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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

for Shooting at Uber Eats Driver

Defendant Fired Approximately Four Shots at Stranger in Random Drive-By Shooting

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree attempted murder for opening fire at an Uber Eats driver during a random drive-by shooting in 2021. The Defendant fired multiple shots at the victim, a stranger, as he sat in his car between deliveries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s decision to open fire on an innocent driver was a shocking act of violence that put a stranger’s life at risk and terrorized a peaceful neighborhood. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to confronting gun violence with accountability. My office will continue to pursue justice for those who recklessly endanger public safety and ensure that everyone in Brooklyn can feel safe in their community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Laquan Battle, 28, of New Lots, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 5, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., in front of 1228 Pacific Street, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the victim, 22, was sitting in his 2004 Toyota Sienna when the defendant drove by in a red Kia. The defendant stopped slightly ahead of the victim’s vehicle and cursed at him. The defendant then stuck a 9-millimeter handgun out of the window and, according to the evidence, fired approximately four times at the victim before driving away.

One of the bullets struck the victim’s car. A second bullet struck an adjacent parked car. The victim was not injured.

Detectives from the 77^th precinct were able to identify the Kia’s license plate from video surveillance and placed a felony alarm on the vehicle. Following a continued investigation, the defendant was identified as the shooter.

The defendant was apprehended in Jonesboro, Georgia, in May 2022, and returned to New York.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Quon and Senior Assistant District Attorney Paola Orta Cordova, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Bronx Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for

Allegedly Stabbing Transit Worker in Subway

The Victim Was Trying to Empty the Train, the Defendant Allegedly Refused to Leave

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault and other charges in connection with the stabbing of an MTA subway operator. The victim was stabbed 11 times. 

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a hardworking train conductor who was simply doing his job. We will aggressively pursue full accountability for this violent assault. Keeping straphangers and transit workers safe is essential to the functioning of our city and a top priority for my office. We remain committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our subways face the full consequences of their actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jonathan Davalos, 27, of the Bronx. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on a 13-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and related charges. The defendant is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on January 10, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 8, 2024, at approximately 10:40 a.m., aboard a number 4 train subway car at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station, in Brooklyn, the victim, a 59-year-old subway operator, was attempting to clear the subway at the last stop on the train when he encountered the defendant. The operator asked the defendant to exit the subway, but he allegedly refused to leave. The men engaged in a verbal exchange and the defendant allegedly lunged at the victim after pulling a knife out of his jacket pocket.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the victim then began running from the defendant, who chased him down the platform. The victim tripped and fell onto the platform and the defendant allegedly straddled him and began stabbing him about the body. A witness alerted police officers at the station, and they responded to the scene and drew their weapons. The defendant then stood up, dropped the knife, and was placed under arrest.

The victim, who was stabbed 11 times, was taken to Kings County Hospital in serious condition. 

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg and Assistant District Attorneys Garrett Hines and Holley Howell, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Three Charged with Hate Crimes Related to Defacing and Vandalizing Homes of the Brooklyn Museum’s Director and Board Members

