Mount Vernon, New York, Mayor Accused of Warning Alleged Child Molester Weeks Before Arrest

Mount Vernon, New York, Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard faces a lawsuit accusing her of alerting a close associate, basketball coach Dwayne Murray, that he was about to be arrested on charges of molesting a minor. 

The lawsuit, filed by community activist Gabriel Thompson, claims the mayor summoned Murray to City Hall in late April, nearly two weeks before his arrest, to warn him of the pending investigation.

According to the complaint, Patterson-Howard received a text message on April 28 from a supporter alerting her to allegations against a “middle-aged close associate” accused of inappropriate relations with a 14-year-old and theft from a nonprofit organization. 

The text also suggested the mayor was aware of the allegations.

While the message did not name Murray explicitly, the lawsuit alleges that Patterson-Howard summoned him to City Hall and showed him the text, effectively tipping him off to the investigation.

Murray, 62, who served as executive director of the Mount Vernon Junior Knights youth basketball program, was charged with sexual abuse of a minor on May 15 by Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace, the New York Post reports. 

The charges relate to alleged molestation of a 12-year-old girl over a period exceeding one year. 

Murray remains held without bail at Westchester County Jail pending further court appearances.

In a video posted prior to his arrest, Murray denied any inappropriate behavior toward players, calling the allegations a “smear campaign.” 

However, he also admitted he spoke with Mayor Patterson-Howard on April 28 and that she informed him about receiving a text message related to the accusations.

Thompson described the mayor’s actions as “lawlessness.”

“She needs to resign,” he told The Post. “Are you kidding me? The mayor of a city reached out to someone … who she assumed was a pedophile, to warn them.”

 He added, “That person cannot be given a position of public trust.” 

Thompson emphasized his motivation is driven by outrage over abuse of power, not politics.

The lawsuit also alleges Patterson-Howard misused public funds by campaigning for Mount Vernon School Board candidates during city work hours, including Erica Peterson, a school board member who previously lived with Murray and received support from the mayor.

Additionally, the complaint claims the mayor improperly allocated taxpayer money for a personal police security detail, which accompanied her on trips including a mayors’ conference in Washington, D.C.

In response, Patterson-Howard’s office dismissed the lawsuit as politically motivated and baseless, asserting that such claims aim to undermine the progress made in Mount Vernon. 

The mayor has maintained her commitment to integrity but did not address the specific accusation of warning Murray.

Mount Vernon’s political environment has been fraught with scandal, as Patterson-Howard follows two predecessors who faced criminal charges. 

Richard Thomas pleaded guilty in 2019 to misusing campaign funds, while Ernie Davis admitted to tax evasion in 2014.

The current lawsuit adds pressure on city officials to address accountability and restore public trust as legal proceedings continue. 

Mount Vernon residents and activists await further developments amid growing concern over governance and oversight.

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