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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 21, 2023

Disbarred Crown Heights Lawyer Indicted for Allegedly Providing
Immigration Services Without Law License

Allegedly Stole Thousands of Dollars from Nine Clients and Continued to
Practice Law Despite Being Disbarred in New York State

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Crown Heights attorney specializing in immigration cases has been charged with stealing from nine of his clients while continuing to practice law despite being disbarred in New York State.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly continued to practice law after being disbarred for misconduct and vulnerable immigrants sought his legal assistance. Instead of helping them, he allegedly defrauded his clients out of tens of thousands of dollars. We have no tolerance for this kind of alleged conduct, and my office will now seek to hold him accountable. I want to thank the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations for their assistance with the case.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said, “Despite his disbarment resulting from the filing of hundreds of fraudulent petitions aimed at securing benefits for non-citizen clients, Owolabi Salis allegedly persisted in deceitfully portraying himself as a practicing attorney. Exploiting the vulnerability of both his clients and the system, he callously manipulated them for personal gain. Salis’s utter disregard for the laws of New York State is both reprehensible and unacceptable. Even more distressing is his alleged exploitation of a system designed to enable non-citizens to lawfully remain in the United States. HSI New York extends its appreciation to the collaborative endeavors of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services New York Fraud Detection and National Security Unit, the New York Office of the Principal Legal Adviser, HSI Newark, and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office. Their combined efforts working alongside HSI NY’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force ensured today’s indictment.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Owolabi Salis, 60, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare on an indictment in which he is charged with third-degree and fourth-degree grand larceny, second-degree criminal contempt, first-degree scheme to defraud, first-degree immigrant assistance services fraud and the unlawful practice of the law. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on October 11, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant was disbarred on November 29, 2022, following an investigation by New York’s Attorney Grievance Committee that found he had filed fraudulent and frivolous immigrations petitions. The defendant was ordered to stop practicing law. He was further required to notify his clients that he had been disbarred and to advise them to obtain new counsel.

However, it is alleged that the defendant violated the order and continued to operate a law office at 1179 Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights while advertising “Salis Law P.C.” online.

Investigators found that the defendant typically opened his office early in the evening and stayed open well past midnight, drawing long lines of prospective clients, many of whom work daytime jobs. The defendant also allegedly continued to represent previous clients, the vast majority of whom spoke Spanish, and took money from them for various legal services pertaining to their immigration status without ever telling them that he had been disbarred and without advising them to get a new lawyer.

Following a search of the defendant’s office on March 7, 2023, nine of his clients, all of whom were from the Dominican Republic, alleged that the defendant stole from them money in amounts ranging from $8,000 to $800.

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

Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Paralegal Specialist Kevin Yu, of the District Attorney’s Immigrant Affairs Unit, assisted in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Gloria Rios, Chief of the District Attorney’s Immigrant Affairs Unit, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Peter Choi, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney 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

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Bedford Stuyvesant Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison
For Killing Mount Vernon Man and Setting Body on Fire

Attended Church Service with Victim’s Relatives Before Getting Caught Burning the Remains

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bedford Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing a Mount Vernon man and attempting to conceal his crime by setting fire to the victim’s corpse in the basement of a Brooklyn apartment building. The two men were romantic rivals and the defendant stalked the victim for months before the murder.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The depravity of the defendant’s actions cannot be overstated, and the lengthy prison term to which he has been sentenced holds him accountable for killing an innocent man in cold blood and desecrating his remains. While nothing can return Jonathan Blake to his loved ones, I hope this sentence provides them with some measure of solace. Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Derek Whitaker, 58, of Bedford- Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted on June 16, 2023, of second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree arson, tampering with physical evidence, and concealment of a human corpse following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, in the early morning hours of March 13, 2020, on North Broadway, in Yonkers, the defendant ambushed Jonathan Blake, 55, shooting him in the head and killing him. The defendant later transported the victim’s body to the basement of a building at 494 Jefferson Avenue in Bedford Stuyvesant where he worked as a superintendent and where his mother resided.

On March 16, 2020, according to the evidence, the defendant attempted to cover up the killing by setting fire to the victim’s corpse using gasoline. A resident of the building smelled smoke and ventured into the basement where they observed the defendant standing over a metal barrel with the victim’s two legs sticking out. The resident reported the incident to the building’s manager who called 911. Members of the New York City Fire Department and the New York City Police Department arrived at the address and the defendant was arrested shortly thereafter.

