Driving Down Crime We are always working to make Manhattan safer using all of the tools at our disposal. So far this year in Manhattan, major crime is down in nearly every category compared to last year.
Murders and shootings are also down so far this year compared to 2021, before D.A. Bragg took office. We know we have a lot more work to do, but our comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence is working.
Murders and shootings are also down so far this year compared to 2021, before D.A. Bragg took office. We know we have a lot more work to do, but our comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence is working.
Learn more about how our office is combating gun violence through “targeted prosecutions, strong collaboration with law enforcement, and strategic investments in the community.”
Seeking Accountability for Sexual Violence Harvey Weinstein was convicted at trial for Criminal Sexual Act in the 1st Degree for sexually assaulting Miriam Haley in 2006. “It takes immense courage to come forward. And as was clear to everyone in that courtroom for the past several weeks, it takes immense courage to get on the stand and testify,” said D.A. Bragg.
Combatting Gun Violence Ricky Shelby was indicted for allegedly fatally shooting 61-year-old Excenia Mette in Harlem, “when she stepped outside to check on her grandson after she heard shots being fired. Ms. Mette, affectionately known as Momma Zee, was a staple of the Harlem community, and her death is an absolute tragedy,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the sentencing of Donta King Jr. to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting 27-year-old Ronald Thomas on the Upper West Side. “This vile act of gun violence against a defenseless man continues to devastate Mr. Thomas’ family and loved ones, who are still struggling to make sense of this horrifying and deadly attack,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cliffie Thompson pleaded guilty to all counts on his three indictments for participating in two ghost gun conspiracies and acting as a ringleader to commit fraud in connection to a sprawling investigation involving city employees.
Honoring Juneteenth D.A. Bragg joined One Hundred Black Men’s 6th Annual Juneteenth Teach-In as he encouraged listeners to “embrace all you’ve been given, find your mentors, find your crew that gives you strength and courage – and use your voice to advance the cause of freedom and equality for future generations.”
Prosecuting Violent Crime We announced the indictment of Miguel Jiraud for allegedly attacking a 44-year-old woman without provocation as she rode her bike on Randall’s Island. “This conduct is abhorrent. I hope she continues to recover from this terrifying assault, and I want to assure New Yorkers that we will ensure accountability for those who commit such acts of violence,” said D.A. Bragg.
D.A. Bragg attended the Criminal Court arraignment of Jonathan Wohl, who was charged with an alleged calculated attack on multiple uniformed New York State Court officers in our courthouse. Fortunately, all five of the injured officers have now been released from the hospital. After the arraignment, D.A. Bragg said the defendant allegedly “engaged in targeted activity focused on officers. We will not tolerate that in Manhattan. I’m grateful for the work they do each and every day.”
Fixing Our Laws To Make us Safer The SUPPORT Act, a bill that would mandate referrals to appropriate supportive services, including mental health care, after a hospital discharge for those found unfit to stand trial on misdemeanor charges recently passed the New York State legislature. We’re grateful for Assemblymember Tony Simone and State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal's partnership on this public safety legislation. “By passing the SUPPORT Act, both houses declared with one voice that supportive services and mental health care are critical to long-term community safety,” said D.A. Bragg.
D.A. Bragg was honored to receive the 2025 Frederick Douglass Award for his achievements as District Attorney and his public safety work at the New York Urban League’s 59th Annual Awards Dinner.
Protecting Workers and Prosecuting Fraud Valor Security and Investigation and its president pleaded guilty for operating a sham safety training school. “Valor Security is facing accountability for operating a sham safety training school, imperiling the workers in one of New York’s most dangerous industries. Valor’s President, Alexander Shaporov, also pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering Ivan Frias, who tragically died when he fell from a construction site without proper training,” said D.A. Bragg.
Recognizing Elder Abuse Awareness Day On June 15th we recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and reaffirmed our commitment to protecting our older adult community as we raise awareness about these underreported crimes. Watch to learn more from our Elder Abuse Unit Chief, Jeanine Launay.
We also hosted our 2nd Annual Harlem Elder Abuse Senior Resource Fair, sharing educational materials and resources to help our community members identify and respond to elder abuse.
Prosecuting Crimes Against Older Adults Christian Torres was convicted at trial for trial for attempting to rob a 91-year-old man of his wallet, and forcefully shoving him to the ground and punching him. “I hope this conviction sends a message that those who assault older New Yorkers will be held accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of a man for allegedly pushing a 70-year-old woman to the ground inside the East 53rd Street and Lexington Avenue subway station.” “As alleged, Sherlock Arana assaulted a complete stranger in an unprovoked attack against an older New Yorker. New Yorkers deserve to be safe navigating our subway stations and we will not stand for this kind of harmful conduct,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cracking Down on Fraud We announced the guilty plea of Sean Mescall for posing as an attorney and stealing approximately $290,000 from more than one hundred clients who relied on him for legal services. “Those who defraud Manhattanites seeking help will be held accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of a construction company, its owners, and executives and managers, for using fictitious shell companies to steal more than $9 million in unpaid workers’ compensation premiums from the New York State Insurance Fund. “This indictment captures an alleged conspiracy that stretched from a construction company to the check cashing business that generated its $40 million unreported payroll,” said D.A. Bragg.
Luis Morales, Chief of our Immigrant Affairs Unit, and Emely Salazar Perez, our Immigrant Affairs Coordinator, spoke with a student reporter from Baruch College Campus High School about how to spot and avoid common immigration scams.
Engaging With Our Newest Public Servants D.A. Bragg met with our Summer Law Fellows in small groups as they discussed the work of the office and shared what they’re looking forward to learning during their program!
As our Youth Ambassadors finished up their program, they presented their policy proposals about ways we can improve public safety across our borough!
Engaging With Our Newest Public Servants D.A. Bragg met with our Summer Law Fellows in small groups as they discussed the work of the office and shared what they’re looking forward to learning during their program!
Connecting With Our Community, Members of our office attended the Bard Prison Initiatives’ 9th Annual Public Health Symposium, which was moderated by Public Health Program Director Hancy Maxis, who is also a member of our Reentry Advisory Council!
Connecting With Our Community, Members of our office attended the Bard Prison Initiatives’ 9th Annual Public Health Symposium, which was moderated by Public Health Program Director Hancy Maxis, who is also a member of our Reentry Advisory Council!
D.A. Bragg stopped by Noir Et Blanc to support Hearts of Gold NYC, an organization that supports mothers and children transition from the city’s shelter system to permanent homes. Watch here to learn more.
We welcomed five co-chairs from our Harlem Interfaith Advisory Council to meet with members of our office’s leadership and to take a tour of the courts.
D.A. Bragg stopped by the Isaac’s Center Community Day with Goddard Riverside for their summer kick off festival!
D.A. Bragg stopped by the Isaac’s Center Community Day with Goddard Riverside for their summer kick off festival!
Save the Date, Join us Friday, July 18th at our Employment Engagement Fair with New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and The Fortune Society.
Save the Date, Join us Friday, July 18th at our Employment Engagement Fair with New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and The Fortune Society.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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