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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, January 10, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison for Shooting and Killing Man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights

Victim Was a Father Who Died Defending His Daughter

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison following his conviction on two counts of murder for fatally shooting a man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights. The victim, a 43-year-old father, died defending his teenage daughter from the defendant and an alleged co-defendant during an armed burglary attempt.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The viciousness 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. While nothing can fill the void left by this tragedy, I hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace to Mr. Scarlett’s family and loved ones. As Brooklyn ended last year as the safest on record for gun violence, my office remains committed to protecting our communities and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Waki Bullock, 33, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht. The defendant was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder on December 9, 2024, following a jury trial.

A co-defendant, Rashawn Brown, 28, of Crown Heights, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted burglary, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His case is pending, and his next court appearance is February 6, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 13, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m., inside 219 Kingsborough 2 Walk, a building within NYCHA’s Kingsborough Houses, in Crown Heights, the defendant and his alleged co-defendant shot and killed 43-year-old Phillip Scarlett. Scarlett was expecting a visit from his 14-year-old daughter, who was coming to the sixth-floor apartment to get laundry money. As the girl approached the entrance, the defendant and his alleged co-defendant, who were standing in the hallway wearing masks and armed, grabbed her before she could enter. The girl yelled out for her father who in response ran to the door and was able to pull the girl away from the masked men. The victim used his body to shield his daughter from the defendant and alleged co-defendant by pushing her back into the apartment. The defendant and alleged co-defendant then grabbed the victim, dragged him down the staircase where, according to the evidence, they shot him in the hip and thigh.

The victim was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant fled to Georgia and was later apprehended and returned to Brooklyn on July 10, 2021.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Zoë Feygin and Unit Chief Jingu Chong for their work on this case.

The District Attorney also thanked Homicide Paralegal Angelika Rostkowska and Blue Zone Paralegal Sharlesia Agaga.

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

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Friday, January 3, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

For Shooting and Wounding Man in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Defendant and Victim Had a Dispute Outside Bar on Tompkins Avenue

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bedford-Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree attempted murder for opening fire outside a neighborhood bar and striking a man in the leg. The defendant was convicted last month following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of gun violence have no place in Brooklyn. The defendant’s decision to open fire over a petty argument not only caused serious harm to the victim but endangered innocent lives in our community. This brazen disregard for safety is unacceptable. As Brooklyn reached the lowest number of shootings ever recorded last year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding individuals who perpetrate gun violence accountable to ensure our borough remains a safer place for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Hajj Lovick, 48, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 12 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first- and second-degree criminal use of a firearm on December 11, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 15, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the defendant stepped out of Lover’s Rock, a bar located at 419 Tompkins Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, with the victim, a 51-year-old man, and the two men engaged in a verbal dispute. The defendant was armed with a knife and feinted use of that knife against the victim, as if he was going to stab him. The victim was unarmed.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, after the dispute cooled down the defendant left the vicinity of Lover’s Rock and entered a nearby building. Minutes later, according to the evidence, the defendant returned with a gun and fired twice toward the victim and several bystanders. The victim was struck once in his right shin. No one else was struck. Video surveillance captured the moments before the shooting, the shooting, and the aftermath of the shooting.

The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital and was treated and released.

The defendant fled the scene and was arrested on June 19, 2023, following an investigation. A knife was recovered from the defendant at the time of his arrest.

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

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Monday, December 16, 2024

Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Approximately $15,800 From Prospective Tenants in Fraudulent Rental Scheme

Defendant Allegedly Advertised Apartment for Rent in Russian Language Newspaper;
Several Alleged Victims Recently Came to the United States from Ukraine

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment in which she is charged with grand larceny and related charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in “security deposits” and “rent” from prospective tenants who responded to her advertisement for an apartment in Gravesend, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of exploiting the trust and vulnerability of her neighbors, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants seeking stability in a new country. Her alleged actions not only caused financial harm but also betrayed individuals already navigating immense challenges. We are determined to hold her accountable and remind prospective tenants to safeguard themselves by insisting that landlords provide a written lease and avoiding cash payments in rental transactions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Svetlana Katzevman, 62, of Gravesend, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on a 14-count indictment in which she is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on January 29, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between January 2022 and July 2024, the defendant placed an advertisement for a rental apartment at 1800 Ocean Parkway in a Russian newspaper, Russkaya Reklama. Individuals who responded to the advertisement allegedly paid the defendant amounts ranging from $700 to $2,300 under the belief that they were paying for a security deposit and rent. The defendant allegedly received approximately $15,800 from victims during that period.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the defendant would then change the locks or otherwise prevent the victims from moving in and refuse to return their money. Each of the 12 victims is Russian speaking and either worked or lived in Brooklyn. Several of the victims recently came to the U.S. from Ukraine and the defendant allegedly told them that she was giving them discounts on the rent because she, too, was from Ukraine and wanted to help them.

