Notifications

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

August 3, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Twenty-Five Alleged Gang Members Charged
With Conspiracy, Violent Crimes in Connection with Crown Heights Turf War

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that 25 alleged members of the rival Lincoln Family and Bergen Family gangs have been charged in a 67-count indictment with conspiracy, murder, attempted murder, weapons possession and other charges in connection with eight separate shootings in Crown Heights that left six people injured and one teenager dead.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, during the course of the conspiracy, between October 2013 and the present, the defendants allegedly agreed to commit crimes, including murder, assault and other violent acts to protect their turf. The defendants, who now range in age from 16 to 23, are members of rival street gangs operating primarily within the 77th precinct.

The violent acts charged in the conspiracy — which the defendants planned and shared on social media — include multiple alleged shootings by members of both gangs, including the January 2015 killing of 19-year-old Bergen Family member Jaquay (Queezy) Bennett on St. Marks Avenue in a retaliatory shooting by a Lincoln Family member.

In a March 2016 shooting, members of the Lincoln Family allegedly fired multiple shots at rivals as school was letting out at Clara Barton High School and the International High School in Prospect Heights, striking and injuring a Bergen Family member and a 13-year-old girl.

District Attorney Thompson said, “This indictment underscores the continuing commitment of this office and the NYPD to take back the streets of Brooklyn from mindless gang and gun violence that puts so many people at risk, including in this case an innocent 13-year-old girl.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

July 28, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Flatbush Landlord Indicted for Manslaughter
In Connection with Fatal Fire

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that the owner of an illegally subdivided Flatbush apartment building has been indicted on manslaughter and other charges for a fatal fire in 2014 that left one tenant dead and nine others, including four children, injured.

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Luckner Lorient, 78, of East Flatbush. According to the indictment, Lorient was the owner of 1434 Flatbush Avenue, a three-story, wood-frame residential and commercial building that he had allegedly illegally converted into SROs (single-room occupancy), housing a total of 23 tenants in 11 rooms on the second and third floors.

According to the indictment, on November 19, 2014, shortly after 12:30 a.m., the building was enveloped by fire after an overloaded electrical circuit caused a water cooler on the second floor to ignite. The fire spread quickly, coursing through the second and third floors. Twenty of the 23 tenants were home at the time, most of them sleeping.

The tenants on the second floor escaped on their own or with the assistance of firefighters, but those on the third floor were either trapped or overcome by smoke and lost consciousness. Firefighters rescued six unconscious tenants from the third floor — three of whom were seriously burned. A 24-year-old man, Jeff Frederic, died of smoke inhalation.

Lorient, who was the pastor of a church located on the ground floor, is alleged to have recklessly disregarded safety issues, including a frequently overloaded electrical system, despite more than a decade’s worth of violations and vacate orders issued by authorities. In addition, the building failed to offer two means of egress, as required by law, and the single fire escape was inoperable.

District Attorney Thompson said, “This defendant was well aware of the danger of running an illegal SRO, but chose to ignore numerous violations and vacate orders issued over many years resulting in this devastating fire that killed a young man and injured many others.”.

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

July 26, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Two Gang Members Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for
Fatal Shooting of Rival on Coney Island Street

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that two members of the “Sex Money Murder” street gang were sentenced to the maximum term of 25 years to life in prison following their second-degree murder conviction for shooting and killing a rival on a Coney Island Street.

According to trial testimony, on December 19, 2012, the victim, Henry Dankwah, was heard making threats against one of the defendants, Gregory (“Douggie”) Ammonds, 25, of Brownsville. Later that day, in the early evening, co-defendant Kevin (“Cheese”) Perry, 40, of Rockaway Beach, started a conversation with Dankwah inside a store near West 36th Street and Neptune Avenue. The two left the store, walking on West 36th Street, when Ammonds and an accomplice, Michael (“Mikey”) Torres, 24, crept up behind Dankwah and opened fire, striking him a total of 13 times.

Torres, of Castle Hill in the Bronx, pleaded guilty on February 17, 2016 to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison.

