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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 5, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 32 ½ Years to Life in Prison for Mass Shooting During Old Timers Day Celebration in Brownsville Park

Opened Fire and Triggered a Gun Battle Which Left One Dead and

11 Others Shot and Wounded

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 32 ½ years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man during the Old Timers Day celebration in Brownsville in 2019. The shooting ignited an exchange of gunfire between rival groups which left 11 innocent bystanders shot and wounded.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “A beloved community celebration held each year turned tragic when this defendant opened fire in the middle of a crowd. Senseless gun violence that puts innocent people in harm’s way has destroyed too many lives and will not be tolerated in Brooklyn. As a result of this defendant’s outrageous actions a man lost his life, and 11 other people were shot and wounded. He has now been held accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kyle Williams, 23, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to 32 ½years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first-degree reckless endangerment on April 20, 2023 following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 27, 2019, at approximately 11 p.m., in the Brownsville Playground, on Hegeman Avenue and Sackman Street, the defendant confronted Jason Pagan, 38, during Old Timers Day, an annual neighborhood celebration where more than 500 community members were gathered.

Following a verbal dispute, the defendant pulled out a gun and fatally shot Pagan in the head and torso. A shootout between rival groups then erupted during which 11 innocent people, caught in the crossfire, were shot and wounded.

The defendant was arrested on October 16, 2019, after investigators received tips from members of the community. Multiple eyewitnesses identified the defendant as the initial shooter. In addition, police recovered the gun the defendant used during the fatal shooting and obtained an admission from the defendant while he was in custody.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Chow Xie, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Manslaughter for Allegedly Running Red Light,

Causing Car Crash That Left Two People Dead and Five Injured

Defendant was Allegedly Speeding and Ran Multiple Red Lights in Bensonhurst

          Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been indicted for manslaughter, assault, reckless endangerment, criminally negligent homicide and other charges for speeding and running a red light, causing a car crash that resulted in two people dying and five people being injured.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s alleged extreme recklessness caused the senseless deaths of two innocent people and inflicted serious injuries on others. New Yorkers deserve safe streets, and I am committed to holding accountable any driver who endangers the public with this kind of senseless and illegal conduct.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Vitaliy Konoplyov, 49, of Coney Island, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 20-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second- and third-degree assault, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree reckless endangerment, and related charges. He is being held on bail of $1 million bond or $250,000 cash. The defendant was ordered to return to court on June 21, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 20, 2023, at approximately 12:48 p.m., the defendant was operating a 2015 white Toyota Camry, driving southbound on 18th Avenue, allegedly speeding and driving through multiple red lights, when he struck a 2016 black Honda HR-V that was being driven eastbound on 64th Street by Stancho Stanchev, 51.

The collision caused Stanchev’s vehicle to spin, jump the curb, and strike pedestrian Leung Yuet, 65, and then strike a 2021 silver Chevy Equinox which was being driven southbound on 18th Avenue by a 71-year-old man.

Yuet was declared dead at the scene. Stanchev was taken to Maimonides Hospital, where he was declared dead. Stanchev’s passenger, 49, suffered serious brain injuries. The 71-year-old man was not injured.

Konoplyov, who remained on the scene, had two passengers inside of his vehicle, a 32-year-old man, taken to Maimonides Hospital and treated for minor injuries, and a 46-year-old man, taken to NYU Langone Hospital with significant injuries to the face and left hand.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Larry Carter and Assistant District Attorney Stacie Ulberg of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau.

