gutter Report: Two Mak Balla Associates Charged After Allegedly Threatening Witness’s Child During Federal Murder Trial
Prosecutors Say Instagram Story Targeted Testifying Witness and Referenced Harm at School
New York, New York — Two alleged associates of Mak Balla — Tyshawn Palmer and Hassan Brown — have been charged in the Southern District of New York with witness tampering and witness retaliation after prosecutors say they used Instagram to threaten a cooperating witness during a federal racketeering and murder trial.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for SDNY, the alleged threats were made while the jury was hearing testimony in the trial of Lamar Williams, who was later convicted. Prosecutors say the social media activity was designed to intimidate and retaliate against a witness who took the stand.
(Source: U.S. Department of Justice – SDNY Press Release)
📲 The Instagram Story That Went Viral
Federal prosecutors allege that an Instagram Story included language threatening to “kill” the witness’s young child “at his school.” The post allegedly included the witness’s social media information and images of his family.
The screenshot circulating online — now viral in the Bronx — is cited by prosecutors as part of the federal case.
🧾 Alleged Instagram Story referenced in the federal indictment, according to SDNY prosecutors.
🧑🏾💼 The Defendant Identified
Hassan Brown, identified in media coverage as one of the charged defendants, is alleged by prosecutors to have participated in the social media posts targeting the witness.
🧾 Hassan Brown, one of two men charged in Manhattan federal court in connection to the alleged Instagram threats.
Both Brown and Palmer are charged under federal statutes involving witness tampering and retaliation. The indictment alleges the conduct occurred during and after the witness’s testimony.
(Source: New York Daily News coverage)
⚖️ The Federal Charges
According to SDNY, both men face:
Witness Tampering (Threat to Kill)
Witness Retaliation (Threat to Kill)
Each count carries a statutory maximum of life imprisonment if convicted.
The case is being prosecuted in Manhattan federal court.
(Source: New York Post coverage)
🏛️ The United States Courthouse in Manhattan, where the charges were filed in SDNY.
🧠 The Bigger Picture
This case underscores a growing prosecutorial focus: social media activity during active federal trials can result in new indictments.
Prosecutors allege the posts were not just commentary — but an attempt to influence testimony and retaliate against a cooperating witness in a racketeering case.
At this stage, these are allegations in a federal indictment. Both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What is clear: once alleged threats reference a child and a school, federal authorities escalate aggressively.
🔎 What Happens Next
Palmer and Brown will face proceedings in SDNY. The case will determine whether prosecutors can prove the social media posts meet the legal threshold for witness tampering and retaliation under federal law.
Meanwhile, the viral screenshot continues circulating across the Bronx — sparking debate about street culture, social media, and federal exposure.
Not for clicks — for clarity.
— Elliott Carterr, LFTG Radio
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