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. 

MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN: DHS Deports Criminal Illegal Aliens, Including Killers, Rapists, Drunk Drivers, and Violent Assailants

 

DHS is delivering on the American people’s mandate to deport illegal aliens

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deported more illegal aliens, including those convicted of voluntary manslaughter, attempted murder, rape, and assault.

“Every day, the brave men and women of ICE are arresting and deporting illegal aliens from our country. In the last week, we’ve deported killers, drunk drivers, rapists, and violent assailants,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “It’s no wonder that crime rates across the country have fallen to historic lows. Deporting illegal aliens saves lives. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are making America safe again.”

Illegal aliens who were deported in the last week include:

Daniel Romero-Alverez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, deported on August 6. His criminal history includes convictions for voluntary manslaughter and illegal re-entry, and arrests for driving under the influence of liquor.

Yero Lee, a criminal illegal alien from South Korea, deported on August 4. His criminal history includes a conviction for attempted murder.

Francisco Lux Juarez, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, deported on August 7. His criminal history includes a conviction for rape – strongarm.

Floyd Tayler, a criminal illegal alien from Canada, deported on August 7. His criminal history includes convictions for unlawful imprisonment and fourth-degree assault.

Lezman Donery Gomez Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, deported on August 6. His criminal history includes a conviction for felony burglary.

Houston Woman Convicted for Smuggling 98.26 Kilos of Methamphetamine into the United States

 

A federal jury in Del Rio convicted a Houston woman on four counts of trafficking methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico, announced  U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas, Justin R. Simmons.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on Dec. 16, 2025, Maria Lucio, 67, of hired a transportation company to import 14 vinyl rolls containing 98.26 kilograms of methamphetamine, while she entered the United States in another vehicle at the Del Rio Port of Entry. Evidence extracted from Lucio’s cell phone revealed that she had personally imported similar vinyl rolls on several other occasions and kept unindicted coconspirators informed of her travel while in possession of the rolls.

In a trial presided over by U.S. District Judge Ivan L. Lemelle, a federal jury found Lucio guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine, and one count of importation of methamphetamine. Each count carries a penalty of 10 years to life in federal prison and up to a $10 million fine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Amazon Agrees to $2.25 Million Settlement and Injunction to Resolve Alleged Violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act

 

The Justice Department announced today that a federal court has entered a stipulated order against Amazon.com Inc., in a case investigated and referred to the Department by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The order resolves allegations that Amazon violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and it requires Amazon to pay a $2.25 million civil penalty and follow practices that protect consumers whose identities have been stolen. 

In a complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the government alleged that Amazon violated FCRA by failing to provide identity theft victims with requested records of transactions involving people believed to have fraudulently used those victims’ identification, and by failing to provide those records within 30 days of a request. The court’s stipulated order resolving the case imposes a $2.25 million civil penalty and requires Amazon to provide its records of transactions alleged to have been the result of identity theft to victims who request them, free of charge within 30 days of the request, subject to verification of the victim’s identity and claim of identity theft. Amazon must also post a notice to its website informing identity theft victims of how they can request those records.

“Consumers whose identities have been stolen should not face unnecessary red tape when they investigate how their identities were misused and seek to clear their names,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue working with the Federal Trade Commission to protect identity theft victims.”

The United States is represented in this action by Assistant Directors Lory D. Alexander and Zachary A. Dietert from the Enforcement Section of the Civil Division’s Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Branch, in coordination with staff from the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. 

For more information about the Enforcement & Affirmative Litigation Branch and its enforcement efforts visit www.justice.gov/civil/enforcement-affirmative-litigation-branch.

Luigi Mangione Pleads Guilty In Connection With His Murder Of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, announced that LUIGI NICHOLAS MANGIONE pled guilty today before U.S. District Judge Margaret M. Garnett in connection with the December 4, 2024, murder of UnitedHealthcare Chief Executive Officer Brian Thompson in Midtown Manhattan.  MANGIONE is scheduled to be sentenced on December 18, 2026.   

“Today, Luigi Mangione admitted to stalking and murdering Brian Thompson on a Manhattan street in broad daylight,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “No grievance, political belief, or ideological cause can justify murder.  With today’s guilty plea, Mangione is being held accountable for a heinous crime that claimed an innocent life and drew national attention.  I commend the FBI, the NYPD, our law enforcement partners, and the dedicated prosecutors of this Office for their tireless work in securing this result.” 

“Violence driven by such hostility toward opportunity and progress stands in sharp contrast to the values many Americans hold dear,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Rest assured, the FBI and our partners never stopped working to bring a killer to justice.  While a plea has been entered in this case, we know the crime has not been erased.  While nothing can ease the family's grief, we hope this brings them one step closer to closure.”

