About Gary

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Flatbush Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder for Throwing Incendiary Device into Bedford-Stuyvesant Deli 

Defendant Stabbed Deli Worker in Hand after Running from Scene, Being Chased

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Flatbush man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Bedford-Stuyvesant deli, attempting to throw a second Molotov cocktail and stabbing a deli worker who chased the defendant as he fled the scene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant threw an incendiary device into a deli, leading to an explosion which endangered the lives of two workers. Thankfully, no one was killed or seriously injured. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Joel Mangal, 40, of Brooklyn, New York. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 14 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on June 11, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 30, 2021, at approximately 6:40 a.m., the defendant threatened to kill two employees at a deli located at 496 Nostrand Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant and threatened to burn the building down. He then picked up an apple from the store and threw it in the direction of one employee, breaking a television screen.

Furthermore, at approximately 7:50 a.m., on October 30, 2021, the defendant stood outside of the deli and threw a Molotov cocktail inside the deli, which exploded into a fireball on impact and engulfed the deli counter and caused portions of the cashier counter to go up in flames, forcing two employees to jump through the flames to get to safety. One victim’s foot and arm caught fire.

Shortly thereafter, the defendant attempted to throw a second Molotov cocktail into the store, but a passerby knocked it out of his hand. The defendant immediately fled the location, heading for the Nostrand Avenue A/C subway station. The workers chased the defendant into the subway and one of them was stabbed in the hand by the defendant. The worker found a police officer and pointed out the defendant on the subway platform, and he was arrested.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 19, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD 

To Offer $500 for Guns at Crown Heights Buyback

Buyback to be Held at Beulah Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, July 20

No ID Required, No Questions Asked

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Beulah Church of the Nazarene, located at 1250 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn. Those who turn in operable guns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card.

Media availability will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. (members of the press are asked not to arrive before 3:30 p.m.).

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We have made incredible progress reducing gun violence in Brooklyn, and we know that every gun that comes off of our streets can mean a life saved. Saturday’s Gun Buyback is an important component of our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, and a great opportunity to pick up some extra cash this summer. I encourage anyone with any unwanted gun to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Commissioner Caban said, “As we make significant progress in combating gun violence in New York City, the issue remains among our most urgent public safety priorities. This gun buyback event will help New Yorkers advance the accomplishments we have already achieved this year: shooting incidents reduced by 10 percent citywide compared to last year and by more than 33 percent compared to 2022. The NYPD is proud to partner with the office of the Brooklyn district attorney and Beulah Church of the Nazarene to save additional lives and keep New York City the safest big city in the nation.”

Rev. Dr. Wenton Fyne, Pastor of Beulah Church of the Nazarene, said, “It is our delight to host this Gun buyback event at Beulah Church. All of us have a desire to keep our community safe. We know that gun violence is not the solution to deal with conflicts and solve problems. So if you or anyone you know has a gun, we encourage you to turn it in at the safest place in the community- the church. The scripture encourages us to live in peace with each other.”

The District Attorney said that his office will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in, with a limit of three per person. There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns with a maximum of two per person. No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked. Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. Two ghost gun limit per participant and three guns total per participant.

The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

The DA’s Office hosts periodic Gun Buybacks throughout the year and in different Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Beulah Church of the Nazarene is located at 1250 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213. (Entrance by Troy Avenue).

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Point-Blank Shooting at Victim Following a Dispute

