John Pena, also known as “Tragedy,” “Don Tragg,” “Last Don” and “Money Baggz,” was sentenced on May 20 to life imprisonment by United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly for the murders of Mark Bajandas and Francisco Gonzalez, both committed in 2021. Pena was convicted in September 2024 of six counts, including racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering, causing death through use of a firearm, unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and conspiracy to distribute marijuana and crack cocaine.
The sentencing underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address gang violence and drug trafficking linked to street gangs operating within New York communities. Authorities say that Pena’s leadership role in the Gorilla Stone Mafia (GSM), a subgroup affiliated with the Untouchable Gorilla Stone Nation (UGSN) under the Bloods street gang umbrella, contributed significantly to criminal activity affecting Staten Island residents.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr., FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Barnacle, and NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced the sentence. “Pena sought revenge against rivals and maintained his leadership position in the Gorilla Stone Mafia gang by any means necessary,” said Nocella. “Killing a man as he slept in bed and gunning down another victim in a hail of bullets are shocking examples of Pena’s ruthlessness and disregard for human life. Today’s sentence ensures he will spend the rest of his life in prison for his gruesome murders and for his role in the violence and drug trafficking unleashed on the citizens of a Staten Island community.” Barnacle said: “Today, justice was delivered in full. The leader of Gorilla Stone Mafia, a violent gang, has been sentenced to life in prison. This violent organization has terrorized our streets long enough. This should serve as a warning to every gangster who believes they are above the law: we will find you, we will prosecute you, and we will put you away for the rest of your life. Our communities deserve to live without fear, and today, because of the FBI’s Metropolitan Safe Streets Task Force, they are one step closer.”
Evidence presented at trial showed that GSM operated out of Stapleton Houses public housing development on Staten Island where members used intimidation tactics including threats or acts of violence while engaging heavily in drug sales locally as well as extending operations into Vermont.
During proceedings it was revealed that Pena killed Bajandas after attending a memorial service together; later that year he shot Gonzalez three times while Gonzalez slept beside Pena’s ex-girlfriend. Writings recovered from Pena’s jail cell contained admissions regarding both killings along with lyrics referencing violent acts committed against rivals.
Witness testimony further established GSM’s involvement with distribution networks dealing marijuana,0crack cocaine,00and heroin.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting cartels,00transnational criminal organizations,00and perpetrators responsible for violent crime nationwide.
