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Thursday, July 25, 2024

Brooklyn Math Teacher Charged with Allegedly Enticing

Teenagers to Send Him Explicit Sexual Images

Posed as a Young Teen and Allegedly Engaged in Graphic Conversations

On Snapchat; Charged in Connection with Six Child Victims Attending Elite Schools

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 37-year-old former math teacher has been charged with use of a child in sexual performance and promoting a sexual performance by a child as sexually motivated felonies, as well as other related counts, for allegedly enticing or trying to entice teenage students from four Brooklyn schools to send him images of nudity and sexual performances. The defendant, who used to teach at Saint Ann’s School in Brooklyn Heights, allegedly pretended to be a young teen and fellow student when engaging in conversations of sexual nature over the messaging application Snapchat.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “A complicated investigation by detectives from my office revealed extremely disturbing conduct by this defendant, who allegedly posed as a peer to coax teenagers to send him sexually explicit images of themselves, which he then allegedly distributed. The fact that he was a teacher and a trusted figure among students make these allegations even more troubling. We will now seek to hold him accountable and will continue to work diligently to protect children from sexual exploitation.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Winston Nguyen, 37, of Harlem, New York. He was arraigned today in Brooklyn Criminal Court on a criminal complaint charging him with use of a child in a sexual performance, promoting a sexual performance by a child, first-degree disseminating indecent material to minors, third-degree conspiracy, third-degree criminal solicitation and endangering the welfare of a child. Bail was set at $30,000 cash or $75,000 bond and the defendant was ordered to return to court on October 17, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant allegedly presented himself as a young teen when having conversations with children on Snapchat. He is charged with crimes against five girls and one boy who went to the independent Brooklyn schools Saint Ann’s School, Poly Prep Country Day School, Berkeley Carroll School, and Packer Collegiate Institute. It is believed that the defendant had similar online interactions with numerous other children.

The 11 charged incidents allegedly took place between October 2022 and May 2024. The first four involved a child who, starting when they were 14, received multiple video messages from an account called hunterkristoff depicting a nude boy masturbating, and was subsequently asked to send images of them nude or performing sexual acts. Investigators located the boy seen on the videos, who lives in another state and was 16 at the time.

The same account, hunterkristoff, was allegedly used to conduct prolonged communications that described and depicted various sexual acts and requested images of nudity and sexual performances from four additional victims, whose ages ranged between 13 and 15.

The sixth victim, who was 15, received messages from an account called haircutbongos that engaged them in similar conversations and made similar requests. In May 2024, the child sent a video depicting them perform a sexual act and was allegedly paid by the defendant. It is alleged that the defendant shared some of the explicit photos he received from the victims when chatting with other children.

The two Snapchat accounts mentioned above were connected to IP addresses associated with the defendant’s Harlem residence, according to the investigation. Other evidence includes digital communications and images, and accounts from victims.

Anyone with information about this case or this defendant is asked to email ReportSNAPCHATImages@brooklynda.org.

The case was investigated by KCDA Detective Investigators, with the assistance of Senior Digital Forensic Analyst Sourov Talukder and Digital Forensic Analyst Richard Rojas, of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel Brian Newcombe, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kevin O’Donnell, Deputy Bureau Chief, and 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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A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

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Friday, July 19, 2024

Flatbush Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder for Throwing Incendiary Device into Bedford-Stuyvesant Deli 

Defendant Stabbed Deli Worker in Hand after Running from Scene, Being Chased

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Flatbush man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for throwing a Molotov cocktail into a Bedford-Stuyvesant deli, attempting to throw a second Molotov cocktail and stabbing a deli worker who chased the defendant as he fled the scene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant threw an incendiary device into a deli, leading to an explosion which endangered the lives of two workers. Thankfully, no one was killed or seriously injured. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Joel Mangal, 40, of Brooklyn, New York. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 14 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. He pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on June 11, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 30, 2021, at approximately 6:40 a.m., the defendant threatened to kill two employees at a deli located at 496 Nostrand Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant and threatened to burn the building down. He then picked up an apple from the store and threw it in the direction of one employee, breaking a television screen.

