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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

Man Arraigned on Indictment Charging Him with Six Separate Assaults,
Mostly Against Senior Citizens, in Less Than a Month

Defendant Allegedly Approached Victims from Behind, Knocked them to the Ground

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a 29-year-old man has been indicted on numerous charges of assault and other counts for allegedly attacking six individuals, mostly senior citizens, in separate attacks in Sunset Park, Bay Ridge and Coney Island.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The outrageousness of this defendant’s disturbing attacks on vulnerable seniors cannot be overstated, and our prosecutors will work diligently to ensure that he can no longer endanger our neighbors. This kind of random violence can terrorize a community, and it will never be tolerated in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Mouhamed Diallo, 29. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Herbert Moses on a 15-count indictment in which he is variously charged with second- and third-degree assault, fourth-degree grand larceny, second- and third-degree robbery, and petit larceny. His bail was continued at $100,000 cash or $300,000 bond and, after being deemed unfit to proceed, the defendant was remanded into treatment until he’s found fit.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between April 28, 2024 and May 21, 2024, the defendant allegedly assaulted five women and one man. Five of the people assaulted were senior citizens.

The incidents charged in the indictment include the following:

• An assault on April 28, 2024, at approximately 9:20 a.m., at 6761 4th Avenue. The defendant allegedly approached a 73-year-old woman from behind, punched her in the head and caused her to fall to the ground. She suffered cuts to her face and hands.
• An assault on May 5, 2024, at approximately 1:13 p.m., at 86th Street and West 8th Street. The defendant allegedly approached a 74-year-old woman from behind, pushed her to the ground and caused cuts to her hands and face.
• An assault on May 5, 2024, at approximately 4:50 p.m., at 4th Avenue and 96th Street. The defendant allegedly approached a 72-year-old woman from behind, punched her in the head and caused her to fall to the ground and suffer cuts to her face and hands.
• An assault on May 9, 2024, at approximately 5:35 p.m., at 143 28th Street. The defendant allegedly approached a 34-year-old woman from behind, punched her in the head and caused her to fall to the ground, where she suffered cuts to her face and hands. The defendant allegedly grabbed the woman’s purse, containing cash and credit cards and fled. He threw the purse to the ground after the victim chased him.
• An assault on May 19, 2024, at approximately 10 p.m., at 4th Avenue and 95th Street. The defendant approached an 87-year-old man from behind, punched him in the head and caus him to fall to the ground. The victim suffered cuts to the head and hands.
• An assault on May 21, 2024, at approximately 8:10 a.m., at 350 44th Street. The defendant approached a 60-year-old woman from behind and pushed her to the ground, causing cuts to the knee and elbow.

The District Attorney said that all the incidents were allegedly caught on surveillance video. The defendant was arrested on May 23, 2024.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Natalie Riether, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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

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Thursday, August 22, 2024

Brooklyn Soccer Coach Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
For Sexually Abusing Young Girl

Abuse Happened at a Sports Camp in Marine Park

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that the coach and owner of youth soccer camp in Marine Park has been sentenced to seven years in prison for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl who attended the camp.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant despicably and unconscionably exploited his position of trust to prey on a young child in his care. I hope today’s sentence brings some closure to the victim and her family. I remain steadfast in my commitment to protecting our children and bringing sexual predators to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Stanislav Rozovsky, 52, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis to seven years in prison and 10 years of post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of first-degree sexual abuse, endangering the welfare of child, and second-degree unlawful imprisonment on July 3, 2024, following a jury trial. He must register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 18, 2022, the defendant, then the coach and owner of a youth soccer camp in Marine Park, bought the 10-year-old victim ice cream and convinced her to enter his van. When the child grabbed the door handle to exit the vehicle, the defendant grabbed her wrist and pushed her back onto the seat. The defendant then fondled the victim’s chest, kissing her and telling her, “I love you.”

The abuse was reported to police when the child told a parent what had happened.

The defendant was arrested on August 12, 2022.

The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Detectives assigned to the Brooklyn Special Victims Squad.