Allegedly Splashed Red Paint, Left Threats at Victims’ Homes; Charged with Making a Terroristic Threat as a Hate Crime, Criminal Mischief as a Hate Crime; 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a woman and two men were named in a 25-count indictment in which they are charged in connection with anti-Semitic incidents in Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn and in Lenox Hill in Manhattan. The defendants allegedly targeted members of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors who have Jewish-sounding names and did not target two board members who do not have Jewish-sounding names.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Acts of vandalism that target individuals in their own homes are a deeply disturbing violation meant to intimidate, terrorize, and instill fear. These defendants allegedly targeted museum board members with threats and anti-Semitic graffiti based on their perceived heritage. These actions are not protests; they are hate crimes, and we are deeply committed to holding accountable anyone who uses such unlawful tactics in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Taylor Pelton, 28, of Astoria, Queens, Samuel Seligson, 32, of Brooklyn, and Gabriel Schubiner, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They are variously charged in a 25-count indictment with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, making a terroristic threat, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief, making graffiti, possession of graffiti instruments, and fifth-degree conspiracy. Schubiner was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and released without bail. Seligson and Pelton are expected to be arraigned next week.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the three defendants were allegedly captured on surveillance video gathering at 500 Saint Marks Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in the early morning hours of June 12, 2024. They allegedly entered the location and were present for over an hour. When they left the location all three defendants and three unapprehended others were captured carrying supplies to Pelton’s car, a red Honda Fit, with Seligson directing the others to place items in the trunk.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, Pelton drove the defendants and unapprehended others to DeGraw Street and Bond Street in Boerum Hill, where Seligson, Schubiner and the unapprehended others are seen on video walking to Douglass Street with black bags. Douglass Street is where the residence of a member of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors is located.  A video camera at the location was allegedly painted over by Schubiner so it could not capture the identity of the defendants when they allegedly defaced the location using red paint, with the words, “Brooklyn Museum, blood on your hands” and left a banner with the victim’s name, claiming she had “blood on your hands, war crimes, funds genocide” and several inverted red triangles on the banner.

The red triangles, according to the investigation are associated with Hamas, a terrorist group. A stencil found on the ground at the location had a fingerprint covered in red paint which was identified as belonging to Schubiner.

Furthermore, according to the District Attorney, it is alleged that Pelton then drove the group to the next location, the corner of Pierrepont Street and Hicks Street. Seligson and Schubiner are then allegedly captured approaching the residence of the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Museum. A video camera was allegedly painted over so it could not capture the identity of the defendants as they allegedly defaced the building with red paint, a banner which named the Director and called her a White Supremacist Zionist, with red handprints, the words “Blood on your hands,” an anarchy symbol, and red inverted triangles painted on the banner and on the building. The defendants are then allegedly captured on video surveillance footage running from the location toward Pelton’s car. The car then headed over the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan.

Finally, it is alleged, according to the investigation, Pelton drove to East 65^th Street and First Avenue, where Schubiner and the unapprehended others are captured spraying red paint on a building on Fifth Avenue in Lenox Hill, which is the residence of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Museum. They allegedly painted her name, the red inverted triangles and the anarchy symbol.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Detective Michael Rodriguez of the Hate Crimes Task Force and the entire HCTF, under the supervision of Chief Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked the following individuals for their assistance on this case: Manhattan District Attorney Hate Crimes Bureau Chief Hannah Yu and Assistant District Attorney Alberto Gomez; KCDA Digital Forensic Analysts Austin Fedchock and Timothy Brown, of the Digital Evidence Lab; KCDA Hate Crimes Paralegal Michael Chung; KCDA Detective Investigators; the NYPD Latent Prints Lab and Gun Violence Suppression Squad.

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

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 29, 2024

Former Executive Director of Brooklyn Non-Profit Indicted for
Allegedly Stealing Nearly $100,000 of Funds Meant for Indigent Bail Program

 Led the OKRA Project, Which Aids Black Trans Individuals Across the U.S.;

When Questioned, She Allegedly Provided Fraudulent Bail Receipts 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that the former executive director of a Brooklyn-based non-profit aimed at supporting Black Trans people, has been indicted for grand larceny and falsifying business records for allegedly siphoning money purportedly meant to bail individuals out of jail and used it instead for personal expenses. When asked for proof of payment, the defendant allegedly submitted bail receipts for individuals who had not been arrested at that time.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The theft of nonprofit funds deprives communities of critical resources, erodes public trust, and cheats donors who give in good faith. The defendant in this case allegedly stole bail funds meant to secure pre-trial release of indigent defendants, instead using the money for personal benefit. We will continue to investigate and prosecute all types of fraud to ensure that funds are not misappropriated or stolen.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dominique Morgan, 42, of Atlanta, Georgia. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment charging her with one count of second-degree grand larceny and 23 counts of first-degree falsifying business records. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on December 18, 2024. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that the defendant served as the Executive Director of the OKRA Project, a Brooklyn-based not-for-profit that provides mutual aid and other resources to the Black Trans community throughout the country. Her annual salary was over $200,000. While not an official program, the defendant, in her role as director, announced that OKRA would start bailing people out of jail, although she allegedly did not take any steps to get the initiative up and running.

