Protecting Manhattan Tenants D.A. Bragg, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, and Assemblymember Micah Lasher stood with housing advocates to announce legislation that would create new criminal penalties for the systemic harassment of rent-regulated tenants and penalize repeated, recidivist harassment. “Our city is in the middle of a housing crisis, which creates power imbalances between landlords and tenants. While many landlords play by the rules, there are unscrupulous individuals who seek to exploit the lack of affordable housing for financial gain,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of a man for allegedly stealing over $32,000 from four individuals by falsely representing himself as the landlord of a Midtown Manhattan luxury studio apartment. “As alleged, Adam Chatwin posed as a landlord to scam four people who were searching for housing. Those who take advantage of the competitive housing market to steal hard-earned money from prospective renters will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
Nicholas Fuelling was indicted for allegedly stealing approximately $20,000 from at least five individuals through a Hell’s Kitchen rental scam. “Scarce housing is a breeding ground for fraud, and we prosecute those who take advantage of the hopes of prospective tenants,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of a man for allegedly stealing a woman’s identity to forge documents to apply for a luxury apartment in Murray Hill and rent it out to a subletter under false pretenses. “That subletter was then forced to vacate the apartment once the alleged fraud was discovered, while Pittman walked away with the supposed rent payments,” said D.A. Bragg.
seeking accountability for vehicular violence We announced the all-count trial conviction of Daniel Hyden for driving while intoxicated and crashing into a crowd of people celebrating the Fourth of July in Corlears Hook Park, killing four people, and injuring seven others. “Daniel Hyden was intoxicated when he drove through a fence, killing Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney, Ana Morel, and Emily Ruiz, as well as injuring seven others. While this verdict won’t bring them back to life, I hope that this conviction can bring at least some measure of comfort for their friends and family,” said D.A. Bragg.
On Go Purple Day, our office wore purple to take a stand against intimate partner and domestic violence and show our support for survivors.
Zeroing in on Dark Web Traffickers We announced the guilty pleas and sentencings of five individuals in connection with a dark web cryptocurrency drug trafficking ring that laundered $7.2 million. “The dismantling of this illegal drug trafficking operation highlights the ability of my office’s prosecutors and analysts to trace cryptocurrency and unmask those committing crimes on the dark web,” said D.A. Bragg.
Cracking Down on Financial Crimes We announced the indictment of Jonathan Ernest Girodes for allegedly stealing at least $250,000 from at least three clients through his tax preparation business. “Four older adults and a medical student trusted Mr. Girodes to reduce their tax bills in an ethical and legal manner. This defendant allegedly broke that trust to steal $250,000 for his personal use,” said D.A. Bragg.
Yaorong Wan was sentenced to 3-to-9 years in prison for stealing approximately $260,000 worth of diamond rings from two luxury jewelers. “Those who steal from New York’s bustling businesses will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
Yaorong Wan was sentenced to 3-to-9 years in prison for stealing approximately $260,000 worth of diamond rings from two luxury jewelers. “Those who steal from New York’s bustling businesses will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
Yaorong Wan was sentenced to 3-to-9 years in prison for stealing approximately $260,000 worth of diamond rings from two luxury jewelers. “Those who steal from New York’s bustling businesses will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
Murders and shootings are down so far this year compared to 2021. There is always more work to do, but our comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence with our law enforcement partners is working.
Combatting Gun Violence Domingo Vasquez Rodrigues was indicted for allegedly robbing his 99-year-old former landlord Jose Antonio Tur at gunpoint and stealing $20,000 in cash. “Mr. Tur was a pillar of his community and deeply loved by his family members. I offer all those mourning his death my sincere condolences,” said D.A. Bragg.
