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Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

March 1, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Brooklyn Construction Company, Long Beach Owner with Public Contracts Charged with Underpaying Workers by Over Half a Million Dollars

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn-based construction company and its owner have been charged with underpaying employees assigned to public works projects, stealing more than $568,000 in wages. The projects were financed by the New York City School Construction Authority and other government agencies.

The Acting District Attorney identified the defendants as Michael Riglietti, 49, of Long Beach, New York, and his company MSR Electrical Construction Company, previously located at 31 Bay Street in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

According to the investigation, the defendants were granted 15 public works contracts from three government agencies between December 2012 and December 2015. In particular, the defendants were contracted by the NYC SCA to complete electrical work in 13 public schools including four Brooklyn schools: P.S. 164 and P.S. 767 in Borough Park, and P.S. 297 and I.S. 49 in Williamsburg. The defendants were also contracted by the New York State Office of General Services to perform work at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens, and as subcontractors by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority for services at five locations in Manhattan and Queens.

The defendants listed the names of four electricians on the certified payroll reports, which asserted that the defendants had paid all workers the required prevailing wage of between $51-$54 per hour, plus benefits of $42.45-$50.13. The defendants are accused of instead paying their employees between $13.50-$25 per hour, without overtime or required benefits, pocketing over $500,000 in public funds that rightfully belonged to the four employees.

The Acting District Attorney has filed an asset forfeiture action seeking to recover the victims’ lost wages.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants were entrusted with public funds for public projects and, in exchange, they promised to pay the prevailing wage to their employees, who were repairing Brooklyn schools and other facilities. As alleged, the defendants breached that trust, falsifying official records and stealing the hard-earned wages of their employees. This prosecution shows that employers who think they can siphon employee wages without repercussions are mistaken, and we will also work to make sure these employees are fully compensated.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

February 16, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Nine Alleged Gang Members and Associates Indicted for
Stealing over $94,000 in Bank Larceny Scheme

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that nine alleged gang members and their associates have been charged for allegedly stealing over $94,000 from banks by depositing counterfeit checks and withdrawing available funds before the forgery was detected.

It is alleged that the defendants recruited individuals to open new accounts or provide them with personal information of existing accounts at Bank of America, TD Bank, Capital One and JP Morgan Chase. When customers deposit checks into retail accounts, these banks make a certain amount available to customers even though the checks have not cleared the institution that issued them. The defendants and co-conspirators quickly withdrew the available funds before the checks were discovered to be fraudulent, causing monetary losses to the banks (which credited the affected account holders), according to the indictments. Most of the check deposits took place at ATM locations, according to the investigation.

The Acting District Attorney said that during certain periods between June 2014 and March 2016, the defendants deposited a total of 241 allegedly counterfeit checks into 71 bank accounts and then made withdrawals.

The Acting District Attorney identified the defendants as Trumane Gibbs, 23, of East Flatbush; Michael Morris, 21, of Crown Heights; Darnell Brown, 24, of Brownsville; Tevon Allen, 28, of Flatlands; Daquan Johnson, 24, of Flatbush; Timothy Brown, 23, of Ditmas Park; Jeffrey Debrosse, 27, of Midwood; Julian Hubbard, 21, of East Flatbush; and Jermel Belfast, 30, of Flatbush.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We now know that gang members are increasingly using financial fraud to pay for their lifestyle – like they allegedly did in the simple yet very lucrative scheme charged in these indictments. We will continue to investigate and prosecute this facet of gang activity to get dangerous individuals off the streets and make sure stolen money isn’t used to fund violent acts.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

February 15, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Ex-Boyfriend Charged in Execution Death of Correction Officer

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 35-year-old man has been indicted for the murder of a New York City Correction Officer who was shot five times while sitting in her car in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn last December. The defendant’s current girlfriend has been charged with hindering prosecution.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on the night of December 4, 2016, the victim, Alastasia Bryan, 25, was sitting in her car at the corner of Avenue L and East 73rd Street, in Bergen Beach, Brooklyn. She was preparing to drive to Rikers Island, where she worked as a Correction Officer, when she was shot five times by the defendant, Keon Richmond, 35, of Kensington.