Investigators later learned the two men were romantic rivals and that the defendant had been stalking the victim for four to six months.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, in the time between killing the victim and setting fire to his corpse, the defendant attended a service at a church in Westchester County where the victim and his family worshiped. The defendant sat in the victim’s empty seat and embraced the victim’s brother.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal Amanda Connolly and Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Lexie Giardina for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew M. Midey, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Patrick O’Donnell, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone, under the supervision of Leila Rosini.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

Queens Man Sentenced to 21 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder of His Former Girlfriend After Breaking into Her Home

Victim was Stabbed Repeatedly in Front of Teenage Son, Who Called 911

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man was sentenced to 21 years in prison for repeatedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend after breaking into her Flatbush home. The victim, a mother of two sons, suffered severe cuts to her forehead and forearm.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions, which terrorized a former girlfriend and her 15-year-old son and nearly took her life. He also showed his blatant disregard for the rule of law by absconding during his trial. I am committed to seeking justice for all victims of domestic violence.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Muneshwar Bira, 37, of St. Albans, Queens. He was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon on July 10, 2023, following a bench trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu. He was sentenced today to 21 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 4, 2021, at approximately 11 a.m., on East 21st Street in Flatbush, Brooklyn, the defendant broke into his 40-year-old ex-girlfriend’s basement apartment with a knife in hand. Upon first seeing his ex-girlfriend the defendant took the knife and tried to stab the victim about her head. The victim raised her forearm onto her head to protect it, causing the knife to lacerate her forearm and her forehead. The victim then fell to the floor. After one knife broke, the defendant proceeded to use two additional knives to stab the victim. She continued to fight for her life while calling out to her 15-year-old son for help.

The victim’s son called 911 and when the police arrived, according to the evidence, the defendant, the victim, and the apartment were covered in blood. The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital and treated for severe injuries, including a life-threatening injury to her right arm.

During his trial, on April 5, 2023, the defendant failed to return to court following an afternoon break and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest on April 10, 2023. He was picked up on the warrant in Florida and had to be extradited back to New York.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Hannah Laufer, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, with the assistance of 1st Deputy Bureau Chief Mark Pagliuco and Deputy Bureau Chief Lisa Perlman, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Chief of the Domestic Violence Bureau.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 31, 2023

Two Men Indicted for Repeatedly Raping a Child

One Defendant, Charged with Sex Trafficking of a Child, Allegedly Groomed
13-Year-Old Girl He Met on Social Media; Arranged for Her to Have Sex with Others

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two men have been arraigned on a 57-count indictment in which they are variously charged with sex trafficking of a child, promoting prostitution, rape, and related charges for the alleged sex trafficking of a 13-year-old girl.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This is an incredibly disturbing case in which two middle-aged men are accused of exploiting a vulnerable child for their own gratification. I am committed to protecting our children from sexual exploitation and will now seek to bring the defendants to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Kal Kirby, 43, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn and Jordan Shephard Burnham, 44, of Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts. Kirby is charged with sex trafficking of a child, first-, second-, third-, and, fourth-degree promoting prostitution, second- and third-degree rape, endangering the welfare of a child, use of a child in a sexual performance, possessing a sexual performance of a child, promoting a sexual performance of a child, second-degree unlawful surveillance of a child, and unlawful disclosure of an intimate image. Burnham is charged with second- and third-degree rape, endangering the welfare of a child, promoting a sexual performance by a child, possessing a sexual performance by a child, use of a child in a sexual performance, and aggravated patronizing a minor for prostitution in the second-degree.

Burnham was apprehended in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on July 20, 2023 and returned to New York on Friday, July 28, 2023. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo, who set bail at $2 million bond or $1 million cash. The case was adjourned to August 24, 2023.

Kirby was arraigned on July 20, 2023 before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on August 24, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, beginning in February 2022, the 13-year-old victim started communicating with Kirby on a social networking app called “Monkey” and then on Instagram. Shortly thereafter, it is alleged, they agreed to meet in person. Kirby allegedly sent a cab to pick up the victim at her Intermediate School and take her to his apartment. They allegedly played video games, ate fast food, and engaged in sexual intercourse. They continued to meet on a weekly basis through December 2022.

In September 2022, it is alleged, the victim went to Kirby’s apartment after school and there were four or five other men there. It is alleged that each of the men engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, who felt that she couldn’t refuse and complied. She then left the apartment.

