NEW YORK – Three key members of the violent street gang known as Own Every Dollar, or “OED,” have been convicted in a Manhattan federal court on charges stemming from their involvement in four murders, 10 attempted murders, and extensive narcotics trafficking, including fentanyl and heroin. The convictions, handed down on May 7, 2025, followed a rigorous five-week trial presided over by U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken in the Southern District of New York.
The defendants, Jowenky Nunez, Jr., also known by his street name “Juju,” Brian Hernandez, known as “Malikai,” and Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario, known as “Bricha,” were found guilty by a jury on a total of 25 counts. The charges encompassed a wide range of violent and criminal activities attributed to the OED gang.
Convictions Detailed
The core of the prosecution’s case centered on the defendants’ roles in multiple acts of extreme violence. Jowenky Nunez, Jr. and Brian Hernandez were specifically convicted in connection with the murders of Nicolas Vargas and Hector Cruz. All three defendants – Nunez, Hernandez, and Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario – were found guilty of involvement in the deaths of Richard Dominguez and Israel Cabrera. In addition to these four murders, the trio was also convicted of involvement in 10 separate incidents of attempted murder.
The trial illuminated the brutal methods employed by the OED gang to assert control and carry out their illicit activities. Evidence presented during the proceedings detailed violent clashes and targeted attacks that resulted in significant loss of life and injury within the community.
Broader Criminal Enterprise
The convictions were not limited to acts of violence. All three defendants were also found guilty of conspiring to traffic narcotics. This conspiracy involved the distribution of large quantities of dangerous substances, including both fentanyl and heroin.
Furthermore, Jowenky Nunez, Jr. and Iyaury Rodriguez-Rosario faced and were convicted on charges related to the interstate transportation of firearms. Evidence demonstrated they were involved in moving guns from Pennsylvania to New York, arming the gang and facilitating their violent operations.
Context of the OED Investigation
These convictions represent a significant development in a broader federal investigation targeting the Own Every Dollar gang. Prior to this trial, 17 other defendants associated with OED had already pleaded guilty to various charges. The ongoing investigation and subsequent prosecutions underscore a sustained effort by law enforcement to dismantle the gang’s operations and hold its members accountable for their crimes.
Among those who previously entered guilty pleas are individuals who have already been sentenced. For instance, Mayovanex Rodriguez, known as “Menorcito,” received a sentence of 25 years in prison for his role in a 2022 murder. Jerrin Pena, known by the aliases “Rooga” or “Perry,” was sentenced to 20 years for the 2019 murder of Hector Cruz.
Hugo Rodriguez, known on the street as “Juice,” who authorities have identified as the current leader of the OED gang, is also among the group of 17 defendants who previously pleaded guilty in this sweeping case. His guilty plea, along with those of others, highlights the depth and breadth of the criminal enterprise uncovered by investigators.
Significance of the Verdicts
The jury’s verdict against Nunez, Hernandez, and Rodriguez-Rosario sends a strong message regarding the federal government’s commitment to prosecuting violent gang activity and disrupting the flow of illegal narcotics and firearms into communities. The convictions on 25 counts, including multiple murders and attempted murders, reflect the severe nature of the crimes committed by these individuals and the OED gang as a whole.
The five-week trial provided a comprehensive look at the structure and operations of the gang, linking specific members to specific violent acts and criminal conspiracies. The verdicts on May 7, 2025, in the Southern District of New York, mark a critical step towards justice for the victims and their families and contribute to efforts to enhance public safety by targeting organized criminal groups like OED. Sentencing dates for the three convicted defendants have not yet been announced.
