Bloods Gang Leader Pleads Guilty to Racketeering, Including Murder On Long Island

 

Dwayne Murray Admitted His Role in a 2020 Murder, a Narcotics Conspiracy, and a Conspiracy to Murder Gang Rivals

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Dwayne Murray, also known as “Wayno,” a leader in the Almighty Gorilla Stone Nation set of the Bloods street gang (GSB), pleaded guilty to racketeering charges in connection with his participation in the June 12, 2020 murder of Wayne Cherry, as well as conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and conspiracy to murder rival gang members.  The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione.  When sentenced, Murray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Bryan DiGirolamo, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF New York);  Raymond A. Tierney, District Attorney, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office (SCDAO); and Kevin Catalina, Police Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the guilty plea.

“Today’s guilty plea is another victory in the relentless work by our Office and our law enforcement partners to dismantle and eradicate the Bloods street gang on Long Island,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “For the acts of murder, violence and narcotics trafficking this defendant committed, he has now been held accountable and our communities, particularly Suffolk County, will be safer with him locked away in prison for a substantial period of time.”

“For years, Dwayne Murray wreaked havoc across Long Island, putting innocent residents in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and retaliatory murders. May today’s plea emphasize the FBI Safe Streets Task Force’s determination to eliminate the plague of gang violence in our communities to protect New Yorkers,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

“This guilty plea holds a violent gang leader accountable for years of criminal activity that brought violence, drugs, and fear into our communities. His admitted involvement in murder, narcotics trafficking, and a conspiracy to kill rival gang members underscores the devastating impact violent criminal organizations can have on the communities they operate in. ATF remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement partners to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the individuals and organizations driving violent crime,” stated ATF New York Special Agent in Charge DiGiralamo.  “I commend the dedicated efforts of the ATF Joint Firearms Task Force–Long Island, FBI, Suffolk County Police Department, Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”

“This defendant, a leader of the Almighty Gorilla Stone Nation gang, has admitted to committing a robbery and murder in 2020, conspiring for years to distribute deadly drugs, and trafficking more than five kilograms of cocaine during his reign of terror in this county,” stated Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. “Our federal and local partners—like my office—remain relentless in dismantling violent gangs and bringing gang members to justice. I thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI, ATF, and the SCPD and their investigators for their commitment to this case.”

“This plea is another step toward ensuring our communities remain safe and that those responsible for these vicious acts are held accountable,” stated SCPD Commissioner Catalina. “Reckless violence and narcotics trafficking have real consequences for individuals, families and our communities. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable and help keep Suffolk County safe.”

According to court filings and statements by Murray at the guilty plea proceeding, he participated in the robbery and murder on June 12, 2020 of Wayne Cherry in Baywood, New York, who was shot twice including once in the head.  In addition, Murray acknowledged his roles in the GSB which included a years’ long conspiracy to distribute narcotics, and a standing order to kill rival members of the GSB. Murray also described his years-long trafficking of more than five kilograms of cocaine.   

As alleged, the GSB and its co-conspirators, including Murray, also operated a sophisticated firearms trafficking network that spanned several states, and committed extensive fraud, stealing more than $1,000,000. 

The government’s case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office’s Long Island Division.