In the Manhattan D.A.’s Office, we work hard every day to advance public safety. In 2024, we continued to drive down gun violence by holding shooters accountable, cracking down on ghost guns, and investing in community-based prevention. Our Special Victims Division expanded services for survivors and took on challenging cases of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking. In a year when reports of antisemitic and other hate crimes increased nationwide, we worked with partners in Albany to strengthen New York’s Hate Crimes law and initiated a record number of hate crimes prosecutions. We protected New Yorkers’ wallets by pursuing complex fraud cases and stood up for everyday New Yorkers by prosecuting employers for stealing wages and charging landlords for alleged tenant harassment. We’re addressing disorder, quality of life issues, and retail theft with a multifaceted approach. We are focusing retail theft prosecutions on repeat offenders and dismantling largescale fencing operations. We’ve doubled our use of court-based treatment to address mental illness and substance use disorder and reduce recidivism. We’ve funded neighborhood and court-based outreach workers to connect people in need with long-term services. And we’re working closely with city agencies, business and civic leaders on an ongoing basis to address quality-of-life concerns. In addition to our forward-looking work, our Post-Conviction Justice Unit continues to investigate and vacate conviction where we no longer have confidence in the outcome. In the coming year, we will double down on our investments in youth gun violence prevention, replicate successful strategies that have gotten shooters off our streets, and launch a new early engagement model for domestic and sexual violence to connect survivors to services earlier and enhance investigations. In the next state legislative session, we will continue to advocate for additional tools and investments to address the mental health crisis. And we will also push for legislation to improve the discovery laws, counter the threat of 3D-printed ghost guns, and reduce barriers to prosecuting sexual assault and human trafficking. I am deeply honored to serve the people of Manhattan. I look forward to continued collaboration with our community and law enforcement partners in 2025 to further enhance safety and fairness in Manhattan.
In Manhattan, major crime is down so far this year in nearly every category, compared to last year.
Combating Gun Violence from Multiple Angles Gun violence takes a devastating toll on our communities, and there are far too many heartbroken families who have lost a loved one due to illegal firearms. Driving down gun violence remains our office’s top priority and we hold those who jeopardize the safety of our communities accountable. As of November, our office has prosecuted 437 gun cases this year. In April, we announced the indictment of 16 individuals for allegedly committing 21 shootings over several months, which accounted for 50% of the shooting incidents in East Harlem. In June, we announced the sentencing of Luis Rosado to 18 years in state prison for working with other associates of the “Own Every Dollar” criminal enterprise to commit a string of gunpoint robberies in Upper Manhattan. In December, we announced the indictment of 13 members of the “OY” gang for allegedly committing months of violence, including a homicide and eight shootings, against rival gangs.
Our youth gun violence prevention initiative continues to foster collaboration within our community and keep our streets safer. For the fourth consecutive year, this funding enabled community-based organizations to compensate young New Yorkers for engaging in meaningful programs intended to address the root causes of youth gun violence.
This year, D.A. Bragg was appointed co-chair of Prosecutors Against Gun Violence, a national and bipartisan group of more than 50 prosecutors committed to strategizing together and leveraging their different perspectives and expertise to fight gun violence.
Protecting Everyday New Yorkers Our city is in the middle of a housing crisis which creates power imbalances between landlords and tenants. Our Housing and Tenant Protection Unit focuses on holding accountable bad landlords and unscrupulous individuals who take advantage of hopeful prospective tenants. In October, we indicted Nicholas Fuelling for allegedly stealing approximately $20,000 from at least five individuals by purportedly advertising a Hell’s Kitchen apartment for rent. We also charged three individuals and three companies for allegedly working together to steal a Harlem brownstone by posing as the heir of the deceased owner of the building to commit deed fraud. In November, we indicted Anthony Pittman for allegedly stealing a woman’s identity to forge documents, apply for a luxury apartment in Murray Hill, and rent it out to a subletter under false pretenses.