It is alleged that between July 14, 2022, and July 27, 2022, the defendant had approximately $99,000 transferred to her personal account in order to purportedly use those funds to pay for bail. Instead, she used the money on a $19,000 California Closet renovation, car payments for a Mercedes Benz, purchases at apparel stores and other expenses including meals.

When asked by OKRA for proof of the payments toward bail, she allegedly submitted purported bail receipts for 23 individuals who were supposedly arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, and Douglas County, Nebraska. An audit by OKRA revealed that those receipts were fraudulent and that no such persons were arrested in those counties at the time.

The District Attorney thanked Supervising Financial Investigator Susan Ryan, of the District Attorney’s Asset Forfeiture and Crimes Against Revenue Bureau, and Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, for their assistance in the investigation.

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

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for
Stabbing and Kicking Subway Passenger

Victim Had Asked Defendant, who was Screaming Profanities, to Lower His Voice

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for pulling out a kitchen knife on the subway and stabbing a stranger in the back, then kicking him repeatedly about the face after he fell to the floor.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless and frightening act of violence against someone who asked for basic courtesy on the subway. We are relieved the victim escaped more serious harm, but no one should have to experience such violence during their daily commute. Today’s sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable and reinforces our commitment to keeping our transit system safe.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sadam Adames, 33, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of first-degree attempted assault on September 18, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 13, 2022, at approximately 12:40 p.m., the defendant was on a number 2 train traveling through Brooklyn toward Manhattan. When the defendant boarded the train at Winthrop Street, he began screaming profanities into his phone, alarming the other passengers. When a 49-year-old man on the train asked him to lower his voice the defendant walked down the train car, stood over the man, pulled a kitchen knife out of his bag, and attempted to stab the man in his stomach.

The victim was able to grab the defendant’s hand and the two struggled, according to the evidence. The defendant managed to stab the victim in the back and throw him on to the seats. The victim then fell to the floor and the defendant subsequently kicked the victim in the face multiple times. The train then pulled into the Bergen Street station and the defendant left the train.

The victim was treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to Methodist Hospital where he received three stitches to his back and was treated for bruising to his face and lacerations to his lip. The defendant was positively identified by a witness who saw the attack and recorded it on his cell phone. He was identified and arrested the next day after his photo was released to the media.

Intelligence Analyst Fatima Shaihk of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab assisted with this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg and Assistant District Attorney Stacie Ulberg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, October 24, 2024

Brooklyn Baseball Coach Indicted for Sex Abuse of Seven Teen Players

Allegedly Insisted Players Expose Themselves, Touched Genitals and Used Sexual Language; Victims Were Between 12 and 14 Years Old; Defendant Coached at The Packer School

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a youth baseball coach has been indicted for course of sexual conduct against a child, sexual abuse and other charges. It is alleged that during his travel team’s practices and other settings he consistently made sexual comments, repeatedly insisted that players show him their genitalia and touched their intimate parts on several occasions. At times, he allegedly refused to let athletes stop difficult conditioning exercises unless they exposed themselves to him.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s alleged actions represent a profound betrayal of trust, preying on the young athletes under his guidance. Coaches are entrusted with nurturing young minds and talents, not exploiting them for personal gratification. The disturbing details of this case highlight the lasting damage such behavior inflicts on vulnerable youth, and we are committed to holding this defendant fully accountable. Our priority remains to protect children and provide justice for these brave victims who have come forward.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Nicolas Morton, 31, of Park Slope. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a 20-count indictment charging him with second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, third- and first-degree sexual abuse, 13 counts of endangering the welfare of a child, two counts of forcible touching, and second-degree unlawful imprisonment. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond and the defendant was ordered to return to court on December 13, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant ran a travel baseball team while also serving as the head coach at The Packer Collegiate Institute. The allegations involve conduct during the travel team practices, mostly in Packer’s gym and in several Brooklyn ballfields, from the beginning of 2023 through the summer of 2024. Victims, whose ages ranged at that time from 12 to 14, recalled that at nearly every practice, the defendant made sexual comments, repeatedly asked to see the boys’ pubic hair, and spoke extensively about masturbation.

