Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 2, 2022

Staten Island Teen Indicted for Assault as a Hate Crime for
Allegedly Attacking Jewish Man in Williamsburg

Victim Assaulted as He Walked to Synagogue

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a teenager has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with assault as a hate crime and other related offenses in connection with an unprovoked attack against a Jewish man in Williamsburg. The victim was walking to a synagogue and wearing traditional Hasidic attire when the attack occurred.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Without warning or provocation, this defendant allegedly assaulted an innocent man simply because of his Jewish faith. Crimes that target individuals because of their religion, race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation are a threat to everything we stand for here in Brooklyn. We will now seek to hold the defendant accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Logan Jones, 18, of Staten Island. He was arraigned yesterday before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with third-degree assault as a hate crime, third degree assault, third-degree menacing as a hate crime, third-degree menacing, third-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, third-degree attempted assault, and second-degree harassment. Bail was set at $30,000 and the defendant was ordered to return to court on June 24, 2022.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 1, 2022, at approximately 7:55 p.m., at 58 Gerry Street, the defendant and a group of five individuals allegedly approached the victim, 21, and his wife, as they walked to Shabbat services at their local synagogue. The defendant allegedly suddenly began punching the victim in the face. The defendant and two of the other individuals are alleged to have then repeatedly kicked the victim as he fell to the ground and tried to escape by sliding underneath a truck parked in the street.

According to the investigation, the defendant and the five other individuals allegedly fled the scene after the victim’s wife asked a bystander to call 911. The victim suffered severe head and body pain, an abrasion to the cheek, as well as bruising to the face and mouth.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Katherine Gardzalla of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli M. Muse, Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murdering Girlfriend

Defendant Allegedly Told Police He Violently Strangled and Killed Girlfriend
While Infant Son Slept in Crib Nearby

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder after he allegedly killed his 18-year-old girlfriend while the couple’s five-month-old son slept in a crib nearby.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a depraved and despicable act that left an innocent young woman dead, an infant boy to grow up without his mother, and an entire family traumatized with grief. We will now seek to bring this defendant to justice for his alleged actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dylan Diaz, 26, of Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder. The defendant is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on July 13, 2022.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on the evening of May 5, 2022, the defendant and the victim, Damaris Maravilla, 18, allegedly had an argument over the care of their five-month-old son. The next morning, as the couple lay in bed, and their son slept nearby in a crib, the defendant allegedly placed his arm around Maravilla’s neck and strangled her until she lost consciousness. The defendant is alleged to have then violently sexually assaulted the unconscious woman before breaking her neck and killing her.

According to the investigation, the defendant then left the address in Bensonhurst and went to a store. He eventually returned and called a relative who works for the New York City Police Department. Around 10 a.m., officers from the 62nd Precinct responded and found Maravilla’s body. The defendant was then taken to the 62nd Precinct where he allegedly admitted to killing Maravilla. The couple had been in a relationship for two years.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, 1st Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Hannah Laufer, also of the Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michelle Kaminsky, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Attempted Murder as a Hate Crime for Allegedly Assaulting Individual He Believed to be Russian in Sheepshead Bay Lounge

Victim Needed 17 Stitches in Neck and Face After Being Stabbed with Broken Beer Bottles

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder as a hate crime and other charges for allegedly attacking and stabbing a Ukrainian man after stating: “You look Russian.”

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly attempted to murder an innocent Ukrainian man who he believed to be Russian in a hateful and violent rage. Brooklyn’s diversity makes our borough so vibrant, and hate-motivated violence will never be tolerated here. Prosecutors in our Hate Crimes Bureau will vigorously seek accountability in this case, and we will continue to work with our community and law enforcement partners to end the troubling uptick in bias-related incidents in our neighborhoods.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Oleg Sulyma, 31, of Gravesend, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 24-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime, first-degree assault as a hate crime, first-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, second-degree assault as a hate crime, second-degree attempted assault as a hate crime, and related charges. The defendant is on supervised release and was ordered to return to court on August 8, 2022.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 25, 2022, at approximately 3:45 a.m., at Falada, a lounge located at 2007-2011 Emmons Avenue in Sheepshead Bay, the defendant allegedly approached the 36-year-old victim and his two friends and said: “You look Russian,” and demanded proof they were Ukrainian. When the men replied that they are Ukrainian, the defendant insisted they were Russian and allegedly said: “I will show you what a real Ukrainian is.”

