Westchester Youth Basketball Coach Arrested For Child Sexual Abuse: DA

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A trusted youth coach has been arrested on "reprehensible" sex crimes against a child, according to prosecutors.

Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced on Thursday that a prominent youth basketball coach in Mount Vernon was arrested and charged with felony first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child.

Dwayne Murray, 62, of Mount Vernon, was arraigned on a felony complaint on Wednesday in Mount Vernon City Court, and then remanded to the Westchester County Jail pending further proceedings.

"There is no criminal conduct more reprehensible than sex crimes targeting children," Cacace said. "As alleged in the felony complaint, Mr. Murray committed grievous sexual acts against a young child. As soon as my office was made aware of this situation, we acted swiftly to arrest Mr. Murray and ensure the victim's continued safety. Anyone with further information about this incident, or about Mr. Murray, is asked to call my office's tip line."

According to the complaint, between Oct. 1, 2023, and March 1, 2024, Murray engaged in two or more acts of sexual conduct with a child less than 13 years old, including at least one instance of oral sexual conduct.

During a Thursday afternoon press conference, Cacace said that the DA's Office received a tip on April 12 about "troubling conduct" commited against the victim. An investigation was launched, and the DA's Office interviewed witnesses and analyzed electronic devices belonging to the victim.

The devices showed that Murray had exchanged text messages with the victim, where he discussed performing oral sex on the victim, according to the DA. Investigators also obtained a search warrant and seized two cellphones belonging to Murray, and they are currently searching those devices.

When asked if there were other victims, the district attorney said simply, "I hope not." Her office has a tip line, 914-995-TIPS (914-995-8477), that any potential abuse victims can use to tell their stories, the DA said, promising to fully investigate any claims.

If convicted, Murray faces up to 25 years in prison. He is due back in court on June 4.

The case is being investigated by the DA Office's Hi-Tech Unit and the Special Prosecutions Division.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant DA Charlotte Gudis of the Special Prosecutions Division.