September 2025 Vol 1
Standing Up for Survivors D.A. Bragg penned an op-ed in the New York Daily News affirming that rape is rape, and underscoring the realities of the Office’s rape prosecutions. “Rape takes many forms which rarely make headlines. I want to affirm to survivors that my office’s Special Victims Division knows that and knows that rape is rape,” he wrote.
Keanu Martinez was sentenced to 40 years-to-life in state prison for raping a woman and a girl after threatening to cut them with a boxcutter. “Keanu Martinez violently raped a woman and a teenager who he targeted for their perceived vulnerabilities. But these survivors were stronger than he could have imagined, and took the stand to testify to his horrific crimes,” said D.A. Bragg.
Combatting Gun Violence We announced the indictment of Miguel Mora and Christhian Aybar in connection to the alleged shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Protection Officer in Fort Washington Park. “We are committed to the safety of law enforcement officers in Manhattan, as demonstrated by this in-depth investigation and today’s serious charges,” said D.A. Bragg.
So far this year in Manhattan, murders are down 41% and shootings are down 35% compared to last year. We know there is still more work to do, but we are continuing to reduce gun violence and keep our borough safe.
Cracking Down on White Collar Crime We announced the indictment of William Julian for allegedly posing as an investor and stealing more than $300,000 from five individuals. “This is an ongoing investigation, and we believe there may be additional victims: please call our Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting With Our Community We had a great time at this year’s National Night Out Against Crime! Our prosecutors and staff volunteered at 26 sites across Manhattan to deepen community ties that make our neighborhoods safer.
We were thrilled to see so many people turn out for our annual Art of Healing Festival where we engaged in positive, healing activities with survivors of crime and other community members.
Learn more about our two community offices in Washington Heights and Harlem that serve as a crucial link between our downtown office and uptown residents.
“The heartbeat of what we do is elicit information, whether that’s from a witness, a victim or survivor, someone accused of a crime. We are asking questions to elicit information. And just at the base of this, we want to get it right,” said D.A. Bragg. Learn more about how we are training our prosecutors and investigators in science-based interviewing in Gothamist.
Prosecuting Child Abuse Miles McNeal pleaded guilty for sexually abusing an 8-year-old student multiple times in a Harlem afterschool program. “This conduct is abhorrent, and I thank this brave survivor for coming forward. We will continue to prosecute those whose acts threaten the safety and wellbeing of students in Manhattan,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cracking Down on Vehicular Violence We announced the indictment of two individuals for their roles in a fatal car crash in Chinatown. “Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok were simply enjoying their mornings outside when Autumn Romero and Kennedy Lecraft allegedly crashed into them at a high speed, tragically ending their lives, Safety on our streets is an essential component of public safety, and we will hold people who commit harm with their vehicles accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
Collaborating with Law Enforcement Partners “Having people feel comfortable coming forward to report crime is how we stop crime,” said D.A. Bragg. Learn more about the amicus brief we filed with Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez and 18 other district attorneys across New York State to ensure witnesses and victims feel safe coming to court.
We’re grateful to Mayor Adams and the NYC Council for significant new funding that “will boost our ability to recruit and retain prosecutors, bring cases quickly and efficiently, and connect more people to services that can address recidivism and drive down crime further,” said D.A. Bragg.
Read the statement from 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 on the recent implementation of discovery law changes.
Repatriating Stolen Antiquities We announced the recent repatriation of antiquities to three countries including 31 antiquities, some dating to the 6th century B.C.E., to the people of Italy; two 6th century C.E. Visigoth pendants to the people of Spain; and a 17th century C.E. Jesuit manuscript to the people of Hungary.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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