Combatting Gun Violence D.A. Bragg penned an op-ed in USA Today urging a comprehensive, nationwide approach to address the widening threat of 3D printed guns. “Anyone could make hundreds of guns, undetected, regardless of criminal record,” said D.A. Bragg. He applauded Governor Kathy Hochul for adopting the framework of the legislation we proposed to criminalize the manufacture of 3D printed guns and gun parts, while noting that “New York is just one of 50 states, and patchwork enforcement will not stop the flow of these weapons. We need a united front across the country.”
We announced the indictment of Frederick Green for allegedly shooting a 29-year-old man outside of a restaurant in Midtown. “Gun violence has no place in Manhattan. My thoughts are with the victim who continues to heal from this near-fatal shooting,” said D.A. Bragg.
3D-printed guns aren't just an emerging issue, they are being manufactured in homes and used in crimes right now. That's why, with Governor Hochul, we are pushing for legislation to crack down on the spread of these easy-to-make weapons.
Cracking Down on Crypto Fraud D.A. Bragg joined New York State Attorney General Letitia James and other prosecutors to call on federal legislators to fix major loopholes in the GENIUS Act that enable issuers of stablecoins to profit from fraud. Unless the law is fixed, they wrote, companies like Circle and Tether will continue “to actively thwart law enforcement and to profit from victims’ losses.”
ICYMI: Together with State Senator Zellnor Myrie, we announced the introduction of the CRYPTO Act, anew law that would make operating a virtual currency business without a license a crime in New York. “What this bill would do is add criminal penalties so that we can hold people accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
Prosecuting Violent Crime We announced the sentencing of Larry Atkinson to 40 years-to-life in prison for strangling 57-year-old Sarah Roberts and her 26-year-old daughter Sharon in their Morningside Heights apartment in 1994. “We are resolute in our commitment to solving homicides and providing justice to victims and their families, no matter how long it takes,” said D.A. Bragg.
Alejandro Piedra pleaded guilty for fatally stabbing 38-year-old Clemson Cockfield and injuring two others in the East Village. “As a result of this horrific conduct, Clemson Cockfield’s life was tragically taken, and Mr. Cockfield’s wife was seriously injured. I hope their family and loved ones can take comfort knowing there is accountability in this matter,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of Dana Escoffier for allegedly fatally shoving his 82-year-old neighbor to the ground in the West Village. “My thoughts are with Mr. Whetzel’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of Michael Patterson for allegedly committing a total of seven arsons across the Upper East Side and Upper West Side. “These dangerous fires extensively damaged public and private property, including five vehicles, and it is fortunate that no one was injured. In Manhattan, we take extremely seriously conduct that endangers our communities - whether to people or to property,” said D.A. Bragg.
https://patch.com/new-york/upper-east-side-nyc/amp/33615815/7-arsons-committed-on-the-ues-and-uws-prosecutor-says
Standing Up for All New Yorkers We were proud to stand with Governor Kathy Hochul as she introduced new legislation that would protect all New Yorkers by ensuring local law enforcement can focus on local crime. “Prosecutors can’t do our jobs if victims and witnesses - our neighbors - are fearful of coming forward,” said D.A. Bragg.
Honoring Martin Luther King Day On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, D.A. Bragg participated in a live reading of The Drum Major Instinct, a sermon by Dr. King, in an event at the Brooklyn Academy of Music with Theater of War.
D.A. Bragg was also honored to speak at the Martin Luther King Day celebration held by the Union Baptist Church!
Prosecuting Crimes Against Older Adults Jerona Smith, a home health aide, was sentenced to 1-to-3 years of incarceration for stealing $24,000 from older adults in her care. “Older New Yorkers trusted Jerona Smith to deliver quality care as a home health aide. Instead, she used her access to steal their hard-earned money,” said D.A. Bragg.
Connecting With Our Community D.A. Bragg joined the Times Square Alliance’s Friends of Times Square Annual Breakfast to recognize our longstanding community partnerships that are critical to improving public safety.
In honor of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we joined NYU’s Marron Institute to host a panel discussion about how we can work together to support survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
D.A. Bragg joined the National Black Students Organization for a virtual fireside chat where he discussed his career journey in public service and encouraged students to pursue service-oriented careers!
Did You Know? Our office has a Police Accountability Unit that is tasked exclusively with investigating and prosecuting law enforcement officers who engage in criminal conduct while on duty.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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