Combatting Gun Violence We announced the indictment of Joel Nieves for allegedly shooting an innocent, 17-year-old bystander at the Mexican Day Parade. “This alleged shooting occurred in the middle of a busy intersection and threatened the safety of countless bystanders. It is incredibly fortunate that additional people were not injured, and I wish the victim a full recovery from her injuries,” said D.A. Bragg.
Justin Deprospo was sentenced to 18 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting 32-year-old Burnie Pleasant outside of a smoke shop in Harlem. “Gun violence has cut short far too many lives and has destroyed entire families. My Office will continue to hold accountable anyone who uses guns to harm New Yorkers – nobody should have to experience the pain experienced by Mr. Pleasant’s loved ones,” said D.A. Bragg.
Murders and shootings continue to decline to pre-pandemic levels. There is always more work to do, but we are continuing to reduce gun violence and keep our borough safe.
D.A. Bragg joined Gifford, Everytown for Gun Safety and our Prosecutors Against Gun Violence co-chair Columbus City Attorney Zack Klein for an emergency briefing on the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act and its impact on public safety as we discussed how we can come together to stop this proposed dangerous federal mandate.
Protecting Workers’ Wages We announced the guilty plea of Raul Gutierrez-Salas for withholding wages from four construction workers. The resolution included full restitution of $6,700 in stolen wages. “Hard working New Yorkers deserve the wages they earn, and in the midst of an affordability crisis, every dollar counts,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting With Our Community Our newest prosecutors visited our satellite offices in Harlem and Washington Heights to learn more about the areas from our community partners and hear from D.A. Bragg about the importance of serving New Yorkers in their own neighborhoods!
Watch here as Council Member Yusef Salaam speaks to them about his experience of being wrongfully convicted and the importance of pursuing justice with fairness.
Watch here as Harlem Mothers & Fathers Stop Another Violent End co-founder Jackie Rowe Adams speaks to them about the importance of supporting crime victims and their families.
We welcomed LGBTQ+ community leaders for a breakfast where D.A. Bragg and members of our office shared our work and priorities and addressed participants questions and public safety concerns.
Standing Against Sexual Violence Quame Taylor was sentenced to nine years in state prison for raping an acquaintance while she slept. “I thank the survivor for her resilience and her strength in speaking at today’s sentencing,” said D.A. Bragg. “This defendant was an acquaintance, not a stranger, and raped this survivor in a relative’s apartment, not a stereotypical darkened street corner. I want to reiterate that regardless of the circumstances, rape is rape, and we are here to help you.”
Prosecuting Violent Crime We announced the sentencing of Kristie Miro to 16 years-to-life in state prison for fatally beating her aunt with a hammer in her own apartment. “Miro’s conduct is deeply disturbing and for her actions, she will serve a significant prison term,” said D.A. Bragg.
Seeking Accountability for Transit Crime Alberto Jordan was sentenced to 2-to-4 years in state prison for assaulting a subway security worker in East Harlem. “The defendant had several opportunities to comply with the worker’s requests to leave the station peacefully, but instead, reacted with violence. Security personnel working in our stations alongside MTA employees are crucial to ensuring our transit system keeps running safely and orderly, and we will hold those accountable who harm them,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of two individuals for stealing $1.7 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration and $500,000 from Empire State Development by submitting fraudulent applications for COVID-19 pandemic relief programs. “We will not tolerate abuse of government funds, and I thank our law enforcement partners for their work on this investigation, particularly the New York State Inspector General’s Office,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of members of a SIM-swapping identity theft conspiracy that allegedly stole $435,000 from four Manhattanites. “Again and again, we see New Yorkers’ funds drained after their phones are taken over through similar schemes. I urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant and consistently monitor bank accounts for fraud,” said D.A. Bragg.
Did You Know? Just last year we prosecuted over 6,000 retail theft cases as part of our continuous efforts to protect our local businesses!
Our expanded Hate Crimes Unit prosecutes bias-motivated crimes that jeopardize the safety of New Yorkers and tear at the fabric of our communities.
Combatting gun violence is our office’s top priority, and working with our law enforcement partners, Manhattan is leading the citywide decline in murders and shootings.
Combatting gun violence is our office’s top priority, and working with our law enforcement partners, Manhattan is leading the citywide decline in murders and shootings.
Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month D.A. Bragg and members of our Hispanic/Latine Employee Resource Group toured The Hispanic Society Museum and Library in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Engaging With Future Public Servants D.A. Bragg met with this semester’s college and law interns who shared their experiences working in the office and learned about his career in public service!
Celebrating Harlem’s Vibrant Community We had a great time as young New Yorkers from our Gun Violence Prevention Initiative joined us for the annual Harlem Holiday Lights Celebration.
D.A. Bragg attended the unveiling of the National Urban League’s new Empowerment Center in Harlem which will provide housing and jobs and continue to strengthen Harlem’s vibrant community.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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