About Gary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 6, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Shuts Down 40 Domains Associated With NFT
Crypto Scam Targeting Artists, After Brooklyn Painter Lost Over $135,000

Victim Was Contacted with Offer to Sell His Artwork in NFT Marketplace Through Website That Turned Out to be Bogus; Lost Life Savings Trying to Access Purported Bitcoin Earnings

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit successfully disrupted a cryptocurrency scam that was targeting artists throughout the country. An 85-year-old Brooklyn resident was scammed out of his life savings, sparking an investigation that traced the money he paid back to Nigeria and identified 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites that appeared like legitimate marketplaces. Those domains have now been seized, preventing future victimizations.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Cryptocurrency scams can take many forms but have similar characteristics, such as preying on vulnerable victims and requesting fees to redeem purported earnings. These were the tactics used in this case, leading our investigators to a network of fraudulent websites that specifically scammed artists. It is my hope that by shutting these domains and raising awareness about this scheme, we will prevent others from falling victim to this scam.”

The District Attorney said that in May his office received a report by the children of an 85-year-old professional painter from Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, relating that their father was deceived by an online scammer posing as an art dealer. He was contacted via LinkedIn by a purported dealer for “OpenSea/Private Mint,” a company whose website closely resembles that of OpenSea, a legitimate NFT marketplace headquartered in New York City. (NFTs, or non-fungible tokens are digital assets that are stored on the blockchain and can represent content, such as digital artwork, that can be sold or traded.)

The so-called art dealer told the victim that she wanted to convert his art into NFTs and sell them, convincing him to sign a contract on the fake site. She later told him that he had earned over $300,000 in bitcoin and that he needed to first pay a fee to access those proceeds. To get the bitcoin he sent “OpenSea/Private Mint” over $135,000 by liquidating his entire IRA account, making payments from his credit card and securing a loan. He used online services to convert his money into cryptocurrency to pay the fees. The fraud unraveled when he eventually realized that he was not getting the promised $300,000, leaving him emotionally and financially devastated.

The District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit traced the cryptocurrency that the victim sent to “OpenSea/Private Mint” and found it had been transferred to different accounts at an exchange and primarily cashed out for Nigerian currency — foreclosing the ability for recovery. The OpenSea/Private Mint website appeared to be controlled and paid for from Nigeria. The investigation identified two other senior artists from Georgia and California who had fallen for the same scheme and a network of scam NFT marketplaces that appeared to be targeting artists. Some of the websites required a user to input their cryptocurrency wallet seed phrase, which would give scammers the ability to completely drain the contents of users’ online wallet.

While unable to recover the stolen money that was outside U.S. jurisdiction, investigators were able to identify over 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites for which they submitted seizure orders. These domains have now been seized and redirected to a KCDA seizure page with a warning message. Many of them appeared to be spoofing legitimate NFT marketplaces.

The District Attorney shared the following warning signs and tips to avoid this type of NFT art cryptocurrency scam:

• • An artist may receive a direct message via an online account from someone purporting to be an art dealer or a representative of a legitimate NFT marketplace. It is important to verify the authenticity of any online art and NFT dealers before engaging.
  • Only use established and trusted NFT marketplaces to sell your work. Be alert for phishing attempts via email or phishing websites that appear to resemble well known NFT marketplaces. Phishing websites are often designed to steal credentials and fraudulently gain access to cryptocurrency assets.  Legitimate NFT marketplaces do not ask for exorbitant fees upfront to sell NFTs.
  • Protect your cryptocurrency wallet. No legitimate NFT marketplace will ask you to supply your seed phrase. Inputting your seed phrase on a website can lead to a scammer instantaneously draining the contents of your entire wallet.
  • If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do your own research and seek opinions from fellow artists.

The case was investigated by Assistant District Attorney Alona Katz, Chief of the District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit with the assistance of Virtual Currency Analyst Sam Weaver, Assistant District Attorney Brian Umana, of the Virtual Currency Unit, and Paralegal Claire Fagan. Detective Investigators from the KCDA Detective Bureau also assisted in the investigation.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Bronx Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Stabbing Two Bouncers, One Fatally, Outside of Gowanus Club

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in October

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for stabbing two bouncers with a knife – killing one and wounding the other – after being kicked out of a party in Gowanus.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless and escalatory act of violence that cost a man his life. The defendant has admitted his guilt and will now have to live with the disastrous consequences of his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jose Velasco, 22, of the Morrisania section of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on October 16, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 26, 2022, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the defendant was kicked out of a party at a club located at 168 7th Street in Gowanus after acting aggressively. Outside of the venue, the defendant got into a verbal dispute with three of the club’s bouncers, two of whom punched the defendant in the head and face. The defendant took a step backward and removed a kitchen knife from his waistband. He stabbed one of the bouncers, 21, in the back. The defendant then chased the third bouncer, Marvin Pretto, 25, into the street, and stabbed him in the chest.