Three of the seven victims included in the indictment reported that the defendant allegedly touched their genitals over their clothes and one reported that he touched him under the clothing. All of the boys recalled that he asked, coaxed or pressured them to show him their pubic hair or penis. On numerous occasions he allegedly used illicit tactics to get them to show their genitals such as offering material benefits or telling them they could not stop running or doing other exhaustive drills unless they exposed themselves. He also allegedly threatened a number of boys that he would cut them from the team if they didn’t oblige.

Rumors started to circulate among players’ parents in July 2024 and some of them reported their concerns to Packer. The school terminated the defendant’s employment in August.

The District Attorney thanked New York City Police Department Detective Christopher Mastoros for his role in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Gwen Barnes and Gabriela Sinisi, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, with assistance from Special Victims Paralegal Jennifer Hernandez, and Emmanuel DeJesus, of the District Attorney’s Victim Services Unit, under the supervision of 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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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 22, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for
Killing 48-Year-Old Man at Bedford-Stuyvesant House Party

Victim Was Shot Twice During Attempted Robbery of Dice Game;

Defendant and Co-Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an Bedford-Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for fatally shooting a 48-year-old man at a house party in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendant and a co-defendant both pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for their role in the killing.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s actions demonstrate the callousness and disregard for life that too often accompanies gun violence, and today’s sentence sends a strong message that those who terrorize our communities will be held fully accountable. My office will continue to pursue justice for every victim and family shattered by senseless acts of gun violence, and we remain steadfast in our resolve to keep Brooklyn safe.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ahmed Morrison, 22, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on September 4, 2024. A co-defendant, Unique Howell, 20, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, was sentenced to 17 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision by Justice Tully. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on February 23, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 6, 2020, the defendant and co-defendant, who were both armed with handguns, shot Kenneth Mark, 48, inside his home at 32 Pulaski Street in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The victim was hosting a party for about 15 people who were using a pool table to play dice. The defendant and co-defendant attended the party and left. At approximately 2 a.m., according to the evidence, they returned to the victim’s apartment wearing ski masks and armed with guns. The pair then forced their way into the apartment. They robbed one person of a wallet and proceeded to hold several others at gunpoint while attempting to take money off the pool table. When the victim put up a struggle, two shots were fired. The victim was struck in abdomen and chest. He was taken to Kings County Hospital where he died.

The defendant and co-defendant then fled together in a vehicle belonging to the defendant’s mother. Police located the vehicle a few days later, and the defendant’s name was on a traffic summons inside the car. Police also found the defendant’s fingerprints at the scene.

The defendant was arrested on May 2, 2020.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal Suleimy Santos, of the Homicide Bureau, for her assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Mirabella, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Kathleen Simpson, of the District Attorney’s Special Victim’s Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 22, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Nine Years in Prison Following
Guilty Plea in Connection with Shooting Near Midwood High School

16-year-old Girl Struck by Stray Bullet

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to nine years in prison for a broad daylight shooting near a high school in Midwood. A 16-year-old student was struck by a stray bullet on her way home.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s unlawful decision to open fire near a school not only injured an innocent 16-year-old girl but shattered the sense of safety that every student, parent, and community member deserves. No young person should ever have to fear gunfire while walking home from school, and no community should bear the trauma of such senseless violence. Brooklyn recently experienced its safest summer from gun violence on record, and we remain committed to building on that progress. My office will continue to hold violent offenders fully accountable as we work to ensure every neighborhood remains a safe place to live, learn, and grow.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Javan Johnson, 22, of Flatbush, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones to nine years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree attempted assault on September 5, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on October 6, 2023, at approximately 12 p.m., at East 16th Street and Avenue M, just around the corner from Edward R. Murrow High School, in Midwood, the defendant fired a handgun at a rival across the street. At least 10 shots were fired. The defendant missed his intended target and instead struck a 16-year-old girl in the right ankle as she walked down the street. The defendant then handed the gun off to another individual before fleeing the scene. He was arrested a few hours later.

