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Star Brim: Friend of rapper Cardi B arrested, accused of being godmother of 59 Brims Gang

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NEW YORK — Star Brim, a friend of rapper Cardi B and the alleged godmother of the 59 Brims Gang, was one of 18 people indicted Tuesday on charges ranging from murder to racketeering.

Brim, whose real name is Yonette Respass, is allegedly the highest-ranking female member of the gang, officials said. She's charged with participating in the racketeering conspiracy and with ordering a slashing.

"As alleged in the indictment, the defendants were responsible for brutal acts of violence – murders, attempted murders, a maiming, and robberies – in service of the 59 Brims gang," U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said.

Cardi B posted about Star Brim on Instagram in 2018, writing that her friend was out on bail at the time and had been working as a bartender.

"Soo proud of her," she wrote. "Seen her growth and I see how responsible and determined she is."

Star Brim and four others are accused of maiming and assaulting someone on Aug. 8, 2019 to "maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims," officials said.

She is currently pregnant, and her due date is near the end of February, according to a post on her Instagram . She has not been arrested because she's expected to give birth soon, sources said. Prosecutors are in discussions with her attorney about a self-surrender.

Star Brim is not the only one indicted with a connection to Cardi B. Jeffrey Bush was already facing felony assault charges in Queens for his alleged role as "muscle" for the rapper in a fight at a strip club . He's an alleged high-ranking member of the gang.

Bush was indicted on charged of racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit assault in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute various controlled substances and unlawful use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

This story was originally published by Aliza Chasan on WPIX in New York.