Investing in Mental Health Connecting New Yorkers to permanent housing requires "coordination, communication, and accountability." Read Times Square Alliance President Tom Harris and Garment District Alliance President Barabar Blair’s op-ed in the New York Daily News highlighting our Neighborhood Navigator program.
Operated by The Bridge, the Neighborhood Navigators initiative is a trauma-informed, recovery-oriented model that employs peer navigators with shared experiences who conduct outreach, build trust, and connect individuals with services. As of January 2026, the Neighborhood Navigators have engaged with 3,494 individuals, created ongoing client relationships with 87 individuals, and provided over 1,900 individuals with resources and referrals since the initiatives launch in February 2024.
Prosecuting Transit Crime We announced the all-count trial conviction of Kamal Semrade for pushing a woman into a departing train at the Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street station, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down. “A jury of his peers convicted him of forcefully shoving an unsuspecting commuter from behind – a subway rider’s worst nightmare. I thank the survivor for bravely recounting her story at trial, and our skilled prosecutors for presenting a compelling case to secure this conviction,” said D.A. Bragg.
Securing Accountability for Gun Violence We announced the all-count trial conviction of Camby Wilson for fatally shooting 25-year-old Shaquell Gainey at a liquor store in East Harlem. “This vicious and senseless act of violence tragically took Mr. Gainey’s young life and has caused immeasurable pain for his family. I am deeply grateful to the jurors for their thoughtful deliberation, and to our prosecutors for their relentless pursuit of justice that has held this defendant accountable,” said D.A. Bragg.
Marquius Chapelle was sentenced to 25 years-to-life in state prison for fatally shooting his roommate, Ousmane Ag. “Ousmane Ag’s life tragically ended in the foyer of the home he shared with the very man who murdered him,” said D.A. Bragg.
Standing up for Manhattan Tenants “I view our work as trying to uphold the tradition of this office, to remain active and, most importantly, vindicate the rights of people,” said D.A. Bragg. Read the interview in Crains for more on our office’s housing and tenant protection work.
We announced the guilty pleas of real estate developers for defrauding New York State’s 421-a tax exemption program meant to promote affordable housing. The developers collectively obtained more than $1.6 million in illegal property tax benefits. “Access to affordable housing in Manhattan is scarce. These defendants scammed the system to illegally increase the prices of affordable apartments that were meant for income-qualified tenants,” said D.A. Bragg.
Driving Down Crime In Manhattan, we are proud of the downward trend of serious crime. Along with our partners at the NYPD, we are continuing our efforts to drive down gun violence and keep our borough safe.
We will continue to prosecute crimes motivated by hate, and remain committed to providing culturally responsive resources to victims and the communities experiencing these biased attacks.
We will continue to prosecute crimes motivated by hate, and remain committed to providing culturally responsive resources to victims and the communities experiencing these biased attacks.
We are taking a multi-faceted approach to retail theft in Manhattan, including traditional enforcement, partnership with the private sector, and legislative efforts to bolster prosecutions of shoplifters.
We are taking a multi-faceted approach to retail theft in Manhattan, including traditional enforcement, partnership with the private sector, and legislative efforts to bolster prosecutions of shoplifters.
Recognizing National Social Work Month The dedicated members of our Survivor Services Bureau play a key role in improving public safety by supporting crime survivors, witnesses, and more. In honor of National Social Work Month, we're celebrating this team for all they do for New Yorkers.
Cracking Down on Violent Crime Luis Gil was sentenced to 18 years-to-life in state prison for fatally stabbing 33-year-old Hugo Morales in an unprovoked attack on Pier 84. “While nothing can bring Mr. Morales back, I hope this guilty plea and lengthy prison sentence can serve as a measure of comfort and closure to his loved ones who continue to mourn his loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
Tackling Wage Theft We announced the guilty pleas of High Volt Electric Corp. and its president for a two-year scheme to steal at least $325,000 from its workers’ wages and defraud the School Construction Authority while working as a subcontractor. “Young New Yorkers deserve safe, modern spaces to learn, and defrauding the School Construction Authority jeopardizes its ability to provide those spaces for the 1.1 million children in our city’s public schools,” said D.A. Bragg.
Our Worker Protection Unit stands up for hard-working New Yorkers by holding accountable companies that line their pockets at the expense of their employees.
Our Worker Protection Unit stands up for hard-working New Yorkers by holding accountable companies that line their pockets at the expense of their employees.
Working with our Community Partners D.A. Bragg celebrated the inauguration of Brad Hoylman as our new Manhattan Borough President! We look forward to continuing to serve our Manhattan communities through our ongoing partnership.
D.A. Bragg and members of our office visited the LGBT Community Center to discuss the importance of collaboration, and we look forward to continuing our partnership.
Connecting with Future Public Servants D.A. Bragg joined the Harvard Black Law Students Association’s Annual Spring Conference for a fireside chat where he discussed his public service career journey, the work of our office, and his approach to prosecution.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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