“Luigi Mangione carried out a ruthless act of violence that shocked this city, and today’s guilty plea is an important moment of accountability for this heinous crime,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “This case demonstrated the extraordinary work of NYPD detectives, who relentlessly pursued every lead, pairing sophisticated technology with painstaking, old-fashioned police work to identify the suspect and build the case that brought us to this day.  I want to thank all the members of the NYPD who worked tirelessly on this case, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI for their partnership.  And to those who idolize Mangione—violence is not a cause, murder is not a message, and a killer is not a hero.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other public filings in this case:

In the months leading up to December 4, 2024, MANGIONE developed and executed a plan to kill Brian Thompson.  MANGIONE targeted Thompson because of his role as Chief Executive Officer of UnitedHealthcare.  He traveled from outside New York to New York City specifically to carry out the attack.  After arriving in the city more than a week before the murder, MANGIONE conducted surveillance on locations Thompson frequented, including the area surrounding the hotel where Thompson was staying and the venue hosting UnitedHealthcare’s investor conference. 

On the morning of December 4, 2024, MANGIONE positioned himself near the conference venue in Midtown Manhattan and waited for Thompson to arrive.  At approximately 6:45 a.m., MANGIONE approached Thompson from behind and shot him multiple times, causing Thompson’s death.  MANGIONE then fled the scene.

Five days later, on December 9, 2024, law enforcement officers arrested MANGIONE in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  At the time of his arrest, MANGIONE possessed a false driver’s license that he had previously used while in New York City.  Law enforcement also recovered a firearm and other evidence linking him to the murder.

MANGIONE, 28, of Maryland, pled guilty to one count of interstate stalking resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison, and one count of cyberstalking through use of interstate facilities resulting in death, which carries a maximum potential sentence of life in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. McDonald praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI’s Violent Crime Task Force, the NYPD, the Altoona Police Department in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit. 

Attorney General Coalition and DOJ Secures More Than 280,000 Eggs for New York City Families

 

Second Delivery of Eggs to New York City Food Banks After AG James’ Investigation into Price Fixing by Major Egg Producers

Food Banks Throughout the State Will Receive Over 4.9 Million Eggs; Over One Million Eggs Delivered to Date

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the delivery of more than 280,000 eggs to Food Bank For New York City in the Bronx as part of a bipartisan multistate settlement with Cal-Maine Foods (Cal-Maine), Versova/Centrum (Versova), and Hickman’s Egg Ranch (Hickman’s) for years of price fixing. A multistate investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) alongside the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and 16 other states revealed that Cal-Maine, Versova, and Hickman’s illegally coordinated to influence a daily price index for eggs. The investigation alleged that this coordination artificially increased prices for retailers and consumers throughout the country for years. Under a settlement with the states, the three egg producers will deliver 53 million eggs to food banks in the 17 participating states, including 4,968,000 eggs to New York. In addition to the egg deliveries, the companies will pay $3.3 million to the states and make changes to their practices to prevent future violations of the law. The delivery of 23,400 cartons of a dozen eggs to Food Bank For New York City is the fifth in a series of egg deliveries to food banks statewide and marks over one million eggs distributed so far.

“New York City families deserve fair prices for essentials at the grocery store,” said Attorney General James. “For years, corporate greed inflated the price of eggs as companies worked together to push prices and their profits even higher. After putting a stop to this, my office has secured millions of free eggs for New Yorkers, and more than one million eggs have already been delivered to food banks across the state. I thank Food Bank for New York City for their partnership to ensure New Yorkers in need receive these eggs.”

“We are grateful to the Attorney General for helping make this delivery possible," said Elizabeth Romano, Senior Director of Operations at Food Bank For New York City. "Eggs are an important source of protein and we’re pleased to help provide this nutritious food to families facing food insecurity across the five boroughs.”

More than 280,000 eggs delivered to Food Bank For New York City that will be distributed throughout New York City.

The Attorney Generals coalition and DOJ's investigation found that beginning at least as early as 2022, these three major egg producers secretly coordinated their bidding strategies to influence the daily egg price quotes published by Urner Barry, a benchmark pricing service widely used in egg supply contracts. The companies submitted sham bids at artificially inflated prices to distort the market, then withdrew those bids, intentionally aiming to raise the Urner Barry price quotes. By manipulating the Urner Barry benchmark, the companies artificially inflated the price of eggs paid by retailers and consumers nationwide.