 

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

 

 Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Killing Girlfriend, Dismembering Body and Disposing of it in Trash,

Victim’s Body Was Never Found

Defendant Stole Her Social Security Benefits After the Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an upstate New York man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for killing his girlfriend, dismembering her body, and throwing it in the garbage so he could collect her Social Security benefits. The woman’s body was never recovered. The defendant stole approximately $68,000 from her Social Security benefits over a four-year period starting in 2014.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence ensures that this defendant now faces serious consequences for this shockingly heartless and depraved murder of an innocent woman. My heart continues to go out to Ms. Quinones’ family and friends, and I hope today’s sentence brings them a measure of solace.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ricky Gonzalez, 39, of Beacon, New York. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life. He was convicted of second-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, third-degree grand larceny, first-degree identity theft, and fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property on April 3, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between March 5, 2014, and September 30, 2014, the defendant killed Maria Quinones, 58, inside her home on Wilson Avenue in Bushwick, Brooklyn. The defendant followed the victim into the bathroom and stabbed her from behind with a butcher knife. The defendant proceeded to dismember Ms. Quinones’ body, which he put into garbage bags and set outside by the curb for trash pickup. The defendant then stole the victim’s Social Security card, passport, license, and other information related to her Social Security account. Over the next four years, according to the evidence, the defendant stole $68,000 in benefits.

Ms. Quinones’ sister reported her missing on September 10, 2014, after not hearing from her since March 5, 2014.

On August 28, 2018, the defendant entered the 1st Police Precinct in Manhattan and confessed to killing Quinones. The victim’s body was never found.

The District Attorney thanked the Office of the Inspector General for the Social Security Administration, the New York City Police Department Brooklyn North Homicide Squad, KCDA Detective Investigators, and Homicide Paralegal Meghan Brancato for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Lana Schlesinger, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Gianna Del Grippo, also of the Green Zone, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Thirty-Two Alleged Members of Brooklyn-Based Gangs Variously Charged With 140 Counts, Including Conspiracy to Commit Murder

12 Shootings, with 13 Victims, Including One Fatality and Three Innocent Bystanders;

Violence Allegedly Driven by 8 Trey Member Michael Williams, a.k.a. Rapper Sheff G;

Rapper Tegan Chambers, a.k.a., Sleepy Hallow, Also Charged as Co-Conspirator

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, today announced that 32 alleged members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang, are named in a 140-count indictment for allegedly committing shootings, possessing guns, and using stolen cars during shootings, to eliminate rivals that included members of Folk Nation Gangster Disciples and ICG Babiiez.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I’m confident that today’s successful takedown will have a positive impact on public safety across several Brooklyn communities as we enter the summer months. The senseless gun violence, allegedly committed by these defendants, terrorized our neighbors for years and left more than a dozen people with serious injuries. It is distressing to know that some of the violence was allegedly fueled by a young man who used money he made from a successful music career to allegedly pay for and encourage acts of violence. Together with the NYPD, my office will continue to target the most violent individuals and to build strong cases against them, as we have in this case.”

Mayor Adams said, “Since day one, our administration has been focused on reducing gun violence and taking aggressive action to address violent gang activity throughout the city. The actions of these 32 people put the lives of New Yorkers in danger — carrying out murder, assault, gun possession, and using stolen cars during shootings. These indictments should serve as a reminder that no one is above the law, and if you commit acts of violence in New York City you will be held accountable.”

Commissioner Sewell said, “For more than two years, NYPD investigators have been working closely with the Brooklyn District Attorney to do what they do better than anyone: keep the people and the communities we serve safe. The gang members indicted today may have thought they could traffic in violence, intimidation, and fear with impunity – but they were wrong. Together with our law enforcement partners, the NYPD is tackling violent crime and violent criminals head-on, and this case is just the latest example of our shared commitment to the public safety of all New Yorkers.”

The defendants are being arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 140-count indictment in which they are variously charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree conspiracy, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree assault, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree kidnapping, first-degree gang assault, first-degree attempted gang assault, second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, and related charges.

The District Attorney said the indictment is the result of a long-term investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division into shootings and gun possession incidents allegedly committed by members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliates, the 9 Ways gang, primarily in the 67^th and 71^st Precincts. The investigation focused on the 8 Trey Crips based out of Flatbush (Caton 8 Trey Crips), East Flatbush (40s 8 Trey Crips) and Canarsie (80z Flossy 8 Trey Crips). The territory of the 9 Ways gang runs from East New York Avenue to Church Avenue and from Remsen Avenue to East 98^th Street in East Flatbush.

