Cracking Down on Fraud D.A. Bragg and DOI Commissioner Shihata announced the indictment of eight individuals for conspiring to steal more than $7 million from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, impacting thousands of victims’ benefits. “SNAP and EBT fraud harms New Yorkers in need of assistance and the New Yorkers whose tax dollars fund these essential programs. As alleged, this conspiracy created fraudulent merchant processing accounts for fraudulent delis and paid themselves by repeatedly swiping stolen EBT cards at point-of-sale systems associated with those accounts,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of a man for allegedly running a phony investment scheme and stealing $343,200 from three New Yorkers. “We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when making investments, and to only do so through trusted institutions and licensed brokers. If you are a victim of an investment scam, please call us at 212-335-8900. If you are an older New Yorker who has been scammed, you can also call 212-335-9007,” said D.A. Bragg.
ICYMI: A woman was indicted for defrauding immigrant New Yorkers by posing as a federal agent. “As alleged, Edith Capellan donned a cloak of legitimacy by impersonating federal agents. She allegedly took advantage of immigrants in need of legal assistance obtaining work permits, permanent residency, and United States citizenship,” said D.A. Bragg.
https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-woman-indicted-for-defrauding-immigrant-new-yorkers-by-posing-as-federal-agent/
Roberto Guererro was sentenced to 5 years in state prison for possessing ghost guns, ghost gun parts and 3D-printed assault weapons inside his apartment in Harlem. “Whether ghost guns or traditional firearms, we will hold accountable those who stockpile, manufacture or unlawfully possess these weapons to keep Manhattanites safe,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the sentencing of Justin Torres to 20 years in state prison for the gunpoint, home-invasion robbery of a 56-year-old woman and her 5-year-old grandson in their Harlem apartment. “The impact of this crime goes beyond the items that were stolen. This horrific act of gun violence took place at the victims’ home, undermining their sense of security where they deserved to feel safest,” said D.A. Bragg.
Reflecting on Domestic Violence Awareness Month We recently announced investments and expansions of initiatives to combat domestic and intimate-partner violence in Upper Manhattan. Watch below to learn more about these investments that strengthen cases and support survivors before arrests are made!
Our Office remains committed to centering survivors and ensuring their voices are heard. Hear from Cherelle, a member of our Survivor Network, as she shares her story.
Members of our office joined the Alliance Against Sexual Violence and The Joyful Heart Foundation for a conversation about drug-facilitated sexual assault.
Members of our office joined the Alliance Against Sexual Violence and The Joyful Heart Foundation for a conversation about drug-facilitated sexual assault.
D.A. Bragg joined the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s annual Domestic Violence Awareness Month event to show support for survivors and connect community members with resources!
D.A. Bragg and other members of our office marched together at the 10th Annual Shine the Light March in Washington Heights. It was great to see so many people come together to take a stand against domestic violence.
Seeking Justice for Murder Victims Javed Tyghter was indicted for allegedly stabbing and killing 33-year-old Nicholas Ahmad, a fellow resident of a Washington Heights men’s homeless shelter. ““Everyone deserves to feel safe where they live, and violence like this compounds the hardships faced by an already vulnerable community. My thoughts remain with the family members and loved ones of Mr. Ahmad as we seek accountability,” said D.A. Bragg.
We announced the indictment of Imani McColley for allegedly murdering and robbing 60-year-old Lawrence Parente outside a store in Chelsea. “As alleged, Imani McColley violently assaulted Mr. Parente, senselessly ending the life of a beloved New Yorker. These allegations are deeply disturbing, and this indictment marks an important step toward holding the defendant accountable and securing justice for Mr. Parente’s loved ones, who are still grappling with his devastating death,” said D.A. Bragg.
Advancing Public Safety Through Community Interventions D.A. Bragg joined Fordham Law to discuss how our Pathways to Public Safety Division advances public safety through our courts and community interventions.
Our Neighborhood Navigators are building relationships with unhoused New Yorkers to connect them to resources. Learn more about the impact of this street outreach program.
Prosecuting Sex Trafficking Christopher Witherspoon was convicted at trial for operating a violent prostitution operation which included trafficking one woman and violently sexually assaulting a second. “Witherspoon exercised complete control, including by sexually assaulting, beating, and threatening the women. Now, he has been held accountable. I thank the Court for its careful consideration of the evidence, and the survivors who bravely took the stand,” said D.A. Bragg.
Engaging With Future Prosecutors D.A. Bragg joined Dean Fairfax at Howard Law School for a fireside chat to share insights from his career in public service with students! He also spoke on Howard Law’s 23rd Annual Wiley A. Branton Symposium Panel to discuss emerging legal strategies at both Howard & Harvard Law that allow lawyers to pursue justice and accountability.
D.A. Bragg sat down with our semester interns to discuss their experiences working in the office.
Combatting Hate Crimes We joined Manhattan Community Board 7 to discuss our office’s work combatting hate crimes and collaborating with our partners to improve public safety.
Collaborating With Our Partners Members of our office, including prosecutors from our Pathways to Public Safety Division, joined a convening of government, law enforcement, and service providers held by Institute for Innovation in Prosecution.
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Manhattan DA Newsletter
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