Zeroing In On Fencing Operations Along with Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Business Integrity Commission Asim Rehman, and the NYPD, we announced the indictment of eight individuals for conspiring to impersonate shipping carriers in a wide-ranging retail theft ring throughout the northeast. “Furthermore, the intersection of sophisticated online hacking and large-scale theft is deeply concerning and will only grow more prevalent, and we are using every tool available to stay ahead of this emerging trend,” said D.A.
kicking off gun violence awareness month D.A. Bragg joined Pat Kiernan on NY1 to kick off Gun Violence Awareness Month by discussing our work driving down gun violence through targeted prosecutions and investing in youth gun violence programs.
For the fifth consecutive summer, our office awarded a total of $300,000 to ten community-based organizations giving them the ability to compensate young New Yorkers engaging in meaningful programs intended to address the root causes of youth gun violence. “I am proud of the young New Yorkers who are taking steps towards personal and professional growth and cultivating positive relationships within their communities. In Manhattan, shootings are down 60% from when I first took office due in part to collaboration with the community-based organizations dedicated to engaging with our youth,” said D.A. Bragg.
Driving down gun violence remains our top priority and in Manhattan shootings are down 62% and murders are down 66% so far this year compared to 2021 - the year before D.A. Bragg took office.
Driving down gun violence remains our top priority and in Manhattan shootings are down 62% and murders are down 66% so far this year compared to 2021 - the year before D.A. Bragg took office.
Driving down gun violence remains our top priority and in Manhattan shootings are down 62% and murders are down 66% so far this year compared to 2021 - the year before D.A. Bragg took office.
New York is now the first state that will require 3D-printers to block the printing of illegal firearms, marking a major step forward for public safety! We thank Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership on this issue that will protect New Yorkers and allow our office to stay ahead of the curve on this widening issue.
Join us on Saturday June 13 for a gun buyback with the NYPD at the Central Baptist Church on the Upper West Side. Anonymously turn in firearms in exchange for cash – no questions asked.
Achieving Justice in Homicide Cases We announced the sentencing of Randy Santos to 40 years-to-life in prison for the murder of four unhoused men in Chinatown and the attempted murder of two others. “Unhoused individuals deserve the same level of safety as anyone else, and I hope the resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the work that remains in protecting and supporting our most vulnerable residents,” said D.A. Bragg.
Alejandro Piedra was sentenced to 18 years-to-life in state prison for a triple stabbing in the East Village. “This horrific violence unfolded on busy East Village streets, leaving a family in mourning and significantly harming the two survivors. We hope this outcome brings a measure of justice to the survivors, who continue to navigate the reeling effects of the attack,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the murder conviction of Isaac Argro for fatally shooting 20-year-old Azsia Johnson as she walked with their 3-month-old child on the Upper East Side. “Over multiple weeks, a jury heard the overwhelming evidence of Isaac Argro’s horrific crime and found him guilty of murder within two hours of deliberations,” said D.A. Bragg.
Prosecuting Hate Crimes We announced the indictment of a man for allegedly assaulting a 27-year-old person in an anti-gay attack 125th Street subway station in West Harlem. “Our Hate Crimes Unit is committed to protecting the safety and dignity of Manhattanites by holding accountable those responsible for these harmful acts, and I urge anyone who has been a victim or witness to a hate crime to report by calling 212-335-3100,” said D.A. Bragg.
Securing Accountability for Sexual Violence Agustin Diaz was sentenced to 15 years in state prison for sexually assaulting four women – all Spanish-speaking, recent immigrants – by falsely offering them employment opportunities to lure them to secluded places. “Again and again, he repeated this pattern, zeroing in on survivors who were new to the United States and thought he could provide them with gainful employment. I thank the survivors for their bravery, including speaking at sentencing, and urge anyone else who has been sexually assaulted to contact our office at 212-335-9793,” said D.A. Bragg.
Combatting Transit Crime Jason Sargeant was sentenced to 8 years in state prison for attacking a man without provocation in the Grand Central Subway Station. “No New Yorker should fear for their safety while using New York’s subways. I hope today’s prison sentence can give the victims a sense of closure as they continue to heal,” said D.A. Bragg.
