Former Godfather Of Black Stone Gorilla Gang Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL DELAGUILA, a/k/a “Grizz,” was sentenced today to 12 years in prison in connection with his leadership of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang, a violent street gang that operated in New York City and elsewhere, and his participation in narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses.  On May 26, 2021, DELAGUILA pled guilty to narcotics conspiracy and a firearms offense before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman, who also imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Michael Delaguila was one of the Godfathers of a notoriously violent and lawless gang that terrorized communities across New York City and elsewhere.  Delaguila recruited other individuals into the gang and authorized acts of violence and drug trafficking in New York City for years.  Today’s lengthy sentence sends an important message to gang members who commit crimes that they will be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

As alleged in the Indictment and based on statements made in open court:

MICHAEL DELAGUILA, a/k/a “Grizz,” was previously one of the Godfathers of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang, a racketeering enterprise that operated principally in the New York City metropolitan area and in the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.  In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, BSGG members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and assaults; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.  BSGG members also evaded prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by the gang.  DELAGUILA accepted responsibility for participating in a conspiracy to distribute quantities of cocaine, heroin, and cocaine base, and for using and carrying firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.  

In addition to his prison term, MICHAEL DELAGUILA, 30, of the Bronx, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Department of Corrections, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.