Xavier Baez was sentenced to 16 years and William Cartagena to 22 years-to-life in state prison for shooting and killing 34-year-old Akebulon Reeves in East Harlem. “The defendants coordinated this brazen attack and shot Mr. Reeves without any regard for his life. Combatting gun violence remains my top priority, including by holding offenders accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
Xavier Baez was sentenced to 16 years and William Cartagena to 22 years-to-life in state prison for shooting and killing 34-year-old Akebulon Reeves in East Harlem. “The defendants coordinated this brazen attack and shot Mr. Reeves without any regard for his life. Combatting gun violence remains my top priority, including by holding offenders accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the sentencings of Zaire Allen and Hassan Winston to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 24-year-old Alonza Georgia during a gunpoint robbery in Harlem. “Gun violence devastates families and causes deep and profound trauma in our communities. I hope the resolution of this case offers Mr. Georgia’s family members, who remain devastated at such an insurmountable loss, a step toward the peace and healing they deserve,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the sentencings of Zaire Allen and Hassan Winston to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 24-year-old Alonza Georgia during a gunpoint robbery in Harlem. “Gun violence devastates families and causes deep and profound trauma in our communities. I hope the resolution of this case offers Mr. Georgia’s family members, who remain devastated at such an insurmountable loss, a step toward the peace and healing they deserve,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of six people for allegedly conspiring to commit four gunpoint robberies in Inwood and Washington Heights in the span of 24 hours. “The defendants armed themselves with firearms to carry out their conspiracy, and in one instance allegedly committed a shooting on a public street. This type of violence creates an atmosphere of fear for our communities, and I thank our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for putting a stop to it,” said D.A. Bragg.
Standing Up for Vulnerable New Yorkers Jerona Smith, a home health aide, pleaded guilty to stealing from adults in her care. “Ms. Smith is now facing prison time for her disturbing conduct. Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of older New Yorkers will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Analie Vargas, a case manager at a legal filing service, for diverting clients’ checks intended for immigration application fees into her personal bank account. “New Yorkers trusted Analie Vargas to help them apply for permanent residence when in actuality she was pocketing their hard-earned money for personal expenses. Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of new New Yorkers for personal gain will be prosecuted,” said D.A. Bragg.
We joined the NYC Department of Aging to host a convening about justice for elder abuse, where we presented our work, engaged in workshops, and discussed strategies to protect Older New Yorkers with our law enforcement and community partners.
We joined the NYC Department of Aging to host a convening about justice for elder abuse, where we presented our work, engaged in workshops, and discussed strategies to protect Older New Yorkers with our law enforcement and community partners.
Prosecuting Violent Crime Christian Diaz was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for stabbing and killing 34-year-old Ahmed Almulaiki, at the East Harlem deli where Mr. Almulaiki worked. “The defendant’s aggressive and threatening behavior escalated to deadly violence, leaving Mr. Almulaiki’s family with immense heartache and grief,” said D.A. Bragg.
Prosecuting Violent Crime Christian Diaz was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for stabbing and killing 34-year-old Ahmed Almulaiki, at the East Harlem deli where Mr. Almulaiki worked. “The defendant’s aggressive and threatening behavior escalated to deadly violence, leaving Mr. Almulaiki’s family with immense heartache and grief,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of Tylek McPherson for allegedly randomly slashing a stranger with a butcher’s knife at Astor Place. “We remain focused on preventing and addressing stranger assaults like this one that allegedly occurred on Astor Place,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of Tylek McPherson for allegedly randomly slashing a stranger with a butcher’s knife at Astor Place. “We remain focused on preventing and addressing stranger assaults like this one that allegedly occurred on Astor Place,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Luis Gil for fatally stabbing 33-year-old Hugo Morales in an unprovoked attack on Pier 84. “The defendant’s egregious actions abruptly cut Mr. Morales’ life short. Mr. Morales immigrated to America with the hopes of earning enough money to eventually build his mother a house in Guatemala. My thoughts are with Mr. Morales’ loved ones as they continue to mourn his tragic loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Luis Gil for fatally stabbing 33-year-old Hugo Morales in an unprovoked attack on Pier 84. “The defendant’s egregious actions abruptly cut Mr. Morales’ life short. Mr. Morales immigrated to America with the hopes of earning enough money to eventually build his mother a house in Guatemala. My thoughts are with Mr. Morales’ loved ones as they continue to mourn his tragic loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Luis Gil for fatally stabbing 33-year-old Hugo Morales in an unprovoked attack on Pier 84. “The defendant’s egregious actions abruptly cut Mr. Morales’ life short. Mr. Morales immigrated to America with the hopes of earning enough money to eventually build his mother a house in Guatemala. My thoughts are with Mr. Morales’ loved ones as they continue to mourn his tragic loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
Rodney Johnson was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing his 20-year-old sister Shayla Johnson. “The defendant seized the opportunity to attack his sister at one of her most vulnerable moments and ultimately killed her in front of their mother,” said District Attorney Bragg. “No family should ever have to experience this type of horrific and traumatic conduct.”