Furthermore, at approximately 7:50 a.m., on October 30, 2021, the defendant stood outside of the deli and threw a Molotov cocktail inside the deli, which exploded into a fireball on impact and engulfed the deli counter and caused portions of the cashier counter to go up in flames, forcing two employees to jump through the flames to get to safety. One victim’s foot and arm caught fire.

Shortly thereafter, the defendant attempted to throw a second Molotov cocktail into the store, but a passerby knocked it out of his hand. The defendant immediately fled the location, heading for the Nostrand Avenue A/C subway station. The workers chased the defendant into the subway and one of them was stabbed in the hand by the defendant. The worker found a police officer and pointed out the defendant on the subway platform, and he was arrested.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart 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

Friday, July 19, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and NYPD 

To Offer $500 for Guns at Crown Heights Buyback

Buyback to be Held at Beulah Church of the Nazarene on Saturday, July 20

No ID Required, No Questions Asked

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Beulah Church of the Nazarene, located at 1250 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn. Those who turn in operable guns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card.

Media availability will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. (members of the press are asked not to arrive before 3:30 p.m.).

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We have made incredible progress reducing gun violence in Brooklyn, and we know that every gun that comes off of our streets can mean a life saved. Saturday’s Gun Buyback is an important component of our efforts to remove illegal firearms from our communities, and a great opportunity to pick up some extra cash this summer. I encourage anyone with any unwanted gun to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Commissioner Caban said, “As we make significant progress in combating gun violence in New York City, the issue remains among our most urgent public safety priorities. This gun buyback event will help New Yorkers advance the accomplishments we have already achieved this year: shooting incidents reduced by 10 percent citywide compared to last year and by more than 33 percent compared to 2022. The NYPD is proud to partner with the office of the Brooklyn district attorney and Beulah Church of the Nazarene to save additional lives and keep New York City the safest big city in the nation.”

Rev. Dr. Wenton Fyne, Pastor of Beulah Church of the Nazarene, said, “It is our delight to host this Gun buyback event at Beulah Church. All of us have a desire to keep our community safe. We know that gun violence is not the solution to deal with conflicts and solve problems. So if you or anyone you know has a gun, we encourage you to turn it in at the safest place in the community- the church. The scripture encourages us to live in peace with each other.”

The District Attorney said that his office will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in, with a limit of three per person. There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns with a maximum of two per person. No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked. Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. Two ghost gun limit per participant and three guns total per participant.

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. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

The DA’s Office hosts periodic Gun Buybacks throughout the year and in different Brooklyn neighborhoods.

Beulah Church of the Nazarene is located at 1250 Saint Johns Place, Brooklyn, NY 11213. (Entrance by Troy Avenue).

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 17, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Point-Blank Shooting at Victim Following a Dispute

Victim was Able to Dodge the Bullet and Escape from the Defendant

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 20 years in prison for pulling out a gun following a dispute and firing at a man’s head at point-blank range. The victim managed to dodge the bullet. Following a struggle with the defendant, he managed to escape to safety by running into a store.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is shocking that this defendant tried to execute a stranger in broad daylight following a minor dispute. The victim miraculously managed to dodge a bullet. We cannot tolerate gun violence in Brooklyn and today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jamal Batts, 34, of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk to 20 years in prison. The defendant was convicted on May 4, 2023, following a jury trial, of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree criminal use of a firearm, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on November 3, 2021, at approximately 12:10 p.m., in front of 222 Hoyt Street, in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, the victim, a 53-year-old man, got into a dispute with the defendant, a stranger. The argument started when the defendant’s dog defecated on the sidewalk where the victim was cleaning, and when the victim complained, the defendant used a derogatory racial slur.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant threatened to kill the victim and immediately pointed a gun at the victim’s head at point blank range and fired a shot at the victim. The victim dodged the shot and struggled with the defendant. The defendant then racked the gun and chased after the victim, pointing the gun at him. The victim ran into a store and was able to escape from the defendant, who then walked across Hoyt Street into the Gowanus Houses and entered 414 Baltic Street.

Video surveillance from the store at 222 Hoyt Street and New York City Housing Authority videos at 414 Baltic Street and 215 Hoyt Street captured the entire incident and the defendant’s path in the aftermath. He was subsequently arrested.

