Protecting New York’s Tenants “The scarcity of housing has created a breeding ground for fraud where scammers are taking advantage of New Yorkers’ desire for stable and affordable housing,” said D.A. Bragg. Learn more about how our office is holding bad landlords accountable in the New York Times.
We worked with New York State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblyman Micah Lasher to introduce legislation this session that would add new criminal penalties for landlords who are charged with harassing tenants in multiple buildings or who have been convicted of harassment before.
Our office’s Housing and Tenant Protection Unit was created in 2022 to root out criminal conduct by landlords and developers. The unit has charged 10 cases with 33 defendants — 18 individuals and 15 corporations.
Our office’s Housing and Tenant Protection Unit was created in 2022 to root out criminal conduct by landlords and developers. The unit has charged 10 cases with 33 defendants — 18 individuals and 15 corporations.
Prosecuting Intimate Partner Violence We announced the sentencing of Clarkson Wilson to 25 years-to-life in prison for fatally shooting Imani Armstrong, his ex-partner, as she walked from her job on East 14th Street. “Imani Armstrong was leaving her job one morning, not knowing that her life would be cut short by an ex-partner with a gun. Clarkson Wilson is facing significant prison time for his calculated, callous, and deadly conduct,” said D.A. Bragg
Aljo Mrkulic was sentenced to 39 years-to-life in state prison for murdering 30-year-old Christopher Rodriguez, his intimate partner, setting fire to his apartment, and assaulting three police officers. “In the aftermath of the murder, Mrkulic escalated violence by igniting a fire that endangered countless residents and viciously attacking police officers, who continue to suffer from their significant injuries,” said D.A. Bragg. “My thoughts remain with Mr. Rodriguez’s family and the brave NYPD officers, and I hope they feel justice knowing the defendant has been held accountable.”
Combatting Hate Crimes Skiboky Stora was convicted at trial for assaulting, stalking and harassing strangers in a series of anti-female, anti-white, and antisemitic incidents. “The victims were met with both violence and harassment simply because of who they are. Hate crimes strike at the core of our city’s values and sense of safety, and I thank the hardworking prosecutors of our Hate Crimes Unit for presenting a rigorous case and securing this conviction,” said D.A. Bragg.
Hearing from our Partners We welcomed New York State Chief Judge Rowan Wilson for a discussion where he reflected on his tenure as Chief Judge, the importance of expanding our problem-solving courts, and more.
Seeking Accountability for Sex Trafficking We announced the sentencing of Matthew Halstead to 12 years in state prison for sexually assaulting and trafficking a 16-year-old boy for approximately five months. “Sex trafficking evolves with technology, and traffickers increasingly rely on social media and anonymous messaging applications,” said D.A. Bragg. “Matthew Halstead trafficked this child with the help of those tools, and further used them to share images of the child’s assault and attempt to recruit more children.
D.A. Bragg joined the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a panel discussing the realities of human trafficking in New York City and ways to raise awareness of this serious public safety issue.
D.A. Bragg joined the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a panel discussing the realities of human trafficking in New York City and ways to raise awareness of this serious public safety issue.
D.A. Bragg joined the North Manhattan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for a panel discussing the realities of human trafficking in New York City and ways to raise awareness of this serious public safety issue.
Prosecuting Violent Crime We announced the indictment of two men for allegedly murdering 35-year-old Santiago Ajsac Sirin in Kips Bay. “Santiago Ajsac Sirin was a hardworking delivery man in Manhattan before these defendants cut his life short by brutally attacking him. My heart goes out to Mr. Ajsac’s loved ones who are mourning his loss,” said D.A.Bragg.
Holding the System Accountable We announced the indictment of two NYPD officers for allegedly covering up a drunk driving crash involving an off-duty officer and manipulating evidence. “This type of conduct significantly harms the public trust in law enforcement. Everyone must be treated the same under the law, regardless of their position or background,” said D.A. Bragg.
Engaging with Young New Yorkers We had over 25 young New Yorkers join us for our annual resume workshop! They worked one-on-one with volunteers from our office to create or refine their resumes.
Honoring Black History Month In honor of Black History Month, members of our office toured the Studio Museum in Harlem recognizing its founding mission to champion and celebrate Black art and culture.
D.A. Bragg was honored to be recognized at John Jay College of Criminal Justice's 36th annual Malcom/King Breakfast. It was great to see everyone get together to celebrate and to hear from the amazing student honorees!
We joined Assemblymember Grace Lee, Councilmember Harvey Epstein, and Lower East Side community leaders to celebrate Black History Month!
D.A. Bragg joined CBS New York to celebrate the legacy of Eunice Hunton Carter, New York's first Black female prosecutor, who "opened the door to that work not just for Black women but for all Assistant District Attorneys."
Zeroing in on Vehicular Violence Angel Melendez was sentenced to 4 ½ - 13 ½ years in prison for a fatal car crash in East Harlem. “This sentencing is a tragic reminder of how reckless driving can end lives and destroy families,” said D.A. Bragg. “Mr. Reid was beloved by his family and friends, and my thoughts are with them as they continue to mourn his loss.”
Celebrating Lunar New Year Members of our Office celebrated the Year of the Horse as they marched through Chinatown at the annual New York City Lunar New Year Festival!
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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