Victim was Able to Dodge the Bullet and Escape from the Defendant

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for pulling out a gun following a dispute and firing at a man’s head at point-blank range. The victim managed to dodge the bullet. Following a struggle with the defendant, he managed to escape to safety by running into a store.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is shocking that this defendant tried to execute a stranger in broad daylight following a minor dispute. The victim miraculously managed to dodge a bullet. We cannot tolerate gun violence in Brooklyn and today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jamal Batts, 34, of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk to 20 years in prison. The defendant was convicted on May 4, 2023, following a jury trial, of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on November 3, 2021, at approximately 12:10 p.m., in front of 222 Hoyt Street, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, the victim, a 53-year-old man, got into a dispute with the defendant, a stranger. The argument started when the defendant’s dog defecated on the sidewalk where the victim was cleaning, and when the victim complained, the defendant used a derogatory racial slur.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant threatened to kill the victim and immediately pointed a gun at the victim’s head at point blank range and fired a shot at the victim. The victim dodged the shot and struggled with the defendant. The defendant then racked the gun and chased after the victim, pointing the gun at him. The victim ran into a store and was able to escape from the defendant, who then walked across Hoyt Street into the Gowanus Houses and entered 414 Baltic Street.

Video surveillance from the store at 222 Hoyt Street and New York City Housing Authority videos at 414 Baltic Street and 215 Hoyt Street captured the entire incident and the defendant’s path in the aftermath. He was subsequently arrested.

The District Attorney thanked Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Lexie Giardina for her assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Steven Bravo and Han Zhang of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 15, 2024

Florida Man Indicted for Stealing Approximately $93,000 from

Six Victims While Posing as a Lawyer

Allegedly Forged a Victim’s Signature on Court Filings and Retainer Agreement

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo today announced that a Florida man has been charged with stealing tens of thousands of dollars from six Russian-speaking victims in Brooklyn while posing as an attorney. The defendant was never registered to practice law.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As alleged, this defendant deceitfully portrayed himself as a practicing attorney to exploit the trust of New Yorkers in need of legal services. Instead of helping them, the defendant allegedly took advantage of them and lined his own pockets at their expense. We will now seek to hold him accountable for his alleged criminal actions.”

Special Agent in Charge Arvelo said “David Manasher is accused of stealing over $90,000 from his victims, including those who sought to lawfully obtain their immigration benefits. He allegedly exploited his customers and our nation’s immigration system for his own financial gain. HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is committed to identifying and investigating such crimes to ensure New Yorkers can feel as secure as possible, even – and especially – when they’re vulnerable. We are proud to work with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in ensuring the public’s safety and overall wellbeing remain a priority.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Manasher, 44, of Margate, Florida, who also resided at times in New York and New Jersey. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk on a 20-count indictment in which he is charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny; first-degree immigrant assistant services fraud; second-degree forgery; first-degree offering a false instrument for filing; practicing law or appearing as attorney-at-law without being admitted and registered to practice; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 21, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2020, and March 15, 2024, the defendant defrauded six people out of approximately $93,000 while posing as a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant, immigration, and contract law. The defendant stole amounts ranging from approximately $2,000 to approximately $65,000. All six victims are Russian-speaking and either resided or worked in Brooklyn. They retained the defendant through various referrals and paid him in the belief that he was a licensed attorney. In one matter, the defendant forged a victim’s signature on both a court filing and a retainer agreement.

One of the victims reported the defendant to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, which launched an investigation.

People who believe that they have been victimized by this defendant are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Action Center at 718-250-2340 or send an email to ManasherComplaints@brooklynda.org.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators and Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division for their assistance on the case.

Additionally, the District Attorney thanked HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sergey Marts, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of Investigations, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of Investigations.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Fugitive Sheepshead Bay Lawyer Indicted for
Embezzling Over $250,000 from Eight Clients

Defendant Allegedly Stole Settlement Money Before Fleeing the United States

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a personal injury attorney has been charged with embezzling approximately $253,000 from eight of his clients. The defendant fled the United States before being disbarred in 2019.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of his clients and violated his oath as an attorney by pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. Criminal conduct in the legal profession will not be tolerated, and my Office is determined to hold this defendant to account for his alleged thefts.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Alan Ross, 66, whose law office was located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a 10-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree criminal possession of stolen property; second-degree grand larceny; seven counts of third-degree grand larceny; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released under supervision and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from December 2015 to May 2019, the defendant, who handled personal injury cases, allegedly embezzled approximately $253,000 in settlement funds from eight of his clients. The thefts ranged in size from approximately $10,000 to $83,000. As part of the scheme, the defendant allegedly transferred settlement funds from his clients’ escrow accounts to his law firm’s operating account as well as his personal account. It is alleged the defendant spent over $52,000 of the stolen funds on a vacation to Aruba and another $3,000 on laser micro-surgery.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant abandoned his practice, leaving numerous files in his law office before fleeing the country to Israel. He was disbarred in February 2019.