During the conspiracy period – from March 2019 to the present – the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs allegedly possessed guns, committed shootings, and stole cars for use in the shootings, all in furtherance of their goals to maintain geographic control and dominance over their territories, enhance the reputation of the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways gangs, and eliminate rival members of the Folk Nation Gangster Disciples and ICG Babiiez.

During the conspiracy period covered in the indictments, there were 27 incidents of violence and criminal activity, including 12 shootings with 13 victims, including one fatality. Three shooting victims were innocent bystanders. Approximately 37 different firearms were used or possessed by the defendants and 19 firearms were recovered during the course of the investigation.

It is alleged that many of the acts of violence were captured on surveillance videos. Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendants boasted about their criminal activities on social media and in text messages, discussing acts of violence and taking credit for shootings and an assault.

The most egregious incident charged in the indictment is a mass shooting on Hawthorne Street in Folk Nation territory on October 21, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m. It is alleged that defendant Kamondre Dekattu is captured on surveillance video emerging from the sunroof of a white Infiniti and opening fire while other individuals fired guns from the driver’s side and rear driver’s side windows. An alleged Folk Nation rival, Theodore Senior, 23, was killed and five other alleged Folk Nation members were shot and injured. Dekattu is charged with the murder and his co-conspirators, including Michael Williams and his sister, Crystal Williams, are charged with being part of the conspiracy to commit murder, for this incident and others.

In particular, approximately an hour after that mass shooting, Michael Williams allegedly sent a text message seeking confirmation that the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways had scored against rivals. In separate messages to his sister, Crystal Williams, Michael Williams sent pictures of the victim and a news article about the incident and shootings that preceded it that day.

Two days after the homicide, it is alleged that Michael Williams hosted a lavish dinner with his fellow 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways members, including Tegan Chambers, at a Manhattan steakhouse to celebrate the death of Theodore Senior and the injuries of the five other shooting victims.

Furthermore, it is alleged that Williams, who rented a large house in Short Hills, New Jersey during the conspiracy period, used the earnings from his music career to fuel gun violence in Brooklyn, by offering money and giving expensive jewelry to those who commit acts of violence. Williams’ involvement went beyond merely offering money to commit acts of violence. It is alleged that in one shooting incident Williams coordinated a group of three shooters, drove those shooters to the crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.

Other significant incidents that are charged as part of the conspiracies include:

On April 5, 2021, it is alleged, members of the ICG Babiiez gang shot at Williams’ mansion in Short Hills, where he and his closest 8 Trey allies lived. Over the next several months, Williams and some of the other defendants allegedly embarked on a campaign to seek revenge against the rival Babiiez gang and an 8 Trey member who they believed betrayed Williams by giving the rivals his address in New Jersey.

On April 6, 2021, it is alleged, video surveillance captured a black Jeep Trackhawk, which is registered to Michael Williams, driving on Caton Avenue toward East 18^th Street, and eventually parking on St. Paul’s Street. Defendants Olivel Martinez, Tony Darden and Kenrick Austrie exited the vehicle, walked to Caton Avenue and East 18^th Street and allegedly opened fire in the direction of a rival, and struck two innocent bystanders, a 53-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman. They allegedly fled the location and entered the Trackhawk, where Williams was the alleged getaway driver. The following day, Darden allegedly shared a news article about the shooting in a group text message between himself, Williams, Martinez and Austrie.

On June 20, 2021, into the early morning hours of the following day, it is alleged, defendants Donald Audouin, Joseph Crick-Best, Victor Davis, Najma James, Ricardo Johnson, Marcov Joseph, Imani Maxwell, Celaya Phillip, Shatike Robinson and Tailynn Williamson, conducted a coordinated and violent attack, using a caravan of three cars, on the fellow 8 Trey member who they believed betrayed Michael Williams. The group located the individual at Flatbush Avenue and Albemarle Road, where they allegedly took turns punching and kicking him, then shoved him into a car and all 10 defendants drove to the vicinity of Holy Cross Cemetery, where they dragged the victim out of the car and continued to beat, kick and stomp him. The assault was ultimately interrupted by police responding to 911 calls reporting the beating.

