The United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, has announced charges against Dwayne Johnson in connection with the 2017 murder of Shaniece Harris. The charges come as part of a Superseding Indictment that also includes allegations of controlled substance and firearms offenses. The announcement was made alongside Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the FBI, and Brian Conaty, District Attorney for Sullivan County.
Johnson was previously arrested on drug and firearms charges after law enforcement recovered marijuana and about 30 firearms from his home in May 2023. U.S. District Judge Vincent Briccetti is assigned to oversee the case. Johnson was arraigned earlier today on these new charges.
Jay Clayton stated, “As alleged, more than eight years ago, Dwayne Johnson murdered Shaniece Harris in Monticello, New York, in connection with a long-running drug conspiracy.” He emphasized the link between drug trafficking and violence while highlighting efforts to deliver justice regardless of time passed.
FBI Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia added, “Dwayne Johnson allegedly murdered Shaniece Harris as part of his drug trafficking operation,” stressing the FBI’s commitment to addressing violence tied to drug trafficking.
District Attorney Brian Conaty expressed satisfaction at this development as a step towards closure for Harris’s family: “I am thrilled that this arrest is the first step in bringing closure to the family and loved ones of Shanice Harris.”
The indictment alleges that Johnson shot Harris on May 29, 2017, amid his conspiracy to traffic over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. In searches conducted last year, law enforcement found videos where Johnson displayed firearms and threatened those who might interfere with his operations.
Johnson faces multiple charges including conspiracy to distribute large quantities of marijuana carrying sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment; murder through use of a firearm which could result in death or life imprisonment; possession with intent to distribute marijuana carrying up to five years imprisonment; possession of a short-barreled rifle linked to drug trafficking requiring at least ten years imprisonment consecutively; and unlawful possession of firearms facing up to fifteen years imprisonment.
Clayton commended various law enforcement agencies involved for their investigative work on this case handled by the White Plains Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kaiya Arroyo and Jorja Knauer lead prosecution efforts with paralegal assistance from Liam Ronan.
The public is reminded that these charges are accusations only until proven otherwise in court proceedings.
