Westchester County District Attorney Susan Cacace announced Friday that a youth basketball coach in Mount Vernon pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a child under the age of 13 over a five-month period.

Dwayne Murray, 63, of Mount Vernon, pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, a Class B violent felony.

Officials say that between Oct. 1, 2023 and March 1, 2024, Murray repeatedly subjected the girl to two or more acts of sexual conduct, including at least one act of oral sexual conduct, according to the district attorney’s office.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Criminal Investigators Squad arrested Murray on May 14, 2025, after investigators received a tip alleging that he had sexually abused a child.

Investigators found sexually inappropriate text messages exchanged between Murray and the victim, according to the district attorney’s office. Murray also admitted his involvement in the crime during an interview with the DA’s Office's criminal investigators.

Cacace wrote in a statement:

“The case against Dwayne Murray is a profound betrayal of trust. The defendant held a position of authority within the Mount Vernon community, which he not only violated but exploited to gain the victim’s trust and subjected her to months of horrific sexual abuse. But the betrayal didn’t end there. Even after the abuse, the defendant used his public platform to deny the allegations, further deceiving the very community he was entrusted to serve.

“The defendant’s predatory conduct and persistent lies have compounded the trauma suffered by the victim, a young girl who should never have been forced to endure this unspeakable harm. The substantial sentence the defendant faces should serve as a clear warning that my office will always pursue justice on behalf of child victims and hold accountable anyone who abuses a position of authority, regardless of their prominence or standing in the community.

“I commend my Special Prosecutions Division and Criminal Investigators Squad for their tireless and meticulous efforts to secure this fitting outcome.”

The Westchester DA's office is encouraging anyone who believes they or someone they know may be a victim of Murray to contact their local police department or the DA’s Office multilingual tips line at (914) 995-TIPS (8477).

Murray is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17, 2026. He is expected to serve up to 18 years in state prison, followed by 20 years of post-release supervision. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.