This investigation was conducted by New York City Police Department Sergeant Joseph Calabrese and Detective Christopher Kelley of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, under the supervision of Sergeant David Zayas, Sergeant Calvin Fergus, Lieutenant Salvatore Sciove, Captain Ryan Gillis, all of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, and Deputy Chief Jason Savino, the Commanding Officer of the Gun Violence Suppression Division, along with the Detective Squads of the 67^th, 70^th, 71^st, and 73^rd Precincts and the Brooklyn South Homicide Squad, all under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives James W. Essig.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Edward Kerins and Roman Galper, and Assistant District Attorney Amel Spahija, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Gillian DiPietro and Kathryn Spota, VCE Deputy Bureau Chiefs, 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 merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Exhibits shown at the press conference are available here

DEFENDANT ADDENDUM: 

1. Donald Audouin, 31
2. Kenrick Austrie, 23
3. Alex Brown, 21
4. Jaquan Brown, 21
5. Shamar Brown, 24
6. Tegan Chambers, 23
7. Jovanie Chouloutte, 22
8. Joseph Crick-Best, 40
9. Tony Darden, 19
10. Victor Davis, 21
11. Kamondre Dekattu, 22
12. Nicholas Heaven, 25
13. Shariff Hill, 25
14. Shomari Hudson, 21
15. Najma James, 27
16. Ricardo Johnson, 26
17. Marcov Joseph, 22
18. Dean Jean Louis, 25
19. Olivel Martinez, 23
20. Imani Maxwell, 26
21. Robert Muschett, 21
22. Celaya Phillip, 23
23. Shatike Robinson, 23
24. Jaheim Samuels, 21
25. Quran Thomas, 24
26. Tremain Weekes, 25
27. Garron Whyte, 20
28. Akeem Williams, 22
29. Crystal Williams, 22
30. Michael Williams, 24
31. Tailynn Williamson, 22
32. Marc Wright, 21

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 15 Years to Life in Prison

For Killing Brooklyn Rapper

Defendant Fatally Shot Victim in Chest After Dispute Over Stolen Cellphone

           Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a 30-year-old Brooklyn rapper after a dispute over a stolen cellphone in 2017.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a tragic and senseless shooting of a man who had his life and budding musical career tragically cut short. Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars, and today’s sentence sends a strong message that gun violence in our neighborhoods will be met with serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as James Oliver, 44, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 15 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on April 26, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 2, 2017, at approximately 10 p.m., inside the lobby of a building at 80 East 92nd Street, in East Flatbush, the defendant and victim, Darnell Pettway, 30, were drinking and gambling with a group of men. The defendant got into a fight with another individual over a stolen cellphone and became enraged when Pettway did not intervene on his behalf. According to the evidence, the defendant then left the location and went to his apartment at 87 East 93rd Street where he was recorded by video surveillance putting a gun into his waistband. The defendant then went back to 80 East 92nd where he shot Pettway several times in the chest.

Pettway, a rapper who performed under the stage “Mook Mula,” was taken to Kings County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant fled to Pennsylvania. He was arrested on Jan. 1, 2019, in Upper Saucon Township, after being arrested for an unrelated incident.

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

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Midey 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, April 26, 2023

 