Furthermore, it is alleged, that on October 14, 2022, Kirby allegedly sent a photo of the victim in her underwear to Burnham and said he “had a young thing I wanted to introduce.” Burnham allegedly liked the image. On October 27, 2022, Kirby allegedly sent a naked video of the victim to Burnham and later set up a meeting for Burnham and the victim to engage in sexual intercourse.

Finally, it is alleged, between November 1, 2022 and December 23, 2022, Burnham and the victim engaged in sexual intercourse on three occasions. After the second time, he allegedly gave her a pair of headphones and after the third time, he allegedly gave her $200. In subsequent communications on Instagram, Burnham allegedly requested and received lewd photos of the victim.

In late December 2022, the victim disclosed what had been happening to her foster mother and police were notified.

The New York City Police Department investigation was led by Detective Liam O’Hara of the NYPD’s Human Trafficking Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Robert Duplessis, Lieutenant Amy Capogna and Captain Thomas Milano.

The District Attorney thanked Police Chief Jonathan Searle, Lieutenant Nicholas Curelli and police officers from the Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts Police Department and the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Mary E. Monahan, of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit, with the assistance of Paralegal Specialist Aurora Martinez, under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 10, 2023

Martense Beverly Bosses Gang Member Sentenced to 15 Years to
Life in Prison for Shooting Death of Rival Gang Member

Defendant Belonged to East Flatbush-based Gang, Was Convicted following Bench Trial;
Seventeen Co-Defendants in Conspiracy Case Pleaded Guilty to Various Charges

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Crown Heights man who was a member of the Martense Beverly Bosses gang based in East Flatbush has been sentenced to 15 years to life for the murder of a 20-year-old gang rival in 2017.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentencing is the final disposition of a takedown of a gang that operated in Brooklyn with reckless disregard for life while hunting and shooting rivals. This defendant will now spend many years in prison for his callous actions that took the life of a young man and endangered many others.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gymanni Carrington, 22, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Justice Dineen Riviezzo to 15 years to life in prison plus a term of 12 to 24 years in prison, to run concurrently. He was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and fourth-degree conspiracy on June 26, 2023, after a bench trial. The defendant was indicted in June 2018 along with 17 co-defendants following a lengthy investigation into the violence committed by members of the Martense Beverly Bosses street gang. His co-defendants previously pleaded guilty to various charges.

The District Attorney said that on September 16, 2017, at approximately 4:25 a.m., the defendant murdered Donavan Frazier, 20, by shooting him as he was exiting Franklin’s Finest Deli at 790 Franklin Avenue in Crown Heights. Frazier was allegedly a Lincoln Fam gang member and a rival of the defendant’s gang. The defendant fired six shots from a .40 caliber handgun into the deli, striking Frazier once. The bullet entered his upper arm and reentered his torso, perforating his lungs and major blood vessels, causing his death.

The defendant was captured on surveillance video firing into the deli, according to the evidence. He claimed credit for the murder in calls recorded by the New York City Department of Corrections, on social media posts, and made admissions in emails to his mother just after the shooting, according to the evidence.

The defendant and his co-defendants were named in a 2018 indictment in which they were variously charged with conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to possess weapons, and other charges in connection with eight separate shootings, including two fatalities.

The evidence presented at trial included that during the conspiracy the defendant was a member of the Martense Beverly Bosses, which operated primarily in and around the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn. Between June 1, 2016 and June 14, 2018, during the course of the conspiracy, the evidence showed that the defendant engaged in conversations with incarcerated co-defendants and discussed shootings and other acts of violence between the gang and their rivals. Additionally, the evidence showed that the defendant and his co-defendants discussed the procurement and possession of firearms to further their goals of committing acts of violence against their rivals.

His co-defendants pleaded guilty to various charges including second- and fourth-degree conspiracy, first-degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon and received various sentences ranging from one to three years to as many as 13 years in prison. One defendant was sentenced to probation.