The District Attorney thanked Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Lexie Giardina for her assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Steven Bravo and Han Zhang 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

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

Brooklyn Men Who Stole Approximately $227,000 from

Elderly Clinton Hill Woman Sentenced to Prison

Former Neighbor of 94-Year-Old Woman Facilitated Theft Using a Power of Attorney

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Freaney, U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office, today announced that two men convicted of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman over six months have been sentenced to up to three years in prison.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants targeted an individual who is among the most vulnerable of our populations – a 94-year-old woman – while pretending to be neighborly and helpful. Instead, they stole hundreds of thousands of dollars. Fortunately, their scheme was unraveled, and they have now been held accountable. I thank the Secret Service and my prosecutors for their work on this case.”

Special Agent in Charge Freaney said, “These men took advantage of an elderly woman, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars out from under her. Crimes like these that affect the most vulnerable among us are abhorrent, and the Secret Service is grateful to our partners from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for holding these men accountable and ensuring that justice was done.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Humberto Nunez, 68, of Clinton Hill, Brooklyn and Mahilima Baa, 52, of Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn. They were sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam D. Perlmutter. Both defendants were sentenced to an indeterminate term of one to three years in prison. The defendants were convicted of second-degree grand larceny and second-degree criminal possession of stolen property on March 20, 2024, following a jury trial. Baa was additionally convicted of two counts of first-degree identity theft.

The District Attorney said that, according to the trial testimony, between July 19, 2019, and January 7, 2020, the defendants, who are acquaintances, stole approximately $52,000 from a former business account associated with 684 Quality Cleaners, which was owned by Nunez’s former neighbor, Rose Kane, who is now deceased. Nunez, who lived two doors down from the victim and occasionally ran errands for her, was purportedly given power of attorney by her prior to her becoming incapacitated, moving into a nursing home, and having a guardian appointed.

Furthermore, on November 5, 2019, the defendants stole approximately $175,000 from a reverse mortgage line of credit the victim had since 2009.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, defendant Baa stole another $20,000 by impersonating the victim and opening two credit cards using her name, her address, date of birth and her Social Security number. He then added himself to the accounts as an authorized user. He used the funds to pay for various fees and personal expenses, a rental car, furniture for his children, office supplies, alcohol, restaurants and at a night club.

Nunez also used the funds for his personal expenses, according to the evidence, despite telling the reverse mortgage company the money was to be used to make badly needed and extensive repairs to the victim’s house. However, no repairs were made to the property and the defendants withdrew most of the $175,000 received from the reverse mortgage line of credit in cash, with the rest used to make credit card payments and personal purchases.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office and Detective Investigators assigned to the District Attorney’s Investigations Bureau.

The District Attorney thanked Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona and Paralegal Sheila Jones, of the Investigations Division, for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Karen P. Turner, of the District Attorney’s and Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel R. Tibbets, both of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Frauds Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 15, 2024

Florida Man Indicted for Stealing Approximately $93,000 from

Six Victims While Posing as a Lawyer

Allegedly Forged a Victim’s Signature on Court Filings and Retainer Agreement

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo today announced that a Florida man has been charged with stealing tens of thousands of dollars from six Russian-speaking victims in Brooklyn while posing as an attorney. The defendant was never registered to practice law.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As alleged, this defendant deceitfully portrayed himself as a practicing attorney to exploit the trust of New Yorkers in need of legal services. Instead of helping them, the defendant allegedly took advantage of them and lined his own pockets at their expense. We will now seek to hold him accountable for his alleged criminal actions.”

Special Agent in Charge Arvelo said “David Manasher is accused of stealing over $90,000 from his victims, including those who sought to lawfully obtain their immigration benefits. He allegedly exploited his customers and our nation’s immigration system for his own financial gain. HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is committed to identifying and investigating such crimes to ensure New Yorkers can feel as secure as possible, even – and especially – when they’re vulnerable. We are proud to work with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in ensuring the public’s safety and overall wellbeing remain a priority.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Manasher, 44, of Margate, Florida, who also resided at times in New York and New Jersey. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk on a 20-count indictment in which he is charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny; first-degree immigrant assistant services fraud; second-degree forgery; first-degree offering a false instrument for filing; practicing law or appearing as attorney-at-law without being admitted and registered to practice; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 21, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2020, and March 15, 2024, the defendant defrauded six people out of approximately $93,000 while posing as a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant, immigration, and contract law. The defendant stole amounts ranging from approximately $2,000 to approximately $65,000. All six victims are Russian-speaking and either resided or worked in Brooklyn. They retained the defendant through various referrals and paid him in the belief that he was a licensed attorney. In one matter, the defendant forged a victim’s signature on both a court filing and a retainer agreement.