The defendant lives in the apartment she was allegedly trying to rent. In all the instances charged in the case the defendant allegedly insisted on cash instead of a check or other form of payment and did not provide a lease.

In addition, it is alleged, the victims included a 38-year-old man who gave the defendant a $700 deposit on November 13, 2023, and gave her the first month’s rent, another $700 on November 15, 2023. She gave him a receipt for the funds upon his request. The same day she allegedly took another $700 from a 60-year-old man for a security deposit, and three days later took another $700 from him as the first month’s rent.

In another example of the alleged scheme, the defendant received a $1,600 cash deposit from a 40-year-old man on April 13, 2024, and on April 17, 2024, she received a $2,300 cash deposit from a 65-year-old woman. Both were for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

Each of the victims expected to move in shortly thereafter and were surprised to discover the apartment door was locked and the defendant did not return their phone calls or text messages.

The District Attorney thanked Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak of the Investigations Division for her assistance on the case.

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

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

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Friday, November 22, 2024

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

For Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Boy

Defendant Abducted Stranger at Knifepoint as He Walked Home from School

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy. The defendant pleaded guilty to criminal sexual act earlier this year.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for a terrifying assault of a child and spares the young boy from having to testify and recount this life-altering attack in a courtroom. My thoughts are with the victim and his family, who I commend for immediately reporting this incident to the police and ensuring the defendant was brought to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Christopher Fiesco, 34, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 14 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual act on August 9, 2024, in satisfaction of the entire indictment. He must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 2, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the defendant, wearing a full ski mask, approached a 13-year-old boy in the vicinity of Winthrop Street and East 98^th Street in East Flatbush, grabbed the child’s arm, and asked him for the time. When the child tried to leave, the defendant threatened him with a knife, told him not to scream, and took him to a building located at 87 East 53^rd Street.

The defendant forced the child to climb a fire escape and enter an apartment through the window. Once inside, the defendant told him to shower and then sexually assaulted the child. He then let the child leave.

The victim went home and reported the assault to his family, who called 911.

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

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Deborah Cohen, Counsel to the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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Friday, November 22, 2024

Queens Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Two Violent Robberies

Attacked Two Individuals in a Two-Hour Span and Assaulted Another,

Pleaded Guilty to Robbery

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with three separate incidents in Brooklyn. The defendant pleaded guilty to robbery last month.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant brutally attacked three individuals in unprovoked incidents committed over the span of just a few weeks. Today’s sentencing ensures he is held accountable for these vicious offenses and sends a strong message that violence in Brooklyn will be met with serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dupreme Williams, 43, of Far Rockaway, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to seven years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision following his guilty plea to second-degree robbery on October 29, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 13, 2014, at approximately 8:15 a.m., at Flatbush Avenue Extension and Fleet Street, the defendant approached a 50-year-old woman and struck her multiple times about the face and body, causing her to drop her AirPods, which the defendant picked up and then walked away.

The defendant approached another individual, a 73-year-old man, shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:45 a.m., who was aboard a southbound F train at the York Street subway station. The defendant punched the man in the face, causing him to drop his cell phone. The defendant grabbed the cell phone and ran off the train.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, on March 8, 2024, at approximately 1:55 p.m., in front of 2135 Pitkin Avenue, the defendant punched a man in the face with a closed fist.

The defendant was arrested on March 28, 2024, following an investigation.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

for Shooting at Uber Eats Driver

Defendant Fired Approximately Four Shots at Stranger in Random Drive-By Shooting

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree attempted murder for opening fire at an Uber Eats driver during a random drive-by shooting in 2021. The Defendant fired multiple shots at the victim, a stranger, as he sat in his car between deliveries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s decision to open fire on an innocent driver was a shocking act of violence that put a stranger’s life at risk and terrorized a peaceful neighborhood. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to confronting gun violence with accountability. My office will continue to pursue justice for those who recklessly endanger public safety and ensure that everyone in Brooklyn can feel safe in their community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Laquan Battle, 28, of New Lots, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 5, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., in front of 1228 Pacific Street, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the victim, 22, was sitting in his 2004 Toyota Sienna when the defendant drove by in a red Kia. The defendant stopped slightly ahead of the victim’s vehicle and cursed at him. The defendant then stuck a 9-millimeter handgun out of the window and, according to the evidence, fired approximately four times at the victim before driving away.