The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department Detective Sean Feliciano and Detective Veerana Ramayya, of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, under the supervision of Sergeant Richard Young and Lieutenant Richard Zacarese, and the overall supervision of former GVSD Commanding Officer James Essig, now Chief of Detectives.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sabeeha Madni, First Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s School Advocacy & Juvenile Crimes Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Gillian DiPietro, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, Chief of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 35 Years to Life in Prison for Flatlands Shooting That Killed Gang Rival Sitting in Car with Girlfriend

At Least Nine Shots from Large Caliber Handguns were Fired into Vehicle

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 35 years to life in prison for a shooting that left a 21-year-old man dead. The defendant and his alleged accomplice opened fire into a car parked in Flatlands where the victim was sitting with his girlfriend. The victim managed to push his girlfriend out of the car before collapsing, shielding her from the gunfire.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a horrific and completely senseless act of violence unleashed upon two defenseless victims at pointblank range. Gang violence destroys too many young lives in Brooklyn and fighting against that remains my highest priority. I hope today’s prison sentence makes clear that those who terrorize our communities will face very serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Tristan Murray, 30, of Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to 35 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on May 19, 2023, following a jury trial.

The case against the defendant’s alleged accomplice, Tarell Herbert, 29, also of Brooklyn, is pending trial. He is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and related charges.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 2, 2016, at about 7 p.m., Anthony Francis, 21, was wrapping up a visit with his girlfriend in Flatlands, Brooklyn, when they entered his BMW, which was parked on the street. Francis and his girlfriend were seated in the vehicle when the defendant and his alleged accomplice drove up to the BMW at approximately 7:26 p.m. and opened fire from their passenger side window into the BMW.

Murray and his alleged accomplice were affiliated with the Folk Nation gang in Flatbush and were looking for rival gang members to shoot at the time of the incident, according to trial testimony. They spotted the victim, a member of the rival Woo gang based in Canarsie, and one of the defendants yelled “Woo, Woo, Woo,” which is a way that Woo members greet each other, according to trial testimony. Murray and his alleged accomplice then opened fire. The victim, who was struck in the chest, pushed his girlfriend out of the car just before he died. There were multiple .40 caliber and .45 caliber shell casings found at the scene and Francis’ BMW was riddled with .40 and .45 caliber bullets.

Murray was arrested a day after the shooting with a .45 caliber gun and, in the course of a lengthy investigation by the Brooklyn South Homicide Task Force and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, that gun was traced to the homicide.

The District Attorney thanked Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau Paralegals Diane Fields-Vernon and Tania Lopez and the Kings County Detective Investigators for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Ford and Senior Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kiley, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, June 12, 2023

Connecticut Man Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison
For Assault Stemming from Attempted Carjacking

Defendant Injured Four People, Including Toddler, Then Attempted Second Carjacking

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Connecticut man has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for injuring four people, including a toddler, while attempting to carjack a vehicle in Coney Island. The defendant pleaded guilty to assault in April.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my top priority, and individuals like this defendant, who endangered so many people on a busy summer night in Coney Island, must face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him responsible for his actions and ensures he will not be able to harm others in our communities.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kahlil Ivey, 26, of Waterbury, Connecticut. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Herbert Moses to 9 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree assault on April 3, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on June 18, 2021, at approximately 10:30 p.m., in the vicinity of Surf Avenue and West 15th Street, a 43-year-old man was preparing to place his 2-year-old daughter and 18-month-old niece in the rear of his Chrysler when the defendant jumped into the driver’s seat and tried to steal the vehicle.

The victim then got into the backseat of the car and attempted to stop the defendant. As the two struggled, the defendant put the car in reverse and jumped the curb, striking and seriously injuring a woman, who suffered a brain injury. Two other women – the victim’s sister and fiancé – were also injured. Both suffered multiple abrasions about their arms and legs. The two-year-old suffered scratches about her head.

The defendant then attempted to carjack another vehicle, a Honda driven by a 19-year-old woman, by trying to drag her out of the car by her arms and ankles. Police were flagged down during the struggle and apprehended the defendant.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Omar Harding, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 9, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murdering Elderly Neighbor,
Stabbing One Woman and Attempting to Assault Another

Defendant Also Indicted for Punching Police Officer in the Face

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder for the stabbing death of an 83-year-old man. The defendant was also indicted for assault and attempted assault in connection with three other incidents.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I am heartbroken that 83-year-old Ramon Cintron died in such a violent and horrifying way and my condolences go out to his family, friends and neighbors. We will now seek to hold the defendant responsible for the murder of Mr. Cintron, as well as the other alleged attacks with which he is charged.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Joevani Vale, 27, of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Vincent Del Giudice on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree assault, third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, third-degree attempted assault, second-degree harassment, third-degree attempted assault and fourth-degree stalking. He is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on September 29, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 8, 2023, at approximately 12:47 p.m., a woman was walking in the vicinity of Third Avenue and Pacific Street in Brooklyn when the defendant allegedly began following her and asking if she was lost. She said she was not lost. The defendant allegedly continued to follow her, so she stopped to let him pass and he allegedly punched her in the shoulder.