Pretto sustained injuries to a major blood vessel and his heart. He was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The 21-year-old victim was also taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He was later transferred to Stony Brook Medical Center and treated for his injuries which included a laceration to the liver.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant was stopped by police approximately an hour later near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 13th Street in Gowanus. As officers approached, the defendant dropped the blood-stained kitchen knife onto the ground. He was brought back to the club and identified by an eyewitness.

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

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for
Stabbing and Kicking Subway Passenger

Victim Had Asked Defendant, who was Screaming Profanities, to Lower His Voice

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for pulling out a kitchen knife on the subway and stabbing a stranger in the back, then kicking him repeatedly about the face after he fell to the floor.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless and frightening act of violence against someone who asked for basic courtesy on the subway. We are relieved the victim escaped more serious harm, but no one should have to experience such violence during their daily commute. Today’s sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable and reinforces our commitment to keeping our transit system safe.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sadam Adames, 33, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of first-degree attempted assault on September 18, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 13, 2022, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the defendant was on a number 2 train traveling through Brooklyn toward Manhattan. When the defendant boarded the train at Winthrop Street, he began screaming profanities into his phone, alarming the other passengers. When a 49-year-old man on the train asked him to lower his voice the defendant walked down the train car, stood over the man, pulled a kitchen knife out of his bag, and attempted to stab the man in his stomach.

The victim was able to grab the defendant’s hand and the two struggled, according to the evidence. The defendant managed to stab the victim in the back and throw him on to the seats. The victim then fell to the floor and the defendant subsequently kicked the victim in the face multiple times. The train then pulled into the Bergen Street station and the defendant left the train.

The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Methodist Hospital where he received three stitches to his back and was treated for bruising to his face and lacerations to his lip. The defendant was positively identified by a witness who saw the attack and recorded it on his cell phone. He was identified and arrested the next day after his photo was released to the media.

Intelligence Analyst Fatima Shaihk of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab assisted with this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg and Assistant District Attorney Stacie Ulberg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Three-and-a-Half Years in Prison
For Assaulting and Slashing Stranger with Knife

Defendant Also Assaulted Bystander Who Tried to Intervene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Bushwick man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for slashing a stranger on the street with a knife and attacking a bystander who tried to intervene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my highest priority, and violent offenders such as this defendant will face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for a random and vicious assault.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Michael Ruiz, 46, of Bushwick, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Laura Johnson to three-and-a-half years in prison and three years’ post-release supervision. (The DA’s Office recommended a five-year sentence.) The defendant was convicted of second-degree assault and third-degree attempted assault on August 19, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 28, 2022, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the victim, a 39-year-old man, was talking on the phone outside his apartment on Berry Street, in Greenpoint. He was approached by the defendant, a stranger, who told him, “I own this block” and threatened to kill him. The defendant left, went to his car, and returned with a knife. He continued to threaten the victim.

When a bystander tried to intervene, according to the evidence, the defendant punched the man in the face. He then turned his attention back to the victim and kicked him to the ground. As the victim lay on the ground, the defendant repeatedly kicked his face and slashed him across the arm with a knife.

The victim was treated for a fractured orbital bone, a laceration under his eye, and a laceration across his arm requiring approximately 15 stitches.

The attack was captured on surveillance footage.

The defendant was arrested on October 6, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sanam Shah, and Assistant District Attorney Alexander John Davis, both of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hogg, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Eight Years in State Prison for
Attempted Sexual Assault of Woman in Williamsburg

Defendant Broke Down Victim’s Door and Attacked Her While She Slept;
Defendant Left Wallet and Identification at Scene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that an East New York man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to sexually assault a woman who was asleep in her bedroom in Williamsburg. Her screams alerted her roommate, who struggled with the defendant. He then fled – dropping his wallet and identification at the scene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant broke into a young woman’s home in the middle of the night and attempted to sexually assault her as she slept—an alarming violation of her safety and privacy. Thanks to the victim’s courage and her roommate’s quick response, he was apprehended before he could cause further harm. Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant is held accountable for this terrifying crime. We remain committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence and making Brooklyn safer for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Akijah Hall, 29, of Ashford Street, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to eight years in prison and 15 years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, first-degree attempted criminal sexual act, and first-degree sexual abuse on August 15, 2024, in exchange for the Court’s promised sentence of eight years.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 11, 2019, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the defendant forcibly broke into an apartment on Grand Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by breaking the door off the hinges. He went into the bedroom of a 25-year-old woman who woke up to find him next to her bed, with his hand on her mouth and his other hand on her breast.

