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Thursday, December 19, 2024

Man Indicted for Fatally Stabbing Another Man
On Subway in Coney Island Following Dispute

Defendant Allegedly Stabbed Victim in Leg and Torso

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a homeless man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with murder for fatally stabbing a man on an N train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop following a dispute.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a tragic and senseless murder that is particularly frightening as it took place aboard a subway car with several commuters. There is no place for this type of violence in Brooklyn. We will now seek to get justice for the victim and his loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Zhongqian Chen, 32. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. The defendant was held without bail and ordered to return to court on February 7, 2025. He faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 29, 2024, at approximately 11:10 p.m., the defendant approached the victim, Timothy Rudolph, 54, while both were on the N train at the Stillwell Avenue-Coney Island stop. The defendant allegedly attacked the victim, and the two men began to fight. The defendant then allegedly displayed a knife and stabbed the victim two times, once in the torso and once in the leg.

The victim, a resident of the Bronx, was taken to NYU Langone Hospital – Brooklyn, where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant fled the scene and was arrested on November 7, 2024, following an investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crimestoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.

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

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

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Thursday, December 19, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit Developed New
Technique for Fighting Crypto Scams – Seizing Fraudsters’ Email Lists

Enabled DA’s Office to Warn Victims to Stop Investing; Used in Long-Term Investigation That
Shuttered 70 Bogus Domains That Were Scamming Members of Brooklyn’s Russian Community

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that following a long-term investigation, his Virtual Currency Unit successfully disrupted a cryptocurrency scam operation that targeted members of the Russian community, shuttering 70 fraudulent domains that caused an estimated $1 million loss in Brooklyn and $5 million nationwide. Investigators used a novel way to disrupt the illegal scheme by seizing the mail server used by the scammers, extracting data and contact information for everyone the scammers were communicating with, and emailing alerts to over 1,200 identified victims, advising them to stop sending money to what were fake investment websites. Those actions are part of an ongoing effort to stem cryptocurrency schemes in the Russian community and beyond.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “We are using every tool at our disposal to stop crypto investment scams. Since recovering lost funds is often impossible because they’re typically quickly cashed overseas, we focus on disruption and education. In this successful investigation, we used a new technique of seizing the email servers and warning victims that the investments they made were fake, preventing untold losses. We also hosted a seminar in the Russian community this week to educate the public. I am committed to continue to protect Brooklyn residents from these pervasive digital crimes.”

The District Attorney said that after a long-term investigation, his Virtual Currency Unit seized 70 web domains that offered fake cryptocurrency investment services, mostly to members of the Russian community.  This follows a previous seizure in May of another 70 domains, bringing the total amount of shuttered domains linked to this scheme to 140. The estimated losses of the scheme added up to $1 million in Brooklyn and $5 million throughout the US.

The purported financial advisers who communicated with the victims used a web-based mail server, the investigation found. For the first time anywhere in this type of probe, Brooklyn prosecutors were able to execute warrants to seize and take control of the server, cutting off the scammers from the victims, their contact lists, and address books. Earlier this week, the DA’s Office sent an email blast to about 1,200 email addresses that were extracted from the server, warning users that “advisers” emailing them from “stocks-finance.com” addresses were scammers and to immediately stop sending money.

Also this week, the DA’s Office joined federal partners – the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the Security and Exchange Commission and the FBI – in hosting an educational seminar in Brighton Beach. Over 100 people attended and received tips on how to recognize warning signs and how to protect themselves from crypto-based investment scams.

The District Attorney shared the following tips on how to protect people from these cryptocurrency scams:

• Don’t trust cryptocurrency investment opportunities that seem too good to be true.
• Do not make cryptocurrency investments based on the advice of someone you’ve never met in person.
• Don’t download investment apps from unverified cryptocurrency investment websites.
• Verify the legitimacy of a company. Ask a friend, family member, or contact the KCDA Command center if you are unsure if something is legitimate.

• Do not pay more money in order to try and recover your investment from a cryptocurrency website.
• Check whether a cryptocurrency exchange is licensed to operate in New York State by going to https://www.dfs.ny.gov/who_we_supervise or calling the New York State Department of Financial Services hotline at 800-342-3736.

The investigation into this case was handled by Assistant District Attorney Alona Katz, Chief of the Virtual Currency Unit, with assistance from Virtual Currency Analyst Sam Weaver, Assistant District Attorney Brian Umana, a Senior Detective Investigator and paralegal Claire Fagan.

