Earlier today, a federal jury in Brooklyn found Demetrius Johnson guilty on all counts, including racketeering, drug trafficking, and discharging a firearm in relation to these crimes. Johnson was a known associate of the "Bully Gang," a street gang operating in Bedford Stuyvesant. This verdict was announced after a two-week trial presided over by United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan. Sentencing will follow, where Johnson faces a minimum of twenty years in prison and potentially a life sentence.
John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Bryan Miller, Special Agent-in-Charge, ATF New York Field Division; and Jessica S. Tisch, New York City Police Department Commissioner, made the announcement following the verdict.
"Today’s verdict holds the defendant accountable for teaming up with a dangerous criminal enterprise that—in the defendant’s own words—was known for money and violence," said United States Attorney Durham. He noted Johnson's involvement in trafficking large quantities of drugs from New York to Maine, leading to significant profits. "As a result of this investigation, more than 50 members and associates of the Bully Gang have been convicted for their crimes," he added.
Special Agent-in-Charge Miller commented on the importance of the conviction: "These convictions put an end to the reign of terror committed by this gang, shattering the myth that criminals can commit atrocious acts without consequence." Miller praised the multi-jurisdictional efforts leading to this outcome.
NYPD Commissioner Tisch remarked on the investigation's outcome, "The stakes could not have been higher because these gang members were responsible for an assortment of despicable crimes... Our city will not tolerate such criminal activity."
Prosecutors proved that Johnson participated in a narcotics trafficking scheme, moving large amounts of cocaine base and heroin from New York and New Jersey to Maine. Johnson played a critical role, selling drugs and recruiting others into the criminal enterprise. In July 2020, Johnson allegedly attempted to murder a former gang member referred to as "John Doe" over a financial dispute related to the drug operation.
Since 2020, 53 individuals have been charged in this investigation, with 52 pleading guilty or convicted, and one remaining a fugitive.
The trial was managed by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gangs Section, with Assistant United States Attorneys Joy Lurinsky, Victor Zapana, and Michael J. Castiglione leading the prosecution, assisted by Special Agent Rebecca Sidhu and NYPD Detective Brian Hilt, among other team members.
Johnson, also known as "Q," was noted to be 29 years old and a resident of Brooklyn, New York.