One of the bullets struck the victim’s car. A second bullet struck an adjacent parked car. The victim was not injured.

Detectives from the 77^th precinct were able to identify the Kia’s license plate from video surveillance and placed a felony alarm on the vehicle. Following a continued investigation, the defendant was identified as the shooter.

The defendant was apprehended in Jonesboro, Georgia, in May 2022, and returned to New York.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Quon and Senior Assistant District Attorney Paola Orta Cordova, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Bronx Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for

Allegedly Stabbing Transit Worker in Subway

The Victim Was Trying to Empty the Train, the Defendant Allegedly Refused to Leave

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault and other charges in connection with the stabbing of an MTA subway operator. The victim was stabbed 11 times. 

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a hardworking train conductor who was simply doing his job. We will aggressively pursue full accountability for this violent assault. Keeping straphangers and transit workers safe is essential to the functioning of our city and a top priority for my office. We remain committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our subways face the full consequences of their actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jonathan Davalos, 27, of the Bronx. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on a 13-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and related charges. The defendant is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on January 10, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 8, 2024, at approximately 10:40 a.m., aboard a number 4 train subway car at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station, in Brooklyn, the victim, a 59-year-old subway operator, was attempting to clear the subway at the last stop on the train when he encountered the defendant. The operator asked the defendant to exit the subway, but he allegedly refused to leave. The men engaged in a verbal exchange and the defendant allegedly lunged at the victim after pulling a knife out of his jacket pocket.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the victim then began running from the defendant, who chased him down the platform. The victim tripped and fell onto the platform and the defendant allegedly straddled him and began stabbing him about the body. A witness alerted police officers at the station, and they responded to the scene and drew their weapons. The defendant then stood up, dropped the knife, and was placed under arrest.

The victim, who was stabbed 11 times, was taken to Kings County Hospital in serious condition. 

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg and Assistant District Attorneys Garrett Hines and Holley Howell, 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.

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

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­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Three Charged with Hate Crimes Related to Defacing and Vandalizing Homes of the Brooklyn Museum’s Director and Board Members

Allegedly Splashed Red Paint, Left Threats at Victims’ Homes; Charged with Making a Terroristic Threat as a Hate Crime, Criminal Mischief as a Hate Crime; 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a woman and two men were named in a 25-count indictment in which they are charged in connection with anti-Semitic incidents in Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn and in Lenox Hill in Manhattan. The defendants allegedly targeted members of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors who have Jewish-sounding names and did not target two board members who do not have Jewish-sounding names.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Acts of vandalism that target individuals in their own homes are a deeply disturbing violation meant to intimidate, terrorize, and instill fear. These defendants allegedly targeted museum board members with threats and anti-Semitic graffiti based on their perceived heritage. These actions are not protests; they are hate crimes, and we are deeply committed to holding accountable anyone who uses such unlawful tactics in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Taylor Pelton, 28, of Astoria, Queens, Samuel Seligson, 32, of Brooklyn, and Gabriel Schubiner, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They are variously charged in a 25-count indictment with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, making a terroristic threat, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief, making graffiti, possession of graffiti instruments, and fifth-degree conspiracy. Schubiner was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and released without bail. Seligson and Pelton are expected to be arraigned next week.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the three defendants were allegedly captured on surveillance video gathering at 500 Saint Marks Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in the early morning hours of June 12, 2024. They allegedly entered the location and were present for over an hour. When they left the location all three defendants and three unapprehended others were captured carrying supplies to Pelton’s car, a red Honda Fit, with Seligson directing the others to place items in the trunk.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, Pelton drove the defendants and unapprehended others to DeGraw Street and Bond Street in Boerum Hill, where Seligson, Schubiner and the unapprehended others are seen on video walking to Douglass Street with black bags. Douglass Street is where the residence of a member of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors is located.  A video camera at the location was allegedly painted over by Schubiner so it could not capture the identity of the defendants when they allegedly defaced the location using red paint, with the words, “Brooklyn Museum, blood on your hands” and left a banner with the victim’s name, claiming she had “blood on your hands, war crimes, funds genocide” and several inverted red triangles on the banner.

The red triangles, according to the investigation are associated with Hamas, a terrorist group. A stencil found on the ground at the location had a fingerprint covered in red paint which was identified as belonging to Schubiner.