District Attorney Thompson said, “These defendants committed a cold-blooded murder by luring a rival and ambushing him from behind. They received a just punishment today for this outrageous act of violence.”

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Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

July 21, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Ditmas Park Man Convicted of Impersonating a Police Officer and
Brutally Raping a Woman inside Sunset Park Hotel

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that a 39-year-old Ditmas Park man has been convicted of predatory sexual assault, robbery, impersonation and other charges for violently raping a woman at a hotel room after showing her a fake badge and claiming to be a police officer.

The District Attorney said that, according to evidence at trial, on July 30, 2014, at about 2:00 a.m., the victim was walking in the street outside 517 39th Street in Sunset Park, when the defendant, Jason Forgetta, 39, of Ditmas Park, stopped his car, showed her a police badge and started a conversation. The 26-year-old victim, who was a sex worker, agreed to go with the defendant to a room she had rented in the Sunny 39 Hotel, located there at the time.

Once inside the room, the defendant told the victim she was under arrest, shoved her against the wall, put a pillow over her head and repeatedly raped her, according to testimony. He then instructed her to take a shower to “wash all the DNA” off, stole her wallet, cell phone and undergarments and left. The victim ran after him and was able to catch the license plate of the vehicle he was driving, leading to his arrest.

The defendant, a level-3 sex offender from a prior rape conviction, faces up to 86 years to life in prison when sentenced in September.

District Attorney Thompson said, “This violent predator preyed upon a woman by claiming to be a cop, then raped and robbed her. He has been held accountable and we will ask for the longest possible sentence so no other woman will be victimized by this dangerous person.”

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Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

July 14, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Driver Indicted for Recklessly Killing Pedestrian in Fort Greene,
Injuring Two Others

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that a Brownsville man, Marlon Sewell, 39, has been indicted on manslaughter and related charges stemming from an early evening crash on Fulton Street in Fort Greene that left a woman dead and two other pedestrians injured.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 6, 2015, the defendant was driving a Chevy Suburban near Fulton Street and South Portland Avenue when he drove onto the sidewalk on Fulton Street and struck three pedestrians, Ida Turner, 75, Gerald Toth, 37, and his partner Victoria Nicodemus, 30.

Nicodemus was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Toth sustained injuries to his hand and ankle and Turner suffered injuries to both of her legs, requiring weeks of physical therapy.

According to the investigation, the defendant admitted to law enforcement that he was aware of a leak in his vehicle which caused harmful fumes to seep into the vehicle’s main cabin. Further, it is alleged, he failed to repair this dangerous condition which contributed to the fatal crash.

District Attorney Thompson said, “At trial, we will prove that the three victims were just walking on Fulton Street when the defendant, through his reckless actions, drove his car onto the sidewalk striking them all and killing Ms. Nicodemus.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

June 30, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Billion-Dollar Sports Gambling Ring Dismantled;
Four Defendants Charged with Enterprise Corruption

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that four individuals have been indicted for running a massive internet-based sports gambling ring that operated all over the United States and controlled an offshore office. The billion-dollar operation allegedly catered to thousands of bettors and accepted $927 million in wagers on NFL games during the 2015 season alone.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, between April 10, 2015 and June 9, 2016, the defendants were part of an illegal enterprise headed by defendant Gordon Mitchnick, 58, of Crestline, California, who controlled a series of Internet sports gambling sites, including www.wagerabc.com, www.thewagerspot.com and www.hustler247.ag.

The District Attorney identified the other defendants as Joseph Schneider, 39, of La Verne, California; Arthur Rossi, 66, of Manhattan, NY; and Claude Ferguson, 43, of Crestline, California. The defendants were arraigned yesterday on a 57-count indictment in which they are charged with enterprise corruption, first-degree promoting gambling and related charges.

It is alleged that his enterprise accepted wagers from thousands of bettors on various professional and collegiate sporting events, including football, basketball, baseball, hockey and soccer. The operation took in some $927,000,000 in wagers on NFL games played during the 2015 season, the investigation revealed. The enterprise used a variety of methods to allegedly launder its payments and proceeds, including transporting, transmitting and transferring of cash, electronic wire transfers and other financial transactions. For instance, the investigation found that Mitchnick had purchased over 20 houses as a means to launder gambling proceeds. On intercepted phone conversations, Mitchnick indicated that he was running an illegal operation, the investigation found.