The defendant was arrested at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last month and waived extradition to New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Frank Ungerer of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, and Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center Charged for Allegedly Stealing Almost $1.5 Million

Defendant Allegedly Used Business Credit Card for Purchases Ranging from a High-End Pet Resort to Personal Travel, Catering Expenses, College Tuition and Cash Advances

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, today announced that an emergency medicine doctor has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing approximately $1.448 million by using a business credit card for personal purchases and cash advances.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As a high-ranking doctor at this vital healthcare institution this defendant was entrusted with access to significant funds, which he allegedly exploited, stealing more than one million dollars to pay for a lavish lifestyle. The scope of the alleged thefts is shocking, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone who rips off the taxpayers. I am grateful to the Inspector General’s Office for its partnership on this case.”

Inspector General Lang said, “New Yorkers deserve doctors who uphold their oath with the utmost integrity. The spending spree on the State’s dime alleged here is an insult to hardworking taxpayers and the medical profession. My office will continue to rigorously investigate any public servant who violates the public trust by abusing their position of authority. I am grateful to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their diligence in doing the same.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dr. Michael Lucchesi, 66, of Staten Island. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a nine-count indictment in which he is charged with first- and second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and third-degree criminal tax fraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2016 and January 31, 2023, the defendant, a medical doctor, who was the Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and at various points was the acting head of Downstate Hospital and the medical school, and was the Chief Medical Officer, made personal purchases using a credit card meant to be used for business purposes only by members of the clinical practice, University Physicians of Brooklyn, of SUNY Downstate.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant’s spending totaled approximately $1.448 million and included cash advances of approximately $115,000; pet care totaling $176,000 (including $120,000 paid to The Greenleaf Pet Resort & Hotel in New Jersey); $348,000 spent on personal travel; $109,000 in payments to the New York Sports Club for membership and personal training; $52,000 in catering expenses; $46,000 in tuition payments for his children; and assorted payments for online shopping, flowers, liquor, electronics and other items.

The alleged thefts were discovered by SUNY during an audit.

The District Attorney thanked Investigative Counsel Thomas Collery, Senior Investigative Auditor Angelus Okeke, Investigative Auditor Victoria Oliva, and Senior Investigator Jimmy Gibson, under the supervision of Chief of Investigations for the Downstate Regional Offices Ben Defibaugh, Deputy Inspector General for the New York City Regional Office Ken Michaels, and Chief Deputy Inspector General Michele Bayer of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General for their work on the case.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Chief Financial Investigator Ludwig Sanchez for his assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Choi and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, both Special Counsel to the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Queens Man Sentenced to 3 to 9 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Crashing into Vehicle, Killing Driver in Crown Heights

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in May

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter for speeding and running a series of red lights, ultimately crashing into another vehicle, and killing a man.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless decision to speed and disobey traffic lights cost an innocent man his life and endangered many others. He has now been held accountable for his criminal conduct. I remain committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Elijah Lucaine, 25, of Cambria Heights, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones to 3 to 9 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on May 15, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 13, 2023, at approximately 4:35 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2015 white Infiniti when he was observed by police going through multiple red lights, traveling at a high rate of speed, and swerving in and out of oncoming traffic.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., at the southwest corner of Crown Street and Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the defendant drove through a red light at approximately 70-m.p.h., in a 25-m.p.h. zone, and t-boned a black Acura belonging to David Ellis, 56, who was in the driver’s seat. The victim was trapped in his car and the Emergency Services Unit ultimately had to cut off the door. The driver was taken to Kings County Hospital with a leg fracture, rib fractures, and a lung contusion. He died five days later because of blunt force trauma from the crash.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Danyelle Shapiro, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Chief of the Green Zone Trial Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 28, 2024