Furthermore, according to the District Attorney, it is alleged that Pelton then drove the group to the next location, the corner of Pierrepont Street and Hicks Street. Seligson and Schubiner are then allegedly captured approaching the residence of the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Museum. A video camera was allegedly painted over so it could not capture the identity of the defendants as they allegedly defaced the building with red paint, a banner which named the Director and called her a White Supremacist Zionist, with red handprints, the words “Blood on your hands,” an anarchy symbol, and red inverted triangles painted on the banner and on the building. The defendants are then allegedly captured on video surveillance footage running from the location toward Pelton’s car. The car then headed over the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan.

Finally, it is alleged, according to the investigation, Pelton drove to East 65^th Street and First Avenue, where Schubiner and the unapprehended others are captured spraying red paint on a building on Fifth Avenue in Lenox Hill, which is the residence of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Museum. They allegedly painted her name, the red inverted triangles and the anarchy symbol.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Detective Michael Rodriguez of the Hate Crimes Task Force and the entire HCTF, under the supervision of Chief Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked the following individuals for their assistance on this case: Manhattan District Attorney Hate Crimes Bureau Chief Hannah Yu and Assistant District Attorney Alberto Gomez; KCDA Digital Forensic Analysts Austin Fedchock and Timothy Brown, of the Digital Evidence Lab; KCDA Hate Crimes Paralegal Michael Chung; KCDA Detective Investigators; the NYPD Latent Prints Lab and Gun Violence Suppression Squad.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Samantha Perlstein, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Ari Farkas, Deputy Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli Muse, Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau.

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

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Thursday, October 24, 2024

Brooklyn Baseball Coach Indicted for Sex Abuse of Seven Teen Players

Allegedly Insisted Players Expose Themselves, Touched Genitals and Used Sexual Language; Victims Were Between 12 and 14 Years Old; Defendant Coached at The Packer School

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a youth baseball coach has been indicted for course of sexual conduct against a child, sexual abuse and other charges. It is alleged that during his travel team’s practices and other settings he consistently made sexual comments, repeatedly insisted that players show him their genitalia and touched their intimate parts on several occasions. At times, he allegedly refused to let athletes stop difficult conditioning exercises unless they exposed themselves to him.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s alleged actions represent a profound betrayal of trust, preying on the young athletes under his guidance. Coaches are entrusted with nurturing young minds and talents, not exploiting them for personal gratification. The disturbing details of this case highlight the lasting damage such behavior inflicts on vulnerable youth, and we are committed to holding this defendant fully accountable. Our priority remains to protect children and provide justice for these brave victims who have come forward.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Nicolas Morton, 31, of Park Slope. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a 20-count indictment charging him with second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, third- and first-degree sexual abuse, 13 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of forcible touching, and second-degree unlawful imprisonment. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond and the defendant was ordered to return to court on December 13, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant ran a travel baseball team while also serving as the head coach at The Packer Collegiate Institute. The allegations involve conduct during the travel team practices, mostly in Packer’s gym and in several Brooklyn ballfields, from the beginning of 2023 through the summer of 2024. Victims, whose ages ranged at that time from 12 to 14, recalled that at nearly every practice, the defendant made sexual comments, repeatedly asked to see the boys’ pubic hair, and spoke extensively about masturbation.

Three of the seven victims included in the indictment reported that the defendant allegedly touched their genitals over their clothes and one reported that he touched him under the clothing. All of the boys recalled that he asked, coaxed or pressured them to show him their pubic hair or penis. On numerous occasions he allegedly used illicit tactics to get them to show their genitals such as offering material benefits or telling them they could not stop running or doing other exhaustive drills unless they exposed themselves. He also allegedly threatened a number of boys that he would cut them from the team if they didn’t oblige.

Rumors started to circulate among players’ parents in July 2024 and some of them reported their concerns to Packer. The school terminated the defendant’s employment in August.

The District Attorney thanked New York City Police Department Detective Christopher Mastoros for his role in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Gwen Barnes and Gabriela Sinisi, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, with assistance from Special Victims Paralegal Jennifer Hernandez, and Emmanuel DeJesus, of the District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Olatokunbo Olaniyan, First Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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

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Thursday, October 3, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Moves to Vacate Conviction of Man Who Pleaded Guilty to 1986 Killing so He Could Stay Out of Prison After Successful Appeal

Served Eight Years in Prison; Convicted Based on Account of Single, Unreliable Witness;

Becomes 40^th Individual Exonerated Since Brooklyn’s CRU was Created a Decade Ago

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that following a thorough reinvestigation by his Conviction Review Unit (CRU), he will move to vacate the conviction of Keith Roberts, 67. Roberts served eight years in prison for murder before accepting a plea deal in 1995 to a lower charge so he could stay at liberty after his original conviction was reversed on appeal. The reinvestigation found that the sole eyewitness was patently incredible, the rejected alibi defense was plausible, and the police investigation was inadequate. The complete CRU report is available here. Roberts is the 40^th individual to be exonerated by Brooklyn’s CRU since the unit was created in 2014, more than the 34 exonerations that were recommended by all the other DA’s offices in the city over that timeframe, and one of the highest numbers for any DA’s office in the country. [Source: National Registry of Exonerations.]