The victim screamed, according to the evidence, and woke up her roommate, who was sleeping in another room. The roommate struggled with the defendant, and he fled the apartment. During the struggle the defendant dropped his jacket and his wallet, which contained his New York State identification card (with his name, photo and home address) and his college student ID card, according to the evidence. He also dropped a coffee mug, which contained his DNA.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, after leaving the scene the defendant went to the 75th Precinct to make a police report claiming he lost his jacket, wallet, and identification. A few hours later, he was arrested outside of his residence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kevin O’Donnell, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims’ Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, October 7, 2024

East Flatbush Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for Randomly Attacking Multiple Women During Violent Spree

Alleged Assaults Happened Minutes Apart in Flatlands

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault, and other charges after he allegedly attacked two women in Flatlands during a violent and unprovoked spree. The defendant has also been charged with third-degree assault on a separate criminal complaint for allegedly attacking a third woman earlier that day.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly committed a series of terrifying and unprovoked attacks against multiple women, and my Office is working diligently to ensure that he is no longer a danger to our community. We have no tolerance for this kind of random violence in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Damally Cain, 24, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, two counts of second-degree assault, second- and third-degree attempted robbery, fourth-degree attempted grand larceny, and third-degree assault. The defendant is being held on $30,000 bond or $15,000 cash bail and was ordered to return to court on December 12, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:42 p.m., near the intersection of East 40th Street and Hubbard Place, in Flatlands, the defendant allegedly attacked a 66-year-old woman on the street. After approaching the victim, the defendant allegedly pulled the woman to the ground. He punched and kicked her in the face, grabbing her by the hair and slamming her head against the pavement. After a bystander intervened, the defendant allegedly fled the scene, leaving behind several of his personal belongings, including his passport and Social Security card.

Less than 10 minutes later, at 4:50 p.m., the defendant allegedly attacked a 35-year-old woman near 1707 Flatbush Avenue and attempted to steal her phone and wallet. During the assault, the defendant ripped a ponytail extension off the victim’s head and threw a drink in her face. He also punched her body and face.

The 66-year-old victim was taken to Mount Sinai and treated for bruising, lacerations, and an abrasion on her forehead. The 35-year-old victim refused medical attention at the scene.

Furthermore, the defendant has also been charged with third-degree assault on a separate criminal complaint for allegedly attacking a 52-year-old woman on August 18, 2024, at approximately 4:30 p.m., near 1608 Flatbush Avenue. According to the investigation, the defendant pulled the victim to the ground, causing injuries to her elbow, knee, and back. The incident was captured on surveillance video.

The defendant was arrested on August 22, 2024.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Amanda Schaefer of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.

#

An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 12, 2024

Unlicensed Long Island Driver Sentenced to up to 15 Years in Prison
for Wrong Way Crash that Paralyzed Woman from Neck Down

Defendant Was Under the Influence of PCP and Marijuana When He Collided with an Uber in East Williamsburg

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Long Island man has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison following his conviction for aggravated vehicular assault and other charges after causing a wrong way collision in East Williamsburg in 2021. The defendant, whose license had previously been revoked, was driving under the influence of PCP and marijuana when he crashed into an Uber vehicle, leaving one of its passengers a quadriplegic.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless decision to drive while under the influence of drugs forever altered the life of a young woman, leaving her with catastrophic injuries and a lifetime of challenges. His actions that night were a threat to everyone on the road, and his callous disregard for the law and for human life has left a family devastated. My office is deeply committed to pursuing justice for victims and ensuring that drug-impaired drivers are held accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Virgilio Rodriguez, 51, of Rockville Center, Long Island. He was sentenced today to 7 ½ to 15 years in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino. The defendant was convicted of aggravated vehicular assault, second-degree assault, and driving while ability impaired by drugs on August 2, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on November 6, 2021, at approximately 12:49 a.m., the defendant was driving a Ford F-150 truck in East Williamsburg at a high rate of speed when he ran a red light and turned onto Bushwick Place, going the wrong way on a one-way street. The defendant then t-boned a Hyundai Elantra ride-share vehicle carrying two passengers. The impact sent both vehicles onto the sidewalk and into the side of a building.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant then exited the Ford truck and began to undress in the middle of the street while shouting, “I’m alive.” The defendant briefly left the scene on foot before returning and trying to re-enter the Ford truck. He was then stopped by police who found PCP and marijuana in the vehicle’s center console. The defendant was observed to show signs of being impaired by drugs. After being taken to the 78th Police Precinct, the defendant stripped down to his underwear. He began chanting and crawling on the ground before attempting to climb the bars of his holding cell.

One of the passengers in the Uber, a 28-year-old woman, was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital in critical condition where she underwent emergency spinal surgery. On November 7, 2021, the victim was transferred to Mount Sinai Hospital, where she was placed on a ventilator due to respiratory failure. She remained on the ventilator for over a month and underwent a tracheostomy to assist her breathing. The victim remained hospitalized at Mount Sinai until March 8, 2022, and continues to receive round-the-clock medical care.

The second passenger, 27, and driver of the Uber, 39, were taken to Elmhurst Hospital and treated for minor injuries.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegals Toki Kim and Alexee Hernandez, of the Grey Zone Trial Bureau, and Digital Forensic Analyst Kelly Crawford for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Tara Kelly and Senior Assistant District Attorney Patrick O’Donnell, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Chief of the Grey Zone.

#

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.

#

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

#

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.

#