Standing Up for Manhattan Tenants We announced the indictment of 18 individuals and three companies for allegedly conspiring to steal the deed to a residential brownstone on West 131st Street. “We will prosecute those looking to take advantage of homeowners for personal gain and do not stop investigating until we know the full scope of fraud. Deed theft is one of the key areas of focus for our Housing and Tenant Protection Unit – if you may be a victim, please contact our Housing and Tenant Protection Unit at 212-335-3300 or email Danyhousing@dany.nyc.gov,” said D.A. Bragg.
We now have another tool to protect tenants and hold bad landlords accountable. A newly enacted law will allow us to penalize repeated, recidivist harassment. Thank you to Governor Hochul, State Senator Brian Kavanagh and Assemblymember Micah Lasher for your leadership on this issue.
Prosecuting Violent Crime We announced the indictment of Jayden Sanchez for allegedly murdering Leonides Baez and stabbing two other individuals in separate incidents in Midtown. “This alleged conduct is abhorrent. My thoughts are with Mr. Baez’s loved ones who are mourning his tragic loss,” said D.A. Bragg.
Working Towards a More Affordable New York D.A. Bragg joined Councilmember Harvey Epstein and Lorelei Salas, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, for Borrower Justice's Affordability into Action Panel to highlight the work of our Worker and Tenant Protection Units, and how a more affordable New York can improve public safety!
Working Towards a More Affordable New York D.A. Bragg joined Councilmember Harvey Epstein and Lorelei Salas, Senior Fellow at The Century Foundation, for Borrower Justice's Affordability into Action Panel to highlight the work of our Worker and Tenant Protection Units, and how a more affordable New York can improve public safety!
Hard-working New Yorkers deserve to be fairly compensated for their labor! We thank Governor Hochul and the New York State Assembly and Senate for providing additional support for district attorneys in the state budget to take on new criminal wage theft investigations.
Cracking Down on Financial Crimes We announced the indictment of two men for allegedly selling drugs on the dark web in exchange for cryptocurrency. “Michael Chase and Jose Colon allegedly used the dark web to sell dangerous drugs in exchange for cryptocurrency, before moving the funds into fictitious business accounts. They allegedly shipped drugs to all fifty states, jeopardizing the health and safety of individuals across the country,” said D.A. Bragg.
Kevin Juin was indicted for allegedly stealing more than $2 million in loans purportedly meant to acquire a lingerie company. “Business dealings must be handled with integrity in the finance capital of the world. As alleged, Kevin Juin solicited more than $2 million in purported loans to invest in a lingerie company, while funneling the money to personal accounts to fund a luxurious lifestyle,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictments of three current and former employees of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for allegedly stealing more than $222,000 in wages by falsifying time sheets. “New York City employees must accurately document their time – they owe it to their coworkers, and to their fellow taxpayers. We will continue to work with the Department of Investigation to ensure honest timekeeping and protect the City’s coffers,” said D.A. Bragg.
Charlene Budreau was indicted for allegedly stealing $187,913 in pension death benefits intended for her stepdaughter by filing falsified paperwork. “A conductor for New York City Transit saved over the course of his career, intending for his daughter to inherit his hard-earned pension,” said D.A. Bragg.
Honoring APIDA Heritage Month We welcomed Sandra Leung for a discussion to close out APIDA Heritage Month. She shared her career journey and how she broke barriers as the first Asian American woman to serve as an Assistant DA in our office!
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month For Mental Health Awareness Month, we heard from Sara Feit Gordon, Executive Director of Counselors for our Survivor Services Bureau, about supporting survivors and witnesses of crime through free, high-quality mental health services.
Recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month For Mental Health Awareness Month, we heard from Sara Feit Gordon, Executive Director of Counselors for our Survivor Services Bureau, about supporting survivors and witnesses of crime through free, high-quality mental health services.
Watch our Neighborhood Navigators, operated by The Bridge, discuss how they support individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges by connecting them to longer-term services and resources.
Watch our Neighborhood Navigators, operated by The Bridge, discuss how they support individuals who may be experiencing mental health challenges by connecting them to longer-term services and resources.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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