Standing up for Workers: We announced the indictment of Grimaldi’s Pizzeria owner Anthony Piscina and Manhattan manager Frank Santora for stealing more than $20,000 in wages from at least seven employees at Grimaldi’s Flatiron location. “Again and again, we allege, the owner and manager of Grimaldi’s lied to their workers, underpaid them, and exploited them, ultimately taking more than $20,000 of their hard-earned wages,” said D.A. Bragg.
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Congratulations to Rachana Pathak, Chief of our Worker Protection Unit, on being recognized as one of City & State’s Trailblazers in Law! She fights for hard-working New Yorkers and holds companies and executives who abuse their power accountable.
Demanding Accountability for Hate Crimes We announced the hate crime trial conviction of Gino Sozio for slashing a 22-year-old Muslim-American, while he was out with friends, in an anti-Muslim attack in Midtown on New Years Eve in 2022. “Instead of walking away from a dispute, Sozio went on an appalling racist and anti-Muslim tirade and took out a knife, seriously injuring the victim who is still in pain to this day,” said D.A. Bragg.
In Manhattan, major crime is down so far this year in almost every category, including transit.
Protecting Manhattan Tenants A former property manager for multiple Harlem rent-subsidized apartment buildings was indicted for allegedly stealing $56,000 in rent payments from 60 tenants, including veterans, and elderly and disabled New Yorkers. “Shatina Howell allegedly took advantage of tenants in the buildings she managed by breaking their trust and pocketing the money that was intended for rent,” said D.A. Bragg.
Prosecuting Violent Crimes Christian Torres was indicted for allegedly attempting to rob a 91-year-old man and shoving him to the ground on the Upper East Side. “Christian Torres allegedly assaulted and attempted to rob a 91-year-old New Yorker who was walking home with his groceries last month,” said D.A. Bragg.
A man was indicted for allegedly pouring scalding hot liquid on four separate people within two hours in Midtown. “Larry Martin allegedly committed violent attacks against four randomly selected individuals walking in Midtown within the span of less than two hours,” said D.A. Bragg.
We’re highlighted phishing scams that are increasingly targeting older New Yorkers. Scammers launch thousands of phishing attacks every day, and they are often successful. Protect yourself and your loved ones by remembering these tips from our Elder Abuse Unit.
Stemming the Flood of Ghost Guns Cory Davis was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison for manufacturing and possessing ghost guns in his Upper East Side apartment. “When someone chooses to build their own firearms, they jeopardize public safety and put their communities at risk,” said D.A. Bragg.
Supporting Victims of Crime Our newly expanded Survivor Services Bureau helps victims of violent crime heal, while helping hold those who commit crimes accountable by supporting victims throughout the court process.
Expanding the Hate Crimes Statute Thank you to Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and a coalition of organizations for their unwavering support for the passage of the Hate Crimes Modernization Act - a commonsense piece of legislation that would close loopholes in the current law.
Engaging with Future Prosecutors We joined the Brooklyn Law student organization Brooklyn Advocates for Justice Reform as Assistant DA Wayne McKenzie sat on a panel discussing alternatives to incarceration.
Assistant DAs Adam Younger and Taylor Dickinson (NYLS’22) attended New York Law School’s annual LeGAL LGBTQ Law Student Career Fair, as they met students who are interested in becoming prosecutors.
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