The District Attorney thanked Special Victims Bureau Paralegal Julia Holman, Digital Intelligence Analysts Anna Kharitonova and Richard Rojas from the Digital Evidence Lab, and Media Services Technician Imani James from the Multimedia Services Unit, for their assistance in the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Simpson of the Special Victims Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Linda Weinman, Counsel to the Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Olatokunbo Olaniyan, First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Perry Cerrato, Deputy Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Killing
Man in Bedford-Stuyvesant Following Dispute

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally shooting a man in Bedford-Stuyvesant in 2019 during a confrontation on a residential street.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant will spend many years behind bars for a senseless and deadly act of gun violence. My thoughts are with Malik Russell’s loved ones as they continue to grieve his loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Darrien Weekes, 26, of Bushwick, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to 25 years in prison and five years’ post release supervision following his guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter on April 17, 2024. A co-defendant, Oliver Kinard, 27, pleaded guilty to third-degree hindering prosecution on September 26, 2023, and was sentenced to a conditional discharge.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 1, 2019, at approximately 3:41 a.m., Malik Russell, 29, was walking alone in Bedford-Stuyvesant when he encountered the defendant and co-defendant in front of 519 Chauncey Street. Russell shook hands with the two men, who were acquaintances. As the three men were talking on the sidewalk, the defendant suddenly took out a gun and fired three times at the victim, striking him once in the upper chest and chasing him into the street.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant then took the victim’s hat and left him lying on the sidewalk near a pile of garbage bags. The shooting itself was captured on video surveillance. The defendant was also captured on video surveillance approaching and leaving the scene.

Russell was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested on June 10, 2019.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond and Senior Assistant District Attorney Viviane Dussek, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Alleged Gunman Indicted for Murder of 13-Year-Old Troy Gill,
Who was Fatally Shot in Crown Heights Earlier This Year

Defendant and Accomplice Were Looking for Rival Gang Members
When They Allegedly Shot the Teen

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an alleged member of a violent Brooklyn street gang has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder for a February shooting in Crown Heights that left a young teenager dead. The defendant and a codefendant, who was previously arraigned in connection to the same homicide, were also indicted for allegedly shooting up the front door of an alleged gang rival’s house.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As alleged, these defendants went on a revenge spree that took the life of a young boy. This type of senseless retaliatory gang violence is claiming too many lives, including children, and my office, along with the NYPD, is focused on solving each one of those shootings and holding those who commit them responsible. I commend everyone who worked on this complicated investigation and hope today’s indictment will bring a small measure of relief to Troy’s loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jared (Jah Woo) McCauley, 21, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Herbert Moses on a 13-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment. Sheik Koureichi, 21, of Brooklyn, was arraigned on the same indictment on July 29, 2024. Both defendants were ordered held without bail and to return to court on August 16, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 29, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m., in the vicinity of Bergen Street and New York Avenue, 13-year-old Troy Gill, who was walking home after attending a Nets basketball game at the Barclays Center, was allegedly shot by the defendants in a drive by shooting. The victim called his mother to tell her he had been shot. He was taken to Kings County Hospital and pronounced dead. He suffered gunshots to the back and arm.

The District Attorney further said that, according to the investigation, at approximately 11 p.m., the defendants drove in a white Jeep to East New York where they allegedly repeatedly shot the front door of a rival gang member who was purportedly a member of the Drench street gang.

Both shootings on February 29, 2024, are alleged to be in retaliation for the kidnapping and beating earlier that day of one of the defendants – McCauley, a rapper associated with the Woo gang. McCauley was allegedly lured to the Bronx, forced into a car, beaten, stripped, and then forced out of the car. That incident was recorded and posted to social media.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel Stern and Assistant District Attorney Matthew Bolin, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stewart, VCE Deputy Chief of Trials, Assistant District Attorney Kathryn Spota, VCE Deputy Bureau Chief, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cilia, VCE First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred DeIngeniis, VCE Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 5, 2024

Crown Heights Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison
For Violently Attacking Good Samaritan on Subway Car

Victim Was Slashed in Face After Attempting to Break Up Fight

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Crown Heights man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for attacking a 44-year-old man and slashing him in the face when the victim attempted to break up a fight on a subway car. The defendant pleaded guilty in June for the assault, which left the victim with significant scarring.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for a vicious and unprovoked attack of a stranger riding the subway. The fact that the victim was simply acting as a Good Samaritan makes the defendant’s behavior in this case especially appalling. We will never tolerate violence in the subway system.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sean Lewis, 34, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to seven years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted assault on June 11, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 10, 2023, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the defendant was fighting another man on a southbound C train in Brooklyn. When the victim, 44, tried to intervene, the defendant turned his attention to him. The victim retreated to the other end of the subway car. As the train pulled into the Franklin Avenue station in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the defendant approached the victim and said, “Thank you.” He pulled out a sharp object and slashed the victim in the face. The defendant then got off the train and fled the station.

The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital where he required approximately 100 stitches to close the eight-inch wound on the left side of his face.

The defendant was captured on surveillance footage and arrested on May 18, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Steven Bravo 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

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.