One of the victims reported the defendant to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, which launched an investigation.

People who believe that they have been victimized by this defendant are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Action Center at 718-250-2340 or send an email to ManasherComplaints@brooklynda.org.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators and Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division for their assistance on the case.

Additionally, the District Attorney thanked HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

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 Investigations, and 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.

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Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Fugitive Sheepshead Bay Lawyer Indicted for
Embezzling Over $250,000 from Eight Clients

Defendant Allegedly Stole Settlement Money Before Fleeing the United States

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a personal injury attorney has been charged with embezzling approximately $253,000 from eight of his clients. The defendant fled the United States before being disbarred in 2019.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of his clients and violated his oath as an attorney by pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. Criminal conduct in the legal profession will not be tolerated, and my Office is determined to hold this defendant to account for his alleged thefts.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Alan Ross, 66, whose law office was located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a 10-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree criminal possession of stolen property; second-degree grand larceny; seven counts of third-degree grand larceny; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released under supervision and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from December 2015 to May 2019, the defendant, who handled personal injury cases, allegedly embezzled approximately $253,000 in settlement funds from eight of his clients. The thefts ranged in size from approximately $10,000 to $83,000. As part of the scheme, the defendant allegedly transferred settlement funds from his clients’ escrow accounts to his law firm’s operating account as well as his personal account. It is alleged the defendant spent over $52,000 of the stolen funds on a vacation to Aruba and another $3,000 on laser micro-surgery.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant abandoned his practice, leaving numerous files in his law office before fleeing the country to Israel. He was disbarred in February 2019.

The defendant was arrested at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last month and waived extradition to New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Frank Ungerer of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, and Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and 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, July 9, 2024

Former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center Charged for Allegedly Stealing Almost $1.5 Million

Defendant Allegedly Used Business Credit Card for Purchases Ranging from a High-End Pet Resort to Personal Travel, Catering Expenses, College Tuition and Cash Advances

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, today announced that an emergency medicine doctor has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing approximately $1.448 million by using a business credit card for personal purchases and cash advances.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As a high-ranking doctor at this vital healthcare institution this defendant was entrusted with access to significant funds, which he allegedly exploited, stealing more than one million dollars to pay for a lavish lifestyle. The scope of the alleged thefts is shocking, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone who rips off the taxpayers. I am grateful to the Inspector General’s Office for its partnership on this case.”

Inspector General Lang said, “New Yorkers deserve doctors who uphold their oath with the utmost integrity. The spending spree on the State’s dime alleged here is an insult to hardworking taxpayers and the medical profession. My office will continue to rigorously investigate any public servant who violates the public trust by abusing their position of authority. I am grateful to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their diligence in doing the same.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dr. Michael Lucchesi, 66, of Staten Island. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a nine-count indictment in which he is charged with first- and second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and third-degree criminal tax fraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2016 and January 31, 2023, the defendant, a medical doctor, who was the Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and at various points was the acting head of Downstate Hospital and the medical school, and was the Chief Medical Officer, made personal purchases using a credit card meant to be used for business purposes only by members of the clinical practice, University Physicians of Brooklyn, of SUNY Downstate.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant’s spending totaled approximately $1.448 million and included cash advances of approximately $115,000; pet care totaling $176,000 (including $120,000 paid to The Greenleaf Pet Resort & Hotel in New Jersey); $348,000 spent on personal travel; $109,000 in payments to the New York Sports Club for membership and personal training; $52,000 in catering expenses; $46,000 in tuition payments for his children; and assorted payments for online shopping, flowers, liquor, electronics and other items.

The alleged thefts were discovered by SUNY during an audit.