The defendant then allegedly grabbed two beer bottles, which he smashed against a table while threatening the victim and one of the friends, saying, “I’m going to cut you.” According to the investigation, the defendant then stabbed the victim on the left side of his neck and the right side of his face. A waiter at the lounge called 911 and the police responded. The defendant is alleged to have called the victim a “Russian [expletive]” in the presence of police. The victim was treated at Lutheran Hospital and required 17 stitches.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 23, 2022

New York City Police Officer Indicted for Attempted Murder for
Off-Duty Shooting Outside of Canarsie Lounge

Bullet Struck Victim’s Arm and Grazed His Back

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an off-duty police officer has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault and other related charges for allegedly punching, pistol-whipping and shooting a man outside of a lounge in Canarsie.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “After a review of all the evidence in this case, a Grand Jury returned an indictment charging this defendant with attempted murder and other charges. The fact that this defendant is a police officer makes his alleged actions all the more shocking. We will now seek to hold him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Larry Valdemar, 37, a 16-year veteran of the NYPD last assigned to the 104th Precinct in Queens. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment and related counts. The defendant was ordered held on bail of $35,000 cash or $75,000 bond and to return to court on July 13, 2022. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that on April 18, 2022, the defendant got into a verbal argument inside Chloe’s Restaurant and Lounge, located at Avenue L and East 94th Street, when the victim, a 32-year-old man, attempted to intervene to calm down the defendant, which allegedly caused him to become irate.

The defendant then allegedly went outside of the club and waited for the victim to leave the club. At approximately 12:45 a.m., the victim and several other people passed by the defendant, who allegedly said something to him and walked next to him until they reached the corner.

It is alleged that when they reached the corner, the defendant punched the victim in the face. The victim attempted to hit the defendant, who then allegedly reached into his waistband, removed a black firearm and pistol-whipped the victim on his upper back. The gun then discharged once, after which the defendant left the scene.

The victim was treated for a gunshot wound to his arm and a graze wound to his back.

A casing matching a 9mm pistol was recovered from the scene and was matched to the defendant’s firearm.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Cary Fischer, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, May 19, 2022

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD to
Host Second Gun Buyback Event This Year in Clinton Hill

$200 and iPad Will be Given for Working Handgun or Assault Rifle, No Questions Asked;
Will be Held at Emmanuel Baptist Church on Saturday, May 21

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell, today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 279 Lafayette Avenue, in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. This is the second Gun Buyback event this year as the DA’s Office increases its investments in safety initiatives ahead of the summer months.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Our close collaboration with law enforcement, strong commitment to holding offenders accountable, and constant engagement with communities to prevent violence is bearing fruit, with shootings in Brooklyn decreasing by nearly 25% so far this year following a 20% drop in 2021. As we redouble our efforts to keep our communities safe, we will be hosting another Gun Buyback event this Saturday – just one part of a comprehensive strategy to get firearms off the streets. I encourage anyone who has a gun at home to take advantage of this opportunity, safely turn it in, and get some cash and an iPad in return.”

Commissioner Sewell said, “Every gun that we get off our streets is a gun that will never be used to harm another New Yorker. This Gun Buyback event is one more component of our continuous effort to keep the people of New York City safe, and I want to thank the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in this important program – and for their steadfast commitment to the people of Brooklyn.”

Rev. Anthony L. Trufant said, “As the Pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church (EBC), I am glad to partner with the Brooklyn DA’s Office, Law Enforcement, and the larger community to work to reduce gun violence. Public safety and quality of life issues are an urgent priority. Recent events in Buffalo at a supermarket and Laguna Woods at a Taiwanese church remind us that this is not merely a local matter, nor a primarily “Black thing,” as the mainstream media suggests. We must not simply get handguns and shotguns off the streets, but we must also keep AR-15s out of criminals’ hands and pass sensible gun laws. Still, I agree with DA Gonzalez that the Gun Buyback Program is a small, yet meaningful step in the right direction.”

The District Attorney said that his Office, along with the NYPD, will offer money in the form of a $200 bank card and an iPad for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (iPads are subject to availability on a first-come, first-served basis). All transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked. The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on-site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted.

Participants will receive $25 for operable rifles, shotguns and air guns. Unlimited numbers of guns can be turned in, but participants will receive maximum of $600 in bank cards and one iPad per person. No identification is required, and the firearms will be accepted with no questions asked. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

Emmanuel Baptist Church is located at 279 Lafayette Avenue, a short distance from the Clinton-Washington Avenue and the Classon Avenue Subway Station of the G line, and near a B38 Bus Stop at Lafayette Avenue/Washington Avenue.

