Long Island resident Pedro Merchant, a member of the Outlaws street gang, has been sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for his role in the murder of 17-year-old Dante Quinones.
According to court records, on September 11, 2013, Merchant and fellow Outlaws gang members confronted Quinones on Dartmouth Street in Hempstead to determine where Quinones’ allegiance lay between the Outlaws gang and their rivals, the Bloods.
During the confrontation, Merchant pulled out a handgun and shot Quinones several times at close range, killing him.
The murder was part of a violent gang war that ensued between the Outlaws and the Bloods in Hempstead, with numerous shootings and violent incidents occurring in the area.
Merchant was initially tried and acquitted of murdering Quinones in 2015 in a Nassau County trial marked by witness intimidation by Merchant’s associates.
However, following the acquittal, Merchant and six additional members and associates of the Outlaws and six members of the Bloods were charged federally in this district for their participation in the violent gang war.
Merchant was subsequently sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for his role in Quinones’ murder, with United States Attorney Richard P. Donoghue stating, ‘With today’s sentence Merchant is being held accountable for the senseless act he committed—taking a human life in the name of his gang, which also put an entire community on Long Island in danger.’
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. added, ‘In the midst of the Outlaws’ declared war on a rival gang, Merchant shot and killed his victim and, at the same time, put the lives of innocent people in danger.’
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder stated, ‘Nassau County is no place for the illegal and dangerous actions of gang members, in particular, Pedro Merchant.’
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gang violence and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
Mandatory facts: Pedro Merchant, Murder, City of Hempstead, New York State, September 11, 2013, 20 years’ imprisonment.
Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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