As a result of settlements the coalition of states, the three companies will deliver a total of 53 million eggs to food banks and nonprofit organizations across the participating states and pay a combined $3.3 million. Under a separate settlement with DOJ and the coalition of states, the companies will also adopt compliance measures to prevent future illegal coordination. New York will receive 4,968,000 eggs, all of which will be distributed through Feeding New York, the statewide network overseeing New York’s food banks. With today’s delivery, more than one million eggs have been distributed to food banks in New York, including in Brooklyn, Rochester, Syracuse, and the Southern Tier. Deliveries statewide will continue through October.

Attorney General James joined the DOJ in securing this settlement with the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Safer Streets: Governor Hochul Invests Nearly $4 Billion Dollars in Public Safety Since Taking Office as State Sees Sustained Reductions in Crime

Governor Has Provided Record Support For Local And State Law Enforcement

New York State Has Seen a 10 Percent Decrease In Index Crime With Reductions Across All Seven Crime Categories

Shooting Deaths Fell 62 Percent, Murders Down 57 percent

28 Percent Decrease in Burglaries, a 19 Percent Decrease in Motor Vehicle Thefts

Governor Hochul today updated New Yorkers on her record investments in public safety, which have contributed to a significant reduction in crime and gun violence throughout her tenure. To date, the Governor has invested nearly $4 billion in public safety initiatives — including gun violence prevention, subway safety, hate crime prevention, and border security — while providing historic support for local and state law enforcement from Long Island to Buffalo. As a result, New York State has seen a 10 percent decrease in index crime, with reductions across all seven crime categories and a more than 60 percent decline in shooting deaths since the Governor’s first full year in office.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe has been my top priority since taking office," Governor Hochul said. “While the Trump administration has cut funding for critical counterterrorism and transit security initiatives and made concessions to the gun lobby, we've invested nearly $4 billion in statewide public safety programs and driven crime rates to record lows. As Governor, I remain committed to doing everything in my power to protect New York communities — with or without support from Washington.”

As a result, between January through March 2026 compared to the same time period in 2022, New York State has seen a 10 percent decrease in total index crime, with reductions across all seven categories. This includes the four violent offense classifications — murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault — which fell by 15 percent, and the three property offense classifications — burglary, larceny, and motor vehicle theft — which decreased by 9 percent.

Additional highlights include a 57 percent decrease in murders, a 28 percent decrease in burglaries, and a 19 percent decrease in motor vehicle thefts.

From January through July 2026, compared to the same period in 2022, New York State saw a 57 percent reduction in shooting incidents with injury, a 57 percent decline in the number of individuals shot, and a 62 percent decrease in shooting deaths.

Highlights of Governor Hochul’s investments in public safety include:

• More than $1 billion for gun violence prevention programs, $202 million for law enforcement technology and equipment upgrades, and nearly $50 million in other support, including $25 million to replace an antiquated records management system still used by police agencies across the state;
• More than $680 million for aid to prosecution;
• More than $667 million for aid to defense, including alternatives to incarceration, pre-trial services, and re-entry programs;
• More than $300 million invested in subway safety for increased law enforcement presence, safety upgrades, and SCOUT teams, reducing summer transit crimes to historic lows;
• $165 million for Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes grants;
• $120 million to combat retail theft; and
• $12 million for border security and safety.

For the FY27 fiscal year, Governor Hochul continued her record investments in public safety with:

• $352 million in gun violence prevention grants;
• $122 million to continue the increase of police presence on platforms and trains;
• $35 million for Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes (SCAHC) program;
• $14 million for law enforcement and correctional activities performed by county sheriffs;
• $6.7 million increase for upgrades to DNA and drug analysis technology and accreditation and proficiency testing;
• $5 million for the State Police to develop a comprehensive plan for drone technology;
• $4.5 million to expand the Crime Analysis Center (CAC) network and complete statewide coverage by establishing a new center in Westchester County;
• $4.5 million to prevent and combat deed theft;
• $2 million to expand the State Police’s Auto Theft Unit (ATU); and
• $500,000 for a task force to protect from the threat of homegrown 3-D printed guns.

 

HAPPENING TOMORROW Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. FREE Movie Under The Stars Night

 

Lights, Camera, Action!

Friends, please join me and Team JZ TOMORROW, Saturday, August 15, 2026 for a Movie Under the Stars event featuring the 2025 children's favorite How to Train Your Dragon.

 

This event is FREE to the public. 

• When: Saturday, August 15, 2026 TOMORROW
• Where: Loreto Playground  (1111 Van Nest Ave. )
• Time: Movie will begin at approximately 8:00pm

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there to enjoy a fantastic night under the stars with friends and family. 

 

Yours Truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.