The District Attorney thanked the New York City Police Foundation and Junior’s Restaurant for partnering to contribute funds for this event.

During a January Gun Buyback event hosted by the Brooklyn DA’s Office in Flatbush, about 40 weapons were turned in, including many types of guns that are often used in street crimes.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 16, 2022

Brooklyn Man Sentenced for Causing Motorcyclist’s Death
While Driving Under the Influence and Speeding

Defendant and His Girlfriend Told Police That She was Driving at the Time of the Collision

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 3 ½ to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to manslaughter for speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol, then slamming into a motorcyclist at an intersection in Kensington, Brooklyn, killing him. The defendant and his girlfriend initially told the police that she was driving.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s recklessness robbed an innocent young father of his life, leaving a family devastated and a community in mourning. There is no excuse for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and I am committed to holding accountable anyone who compromises the safety of Brooklyn’s streets.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Christopher Diaz, 26, of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Raymond Rodriguez to 3 ½ to 10 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and impaired driving on April 26, 2022.

The defendant’s girlfriend, Jasmin Morales-Cruz, 26, of Homecrest, Brooklyn, was charged in connection to lying and pleaded guilty. Her sentence is pending.

The District Attorney said that on May 27, 2019, at about 3:55 a.m., Diaz was driving a 2014 black Infinity Q50 sedan registered to Morales-Cruz, northbound on Ocean Parkway, near Beverley Road in Kensington, Brooklyn. The investigation found that as Evvon Alexander, 28, was traveling southbound on a motorcycle and was attempting to turn onto Beverley Road from the turning lane, he was struck by the defendant, who was traveling at more than 80 miles per hour in a 25 mile per hour zone and was under the influence of alcohol. The motorcycle was struck with such force that it split in half. The victim was thrown into the air, over the median between the main parkway and the service road and landed between parked cars on the service road. He was declared dead at Maimonides Hospital.

When police arrived, the defendant and Morales-Cruz both claimed that she had been driving. Their two passengers also said Morales-Cruz was driving, but days later admitted that Diaz was driving and had asked them to lie. Because of the alleged conspiracy claiming that Morales-Cruz was the driver, Diaz’s blood alcohol level was not tested, though he later admitted, during the course of the investigation, that he had consumed six to eight beers.

A lengthy investigation led to the recovery of videotape surveillance of the defendants and their passengers drinking at three different bars before the collision and showing Diaz getting into the driver’s seat shortly before the collision. Text messages asking the passengers to lie to authorities about who was driving were also recovered. Other evidence allegedly shows that the defendant accelerated from 65 mph to 83 mph seconds before the crash and applied the brakes just a half-second before impact. He was eventually arrested after being found hiding in his girlfriend’s closet.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detective Corey Fenley of the Collision Investigation Squad.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jacob Uriel, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 9, 2022

Teenager Sentenced to 10 Years to Life for Shooting Death of
Innocent Honor Student on Basketball Court in Brownsville

Defendant Struck the Victim in the Head When Firing into Playground

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brownsville teenager, who was only 14 when he fatally shot a 16-year-old boy while he was playing basketball, has been sentenced to 10 years to life in prison after pleading guilty to murder.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This heartbreaking case highlights the devastation gun violence wreaks in our communities. An innocent, beloved teenager was senselessly killed when this defendant callously sprayed a Brownsville basketball court with bullets. A promising life has been cut short, a family remains in mourning, and after living through a troubled childhood, this young defendant’s future is now in ruins. We will continue to use every available tool to prevent gun violence through community engagement, youth programming, and outreach, while ensuring accountability for those who cause harm.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Aaron Nathaniel, 18, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today as a juvenile offender by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Craig Walker to 10 years to life in prison, following his guilty plea on April 6 to second-degree murder.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on September 21, 2018, at approximately 3:50 p.m., in Chester Playground, on Chester Street, in Brownsville, the defendant opened fire on a crowd of people on a basketball court, striking the victim, 16-year-old Oluwadurotimi Oyebola, known as Timi, of Queens, once in the head. The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested on October 3, 2018, following an investigation. The shooting was captured on video surveillance and video from the immediate aftermath showed the gun in the defendant’s hand. Following his arrest, the defendant made statements to police in which he admitted to the shooting and said the victim was not the intended target.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Howard L. Jackson, First Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 9, 2022

Midwood Man Indicted for Credit Card Forgery

Defendant Allegedly Counterfeited Over 100 Credit and Gift Cards to Fund
Purchases at High-End Retailers as well as a Fake Driver’s License in Separate Case

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been indicted for allegedly forging more than one hundred credit and gift cards to rack up high-end purchases from luxury retailers, including Gucci and Prada. The defendant has also been indicted in a separate case for allegedly forging a North Carolina driver’s license.