Former Paralegal Indicted for Embezzling Over $400,000

from Brooklyn Law Firm

Defendant Allegedly Stole Settlement Money Belonging to Clients

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a former Brooklyn paralegal has been charged with embezzling more than $400,000 from the law firm where he worked. The defendant allegedly stole from the firm’s Interest On Lawyer Account (IOLA) fund, which contained settlement money belonging to firm clients, and then used the money to pay personal expenses, including credit card bills.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly violated the trust of his firm’s clients by stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. Criminal misconduct cannot be tolerated in the legal profession, and we are committed to holding this defendant accountable for his alleged fraud. I thank the U.S. Department of Homeland Securities Investigations for their assistance with the case.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo said, “As alleged, Steven Cher exploited his trusted position as a paralegal with the Law Office of Yuriy Prakhin to embezzle over $400,000 from several of the firm’s clients. Financial fraud and embezzlement are not victimless crimes. Those who are defrauded often suffer financial and emotional turmoil as they seek to recover from the offenses against them. The success of this investigation highlights the importance of collaborative law enforcement partnerships to apprehend these types of perpetrators and grant justice for their victims. I am especially grateful to HSI New York’s Document & Benefit Fraud Task Force and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their work in this investigation.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Steven Cher, a.k.a., Vladislav Cherednichenko, 48, recently of Leander, Texas. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree grand larceny, second-degree money laundering, first-degree identity theft, and thirty-two counts of first-degree falsifying business records. The defendant was released on his own recognizance and ordered to return to court on May 1, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from 2015 to 2018, the defendant worked as a paralegal at the Law Office of Yuriy Prakhin where he assisted in handling settlement checks to clients.  It is alleged the defendant stole over $400,000 from the IOLA account.  He deposited approximately $288,611 of these funds into a bank account that he opened in the name of another person.  The defendant also allegedly diverted 16 checks worth $127,524 made out to clients of the firm into bank account in his own name.  Furthermore, it is alleged the defendant used the embezzled funds on travel and restaurants, as well as to pay his credit card bills.

The defendant was arrested in Tennessee earlier this month and waived extradition to New York.

The investigation was conducted by the Kings County District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

The District Attorney thanked Deputy Joseph Reiber of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in Tennessee for his assistance with the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Abigail Rosen of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gavin Miles, Bureau Chief of Intake and Case Assessment, Gregory Pavlides, Bureau Chief of Frauds, Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

 

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Bronx Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Rape of Stranger on A Train

Defendant Approached Woman on Platform at Liberty Avenue,

Then Boarded Subway and Sexually Assaulted Her Multiple Times

           Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for repeatedly sexually assaulting a woman in the early morning hours of August 11, 2021 onboard a northbound A train.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant violently and brutally attacked an innocent woman on the subway, and thanks to the victim’s brave testimony he will be held accountable. Protecting our communities from sexual assault is a top priority for my office and I commend the NYPD for their outstanding work apprehending the defendant within hours of this attack.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dashawn Lewis, 32, of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu to 25 years in prison and 20 years of post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of first-degree rape, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual act, third-degree robbery, forcible touching, and theft of services on March 16, 2023, following a jury trial. The defendant must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on August 11, 2021, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the victim, a 24-year-old woman, was waiting for the subway at the Liberty Avenue station in East New York when the defendant started speaking to her and she ignored him. When she got up to board the train, he touched her buttocks, boarded the train, started yelling at her in front of two other passengers, and then moved into a different car.

Meanwhile, the victim, who was crying, called her friend on Facetime, but the call dropped. The two other passengers got off the train at the next stop, according to the evidence, and the defendant came back into the car, said to her “don’t make me mess up your pretty face,” and forced her to perform a sex act while filming it. He then raped her and again forced her to perform a sex act, took her identification and left the train.

When the victim got off the train at the next stop she was met by her friend and police, as her friend had called 911 when the call dropped. The victim was taken to a hospital, where a sexual assault kit was prepared.

The defendant was arrested for farebeating at approximately 5:45 a.m., at a nearby train station, by New York City police officers who recognized him as fitting the description of the suspect in the sexual assault, and he was subsequently charged. The defendant’s DNA was a match to the sexual assault kit and further evidence of the attack was found on his phone.

           The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Gwen Barnes and Paul Hershan, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 5, 2023

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison

for Shooting and Wounding NYPD Detective

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder in January

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bedford-Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree attempted murder for opening fire on four New York City Police Officers in 2018. The defendant fired six shots at the officers and wounded one of them, a detective, in the leg.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The six shots this defendant fired at officers as he fled could have killed them and highlights the risks our police partners take every day on the job. We will never tolerate violence against law enforcement in Brooklyn, and today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for his deplorable crime.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Kelvin Stichel, 37, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Justice Claudia Daniels-DePeyster to 16 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on January 26, 2023.