District Attorney Thompson said, “Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime – it preys on peoples’ vulnerabilities and directly leads to money laundering, loansharking and a host of other crimes. The principals of this huge gambling operation – possibly the biggest one ever to be dismantled by a local prosecutor’s office – allegedly moved millions of dollars around the United States and the world and used various tactics to launder these proceeds. My Office’s diligent and long-term investigation has now put an end to this criminal enterprise and we intend to see that these defendants face justice here in Brooklyn.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

June 29, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Self-Proclaimed “Pastor” and Car Wholesaler Indicted For Stealing
More Than $66,000 from Seven Clients in Scam

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that a former Canarsie man has been indicted on one count of first-degree scheme to defraud and seven related charges for stealing more than $66,000 from seven Brooklyn clients in a used-car scam — showing clients used cars at auction, telling them he had purchased the cars but never delivering them or fully refunding the money.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, from March 18, 2012 to February 19, 2014, the defendant, a used-car wholesaler and self-proclaimed “pastor,” stole money from seven people who believed that he was purchasing used cars for them at out-of-state auctions. The defendant, Daniel Efosa, 60, formerly of Canarsie, allegedly attracted his clients in Brooklyn, through the use of billboards and business cards, and then drove clients from their homes to used car auctions, mostly in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Once there, the defendant allegedly had his clients choose a car for purchase, which he then purportedly bid on, and won.

According to the indictment, the defendant’s clients left the auction with the understanding that the car would be delivered to Brooklyn at a later date after passing inspection. After the auctions, when the clients called the defendant inquiring about the delivery of their cars, he allegedly provided various excuses, including weather delays and problems discovered during inspection. According to the indictment, none of the vehicles were ever delivered and none of the clients received full refunds.

District Attorney Thompson said, “This defendant allegedly advertised his services to attract clients and then betrayed and stole from people who trusted him. I would caution anyone planning to purchase a car or other large items to be wary of potential scams and use a proven, reputable source whenever possible.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

June 29, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Three Alleged Gunmen Indicted for the Murder of
Carey Gabay during J’ouvert Celebration

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that three men have been charged with the murder of Carey Gabay outside the Ebbets Field Houses in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on Labor Day last year. Because each of the defendants allegedly engaged in mutual combat during the early morning shootout, they are all being held equally responsible and all have been indicted for murder. A fourth suspected gang member was previously indicted for possessing a machine gun at the scene.

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Micah Alleyne, 24, of Jamaica, Queens, an alleged member of Folk Nation; Tyshawn Crawford, 21, of East New York, Brooklyn, an alleged member of Hoodstarz, a gang affiliated with Folk Nation; and Keith Luncheon, 24, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, an alleged 8-Trey member. They have been charged in a 16-count indictment with second-degree murder and related charges. Stanley Elianor, 25, of Brownsville, Brooklyn, an alleged member of Folk Nation, was arraigned in October 2015 on an indictment that charges him with criminal possession of a weapon.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in the early morning on September 7, 2015, the victim, Carey Gabay, 43, a first deputy counsel for the Empire State Development Corporation and a former assistant counsel to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, was walking on Bedford Avenue with his brother and a couple of friends after attending the J’ouvert procession, a traditional predawn festival that precedes the annual West Indian American Day Parade. As the group passed In front of the patio of 1680 Bedford Avenue, crowded with hundreds of celebrants, a firefight allegedly broke out between members of warring gangs, including the defendants. A bullet struck Gabay in the head and he was taken to Kings County Hospital Center, where he died a week later.

The building’s large patio was known to be controlled by the Folk Nation street gang, which has been engaged in a years-long war with the 8-Trey faction of the Crips gang, among others.

