A federal jury in Central Islip has convicted Gary Johnson, a leader of the Bloods gang, on 22 counts related to narcotics distribution and a firearms-related crime. The charges included distributing drugs that resulted in three non-fatal overdoses. The trial lasted four weeks and was presided over by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack. Johnson faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and could receive up to life imprisonment.
The verdict was announced by Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's New York Field Office; and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department.
“Johnson peddled his potentially lethal drugs across Long Island while lining his pockets with profits, causing life-threatening injuries to several members of our community in the process,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. He emphasized the commitment to prosecuting drug traffickers who profit from the opioid crisis.
FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia remarked on Johnson's actions: “For years, Gary Johnson, a Bloods gang leader, carelessly supplied potentially lethal quantities of heroin and fentanyl to turn a profit.” Raia highlighted the FBI's mission to disrupt criminal enterprises dealing dangerous drugs.
SCPD Commissioner Catalina added, “While nothing can take away the suffering of those who experienced life-threatening impacts caused by Johnson’s greed, let this sentence bring some solace that his crimes will not go unpunished.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that between June 2013 and November 2020, Johnson sold fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin throughout Long Island as part of his leadership role in the G-Shine set of the Bloods based in Suffolk County. His activities led to multiple overdoses in March and May 2020. Additionally, he was found guilty of being a felon in possession of a firearm after law enforcement recovered a semi-automatic firearm from his residence during a search.
The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Arfa, Stephen Petraeus, and Mark E. Misorek with support from Paralegal Specialists Dejah Turla, Rebecca Roth, Adam Bernard, and Victim Witness Specialist Stephanie Marroquin.
Gary Johnson is 41 years old and resides in Bellport, New York.
