Standing Up for Manhattan Renters We announced the indictment of Meyer Chetrit and his companies for allegedly harassing two older, rent-regulated tenants in Chelsea. “From winters without heat and unrepaired roofs causing leaks and ceiling collapses, these New Yorkers were forced to live in uninhabitable conditions. This is exactly the type of pattern of criminal harassment my Office’s Housing and Tenant Protection Unit was created to stop,” said D.A. Bragg.
Juan Valoy was indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $25,000 from three victims through an apartment rental scam. “Juan Valoy allegedly preyed on New Yorkers who were simply looking for a stable place to live at a time when affordable housing is scarce. The defendant allegedly exploited these circumstances so he could line his own pockets, all while leaving families with children without a home,” said D.A. Bragg. The Office believes there are additional victims, and we encourage anyone else who experienced similar conduct to call our Immigrant Affairs Unit.
prosecuting intimate partner violence We announced the indictment of Donald Ziebenhood for allegedly attacking his husband in three incidents of intimate partner violence. “If you or someone you know is being abused by a current or former partner, we encourage you to call us at 212-335-9373 where trained professionals can provide resources and help,” said D.A. Bragg.
Ernest Wright was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for fatally strangling his girlfriend, Kayla Estevez, in a Times Square hotel room. “I extend my deepest condolences to Kayla’s loved ones who spoke at today’s sentencing and thank the prosecutors who tried this case,” said D.A. Bragg.
D.A. Bragg and members of our office marched together during the 25th Annual Brides’ March to honor Gladys Ricart and other victims of domestic and intimate-partner violence.
Seeking Accountability for Transit Crime Samuel Junker was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for shoving a 34-year-old woman, unprovoked, onto the subway tracks at the Chambers Street subway station. “We will continue to treat acts of violence committed throughout our subway system with the seriousness they deserve, and I thank our prosecutors for their hard work,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the sentencing of Christopher Velarde to 18 years in state prison for attacking two men in separate unprovoked assaults at a Midtown deli and subway station. “Manhattanites deserve to be safe both above and below ground, and I hope the resolution of this case provides a sense of justice to the victims and their loved ones,” said D.A. Bragg.
Patrick Robles was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to rape a woman on a northbound J train in the Chambers Street station. “I thank the survivor for her bravery throughout this prosecution and during today’s sentencing,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cracking Down on Cyber Crime We announced the Office’s seizure of 12 domain names associated with five online vendors which sold stolen credit and debit card information and cardholders’ personal identifying information. “My office’s Cyber Crime Bureau is actively investigating as part of its ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers from computer- and cyber-enabled crimes,” said D.A. Bragg.
Prosecuting Violent Crime Tabitha Bundrick was indicted for allegedly using fentanyl-laced drugs to rob four men, killing three of them. “I want to be very clear to those who think they can get away with drugging and robbing unsuspecting victims: working with our law enforcement partners, we will uncover and prosecute this conduct,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Kristie Miro for fatally beating her aunt, 56-year-old Ana Nieves, in her own apartment in East Harlem. “Losing any loved one to violence is incredibly painful, and unimaginable at the hands of another family member. I hope this measure of accountability can bring some comfort to Ms. Nieves’ loved ones, who continue to endure the effects of this senseless tragedy,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting with Our Community Members of our office joined Harlem Mothers Save 10th National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims where we honored the memories of our community members whose lives were tragically taken.
D.A. Bragg sat with Harvard Law School students interested in public service careers and reflected on his journey as a criminal justice attorney at the federal, state, and local levels.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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