The District Attorney said, “This defendant allegedly ran a sophisticated and high-tech operation to manufacture fake credit and gift cards to fund expensive shopping sprees as well as a fake driver’s license. As long as scammers insist on stealing from retailers and financial institutions, my office will continue to do everything we can to ensure that they are stopped and held accountable for their crimes.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Berlioz Florestal, 20, of Midwood, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today in Brooklyn Supreme Court on an indictment in which he is charged with 223 counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument and other forgery related charges. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on July 28, 2022.

The defendant was also arraigned on a separate indictment in which he is charged with three counts of second-degree forgery, three-counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, and other forgery related charges for allegedly driving with a fake North Carolina driver’s license.

The investigation began on November 18, 2021, following a search of the defendant’s apartment by law enforcement officers.

During the search, officers allegedly found 110 forged credit and gift cards scattered or hidden throughout the defendant’s apartment, as well as multiple credit card skimming devices and readers, a credit card embossing machine, three packs of magnetic strips, validation stickers, a forged driver’s license and approximately $3,300 in cash. Among the counterfeit cards were 40 Visa gift cards, 17 Vanilla gift cards, 32 Mastercard gift cards, and an additional 21 gift cards from various financial institutions, including Bank of America, Citibank, Capital One, Chase, Discover, Wells Fargo and American Express.

According to the investigation, the defendant is alleged to have used the fake credit and gift cards, in part, to purchase clothing from high-end retailers, including Gucci and Prada.

The District Attorney said that, furthermore, on April 24, at 12:45 p.m., the defendant was stopped by police driving a 2017 BMW near Cropsey Avenue in Coney Island for excessively tinted windows. Officers allegedly discovered the defendant was driving with a suspended license and he was subsequently put under arrest. When the defendant was searched at the 60th Precinct stationhouse, a forged North Carolina driver’s license was allegedly found in his pants pocket. According to the investigation, a credit card embossing machine was later found wrapped in a black garbage bag in the BMW’s trunk along with a hologram sticker of the Delaware state seal.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Tammy Chung of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Boykin and Assistant District Attorney Glenn Singer, Deputy Chiefs of the Green Zone Trial Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, May 9, 2022

Man Indicted for Stealing over $150,000 by
Soliciting Donations for Fake Cancer Charities

  Allegedly Formed Over 23 Charities Across the Country Purporting to
Help Cancer Patients and Other Charitable Causes but Pocketed All the Donations

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, today announced that a Staten Island man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with grand larceny and related charges for allegedly forming 23 fraudulent charitable entities and collecting at least $152,000 in donations that were never put to any charitable purpose. Many of the charities included the words “American Cancer Society” or “United Way” with added qualifying language to allegedly mislead potential donors.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly lined his own pockets by defrauding unsuspecting donors who contributed generously to help cancer patients fight their illnesses. We have no tolerance for this kind of outrageous alleged fraud, and my office will vigorously seek accountability. I thank Attorney General James for referring this case to my Office and for the invaluable work her Office does to ensure the integrity of charitable organizations.”

Attorney General Letitia James said, “It is unconscionable that this individual preyed on the public’s generosity and deprived cancer patients of the support and resources they needed. There is no tolerance for this type of unlawful and predatory behavior, especially against our most vulnerable communities. My office will continue to work aggressively with Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and other law enforcement partners to stop deceptive fundraising tactics that cheat hardworking New Yorkers.”