            The victim was taken to a local hospital where she was treated for substantial bleeding and a fractured foot.

           The case was prosecuted Assistant District Attorney Bianca Kushner, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Michael Boykin and Lana Schlesinger, Deputy Bureau Chiefs, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, October 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Three-and-a-Half Years in Prison
For Assaulting and Slashing Stranger with Knife

Defendant Also Assaulted Bystander Who Tried to Intervene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a Bushwick man has been sentenced to three-and-a-half years in prison for slashing a stranger on the street with a knife and attacking a bystander who tried to intervene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Keeping the people of Brooklyn safe is my highest priority, and violent offenders such as this defendant will face serious consequences. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for a random and vicious assault.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Michael Ruiz, 46, of Bushwick, Brooklyn. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Laura Johnson to three-and-a-half years in prison and three years’ post-release supervision. (The DA’s Office recommended a five-year sentence.) The defendant was convicted of second-degree assault and third-degree attempted assault on August 19, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 28, 2022, at approximately 2:15 a.m., the victim, a 39-year-old man, was talking on the phone outside his apartment on Berry Street, in Greenpoint. He was approached by the defendant, a stranger, who told him, “I own this block” and threatened to kill him. The defendant left, went to his car, and returned with a knife. He continued to threaten the victim.

When a bystander tried to intervene, according to the evidence, the defendant punched the man in the face. He then turned his attention back to the victim and kicked him to the ground. As the victim lay on the ground, the defendant repeatedly kicked his face and slashed him across the arm with a knife.

The victim was treated for a fractured orbital bone, a laceration under his eye, and a laceration across his arm requiring approximately 15 stitches.

The attack was captured on surveillance footage.

The defendant was arrested on October 6, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sanam Shah, and Assistant District Attorney Alexander John Davis, both of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Courtney Hogg, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Eight Years in State Prison for
Attempted Sexual Assault of Woman in Williamsburg

Defendant Broke Down Victim’s Door and Attacked Her While She Slept;
Defendant Left Wallet and Identification at Scene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that an East New York man has been sentenced to eight years in prison for attempting to sexually assault a woman who was asleep in her bedroom in Williamsburg. Her screams alerted her roommate, who struggled with the defendant. He then fled – dropping his wallet and identification at the scene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant broke into a young woman’s home in the middle of the night and attempted to sexually assault her as she slept—an alarming violation of her safety and privacy. Thanks to the victim’s courage and her roommate’s quick response, he was apprehended before he could cause further harm. Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant is held accountable for this terrifying crime. We remain committed to seeking justice for survivors of sexual violence and making Brooklyn safer for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Akijah Hall, 29, of Ashford Street, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare to eight years in prison and 15 years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary as a sexually motivated felony, first-degree attempted criminal sexual act, and first-degree sexual abuse on August 15, 2024, in exchange for the Court’s promised sentence of eight years.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 11, 2019, at approximately 4:30 a.m., the defendant forcibly broke into an apartment on Grand Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, by breaking the door off the hinges. He went into the bedroom of a 25-year-old woman who woke up to find him next to her bed, with his hand on her mouth and his other hand on her breast.

The victim screamed, according to the evidence, and woke up her roommate, who was sleeping in another room. The roommate struggled with the defendant, and he fled the apartment. During the struggle the defendant dropped his jacket and his wallet, which contained his New York State identification card (with his name, photo and home address) and his college student ID card, according to the evidence. He also dropped a coffee mug, which contained his DNA.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, after leaving the scene the defendant went to the 75th Precinct to make a police report claiming he lost his jacket, wallet, and identification. A few hours later, he was arrested outside of his residence.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kevin O’Donnell, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Special Victims’ Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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