Bloods Gang Leader Sentenced to 280 Months’ Imprisonment for Narcotics Distribution Resulting in Three Overdoses

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, Gary Johnson, a Bloods gang leader and narcotics trafficker who was responsible for the distribution of cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout Long Island, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack to 280 months' imprisonment. Johnson was convicted following a four-week trial on 22 counts of a second superseding indictment charging him with narcotics distribution, including distribution that resulted in three non-fatal overdoses, as well as a firearms-related crime.

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); and Kevin Catalina, Commissioner, Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD), announced the sentence.

"As a result of the outstanding work by the FBI, our local law enforcement partners and the prosecutors of this Office, Johnson has been held accountable for his role in a large-scale narcotics distribution operation involving fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine, and for distributing fentanyl and cocaine that caused three individuals to overdose in 2020," stated United States Attorney Nocella. "We hope that today's sentence brings a measure of justice to the victims who thankfully survived and their families, and sends a clear message that those who distribute drugs, particularly that cause overdoses, will face severe consequences."

"Today's sentencing of Gary Johnson serves as a stark reminder that those who distribute drugs in New York will be held accountable. The FBI New York Long Island Safe Streets Gang Task Force works tirelessly to bring drug traffickers to justice. Those who endeavor to follow in Johnson's footsteps will be stopped in their tracks, so that future victims may be spared," stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

"The drug epidemic is fueled by people who are focused on making a profit, without regard for the devastating consequences their actions can have when those drugs reach individuals who ultimately overdose," stated SCPD Commissioner Catalina. "I want to commend EDNY for ensuring Johnson will be spending time in prison for his crimes. We will continue working closely with our law enforcement partners to halt the flow of narcotics and hold drug dealers accountable for the selfish choices that put lives at risk."

Between June 2013 and November 2020, Johnson, a leader in the G-Shine set of the Bloods based in Suffolk County, sold fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin throughout Long Island. The drugs distributed by the defendant caused multiple victims to overdose, including three individuals who suffered overdoses in March and May 2020. The jury convicted Johnson of multiple narcotics-distribution offenses, including three counts of distributing narcotics resulting in serious bodily injury.

Johnson was also convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm. That conviction arose from the recovery of a semi-automatic firearm from Johnson's residence during the execution of a search warrant.

The government's case is being handled by the Criminal Section of the Office's Long Island Division. Assistant United States Attorneys Meredith A. Arfa, Stephen Petraeus, and Mark E. Misorek are in charge of the prosecution with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Dejah Turla, Rebecca Roth, and Adam Bernard, as well as Victim Witness Specialist Stephanie Marroquin.

The Defendant:

GARY JOHNSON
Age: 43
Bellport, New York

E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 20-CR-518 (S-2) (JMA)