Timothy Phillips, Chief Legal and Risk Officer for the American Cancer Society, said, “This indictment is important for the American Cancer Society as we work to improve the lives of cancer patients and their families. This isn’t about dollars. It’s about treatment, quality of life, and survival. It’s unconscionable that anyone would try to take that away due to their own greed. The Brooklyn District Attorney and the New York State Attorney General are providing critical leadership to protect the integrity of all legitimate nonprofits and the people we serve.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ian Hosang, 63, of Staten Island, NY. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with 12 counts of third-degree grand larceny, three counts of first-degree identity theft and one count of first-degree scheme to defraud. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on June 22, 2022. The defendant faces a maximum sentence of seven years in prison if convicted of the top counts in the indictment.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between 2014 and 2021, the defendant allegedly formed 23 fraudulent charities and filed paperwork with Secretaries of State across the country in a scheme to collect charitable donations under false pretenses. Most of the entities had the word “cancer” in the name, and many started with the words “American Cancer Society” or “American Cancer Foundation” (e.g., “American Cancer Society for Children” and “American Cancer Society of Ohio”). A similar pattern was allegedly used to create entities called “United Way” of various places.

It is alleged that Hosang has had no affiliation with the actual American Cancer Society or with United Way, and no authority to use their names any way. He allegedly used a company in Brooklyn, Clinton Hill Filing Services, to create and file much of the paperwork connected to the scheme and stole the identity of a Brooklyn resident and used her name as the purported director of many of the entities. The indictment also charges him with stealing the identities of the American Cancer Society and United Way.

Further, the defendant allegedly advertised the bogus charities and solicited donations on various websites. For example, the website of “American Cancer Society for Children Inc.” claimed that “Thanks to our volunteers, our ‘angels on earth,’ we have been able to keep organizational costs low while using most of your generous contributions to benefit kids and their families.”

The donations were traced back to bank accounts set up by the defendant and he allegedly used the money on living expenses, including mortgage payments, credit card bills and in liquor stores, according to the investigation. Most of the donations were for small amounts but 12 individual donors gave more than $3,000 each to the fraudulent charities.

The case was referred to the District Attorney’s Office by the New York State Attorney General Office’s Charities Fraud Bureau.

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 Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s 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, May 3, 2022

Long Island Woman Indicted for Stealing $135,000
from New York City’s Retirement System

Defendant Allegedly Impersonated Cousin to Claim Death Benefit

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, today announced that a Long Island woman has been indicted for stealing $135,178 in ordinary death benefits from the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). As part of the theft, the defendant is alleged to have impersonated a cousin who was the rightful beneficiary of the benefit following the death of the cousin’s father, a New York City transit worker.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly attempted to defraud New York’s retirement system by impersonating a relative and claiming benefits to which she was not entitled. I would like to thank Department of Investigation and my prosecutors for all the work they did to bring this defendant to justice.”

Commissioner Strauber said, “As charged in the indictment, this defendant impersonated her own cousin, including through the use of fraudulent documents, to obtain a $135,000 death benefit. In so doing, she stole from her cousin, the legal beneficiary, and from the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS). I thank NYCERS for promptly alerting DOI so that we could uncover this alleged scheme, and the dedicated prosecutors at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in holding accountable those who improperly enrich themselves with City funds at the expense of legitimate beneficiaries.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Akosua Agyeman, 48 of Oceanside, New York. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jill Konviser on an indictment in which she is charged with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree identity theft, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, and first-degree falsifying business records. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on June 29, 2022.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, beginning in December 2017, the defendant allegedly made a series of fraudulent filings with NYCERS in which she purported to be the daughter of Kwaku Duah, a longtime employee of the New York City Transit Authority who died on November 18, 2017. Duah had previously designated his daughter – the defendant’s cousin – as the beneficiary of the ordinary death benefit that is paid when a member of NYCERS dies before retiring. Duah’s daughter, the rightful beneficiary, changed her name prior to being designated as Duah’s beneficiary. This allegedly allowed the defendant to impersonate her cousin to obtain the death benefit. The filings the defendant submitted to NYCERS are alleged to include a Ghanaian passport; a birth certificate, which was invalid for not reflecting the amended name; and an IRS taxpayer identification number in the cousin’s name.
Furthermore, according to the investigation, on May 1, 2020, NYCERS mailed a check in the amount of $135,178 to the defendant’s address in Oceanside. The defendant is alleged to have then deposited the check at a Bethpage Federal Credit Union bank account. Investigators from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Investigation later determined the defendant opened the account using a fake Delaware driver’s license. Additionally, the defendant is alleged to have visited the NYCERS customer service center in Brooklyn on December 1, 2017, where she submitted an invalid copy of her cousin’s birth certificate while inquiring about the process of receiving Duah’s death benefit.

The case was investigated by Department of Investigation Special Investigator Shakina Griffith-Mercado, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General David Jordan and Inspector General Ann Petterson.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Bureau Chief, Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of Investigations.

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