U.S. Attorney Damian Williams | U.S. Department of Justice
Edward Y. Kim, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced charges against Paul Johnson, also known as "PJ Glizzy," for his alleged involvement in a drive-by shooting that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Jayquan McKenley. Johnson is accused of racketeering conspiracy and murder in aid of racketeering, among other charges.
The indictment alleges that Johnson was a member of the Bronx-based street gang "Original Goonz" or "OGz." On February 6, 2022, Johnson allegedly participated in the murder of McKenley as part of a gang dispute. The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero.
Acting U.S. Attorney Kim stated: “Jayquan McKenley’s death was senseless. As alleged, Paul Johnson murdered him as part of a dispute between rival gangs. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to McKenley’s family and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will never stop investigating those who commit violence on our streets.”
William S. Walker, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), commented: “Paul Johnson's alleged ruthless murder of Jayquan McKenley sent shockwaves through our Brooklyn neighborhoods and shone a light on the level of senseless violence committed by street gangs in New York City."
According to court documents and statements made during proceedings, from at least 2019 up to December 2024, Johnson was involved with the OGz gang's activities, including narcotics trafficking and violent acts like murder.
Johnson faces several charges carrying severe penalties if convicted: racketeering conspiracy (life imprisonment), murder in aid of racketeering (life imprisonment or death), conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering (up to 10 years), and firearm offenses related to violent crime (minimum 10 years).
Kim praised the investigative efforts of HSI and NYPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick R. Moroney leads the prosecution under the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.
The indictment's charges are accusations only; Johnson remains presumed innocent until proven guilty.