After shooting Officer Bryan, according to the investigation, Richmond fled the scene in a Hyundai Elantra, which had license plates registered to co-defendant, Shirley Mejia, 24, of Paterson, New Jersey. It is alleged that two days after the murder, Mejia paid to have the car stored at a mechanic’s shop in New Jersey and that Richmond removed the plates. Cell site records, surveillance video and other electronic data placed the defendant at the scene of the homicide at the time of this murder and captured his flight to New Jersey after the shooting.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Officer Alastasia Bryan never even had a chance to defend herself from this cowardly defendant, who allegedly ambushed her in a deliberate, cold-blooded and calculated shooting. We now intend to hold him and his current girlfriend accountable for their alleged roles in this case as we seek justice for Officer Bryan’s heartbroken family and friends.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

February 10, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Gravesend Man Indicted for Murder of 3-Year-Old Boy

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Gravesend man has been indicted on murder and other charges following a recent ruling by the Office of the New York City Medical Examiner that the defendant’s beating caused the death of his girlfriend’s 3-year-old son, Jaden Jordan. He was previously charged with assault in December.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the victim, Jaden Jordan, 3, was left home alone with the defendant, Salvatore Lucchese, 24, while the victim’s mother was at work, between approximately 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., on November 28, 2016. At approximately 4:30 p.m., emergency personnel responded to the victim’s home after the defendant called 911 and reported that the child was unconscious.

The victim, found unresponsive, was taken to Coney Island Hospital and then transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center where he remained after falling into a coma. Later examination revealed that Jaden had sustained severe head trauma and a fractured skull. He was removed from life support on Saturday, December 3, 2016, and died the same day. The Office of the New York City Medical Examiner last week ruled the death a homicide, finding the cause of death to be abusive head and neck trauma.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Jaden Jordan was a helpless, defenseless child who the defendant was supposed to be caring for. Instead, he allegedly beat him so severely that the little boy died. We are determined to see that he is held responsible for this senseless and very tragic loss.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

February 3, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez
Announces Promotions to Key Leadership Positions

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced a series of promotions to important leadership positions in the District Attorney’s Office. Those include naming Timothy Gough as the new Homicide Bureau Chief, hiring of Danielle Eaddy, a distinguished defense attorney and former Assistant District Attorney, to lead one of the Trial Bureaus and promoting two veteran prosecutors to head two other Trial Bureaus.

The Acting District Attorney said that ADA Gough will replace current Homicide Bureau Chief Kenneth Taub, who is retiring next month after 36 years of extraordinary public service at the Brooklyn DA’s Office, 28 of those in the Homicide Bureau. ADA Gough was most recently the Bureau Chief of the Grey Zone Trial Bureau, one of the five Trial Bureaus in the Office that together handle the bulk of felony and misdemeanor cases in the borough.

ADA Eaddy will replace ADA Gough as the Grey Zone Bureau Chief. She joined the Office in 1994 and, during a 12-year tenure, held numerous managerial positions, including Grey Zone Bureau Chief.

In addition, ADA Kin Ng has been promoted to Bureau Chief of the Red Zone Trial Bureau. A Brooklyn prosecutor since 1991, he was most recently the Chief of the Immigrant Fraud Unit.

Furthermore, ADA Robert Walsh has been promoted to Bureau Chief of the Blue Zone Trial Bureau, replacing ADA Frances Weiner, who is becoming Director of Legal Training. She was previously Deputy Bureau Chief of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau among other supervisory positions. ADA Walsh, a prosecutor since 1991, has handled a wide variety of cases, included narcotics trafficking, assaults on police officers and homicides, displaying excellent courtroom skills.

Numerous other Assistant District Attorneys have been promoted to Deputy Chiefs and other supervisory positions, including Grace Jeannie Lopez to Deputy Bureau Chief of the Red Hook Community Justice Center Bureau; Nada Abdelhadi to Deputy Bureau Chief of the Early Case Assessment Bureau; Kevin C. Aulbach to Deputy Chief of the Crime Strategy Unit; and José Interiano to Deputy Chief of the Immigrant Fraud Unit.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The promotions and appointment of these extremely accomplished prosecutors will make our Office even better and stronger. They are all highly-qualified attorneys and have a long track record of supervisory experience and courtroom expertise. Together with the rest of our staff, they will ensure that the DA’s Office continues to work professionally and efficiently and remains committed in its pursuit of justice and fairness for the people of Brooklyn.”