Rodney Johnson was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing his 20-year-old sister Shayla Johnson. “The defendant seized the opportunity to attack his sister at one of her most vulnerable moments and ultimately killed her in front of their mother,” said District Attorney Bragg. “No family should ever have to experience this type of horrific and traumatic conduct.”
We announced the guilty plea of Gerald Barth for his role in an assault and robbery spree in the East Village, including an attack on the elderly owner of Ray’s Candy Store. “The conduct displayed by Barth and Luis Peroza — who is currently serving a 10-year sentence — is completely unacceptable and resulted in significant injuries for each victim involved. Every Manhattanite deserves to be safe, and I thank our prosecutors for ensuring accountability in this case,” D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Gerald Barth for his role in an assault and robbery spree in the East Village, including an attack on the elderly owner of Ray’s Candy Store. “The conduct displayed by Barth and Luis Peroza — who is currently serving a 10-year sentence — is completely unacceptable and resulted in significant injuries for each victim involved. Every Manhattanite deserves to be safe, and I thank our prosecutors for ensuring accountability in this case,” D.A. Bragg.
We announced the guilty plea of Mitchaux Booker for his role in assaulting and causing the death of his 15-year-old cousin, Jallen McConnie. “On the day of his cousin’s death, Booker tortured Jallen, including beating him with belts and forcing water down his throat, causing him to eventually collapse. Even after seeing Jallen unresponsive, Booker chose to delay contacting and lied to the authorities,” said D.A. Bragg.
Highlighting our Gun Violence Prevention Programs D.A. Bragg joined Terri Wisdom on Harlem News Network to discuss our efforts to drive down gun violence by collaborating with our law enforcement partners on strategic prosecutions and investing in prevention in our communities.
Two of our Gun Violence Prevention Initiative awardees, Emergent Works and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, spoke with the Amsterdam News to highlight the impact of our funding on their anti-gun violence summer programming.
Two of our Gun Violence Prevention Initiative awardees, Emergent Works and New Yorkers Against Gun Violence, spoke with the Amsterdam News to highlight the impact of our funding on their anti-gun violence summer programming.
Connecting With Our Community D.A. Bragg and members of our office volunteered with the West Side Campaign Against Hunger to give back to our community. Watch here as we helped assemble and pack over 350 food boxes that will be distributed across the City.
Solving Cold Cases A jury found Larry Atkinson guilty on all counts for murdering 57-year-old Sarah Roberts, and her 26-year-old daughter Sharon, in their Morningside Heights apartment in 1994. “This case stood unsolved for nearly 30 years, but new technology combined with law enforcement’s dedication to resolving cold cases led to today’s guilty verdict. I thank the members of the jury for their time and attention and thank our prosecutors and our partners, including at the NYPD and OCME, for their steadfast pursuit of justice,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting With Our Community D.A. Bragg stopped by the Longest Table in Harlem and Washington Heights. It was great to see so many residents come together for this wonderful community building event!
D.A. Bragg joined Goddard Riverside for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new Stephan Russo Residence. “Developments like this make our communities safer by providing stable housing with wraparound services for people in need,” said D.A. Bragg.
We joined with local leaders and our law enforcement and community-based partners on Roosevelt Island to share resources and strategies to combat domestic violence.
We joined with local leaders and our law enforcement and community-based partners on Roosevelt Island to share resources and strategies to combat domestic violence.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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