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This exoneration underscores the critical importance of our Conviction Review Unit and its mission to right the wrongs of the past. Mr. Roberts, like many others, found himself trapped by a system that failed to recognize his innocence, and nearly 20 years ago, he pleaded guilty just to stay out of prison. Our reinvestigation revealed the deep flaws in the original case—unreliable testimony, overlooked evidence, and a rushed investigation. Today, we are able to restore his dignity and good name and affirm his innocence. This marks the 40^th exoneration by our CRU, which has been recognized as a national model because of our deep commitment to this work. While that number represents lives changed and justice finally delivered, it also reminds us of the enormous responsibility we carry in the work we do every day.”

Roberts will appear in court today at 2:15 p.m. before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew D’Emic at 320 Jay Street, 15^th Floor.

The District Attorney said that in the early morning hours of September 21, 1986, Pierre Sanon, 33, was fatally shot outside the Holiday Social Club in East Flatbush, Brooklyn after fighting with someone inside. According to the only identifying witness, after the killer shot the victim, he was told by two accomplices to go to the “yellow house” down the block, and that the witness saw the defendant run there. Police then came to that house – where Roberts lived – and interviewed him. He said that he was at another party that night and volunteered to come to the precinct and appear in a line-up. The witness identified him, and he was arrested. The case was closed by police just over 12 hours after the homicide.

The eyewitness testified at trial and so did several witnesses who attested to Roberts’ alibi claim. The jury convicted the defendant for second-degree murder, and he was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. At sentencing, Roberts proclaimed his innocence and the victim’s family stated that that they believed a man named Jerome (which was the eyewitness’ first name) fought with the victim and was responsible for the murder and that Roberts was not involved.

In September 1994, considering his direct appeal, the Appellate Division opined that the alibi defense was “plausible,” and that the eyewitness testimony was “exaggerated and incongruent” – but that neither of these reasons was sufficient to reverse the conviction. However, because of a late disclosure of a statement from another witness who said the shooter left the scene in a car, the Court ordered a new trial and Roberts was released. In September 1995, on the eve of the second trial, Roberts agreed to plead guilty to first-degree manslaughter in exchange for a sentence of two and a third to seven years, meaning he could remain out of prison. (The defense asked for an Alford plea, which would have allowed him to still maintain his innocence, but the prosecutor refused.)

Roberts approached the CRU, saying he only admitted guilt to avoid a possible conviction and return to prison, an admission he has regretted ever since. “I promised my mother before she died that I would continue to fight to establish my innocence and honor her fight and sacrifice to free me and clear my name,” he wrote. The CRU accepted the case, reviewed the entire file, and interviewed all relevant and available witnesses.

The CRU concluded that Roberts was likely not involved in the crime. He became a suspect based on the witness’s account that an accomplice instructed him to run to a yellow house – a claim that makes little sense given that he was residing in that very home. The claim was also refuted by accounts from other witnesses, who saw the shooter run to a car and drive away, and the initial description of the gunman did not match Roberts. In contrast, the identifying witness’s account lacked credibility and was nonsensical at times. The CRU also established that the eyewitness, who claimed he never saw the killer or the victim before and did not enter the club, was likely the person who fought with the victim inside the club earlier that night. Plus, Roberts had no motive to kill the victim and his alibi was corroborated by multiple people.

In addition, the police investigation was inadequate. It was conducted by a police officer, not a detective, in what was her first murder investigation. It was completed in well under 24 hours based on the word of one person. In her interview with the CRU, the officer recalled that back then, once someone was identified in a line-up, he was arrested, and no further investigation was considered. “It was all about numbers, clearing cases” she said. Finally, Roberts’ guilty plea should be viewed in light of his motivation to remain at liberty after his murder conviction was reversed on appeal.

The District Attorney accordingly recommends that his conviction be vacated, and the indictment dismissed.

To date, the work of the Conviction Review Unit has resulted in 40 convictions being vacated since 2014. Currently, CRU has approximately 60 open investigations.

This case was investigated by Senior Assistant District Attorney Emily Farber of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit, with assistance from Lori Glachman, CRU Editor-In-Chief, under the supervision of Charles Linehan, Unit Chief.

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