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Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

January 27, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Fatally Shooting
Man during 2014 J’Ouvert Celebration

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 28-year-old Brooklyn man has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for fatally shooting a man during the J’Ouvert celebration held in advance of the 2014 West Indian Day Parade.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the defendant’s allocution, on September 1, 2014, at approximately 3:30 a.m., in the vicinity of Empire Boulevard, during the J’Ouvert celebration that precedes the annual West Indian Day Parade, the defendant, Derek Goodings, 28, of Crown Heights, fired a loaded weapon into a crowd of people. He fired five times, striking Michael Sampson, 55, in the chest, killing him, and injuring another man. He also fired at an unmarked police van, striking it.

The judge indicated he will sentence the defendant in February to 24 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant senselessly fired into a crowd of revelers, taking a man’s life and marring what should have been a night of celebration. The festivities surrounding J’Ouvert ought to be a joyful time for the community and we will aggressively prosecute anyone who shoots or harms people at this annual event or anywhere else in Brooklyn.”

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Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

January 17, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

North Carolina Man Indicted for Trafficking
33 Guns to Sell on the Streets of Brooklyn

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 24-year-old man from North Carolina has been arraigned on a 115-count indictment for allegedly trafficking 33 firearms from his home state into Brooklyn. He allegedly sold 25 of the firearms to an undercover police officer on two occasions last month and was arrested with eight additional guns and assault rifle parts before completing a third planned transaction.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 5, 2016, the defendant, Marcus Gamble, 24, of Charlotte, North Carolina, sold 10 loaded firearms to an undercover police officer and, on December 13, 2016, the defendant sold the undercover 15 loaded firearms for a total of about $27,000. The sales took place inside a car near Flatbush Avenue and Maple Street in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Brooklyn.

On December 20, 2016, as the defendant was allegedly waiting for a third sale to begin, he was arrested inside a Golden Krust restaurant at 568 Flatbush Avenue in Prospect-Lefferts Gardens. Eight guns and parts of an assault rifle were recovered from his book-bag, according to the indictment.

The 33 guns the defendant is charged with transporting to Brooklyn were mostly pistols and revolvers, including Smith & Wessons, Colts and Rugers. Some of the weapons were purchased legally in North Carolina and others were stolen, the investigation found.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The pistols and revolvers that were recovered as part of this investigation are exactly the type of guns that are used to commit violence on our streets. Keeping such weapons – purchased legally in southern states, but possessed illegally in Brooklyn – out of the hands of criminals undoubtedly saves lives so I am determined to continue working with the NYPD to identify out-of-state firearms traffickers and to bring them to justice in Brooklyn.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

January 12, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Seven Defendants, including National Grid Employees, Charged with
Enterprise Corruption for Operating Shadow Utility Company that Illegally Installed Gas
Meters in Violation of Safety Protocols

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the indictment of a former National Grid employee who infiltrated the public utility and corrupted a number of its employees. He and other defendants are charged with enterprise corruption and related offenses for operating a shadow utility company that violated New York City Department of Buildings and National Grid regulations and procedures, installing illegal gas meters across Brooklyn for landlords willing to pay $1,300 to $2,500 per meter. A total of 37 defendants, including seven former National Grid employees, have been charged in connection with the enterprise.

The Acting District Attorney identified Weldon “Al” Findlay, 47, of Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn, as the alleged mastermind and leader of the enterprise. Findlay, who worked for National Grid until 2010, and six other defendants are charged with enterprise corruption, which carries up to 25 years in prison. The other 30 defendants charged in connection with the case include landlords, property managers, and contractors who arranged for, installed, or received illegal gas service.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, the enterprise consisted of a pattern of criminal activity in connection with the illegal installation of gas meters in exchange for cash at 33 residential properties across Brooklyn, including Williamsburg, Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Midwood, and Borough Park, in addition to homes in parts of Queens. Findlay is alleged to have formed the enterprise, and to have directed its criminal activities throughout the period covered by the indictment, namely January 12, 2016 to June 30, 2016.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We simply will not allow the lucrative real estate market in Brooklyn to feed criminal activity and potentially endanger lives. These defendants showed contempt for rules and regulations specifically put into place to protect public safety. And they did this with callous disregard on a regular basis. We will continue to protect Brooklyn residents by pursuing criminal prosecutions of landlords and others who put profits ahead of safeguards.”

