By Frankie Pressman and M. Thomas Nast
NYC Council Member Kamillah Hanks is again facing fierce backlash after revelations that her office provided financial support to the True2Life organization. The group is linked to controversial figures, including convicted cop-killer sympathizers and gang members.
This outrage has only grown following the recent conviction of John Pena, the leader of a Staten Island-based Bloods gang affiliate, for the murder of two rivals in a series of violent, drug-related incidents.
Pena, 33, known as "Tragedy" in gang circles, was convicted this week in Brooklyn federal court on charges of racketeering, murder, and drug trafficking. His gang, the Gorilla Stone Mafia, operated out of the Stapleton Houses in Hanks' district, and testimony during the trial revealed their extensive influence and violence in the area.
Pena now faces a mandatory life sentence, further spotlighting Hanks' questionable connections with figures like him through the True2Life organization, which her office financially supports.
Residents of the North Shore have voiced their frustration and dismay over what they perceive as Hanks’ tacit endorsement of violent criminals like Pena.
"Kamillah Hanks is supposed to represent the community, but how can she stand with a group like True2Life that backs gang members and cop killers?" said longtime North Shore resident Maria Alvarez. "Pena killed people in our neighborhood, and Hanks hasn't even condemned him. It's shameful."
Pena’s crimes were brutal. In 2021, he murdered Mark Bajandas, a former member of his gang, by firing multiple shots at him at close range. Just months later, Pena shot and killed Francisco Gonzalez while he slept next to his girlfriend in New Brighton. The murders were described as calculated, cold-blooded acts of vengeance designed to maintain Pena's power over his gang.
The outrage against Hanks centers on her financial support for True2Life, a group that employs figures like Malcolm Penn and Mike Perry, who previously advocated for the parole of Shatiek Johnson, the man who murdered NYPD Officer Gerard Carter. True2Life’s advocacy for such violent individuals has drawn sharp criticism from Staten Island residents, especially from the families of police officers.
"How can Hanks support an organization that wants to free a cop-killer?" asked Paul Marino, a retired NYPD officer and North Shore resident. "Officer Carter gave his life protecting this city, and Hanks spits in the face of his family by backing people like this. It's outrageous that she hasn’t disavowed them. I disavow her."
Richard Luthmann is a former attorney and Hanks associate who is now a journalist for this outlet. He was consulted for background and comment.
“When I was arrested and taken out by DOJ weaponization, [Kamillah and Kevin] disavowed me almost immediately. Much of it has to do with the fact that they owe me over $100,000 in unpaid fees,” Luthmann said.
Luthmann says he and others personally witnessed Kevin Barry Love promising “access” to Hanks in exchange for campaign contributions in 2017.
“They are getting envelopes from True2Life and others in exchange for NYC Council funds. That’s my opinion based on how they operate. Kevin throws around nickels like others throw around manhole covers,” Luthmann said. “Follow the money.”
Further fueling the scandal is Hanks' failure to return campaign contributions from indicted drug dealer Ettore Mazzei, another figure with deep ties to Staten Island’s criminal underworld. Mazzei, arrested earlier this year for leading a large-scale drug distribution network, and his son, David, both contributed to Hanks’ 2020 City Council campaign. Despite calls from the public asking her to return the money, Hanks has remained silent on the matter.
Hanks has also faced questions about her partner, Kevin Barry Love, who sources say was connected to Mazzei and regularly purchased marijuana from him.
"Kevin Love and Mazzei were close. Everyone knew it," said a local source familiar with the relationship. "Mazzei was at their house all the time. Hanks still hasn’t returned their dirty drug money, which speaks volumes about where her loyalties lie. One batch of bad dope can kill more people than ten AK-47s. I believe Mazzei is responsible for a significant body count."
The North Shore community is growing increasingly disillusioned with Hanks, who many feel has betrayed her constituents by aligning herself with figures associated with violence and drugs. Her financial support for True2Life and her refusal to disavow Mazzei have left residents questioning her integrity.
"She’s taken money from drug dealers, supported cop-killer sympathizers, and refuses to stand up for the people who live here," said a long-time community activist speaking anonymously for fear Hanks would "block” community funding. "It's no wonder why so many of us feel betrayed. Hanks needs to be held accountable."
As the 2025 election approaches, Hanks’ political future appears increasingly precarious. The ongoing scandals surrounding her office’s financial dealings and her silence in the face of public outcry are significant issues for voters in her district. With her connections to gang members like John Pena and drug dealers like Ettore Mazzei under the microscope, many are beginning to question whether she can survive politically.
"Kamillah Hanks has done a lot of damage by standing with criminals instead of her community," said Marino. "The people will have their say in 2025, and I think she’ll be out."
For now, Hanks remains under fire as her district grapples with the consequences of her actions. The North Shore community has made their frustration clear, and with John Pena behind bars for life, they are demanding that their council member take responsibility for her associations. Whether Hanks will finally disavow the figures that have tainted her political career remains to be seen.
Councilwoman Under Fire: Hanks Supports Groupie Gangsters, Takes Drug Money