The District Attorney thanked Investigative Counsel Thomas Collery, Senior Investigative Auditor Angelus Okeke, Investigative Auditor Victoria Oliva, and Senior Investigator Jimmy Gibson, under the supervision of Chief of Investigations for the Downstate Regional Offices Ben Defibaugh, Deputy Inspector General for the New York City Regional Office Ken Michaels, and Chief Deputy Inspector General Michele Bayer of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General for their work on the case.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Chief Financial Investigator Ludwig Sanchez for his assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Choi and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, both Special Counsel to the District Attorney’s 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 5, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez Warns Against Smishing Scam

That Uses Official-Looking NYC Website, After Shutting Down 11 Domains

Text Messages Ask Users for Nominal Fee to Settle Outstanding Parking or Toll Balance;

Clicking on Accompanied Link Lets Scammers Harvest Personal and Financial Information

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit shut down 11 internet domains associated with a smishing scam in which people receive a text message regarding a purported unpaid parking ticket balance or toll fee. Clicking on the attached link takes potential victims to an official-looking website, where they’re asked to enter their identifying information, which can then be used for identity theft or sold on the Dark Web.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Swift response by our Virtual Currency Unit allowed us to dismantle 11 domains that were used to scam New Yorkers by using credible-looking websites. People should be very suspicious of any unsolicited text message or email requesting money or personal information, and to never click on link without knowing the sender. Even as we continue to shut down these fraudulent sites, education and prevention remain the best defense.”

Mayor Adams said, “This administration will not sit idly by while bad actors attempt to take advantage of unsuspecting New Yorkers. When we were informed of this scam, we immediately alerted New Yorkers and reminded them that the Department of Finance and NYC City Pay will never require payment from anyone via text message. We remain committed to keeping New Yorkers informed and commend District Attorney Gonzalez for moving quickly to shut down 11 websites involved in this devious text message phishing scam. We will not tolerate these attempts to exploit our community’s trust. As always, we urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and stay informed, and NYC Cyber Command will continue to partner with the DA’s Office to ensure all New Yorkers are aware of similar campaigns and have all the information needed to protect themselves from identity theft.”

The District Attorney said that this week, his office became aware of this scam after a detective received a text message requesting $2.50 to settle a $25 balance and providing a link. Dozens of complaints describing the same text were additionally received by the Cyber Currency Unit. The operation was identified as a smishing scam, which is a type of phishing scam that uses text messages and websites to solicit users’ personal information, and often starts with an alarming, and legitimate-looking text message.

The investigation revealed that, when users clicked on the link, they were taken to a realistic-looking website, purportedly from “NYC Citypay,” where they were asked for their name, date of birth, driver’s license number, and credit or debit card number. That information could then be sold online and used for identity theft, to open credit cards accounts, and for other illegal activities. Twenty-four hours after initiating an investigation, the DA’s Office identified 11 domains connected to the scam and took them offline pursuant to a court order. The dismantled domains are: nycitypay.com, newyorktollbymail.com, tollsnewyorkbymail.com, tollwebmail518ny.com, nytoll585.com, nyaccounttoll.com, mailny8291.com, nytollbymail.com, nytolls2229.com, nybymail.com, ny1ezpassexpress.com, newyorktollbymail.com.

People who responded to the text and entered their information, should freeze the account they used to pay the small fee, activate a credit card freeze, notify their bank and credit card provider, and closely monitor their finances for a few months to look for unusual activity.

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 and Senior Detective Investigator Gerard Caffrey.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Queens Man Sentenced to 3 to 9 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Crashing into Vehicle, Killing Driver in Crown Heights

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in May

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter for speeding and running a series of red lights, ultimately crashing into another vehicle, and killing a man.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless decision to speed and disobey traffic lights cost an innocent man his life and endangered many others. He has now been held accountable for his criminal conduct. I remain committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Elijah Lucaine, 25, of Cambria Heights, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones to 3 to 9 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on May 15, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 13, 2023, at approximately 4:35 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2015 white Infiniti when he was observed by police going through multiple red lights, traveling at a high rate of speed, and swerving in and out of oncoming traffic.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., at the southwest corner of Crown Street and Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the defendant drove through a red light at approximately 70-m.p.h., in a 25-m.p.h. zone, and t-boned a black Acura belonging to David Ellis, 56, who was in the driver’s seat. The victim was trapped in his car and the Emergency Services Unit ultimately had to cut off the door. The driver was taken to Kings County Hospital with a leg fracture, rib fractures, and a lung contusion. He died five days later because of blunt force trauma from the crash.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Danyelle Shapiro, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Chief of the Green Zone Trial Bureau.

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