The District Attorney said that on July 7, 2018, at approximately 6:40 a.m., Detective Miguel Soto, a member of the NYPD’s Warrant Squad in Brooklyn North, and three other officers were driving an unmarked car on Fulton Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant when they saw the defendant walking on the sidewalk.

According to the evidence, the officers recognized the defendant from an investigation card for an alleged armed robbery. The defendant saw the officers making a U-Turn and fled the scene, turning onto Tompkins Avenue and then Decatur Street. The officers, who chased the defendant in the car and then on foot, identified themselves and ordered him to display his hands. The defendant then pulled out a .45-caliber handgun. The defendant fired six times at the officers, striking Detective Soto in the right leg. Officers returned fire and struck the defendant once in the left arm.

The defendant was later apprehended at 39 Kingston Street. The .45-caliber handgun used in the shooting was recovered from a trashcan in front of a nearby building.

Detective Soto, a decorated, seven-year-veteran of the NYPD, was taken to Kings County Hospital where he was treated and released.

The defendant was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrea Orlando, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert J. Walsh, Chief of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Chief of the Blue Zone.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

 

ATM Burglary Ring Indicted for Alleged Theft of

19 ATMs and Other Items from Stores and Bodegas

Six Men Charged for Break-ins in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx;

Allegedly Monitored Police Scanner to Evade Detection

              Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell, today announced that six men have been variously charged with burglary, grand larceny, conspiracy and other counts in connection with a scheme to break into stores and steal ATMs and other property. The 92-count indictment covers incidents from June 2022 until January 2023, when four of the defendants were arrested in LaGuardia Airport following a 30-minute high-speed chase. Many of the heists were captured on video surveillance.

            District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With today’s indictment, we have dismantled a brazen and persistent alleged burglary ring that targeted small businesses throughout the city. It took meticulous work to build this case and I am thankful to the investigators and prosecutors who put it together. Protecting businesses from break-ins and larceny is an important mission of my office and this case shows our commitment to spending the time and resources necessary to stop criminals from victimizing store owners.”

            Commissioner Sewell said, “These charges put an end to the multi-borough burglary-and-theft spree that potentially netted the defendants tens of thousands of dollars. This lucrative scheme undermined public safety in New York City, and today’s indictment is the next step toward holding these men accountable for their numerous crimes. I commend and thank the NYPD investigators and prosecutors of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office who worked closely on all aspects of this important case.”

           The District Attorney identified the defendants as follows: Alex Torres aka “Chacho,” 50, charged with 80 crimes relating to 17 incidents; Francisco Torres aka “Fusion,” 51, charged with 62 crimes, relating to 13 incidents; Jesus Cedeno aka “Capone,” 52, charged 55 crimes relating to 12 incidents; Angel Barbosa aka “Pucci,” 44, charged with 48 crimes relating to 11 incidents; Chris Moustakos aka “Chris the Greek,” 52, charged with eight crimes relating to one incident; and Luis Villanueva aka “Cholo,” 52, charged with six crimes relating to one incident. The defendants all reside in Brooklyn, except for Moustakos whose address is in Roosevelt, LI.  Charges against additional individuals who have assisted the ring are possible.

           The defendants are variously charged in a 92-count indictment with second and third–degree burglary, second-, third-, and fourth–degree grand larceny, possession of burglar’s tools, criminal mischief and other related counts. Alex Torres, Cedeno, Barbosa and Villanueva were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun, who ordered them held on bail and to return to court on June 7, 2023. Francisco Torres and Moustakos will be arraigned on a later date.

          The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from June 23, 2022 to January 18, 2023, the defendants allegedly engaged in a conspiracy to steal ATMs from various stores. It is alleged that they used apartments in Clinton Hill and East New York to prepare for the burglaries. Based on the recovery of police scanners and other evidence, the ring allegedly assigned a member to monitor police scanners during the heists, so they could alert the others if police were approaching and to evade detection.