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Flyer distributed in the Russian community by the Brooklyn DA’s Office

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Monday, December 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

For Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

Defendant Tried to Persuade 15-Year-Old Girl to Engage in Prostitution 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East New York man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a child and other charges for trying to convince a 15-year-old girl to engage in prostitution.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant took advantage of a young, vulnerable teenager, attempting to exploit her for his own gain. His actions were both predatory and reprehensible. Thanks to the courage of this young survivor and the diligent work of law enforcement, he is being held accountable, ensuring he cannot harm others. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting those who target and harm our most vulnerable, bringing justice to victims, and working tirelessly to prevent this kind of exploitation in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant Deandre Lee, 29, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 10 years in prison and 10 years’ post-release supervision. He must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a child on October 31, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 28, 2024, the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was walking on Mother Gaston Boulevard in East New York when she met the defendant, who let her charge her phone in his car. He then asked her to walk around the corner to meet him, and then drove her to Chipotle to get some food.

Furthermore, the District Attorney said, after they ate, the defendant drove the victim to the side of a highway in Brooklyn, gave her marijuana, then had sex with her. He then told the victim she could make money by stripping or selling her body in exchange for money. He then drove her home. The next day, the defendant and victim were texting, and the defendant again asked the victim if she thought about what they talked about. The victim then reported the rape to police.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Paralegal Aurora Martinez for her assistance on the case.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detective Paul Mastronardi of the New York City Police Department’s Human Trafficking Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Kevin Kavanagh, Lieutenant Amy Capogna and Captain Maripily Clase, and the overall supervision of Chief Carlos Ortiz.

The case was prosecuted by the Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison

For Fatal Shooting in East New York

Defendant Convicted of Second-Degree Murder Following Jury Trial

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man at point-blank range in East New York, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence brings the defendant to justice for a reprehensible act of violence. It should also send a strong message that shooting guns in our streets cannot and will not be tolerated, and that my office is committed to holding to account anyone who commits crimes that ruin lives and jeopardize public safety in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Cruz, 33, of Bushwick, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 7, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on the evening of May 25, 2015, William Perez, 34, was headed to a Memorial Day barbecue in East New York with a group of friends when he crossed paths with the defendant and two associates.

According to the evidence, at approximately 8:55 p.m., as Perez and his friends neared the intersection of New Lots and Shepherd Avenues, Perez’s 22-year-old friend was shot at multiple times causing the group to flee down Shepherd Avenue. At one point, according to the evidence, Perez turned back towards the corner where his friend had been shot. The defendant then caught up to Perez and shot him once in the back with 40-caliber pistol.

The defendant fled down Shepherd Avenue where he tossed the firearm in the front yard of a nearby daycare.

Perez was taken to Brookdale Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested on November 5, 2018, following an investigation. A previous trial ended in a mistrial.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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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Monday, December 16, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison for Machete Attack That Killed

Grandfather and Wounded Two Other Family Members

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in November

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing his grandfather with a machete and wounding two other family members, including a 4-year-old niece, during a rampage at the family’s home in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for a tragic, senseless, and truly horrific act of violence perpetrated against members of his own family. My condolences go out to the family of James Dubose Sr. for their tremendous loss. Thankfully, the other two victims recovered from their wounds.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dayquan Dubose, 26, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced on Friday, December 13, 2024 by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis to 18 years to life in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree murder on November 14, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 3, 2021, at approximately 5 p.m., the defendant got into an argument with his four-year-old niece inside a first-floor apartment located at 300 Putnam Avenue. The defendant pulled out an 18-inch machete and cut the young girl on the hip. The defendant then went up to a second-floor apartment where an uncle let him in. The defendant proceeded to walk into a bedroom where his 79-year-old grandfather, James Dubose Sr., and his 49-year-old brother-in-law were watching television. The defendant began to stab the grandfather in the abdomen. When the brother-in-law intervened, and attempted to grab the machete, the defendant slashed the brother-in-law on the hand. Two additional family members were able to hold the defendant down until police arrived at the apartment and arrested him.

James Dubose Sr. was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he later died of injuries.

The 49-year-old was taken to Kings County Hospital, while the 4-year-old girl was taken to Woodhull Hospital. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Farin Chasin-Fodeman, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 6, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Shuts Down 40 Domains Associated With NFT
Crypto Scam Targeting Artists, After Brooklyn Painter Lost Over $135,000

Victim Was Contacted with Offer to Sell His Artwork in NFT Marketplace Through Website That Turned Out to be Bogus; Lost Life Savings Trying to Access Purported Bitcoin Earnings

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit successfully disrupted a cryptocurrency scam that was targeting artists throughout the country. An 85-year-old Brooklyn resident was scammed out of his life savings, sparking an investigation that traced the money he paid back to Nigeria and identified 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites that appeared like legitimate marketplaces. Those domains have now been seized, preventing future victimizations.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Cryptocurrency scams can take many forms but have similar characteristics, such as preying on vulnerable victims and requesting fees to redeem purported earnings. These were the tactics used in this case, leading our investigators to a network of fraudulent websites that specifically scammed artists. It is my hope that by shutting these domains and raising awareness about this scheme, we will prevent others from falling victim to this scam.”