Fugitive Indicted for Murder of 15-Year-Old in Bensonhurst
Extradited from Panama to Face Prosecution

Defendant Allegedly Shot the Victim in Broad Daylight After Dispute Among Teens

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a fugitive who fled to Panama after allegedly shooting a teenager in Bensonhurst last summer has been returned to Brooklyn to faces charges in the boy’s death.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant was returned to Brooklyn from Panama and will now be brought to justice for allegedly killing Faridun Mavlonov, who was just 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. Hopefully this prosecution will bring some solace to Faridun’s heartbroken family and friends.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Leopoldo Nash Montoya, 18, formerly of Brooklyn. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Craig S. Walker on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree attempted gang assault, and third-degree assault. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on July 3, 2024. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 12, 2023, in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and 60th Street, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the defendant, acting in concert with others, punched and kicked a 16-year-old boy about the head and body, causing physical injuries.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on July 17, 2023, at approximately 1 p.m., in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and 62nd Street, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the defendant displayed a firearm and repeatedly discharged the firearm at the 16-year-old boy who was walking with a group of friends. The defendant struck one of the individuals in the group, Faridun Mavlonov, 15, who was rushed to a local hospital and died the following day of one gunshot wound to the torso, which perforated his heart.

Following an investigation, including a review of extensive video surveillance footage, the defendant was identified. He was arrested in Panama on June 5, 2024 and returned to Brooklyn yesterday.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Four Hoolie Gang Members Variously Convicted in Multiple Shootings, Including the Death of One-Year-Old Davell Gardner Jr. in Bed-Stuy  

Defendants Were Engaged in Gang War with Rival Street Gang

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that four defendants have been convicted in a series of gang-related homicides and shootings, including the shooting death of Davell Gardner Jr., who was just 22 months old when he was shot and killed during a cookout in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendants were convicted following a six-month jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that Brooklyn’s streets will not be playgrounds for gang wars. The reckless bloodshed perpetrated by these individuals not only robbed the innocent Davell Gardner, Jr., of a future but has also left an indelible scar on our community. These defendants will be held accountable for their horrific crimes, and my office stands unwavering in our fight against the scourge of gang violence in our neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding prosecutors in my office who tried this complex and lengthy case and thank the NYPD for their excellent work.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Travis Scott, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Dashawn Austin, of Canarsie, Jayquan Lane, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Akeem Artis of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Scott, Austin and Lane were variously convicted today of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second- and fourth-degree conspiracy following a six-month jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree conspiracy, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Sentencing was set for May 1, 2024 for Artis and May 8, 2024 for the other defendants.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendants are members of a violent street gang known as Hoolies, primarily based in and around the Roosevelt Housing Development in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The evidence presented at trial showed that the reason for Hoolies to commit acts of violence include retaliation against rival gangs and to display the gang’s strength.

Between May 2018 and May 2021, the Hoolies territory included 721 Willoughby Avenue and 303 Vernon Avenue, as well as the New York City Housing Authority Roosevelt Houses development and the surrounding area from Kosciuszko Street to Pulaski Street in between Marcus Garvey Boulevard to Stuyvesant Avenue.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 12, 2020, Dashawn Austin was seen entering the passenger seat of an Audi driven by Akeem Artis that turned on to Madison Street, near a park where there was a cookout. Austin fired into the park, striking Davell Gardner Jr., 22 months old, who later died, and three other people. Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter for that shooting death. Austin was convicted of three counts of second-degree attempted murder and Artis was convicted of three counts of first-degree attempted assault in connection with the other three innocent victims struck in the park shooting. Artis was also convicted of one count of second-degree attempted murder in connection with a June 24, 2020 shooting.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on March 3, 2020, Dashawn Austin and Jayquan Lane entered the Kinanm Lounge on Atlantic Avenue where alleged gang rival Janile Whitted was in attendance. They followed him when he left the lounge, and Austin fired several shots into his chest at close range, killing him. Austin and Lane were convicted of second-degree murder in that shooting death.