           Based on the investigation, which included review of surveillance footage, members of the ring allegedly used bolt cutters and other tools to gain access to stores and then rocked the ATM machines back and forth to dislodge them. Their roles in the alleged burglaries varied, according to video surveillance, but, generally, Alex Torres allegedly broke the bolts securing the ATMs and then helped carry them out of the stores. Francisco Torres allegedly was frequently the driver and helped to break stores’ doors. Barbosa and Cedeno allegedly generally acted as lookouts and also helped with breaking into stores. Moustakos allegedly participated in the final burglary. Villanueva allegedly participated in an early burglary.

            On October 26, 2022, Angel Barbosa was arrested for possession of a police scanner.  Days later, on November 1, 2022, he was arrested in possession of two stolen ATMs, after he attempted to flee apprehension and drove into an occupied unmarked police car, injuring two officers.

           The ring grew more cautious after that but continued the alleged heists, the investigation found. On January 18, 2023, Alex and Francisco Torres, Cedeno and Moustakos allegedly burglarized a bodega in South Richmond Hill, Queens, and were exposed by investigators. They then led the authorities on a high-speed chase from there, past Kennedy Airport and ended when their Ford van crashed into a barrier in LaGuardia Airport. The four were arrested and charged in connection with that burglary. The indictment supersedes both the November 1^st and January 18^th charges and adds numerous other crimes pertaining to most of the defendants.

          A total of 11 incidents charged in the indictment took place in Brooklyn, seven in Queens and one in the Bronx. The exact stolen amount in most of the incidents is not known. The largest known amounts are over $60,000 stolen from a wireless store and its ATM in Ridgewood, $20,000 stolen from an ATM from a Bushwick deli, and $6,000 stolen from a cash register of a Cypress Hills mini mart.

         The case was investigated by Detective Investigators assigned to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.

         The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Abigail Rosen and Nicole Lauterbach, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, with the assistance of Assistant District Attorney Michael Chachura, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Gregory Pavlides, Frauds Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Patricia McNeill, Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

 

Manhattan Man Indicted for Murder of Off-Duty Police Officer

During Attempted Robbery in East New York

Defendant Allegedly Lured Victim to Scene

By Advertising Car for Sale on Facebook Marketplace

            Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Manhattan man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder, attempted robbery and other charges for fatally shooting an off-duty police officer who went to East New York to purchase a vehicle. He has also been indicted for a second robbery under similar circumstances.

            District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Police Officer Adeed Fayaz’ death is a terrible and tragic loss for his family, friends, NYPD colleagues, and the public he selflessly served. My thoughts are with all who are grieving his loss and my office will vigorously seek justice on his behalf.”

            The District Attorney identified the defendant as Randy Jones, 38, of East Harlem, New York. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with first- and second-degree murder, first-degree attempted robbery, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree robbery and third-degree grand larceny. The defendant is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on May 17, 2023. He faces up to life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of the top count.

            The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 4, 2023, at approximately 7 p.m., in the vicinity of 452 Ruby Street, in East New York, Brooklyn, Officer Fayaz and his brother-in-law proceeded to meet with the seller of a Honda Pilot advertised for $24,000 on Facebook Marketplace. They left the cash in Officer Fayaz’ car.

            It is alleged that the defendant, who advertised the vehicle and arranged the meeting, pulled a gun and demanded money. When told they didn’t have the money, the defendant allegedly shot Officer Fayaz in the head and fled. The brother-in-law grabbed Officer Fayaz’ gun and engaged in a gun battle with the defendant, who fled the scene.

           Officer Fayaz, 26, was taken to Brookdale Hospital and was pronounced dead on February 7, 2023.

           The defendant was apprehended by police in a hotel in Rockland County on February 7, 2023.

           The defendant was also indicted for another incident that occurred on January 13, 2023, for allegedly luring another person to the same location after advertising a Honda Odyssey for sale on Facebook Marketplace. When the buyer arrived at the scene, the defendant allegedly pulled a gun and demanded money, robbing him of approximately $18,000.

           The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegals Jannette Ayala and Amanda Connolly for their assistance on the case.

           The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Midey, also of the Homicide Bureau.

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