All New Yorkers deserve to live in safe homes, and in September we announced the indictment of two landlords for allegedly harassing two older, rent-regulated tenants in Chelsea in hopes they would move out, and the building could be sold. We also proposed new legislation which will create additional measures of accountability for those who systemically harass rent regulated tenants and create more deterrence to prevent future abuse. Since the creation of the Housing and Tenant Protection unit in 2022, we have charged eight cases with 31 defendants.
Every New Yorker deserves to receive each dollar they earn, and this year we continued to hold accountable bosses that steal their workers’ wages. In April, we announced the 40-count indictment of Mark Measures and his talent Agency KMR for allegedly stealing approximately $1.8 million from 160 actors and approximately $26,000 in wages from his own employees. In July we announced the sentenced of George Cole, and his company for stealing approximately $169,500 of wages from his workers. In September, we indicted Benedetto Cupo and his construction companies for allegedly stealing millions from hard-working New Yorkers’ wages and the public funds. Our office has returned over $1.3 million in stolen wages since the creation of our Worker Protection Unit in 2023.
Standing Up for Survivors Our office is securing accountability and justice for survivors of sexual assault and rape, while centering their wellbeing. Earlier this year, 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, which primarily involve acquaintances and intimate partners. As of December, our office had 1,718 pending Intimate Partner Violence cases. In April, William Hathaway was convicted of raping a woman in his West Village apartment after their first date. Also in April, Ryan Hemphill was charged with a 116-count indictment for the alleged predatory sexual assault of six women. In August, Keanu Martinez was sentenced to 40 years-to-life in prison for raping a woman and a teenage girl after threatening them both with a boxcutter. In October, we indicted Dr. Maurizio Miglietta a professor of surgery at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, for sexually assaulting a woman in his apartment after displaying a firearm.
Our Human Trafficking Unit prosecuted multiple sex traffickers who targeted vulnerable New Yorkers. In March, Jose Espinoza was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for raping, sexually assaulting, and labor trafficking a cleaner in the building where he worked as a superintendent. In August, Alex Jean was sentenced to 75 years-to-life for kidnapping, raping, and trafficking three women.
Intimate partner violence remains one of the most common crimes prosecuted by our office. In addition to bringing these cases, we advocated for changes to our state’s discovery laws, which particularly impacted misdemeanor domestic violence prosecutions. Along with our fellow New York City district attorneys, community advocates and other partners in state government we were proud to help secure changes to the New York States discovery statute signed into law by Governor Kathy Hochul this year.
Stemming the Flood of Ghost Guns Addressing the proliferation of 3D-printed guns and ghost guns is an ongoing priority for our office that requires an aggressive and holistic approach. In January, we indicted four defendants for allegedly conspiring to sell and traffic illegal firearms, including a ghost gun. In June, we announced the guilty plea of Cliffie Thompson to all counts on his three indictments including for participating in two ghost gun printing conspiracies.
But prosecutions alone are not enough. That’s why this year we called on 3-D printing companies, including Shenzhen Creality 3D Technology Co., to adopt additional security measures to deter the spread of 3D-printed guns and gun parts. We also collaborated with Thingiverse, a digital design company where 3D-printed firearms CAD files are available for download, to remove a significant number of the weapons-related CAD files on its website.
Earlier this year, we announced new legislation with New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal to combat the proliferation of auto sears, which are small, rapid-fire modification devices that can turn a semi-automatic firearm into a machine gun. We are leveraging every tool at our disposal to tackle ghost guns and ultimately prevent gun violence.
Standing Against Hate New Yorkers of all backgrounds deserve to feel safe in Manhattan, and in addition to raising awareness and working with communities, we regularly prosecute crimes driven by hate. As of December, hate crimes prosecutions are up 25% compared to 2021, before D.A. Bragg took office. In May, we announced the sentencing of Jesse Diaz Ramos to 25 years in state prison for stabbing a 32-year-old transgender woman after calling her an anti-gay slur outside of a homeless shelter on Randall’s Island. In June, we announced the indictment of a women for allegedly attacking a 38-year-old woman onboard a subway while making antisemitic remarks.