Travis Scott was also convicted of second-degree murder for the December 4, 2018 shooting death of Tyree Walker, 35, who was not a rival, as he walked towards his home on Myrtle Avenue, and of second-degree attempted murder for shooting and paralyzing a 23-year-old man that same night.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of Staff Nicole L. Chavis, Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Trial Division Joseph P. Alexis, and Senior Assistant District Attorneys Michael Diamond and Fabiola Marrufo, of the District Attorneys Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 18, 2024

Former Brooklyn Resident Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Attempted Murder and Arson in Connection to Setting Fire to Rabbi’s Home

Fire Destroyed Victim’s Midwood House as Well as Two Adjacent Properties,
Defendant was Captured on Video Surveillance Setting the Fire

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for intentionally setting fire to the home of a Brooklyn rabbi. The fire quickly spread to two adjacent houses, injuring six people, including a six-week-old infant, a firefighter and two police officers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s actions destroyed the homes of several families and put numerous people in harm’s way. I am thankful that there were no life-threatening injuries. With today’s sentence, this defendant has been brought to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Matthew Karelefsky, 46, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, six counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree arson on February 7, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 13, 2019, at approximately 3:50 a.m., a rabbi at a local yeshiva and his wife awoke to a fire in their three-story multi-family home at 1492 East 17th Street in Midwood. The fire spread to homes on either side of the property, causing 13 residents to evacuate. Numerous individuals, including a six-week-old infant and two NYPD officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Additionally, one firefighter was treated for bruising suffered while responding to the fire.

Fire Marshals determined the fire at 1492 East 17th Street was intentionally set and that it spread to the adjacent properties. Investigators also determined the fire began underneath the rabbi’s front porch, where K9 dogs identified the smell of an accelerant and fire marshals discovered remnants of a Kingsford charcoal bag, charcoal, a plastic milk carton, empty lighter fluid containers, lighter boxes and several rags believed to have been drenched in lighter fluid.

Video surveillance taken from across the street from the victims’ homes shows the defendant setting the fire. Additionally, video surveillance from a Midwood grocery store captured the day before the incident shows the defendant purchasing Kingsford charcoal and matches.

Police arrested the defendant in Manhattan on June 15, 2019. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a pink shirt with a white collar—a shirt he was seen wearing walking near the victims’ homes before and after the incident. The defendant has a tattoo on his forearm that reads, “Never let go of the HATRED – KILL Rabbi Max”. He also wrote numerous social media posts expressing his animosity for and intention to harm the victim.

The District Attorney thanked members of the FDNY and the NYPD, specifically New York City Fire Department Marshal Stewart Hines, retired NYPD Detective Andrew Cohen and the NYPD Arson and Explosion Squad, who investigated the case, as well as retired Allegheny County Detective Donald Pasquarelli, who assisted in the case and Police Officers Andrew Webber and Anthony Castrillon and Detective John Hostetter, of the 17th Precinct, who apprehended the defendant.

The District Attorney thanked Discovery Support Director Lisa Santapaul, Discovery Expeditor Casey Goedtel, Paralegal Supervisor Aneudy Mata, Assistant District Attorney Erin Shea, Chief Analyst Alexandra Aber of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab, Senior DEL Intelligence Analyst Christina Stewart, Mauricio Suarez, DEL Senior Digital Forensics’ Analyst and the DA’s Detective Investigators for the assistance in the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sara Kurtzberg, Chief of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Litigation and Technology (BOLT), and David Kim, Deputy Chief of BOLT.

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