District Attorney Thompson said, “These defendants are charged with creating a killing field in a crowd of innocent people, showing depraved indifference to human life and causing the death of Carey Gabay, who used his Harvard education and commitment to public service to improve the lives of others. This indictment shows the importance of our efforts to put an end to gang-related gun violence that places innocent lives in the crossfire. We are determined to get justice for Carey and his family and to hold accountable everyone who was involved in the shootout that took his life.”

Commissioner Bratton said, “Today, this Brooklyn homicide squad should be commended. They began with nothing and built this case despite extraordinary obstacles, reconstructing a chaotic scene to determine—with amazing specificity—what happened that early September morning. We will continue pursuing those who carried out this murder and finding common ground with the community to make J’ouvert safer in years ahead.”

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said, “Carey Gabay was a dedicated public servant whose life was cut short due to reckless gun violence – tragedy that plagues too many of our communities. With Carey’s help, New York passed the nation’s toughest gun safety law, but his murder underscores the fact that our federal gun laws are woefully inadequate. While we took a great step forward with our historic legislation, without action from Congress, known criminals will continue to buy guns in other states today and sell them on the black market in New York tomorrow. I am grateful to the law enforcement officials for their relentless work investigating this case and feel strongly that the perpetrators of this heinous act should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Today’s indictments are an important milestone in the quest for justice, and I hope that they bring solace to Carey’s family and loved ones.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

September 23, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Williamsburg Man Convicted of Gang Assault

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson today announced that a 24-year-old man from Williamsburg, Brooklyn was convicted of gang assault and related charges for his role in the brutal beating of Taj Patterson, a young man who was walking in the street when he was set upon by over a dozen people.

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Mayer Herskovic, 24, of Williamsburg. He was convicted today of second-degree gang assault and related charges and faces 3 1/2 to 15 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on December 1, 2013, at about 4:40 a.m., Taj Patterson was walking on Flushing Avenue in Williamsburg when a man, later joined by other men, started to chase him. The victim ran, but the group, eventually comprising 15 to 20 men, caught up to him near the corner of Flushing Avenue and Spencer Street.

The victim was then punched, kicked, stomped and had his eye poked by members of the group, according to testimony. He suffered facial fractures, retinal damage and lost eyesight in his right eye.

In the course of the attack, the evidence showed, a sneaker worn by the victim was stripped off his foot and thrown onto the roof of an adjacent building. DNA recovered from that sneaker matches the defendant’s.

District Attorney Thompson said, “Today’s verdict is a testament to our determination to fully prosecute this case based on the evidence, which clearly connected this defendant to the crime. I hope that this outcome will bring a measure of comfort to Mr. Patterson and his family.”

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Read the full press release here.

Kenneth P. Thompson

District Attorney
Kings County

June 28, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

East New York Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison
For Murder on Street Corner

Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson yesterday announced that an East New York man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for his conviction for second-degree murder. The defendant shot a man multiple times on an East New York street corner, killing him, then led police officers on a high-speed car chase before being apprehended.

The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on October 22, 2012, at approximately 10:25 p.m., the victim, Dwayne Welch, 38, of Valley Stream, NY, was sitting in his car, parked at the corner of Hemlock Street and Dumont Avenue in East New York. The defendant, Ralston Avery, 37, of East New York, got out of an SUV and began firing at the victim, who left his vehicle and tried to flee on foot. The defendant chased the victim, catching up to him at the corner of Blake Avenue and Hemlock Street, where the defendant fired an additional 14 times, hitting the victim repeatedly in the torso, before shooting him twice in the back of the head as he lay bleeding on the ground.

According to trial testimony, two police officers pursued the SUV on a high-speed chase, ending in front of the Pink Houses at 2628 Linden Boulevard. The defendant, who was in the passenger seat, and the driver, ran into the building. The officers pursued them, catching the defendant on a flight of stairs still holding an emptied handgun.

The driver of the SUV was later caught inside the building and pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He is awaiting sentencing.

District Attorney Thompson said, “This defendant shot a man in a barbaric fashion who tried to run for his life. He’s been held accountable and will now spend decades in prison for his deplorable act of violence.”

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Read the full press release here.