Furthermore, it is alleged, that at approximately 1:25 p.m., in the vicinity of 134 Nevins Street, the defendant allegedly was walking behind a woman when he allegedly slashed her on the back of her thigh. She was treated at a local hospital.

At approximately 2:20 p.m., it is alleged, the defendant followed Ramon Cintron into an elevator at 185 Nevins Street, at the Wyckoff Gardens Housing Development, where they both resided, and took out a sharp object and allegedly stabbed the victim in the neck, torso, back and legs, approximately 30 times. When the victim tried to get out of the elevator when the doors opened, the defendant allegedly kicked the victim back into the elevator and fled.

The defendant was arrested on April 11, 2023. On April 12, 2023, at about 11:45 p.m., the defendant was in the psychiatric ward at Maimonides Medical Center and was being guarded by two New York City police officers. They escorted him to the bathroom and after he finished using the bathroom, he allegedly made a fist and punched one of the officers in the face.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegals Sarah Quashie and James Morales for their assistance on the case.

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

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Former NYPD Officer Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison
For Sexually Molesting a Child

Defendant also Convicted of Endangering the Welfare of Three Other Children

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a former New York City Police Officer has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually assaulting a child and endangering the welfare of three other young girls.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s abhorrent abuse of young children is an outrage and marks a shocking betrayal of the trust placed in a member of law enforcement. With today’s sentence he has been brought to justice and held accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Shaun Frazier, 43, of Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to eight years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree criminal sexual act and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child on March 13, 2023. The defendant must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant was a family friend of all four victims. The defendant joined the New York City police department in January 2015 and was suspended in 2019 following his first arrest. He resigned in November 2020. Prior to joining the NYPD, the defendant worked as a court officer for 10 years.

In one incident, on September 19, 2019, according to the investigation, the defendant exposed himself to a 10-year-old girl and masturbated in front of her.

In another incident, between March 20, 2018 and June 15, 2018, according to the investigation, the defendant repeatedly exposed himself and masturbated in front of two girls, ages 12 and 13.

Finally, in April 2017, according to the investigation, the defendant forced an 11-year-old girl to perform a sex act.

The investigation began after the children reported the incidents to their parents.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Staten Island Man Pleads Guilty to Anti-Jewish Assault

Punched Victim for Wearing IDF Hoodie; Will Be Sentenced to Jail and Probation

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Staten Island Man pleaded guilty to attempted assault as a hate crime for punching a Jewish man who was wearing a hoodie with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) emblem. The defendant was promised a sentence of 60 days in jail and three years’ probation in exchange for his guilty plea.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn’s diversity is our strength and we do not tolerate violence that’s motivated by bias against any religious or national identity. The hateful and unprovoked assault this defendant admitted to today left one victim hurt, but also shook an entire community. His conviction, jailtime and probation should send a message that this kind of intolerance has serious consequences.”

Scott Richman, Anti-Defamation League Regional Director for New York and New Jersey, said, “We are grateful to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for securing a hate crime conviction in this case, sending a clear message that those who commit acts of hate-fueled violence, including based on a victim’s perceived associations, will be held accountable. ADL has documented how the Brooklyn Jewish community has been burdened with an outsized number of violent antisemitic incidents, and both law enforcement and the courts play a key role in responding and supporting communities in the wake of these attacks.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Suleiman Othman, 28, of Staten Island, NY. He pleaded guilty today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to attempted third-degree assault as a hate crime in exchange for a promised sentence of 60 days in jail followed by three years’ probation. The defendant is scheduled to be sentenced on September 20, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 26, 2021, the victim, a 21-year-old Jewish man, was standing outside a Foot Locker on 86th Street in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, wearing a green hoodie with a yellow IDF emblem. The defendant approached him in the street and stated: “Why do you support those dirty Jews? What are you doing in my neighborhood? You mess with the killers. If you don’t take off your hoodie, I’m going to punch you.”

When the victim refused, the defendant punched him twice in the face and threw a cup of iced coffee on him. He was treated at the scene for a laceration and swelling to the face. The defendant fled and was identified after being captured on multiple surveillance cameras. He turned himself in to police on January 11, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sharmalee Brooks-Gordon, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Ari Farkas, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Bureau Chief.

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