Standing Against Hate New Yorkers of all backgrounds deserve to feel safe in Manhattan, and in addition to raising awareness and working with communities, we regularly prosecute crimes driven by hate. As of December, hate crimes prosecutions are up 25% compared to 2021, before D.A. Bragg took office. In May, we announced the sentencing of Jesse Diaz Ramos to 25 years in state prison for stabbing a 32-year-old transgender woman after calling her an anti-gay slur outside of a homeless shelter on Randall’s Island. In June, we announced the indictment of a women for allegedly attacking a 38-year-old woman onboard a subway while making antisemitic remarks.
Combating Transit Crime The transit system is the lifeblood of the City, and we take acts of violence committed underground seriously. In July, we announced the sentencing of a man for attacking three victims, including two teenagers, at Grand Central Terminal. In September, Samuel Junker was sentenced to 10 years in state prison for shoving a 34-year-old woman, unprovoked, onto the subway tracks.
MTA employees are crucial to ensuring our transit system keeps running safely and orderly, and we hold accountable those who harm them. In October, we indicted Angelle Thompson for allegedly stabbing a greyhound bus employee at the Port Authority Bus Terminal. In November, we announced the prison sentence of a man for violently attacking an Allied Security Worker who was stationed in a busy subway station.
The Office is addressing the mental health and substance use crisis in multiple ways, including through the Pathways to Public Safety Division. Pathways was created by D.A. Bragg in 2022 to elevate the use of drug and mental health treatment courts, evidence-based programming and connections to services to address the underlying drivers of violent crime.
Our Neighborhood Navigators, employed by non-profit organization The Bridge conduct proactive outreach to build relationships with individuals who are unhoused and experiencing challenges with mental health or substance use. In total, the program has reached more than 2,600 unique individuals since its launch and enrolled more than 275 people in additional programming, connecting them to housing, and more.
Our Court-Based Navigators from the Fortune Society are connecting with individuals arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court who may need immediate resources or individualized treatment. Since its launch in August 2024, the initiative has conducted outreach to more than 5,300 unique individuals.
Our Court-Based Navigators from the Fortune Society are connecting with individuals arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court who may need immediate resources or individualized treatment. Since its launch in August 2024, the initiative has conducted outreach to more than 5,300 unique individuals.
In February, we announced the expansion of our Midtown Community Improvement Coalition, an interagency taskforce committed to addressing public safety and quality of life issues, to include Hell’s Kitchen. We also announced the launch of the Village Interagency Task Force to address public safety concerns in Greenwich Village and West Village Neighborhoods.
This year, we also helped pass elements of the SUPPORT Act with New York State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Tony Simone. This new legislation mandates mental health care after a hospital discharge for those found unfit to stand trial on misdemeanor charges ensuring that they will receive a continuum of care.
Cracking Down on Financial Crimes Manhattan is a global financial capital, and our office is uniquely positioned to fight white-collar crime. In the past year, we’ve indicted a Chief Marketing Officer for allegedly embezzling nearly $6 million from two of his employers over the course of eight years. We also announced the guilty plea of Sean Mescal, a fake attorney, for stealing over $290,000 from more than a hundred clients. In October, we announced the sentencing of Yaorong Wan to 3-to-9 years in state prison for stealing approximately $260,000 worth of diamonds from Tiffany & Co. and Cartier.
Our office remains steadfast in protecting the integrity of public programs and ensuring that critical assistance reaches New Yorkers in need. In June, we indicted a construction company and its owners, executives, and managers, for allegedly using fictitious shell companies to steal more than $9 million in unpaid workers’ compensation premiums from the New York State Insurance Fund. In November, we indicted two individuals for allegedly 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.
Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of older New Yorkers will be prosecuted. In May, we announced the guilty plea of Alfredo Mateo, a doorman, for stealing approximately $477,685 from a retired New York City schoolteacher and her husband. In October, we announced the guilty plea of a home health aide for stealing $24,000 from older adults who were in her care. We also announced the indictment of Jonathan Girodes for allegedly stealing at least $250,000 from four older adults and a medical student through his tax preparation business.
Seeking Accountability for Vehicular Violence Accountability for dangerous driving is key to keeping Manhattan streets and sidewalks safe. In March, we announced the prison sentences for two individuals for a hit-and-run on the Henry Hudson Parkway that killed 42-year-old Joel Quintana, a father of six. In August, we announced the indictment of two woman for their roles in a fatal car crash in Chinatown. In November, 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.
Cracking Down on Cyber Crime Our Cyber Crime Bureau utilizes complex investigative techniques as part of its ongoing efforts to protect New Yorkers from computer- and cyber-enabled crimes. In September, 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. Whether on the dark web or on our city’s streets, we will root out criminal organizations who put our community’s health at risk. In October, we announced the guilty pleas of a dark web drug trafficking ring that laundered $7.2 million using cryptocurrency.
Reviewing and Vacating Old Convictions Trust in the justice system is essential to achieving public safety. In July, our office moved to vacate the unjust convictions of Charles Collins and Brian Boles for the murder of 85-year-old James Reid in 1994. Under D.A. Bragg’s tenure, we have vacated 13 convictions through reinvestigations and 500 more related to law enforcement members convicted of misconduct.
Holding the System Accountable Holding members of law enforcement accountable when they break the law is essential for public safety and upholding the public’s trust. In January, we announced the conviction of a former NYPD sergeant for attempted assault for repeatedly punching an individual when responding to a call. In August, an NYPD officer was convicted for macing a man who was laying handcuffed on the ground. Bringing these cases is an important reminder that we will hold everyone to the same standard.
Engaging With Our Communities Our Community Partnerships Unit conducts essential work by facilitating partnerships that improve trust in law enforcement, prevent crime and increase the quality of life for the communities we serve. Throughout the year they’ve organized events, volunteered across the borough at schools and community centers, and hosted numerous trainings to provide resources and build trust.
Zeroing in on Retail Theft Manhattan is the retail capital of the country, and we need our business community to thrive. This year, our office continued to drive down retail theft through law enforcement collaboration, prosecutions, and community engagement. We scaled up our Trespass Notice trainings, empowering businesses to better hold accountable repeat shoplifters. And as of November, retail-related complaints are down 10% compared to the same period last year, and arrests and prosecutions are up by 9%. As of November 30, 2025, the Office prosecuted 7,946 retail theft cases, more than double the number of prosecutions in 2021.
Zeroing in on Retail Theft Manhattan is the retail capital of the country, and we need our business community to thrive. This year, our office continued to drive down retail theft through law enforcement collaboration, prosecutions, and community engagement. We scaled up our Trespass Notice trainings, empowering businesses to better hold accountable repeat shoplifters. And as of November, retail-related complaints are down 10% compared to the same period last year, and arrests and prosecutions are up by 9%. As of November 30, 2025, the Office prosecuted 7,946 retail theft cases, more than double the number of prosecutions in 2021.
Repatriating Cultural Artifacts Under D.A. Bragg, our Antiquities Trafficking Unit has recovered more than 2,450 antiquities stolen from 47 countries and valued at more than $260 million. These repatriation ceremonies show our continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and returning stolen antiquities back home. This year we announced the return of antiquities to countries including Spain, Hungary, Türkiye, Egypt and more.
Repatriating Cultural Artifacts Under D.A. Bragg, our Antiquities Trafficking Unit has recovered more than 2,450 antiquities stolen from 47 countries and valued at more than $260 million. These repatriation ceremonies show our continued commitment to protecting cultural heritage and returning stolen antiquities back home. This year we announced the return of antiquities to countries including Spain, Hungary, Türkiye, Egypt and more.
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