The District Attorney said that in May his office received a report by the children of an 85-year-old professional painter from Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, relating that their father was deceived by an online scammer posing as an art dealer. He was contacted via LinkedIn by a purported dealer for “OpenSea/Private Mint,” a company whose website closely resembles that of OpenSea, a legitimate NFT marketplace headquartered in New York City. (NFTs, or non-fungible tokens are digital assets that are stored on the blockchain and can represent content, such as digital artwork, that can be sold or traded.)

The so-called art dealer told the victim that she wanted to convert his art into NFTs and sell them, convincing him to sign a contract on the fake site. She later told him that he had earned over $300,000 in bitcoin and that he needed to first pay a fee to access those proceeds. To get the bitcoin he sent “OpenSea/Private Mint” over $135,000 by liquidating his entire IRA account, making payments from his credit card and securing a loan. He used online services to convert his money into cryptocurrency to pay the fees. The fraud unraveled when he eventually realized that he was not getting the promised $300,000, leaving him emotionally and financially devastated.

The District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit traced the cryptocurrency that the victim sent to “OpenSea/Private Mint” and found it had been transferred to different accounts at an exchange and primarily cashed out for Nigerian currency — foreclosing the ability for recovery. The OpenSea/Private Mint website appeared to be controlled and paid for from Nigeria. The investigation identified two other senior artists from Georgia and California who had fallen for the same scheme and a network of scam NFT marketplaces that appeared to be targeting artists. Some of the websites required a user to input their cryptocurrency wallet seed phrase, which would give scammers the ability to completely drain the contents of users’ online wallet.

While unable to recover the stolen money that was outside U.S. jurisdiction, investigators were able to identify over 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites for which they submitted seizure orders. These domains have now been seized and redirected to a KCDA seizure page with a warning message. Many of them appeared to be spoofing legitimate NFT marketplaces.

The District Attorney shared the following warning signs and tips to avoid this type of NFT art cryptocurrency scam:

• • An artist may receive a direct message via an online account from someone purporting to be an art dealer or a representative of a legitimate NFT marketplace. It is important to verify the authenticity of any online art and NFT dealers before engaging.
  • Only use established and trusted NFT marketplaces to sell your work. Be alert for phishing attempts via email or phishing websites that appear to resemble well known NFT marketplaces. Phishing websites are often designed to steal credentials and fraudulently gain access to cryptocurrency assets.  Legitimate NFT marketplaces do not ask for exorbitant fees upfront to sell NFTs.
  • Protect your cryptocurrency wallet. No legitimate NFT marketplace will ask you to supply your seed phrase. Inputting your seed phrase on a website can lead to a scammer instantaneously draining the contents of your entire wallet.
  • If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do your own research and seek opinions from fellow artists.

The case was investigated by Assistant District Attorney Alona Katz, Chief of the District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit with the assistance of Virtual Currency Analyst Sam Weaver, Assistant District Attorney Brian Umana, of the Virtual Currency Unit, and Paralegal Claire Fagan. Detective Investigators from the KCDA Detective Bureau also assisted in the investigation.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Bronx Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Stabbing Two Bouncers, One Fatally, Outside of Gowanus Club

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in October

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for stabbing two bouncers with a knife – killing one and wounding the other – after being kicked out of a party in Gowanus.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless and escalatory act of violence that cost a man his life. The defendant has admitted his guilt and will now have to live with the disastrous consequences of his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jose Velasco, 22, of the Morrisania section of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on October 16, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 26, 2022, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the defendant was kicked out of a party at a club located at 168 7th Street in Gowanus after acting aggressively. Outside of the venue, the defendant got into a verbal dispute with three of the club’s bouncers, two of whom punched the defendant in the head and face. The defendant took a step backward and removed a kitchen knife from his waistband. He stabbed one of the bouncers, 21, in the back. The defendant then chased the third bouncer, Marvin Pretto, 25, into the street, and stabbed him in the chest.

Pretto sustained injuries to a major blood vessel and his heart. He was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The 21-year-old victim was also taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He was later transferred to Stony Brook Medical Center and treated for his injuries which included a laceration to the liver.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant was stopped by police approximately an hour later near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 13th Street in Gowanus. As officers approached, the defendant dropped the blood-stained kitchen knife onto the ground. He was brought back to the club and identified by an eyewitness.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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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