Securing Accountability at Trial Jayqwan Hamilton, Robert Demaio and Jacob Barroso were convicted at trial on all counts for a conspiracy to rob and drug people outside of LGBTQ+ nightclubs in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. “These defendants were motivated by greed, and their callous behavior left two young men dead. I know the families who lost their loved ones are still suffering from so much pain, and I hope this verdict can provide at least some measure of comfort,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the trial conviction of Johnette Booker for physically assaulting and causing the death of her 15-year-old cousin. “Instead of providing him with love and care when she assumed the role of caregiver by taking him into her home for the summer, she preyed on him, and her actions and omissions caused his tragic death. No child should ever be treated this way, and I thank our prosecutors for their hard work to deliver accountability in this case,” said D.A. Bragg.
New York City’s five District Attorneys called on the New York State Legislature to pass Governor Kathy Hochul's proposed changes to New York's discovery law. Read D.A. Bragg, Brooklyn D.A. Eric Gonzalez, Bronx D.A. Darcel Clark, Queens D.A. Melinda Katz and Staten Island D.A. Michael McMahon in Times Union.
D.A. Bragg was honored to speak with the BPHA Caucus on the proposed changes to New York’s discovery laws that will help protect victims, including survivors of domestic violence—while still having the most open and transparent discovery laws in the nation.
Celebrating the Year of the Snake Members of our office were honored to celebrate the Year of the Snake with our community as they marched through Chinatown at the annual Lunar New Year Parade!
D.A. Bragg joined Assemblymember Grace Lee and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine to gather with our greater Chinatown community and celebrate the Lunar New Year. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Snake!
D.A. Bragg joined Assemblymember Grace Lee and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine to gather with our greater Chinatown community and celebrate the Lunar New Year. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy, and prosperous Year of the Snake!
Combatting Hate Crimes Hannah Yu, Chief of our Hate Crimes Unit, sat down with local outlets as she discussed the current trends in hate crimes and how our office is working to combat them.
She also spoke on a panel at the Korean Community Services of Metropolitan New York with the NYPD as they discussed how we prosecute and investigate hate crimes.
Prosecuting Random Assaults We announced the sentencing of Michael Howell to five years in state prison for attacking three individuals with glass bottles in a Midtown Whole Foods and subway station. “These were scary, random assaults that occurred at a busy time of evening, and we will not tolerate these types of violent attacks on Manhattanites,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cracking Down on White Collar Crime Along with Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber, we announced the guilty plea of a former prosecutor and her family for fraudulently obtaining affordable housing in Manhattan. “In a housing crisis, every affordable unit counts, and we will not tolerate fraud from ineligible applicants,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting with our Community Students from Richard R. Green High School visited our office for a court tour as they learned more about the criminal justice process.
D.A. Bragg joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority's panel on collaborating to combat youth gun violence, including through prevention and community-based initiatives.
We were proud to present to more than 200 students at Mahalia Jackson Middle School about internet safety and cyberbullying this week.
We were proud to present to more than 200 students at Mahalia Jackson Middle School about internet safety and cyberbullying this week.
D.A. Bragg was honored to guest lecture at Mimi Rocah’s criminal justice seminar at Fordham Law School.
Repatriating Stolen Antiquities We announced that, following a criminal investigation, the Cleveland Museum of Art has agreed to surrender a statue of Marcus Aurelius so it can be repatriated to the people of Türkiye. “This investigation included extensive witness interviews and forensic testing that proved conclusively this antiquity was looted from Bubon,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the return of 107 antiquities, collectively valued at $1.2 million, to the people of Italy. “Italy has unfortunately suffered significant and extensive looting over the past 60 years, and we will continue to do everything possible track down and return pieces that pass through Manhattan,” said D.A. Bragg.
Engaging With Future Prosecutors Deputy Director of the Legal Training Unit Terel Watson joined the Black Excellence Panel at the Thomas Jefferson University as panelists discussed their careers in public service.
We tabled at the Long Island University Honors College Job Fair as students learned about opportunities to join our office.
D.A. Bragg was honored to be recognized by Politics NY and amNewYork as one of 2025’s Black Power Players for his work as Manhattan District Attorney. We look forward to continuing our work to drive down crime and deliver lasting public safety.
He was also honored to receive the 2025 Frederick Douglass Boulevard Alliance C. Virginia Fields Award for his commitment to advancing public safety in Manhattan.
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