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

Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

January 9, 2017

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Manhattan Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Killing Acquaintance in Williamsburg

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 59-year-old man from upper Manhattan was sentenced to 20 years in state prison for fatally stabbing another man in 2011. After a verbal argument, the defendant went to a store, purchased two kitchen knives, returned to the scene of the dispute, and stabbed the victim in the thigh, leaving him bleeding to death.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on the night of April 29, 2011, at the corner of South 9th Street and Roebling Street in Williamsburg, the defendant, Ramon Escobar, of Inwood, Manhattan, and the victim, David Fernandez, 46, got into an argument after the defendant accused the victim of making inappropriate contact with Escobar’s girlfriend. The defendant was heard saying “I am going to kill him” before being ushered away from the scene; his girlfriend headed into a nearby subway station.

The defendant walked to the Crazy Loco 99 Cent store at 281 Broadway and bought two 8-inch kitchen knives, the evidence showed. He then returned to the scene and began a struggle with Fernandez, during which he stabbed him in the left thigh, causing profuse and fatal bleeding.

The defendant was arrested in April 2015, after an eyewitness came forward, and was connected to the crime through DNA, surveillance videos and other evidence.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The victim was a loving father, just one week from walking his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. He had the great misfortune to encounter this defendant, who stabbed him to death after a meaningless argument. The defendant’s taking of human life over something so trivial is unconscionable, and we are all well served by the lengthy sentence imposed today.”

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Read the full press release here.

Eric Gonzalez

Acting District Attorney
Kings County

December 21, 2016

COMMUNITY PARTNER IN JUSTICE NOTIFICATION

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Murder of Williamsburg Landlord
During Botched Robbery and Kidnapping

Acting Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced a new indictment in the 2014 abduction and murder of Williamsburg landlord Menachem Stark. A 38-year-old Brooklyn man has been indicted for murder and kidnapping, while he and two co-defendants have also been indicted for conspiracy.

The Acting District Attorney identified the defendants as Erskin Felix, 38, and his brother, Kendall Felix, 28, both of Crown Heights, Brooklyn; and cousin Irvine Henry, 35, also of Crown Heights. A jury has already convicted Kendel Felix, Erskin’s cousin, of first-degree kidnapping and second-degree murder in the case. He is awaiting sentencing and faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

The Acting District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, cousins Erskin and Kendel Felix accosted Stark on the street as he left his office on Rutledge Street in Williamsburg on the night of January 2, 2014. After he fought unsuccessfully to escape, Stark was forced into a waiting vehicle and driven away from the location. Kendall and Henry allegedly joined their relatives. At some point, apparently while being restrained, Stark died of asphyxia.

According to the investigation, Erskin Felix, who was in the construction trade with Kendel Felix and Irvine Henry, had done work for Stark. Erskin Felix allegedly planned to extort money from Stark and enlisted Kendel Felix to help kidnap him, forming a conspiracy which also involved both Kendall Felix and Irvine Henry.

Upon discovering that Stark was dead, the four relatives allegedly returned to Rutledge Street, intending to dispose of Stark’s body. Upon arrival, Erskin and Irvine Henry got out of the vehicle, only to find the crime scene already flooded with police. As alleged, Erskin then directed Kendel and Kendall to go elsewhere to dispose of the body. They drove to Nassau County, threw the body in a dumpster and set it on fire.

Acting District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This indictment is the latest step in our journey toward justice for Menachem Stark, his seven children and the rest of the family his killers took him from. The tireless work of NYPD investigators and prosecutors from my Office will ensure that all involved in this grievous crime are held to answer for their despicable acts. ”

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

Read the full press release here.