Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Launches Art Contest
“Illustrate Against Hate” for Middle and High School Students
Accepting Original Artworks Expressing That Hate Crimes are Immoral and Intolerable;
Cash Prizes of up to $1000 for Winner of Each Grade
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the launch of a unique art contest, “Illustrate Against Hate,” that’s open to all New York City students from grades 7th through 12th. Cash prizes, partially donated by the New York City Police Foundation, are offered in the amounts of $1000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place for each grade.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Fighting against hate crimes includes helping educate young people about the irreparable harms they cause and must be an all-out effort that engages every aspect of our society. That’s why I am so proud to partner with the New York City Police Foundation on this exciting and engaging contest that allows our students the opportunity to express themselves through art and convey why hate crimes are abhorrent and can never be tolerated. Whether participating students have been victims of bias-motivated offenses, know friends who were, or choose to stand in solidarity with those who’ve been harmed – I hope this competition will give them a medium to educate each other and all of us on this important topic.”
Students should send photos of their original artwork in JPEG or MP4 formats to illustrateagainsthate@brooklynda.org (no scanned reproductions will be accepted). Submissions should include the student’s full name, grade, age, school and an explanation in 50 characters or less about the submission and why hate crimes are wrong. Permissible mediums include photography, watercolor, acrylic, oil, wood, clay, metal, plaster, pastel, charcoal, collage, pencil, computer graphic art and silk screen. All submissions are due by May 14, 2021.
The artwork will be judged on originality, quality, technique and theme by a panel of judges. Winners will be announced during the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office’s Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration on May 20, 2021, which will be streamed on the Brooklyn DA’s office website and social media.
The District Attorney thanked the New York City Police Foundation for their generous contribution of prize money, and the New York City Department of Education for their partnership.
The contest is being coordinated by the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli Muse, Bureau Chief.
Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office Accepting Applications
For Four-Week Virtual High School Internship Summer Program
Internships Will Offer Insight into Criminal Justice System, Public Service and the Law
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the launch of the application process for high school juniors and seniors interested in participating in a four-week virtual summer internship program. The summer internship is open to students who live and/or attend high school in Brooklyn and are interested in learning about the different careers and roles of various participants within the criminal justice system. This year’s summer internship will run from July 6 to July 30, 2021.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Our goal every year is to provide interns with an understanding of how the criminal justice system operates and how my office works to keep Brooklyn safe and strengthen community trust. We are proud to be able to offer an opportunity for high school students to gain invaluable experience as to how criminal cases develop, from the steps taken to investigate and build a case, to how cases are handled in court. The interns will be exposed to many different career opportunities available in the criminal justice system, as they consider their future professional goals.”
Selected students will be assigned to one of the many specialized units within the DA’s Office, while also getting an overview of the criminal justice system. They can expect to assist with research and analysis; help prosecutors to prepare for trial; work on discovery; carry out file maintenance and organization of legal documents; participate in Trial Zone workshops; and observe criminal proceedings, including trials, guilty pleas and sentencings.
During the four-week internship, participants will receive a $150 weekly stipend. Internship hours will be Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Interested applicants must submit their most recent school transcript, a one-page resume and a 300-word typed essay (12 pt. font and double-spaced) on why they are interested in interning with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and how the internship will impact their future career goals.
To apply, please visit: http://apply.brooklynda.org beginning Tuesday, April 20, 2021, to upload transcript, essay and resume. All application materials must be received no later than Tuesday, May 25, 2021. For questions or assistance please contact (718) 250-3191 or email hsinternships@brooklynda.org.
Driver who Crashed Car on Brooklyn-Queens Expressway
While Allegedly Driving Drunk and Speeding Indicted for Manslaughter
Front Passenger Died of His Injuries, Second Passenger Injured
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment in which she is charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and assault. The defendant allegedly lost control of her vehicle while speeding and under the influence of alcohol last January. Her front seat passenger died following the crash and a backseat passenger was injured.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant made a terrible decision to allegedly get behind the wheel of a car after drinking alcohol and traveling at an incredibly high rate of speed. She showed complete disregard for the safety of her passengers and everyone using our roadways. I am committed to keeping our streets and highways safe and will now seek to hold this defendant accountable.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Chelsea Rety, 22, of Copiague, New York. She was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino on an indictment in which she is charged with second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and third-degree assault. She faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top count. She remains out on $75,000 bail and was ordered to return to court on June 2, 2021.
The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on January 22, 2021 at approximately 12:30 a.m., the defendant was driving a 2016 Toyota Scion east bound on the BQE, with two friends, Saharath Yuvanavattana, 23, in the front passenger seat and a 24-year-old man in the rear passenger seat. As the vehicle approached the Flushing Avenue exit, Exit 30, the defendant allegedly lost control of the vehicle, causing the passenger side to strike a barrier.
Yuvanavattana was taken to Bellevue Hospital and died a short time later. The other passenger was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The defendant suffered a broken arm.
It is alleged, according to the investigation, that the defendant was driving at an excessive rate of speed of approximately 102 miles per hour and had a blood alcohol level of approximately .09, which is over the legal limit of .08.
Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau, assisted in the prosecution.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Da Rin, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Bureau Chief.
Brooklyn Man Convicted of Possessing Loaded Gun in
First Jury Trial in Brooklyn Since the Start of the COVID Pandemic
Gun Discovered in Defendant’s Underwear Following Traffic Stop
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 29-year-old Brooklyn man has been convicted of possessing an illegal gun after the first jury trial in Brooklyn since March 2020. Strict COVID protocols were observed throughout the proceedings and additional trials are expected to commence this month.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With this verdict, the defendant has been held accountable for possessing a loaded illegal gun on our streets. My dedicated prosecutors are ready to continue conducting trials, especially of cases involving gun-related and violent offenses, as we focus on keeping Brooklyn safe and reducing gun violence.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Marc Ferdinand, 29, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was convicted yesterday of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation following a jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Heidi Cesare. The defendant is facing a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison when he’s sentenced on May 28, 2021.
The District Attorney said that, according to trial testimony, on January 23, 2020, at 11:45 a.m., a 2016 Mercedes Benz the defendant was driving was stopped by police near the intersection of Avenue L and East 98th Street in Canarsie for excessively tinted windows. Officers discovered that he was driving with a suspended license and he was subsequently placed under arrest. When he was searched in the 69th Precinct stationhouse, a loaded .380 caliber pistol was found in his underwear. Swabs taken from the gun later matched the defendant’s DNA.
The eight-day trial was the first criminal or civil trial to be held with a jury in Brooklyn in over a year. COVID-19 protocols were in place, with all witnesses wearing transparent face masks, jurors spread throughout the courtroom and the proceedings being broadcast on closed circuit television to an overflow courtroom on a different floor.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Da Rin, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patrick L. O’Connor, Chief of the District Attorney’s Gun Violence Suppression Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Chief of the Red Zone Trial Bureau.
Former Brooklyn Lawyer Indicted for Allegedly Stealing $85,000
From Client Who He Represented in Real Estate Deal
The Defendant Allegedly Deposited Down Payment for Property into His Escrow Account,
And Kept It; Stopped Returning Client’s Calls
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been indicted on a grand larceny charge for allegedly stealing the down payment toward the purchase of a Brownsville home whose seller he represented. The defendant also allegedly separately borrowed $14,000 from the client and never paid it back.
District Attorney Gonzalez said “The victim in this case was allegedly defrauded of a large sum of money by her own attorney, who had a legal duty to protect her interests. I would like to thank my Public Integrity Bureau for its hard work in seeking to hold the defendant accountable for his alleged criminal act and betrayal of trust.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gerald Douglas, 52, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Sharen Hudson on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree grand larceny. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on May 12, 2021.
The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant represented a 76-year-old woman in the sale of her Brownsville house, negotiating the contract for her in September 2018. A down payment of $71,700 was allegedly deposited into the defendant’s escrow account. The closing occurred in August 2019, by which time the defendant had allegedly stopped returning his client’s phone calls and she was forced to retain new counsel to close the transaction. The client received the sale proceeds at the closing, but not the down payment despite repeated requests to the defendant.
It is further alleged that in June and July 2018, the defendant asked the same client if she would loan him money, first $6,000 and then $8,000. He allegedly told her he was expecting a rental payment for a property he owned in Flatbush, Brooklyn, though in fact the property had gone into foreclosure five years earlier and he was no longer the owner.
The defendant was disbarred by the Appellate Division Second Department in 2019.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.
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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt
Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez to Dismiss 90 Convictions That Relied on
Former Narcotics Detective Later Charged with Multiple Perjuries
Former Det. Joseph Franco is Awaiting Trial in Manhattan; No Misconduct Was Found in Brooklyn, But DA’s Office Has Lost Confidence in Cases Where He Was Essential Witness
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that his Conviction Review Unit will be asking the Court to vacate and dismiss 27 felony convictions and 63 misdemeanor convictions that were directly based on the work of former undercover New York City Police Department Detective Joseph Franco. The former detective has been indicted in Manhattan for perjury, official misconduct and other charges in connection with four incidents whereby he allegedly framed numerous individuals for making narcotics transactions. A review by Brooklyn’s CRU did not uncover misconduct, but the District Attorney has lost confidence in cases where the detective was an essential witness, i.e., cases that could not have been prosecuted without him, and is requesting that those convictions be dismissed.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Knowingly and repeatedly framing innocent people obliterates the credibility of any police officer and proving perjury in such circumstances is rare. After a grand jury reviewed the evidence and indicted former Detective Franco, I have lost confidence in his work. His cases in Brooklyn are over a decade old, which limited our ability to reinvestigate them, but I cannot in good faith stand by convictions that principally relied on his testimony. Integrity and credibility are at the heart of the justice system and prerequisites for community trust.”
The District Attorney’s Office today is asking Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew D’Emic to vacate 27 felony convictions (plus 13 misdemeanor convictions that were taken in Supreme Court), mostly for criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third or fifth degree, and to dismiss the underlying indictments. It is also asking Criminal Court Judge Keshia Espinal to vacate 50 misdemeanor convictions, mostly for criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree, and to dismiss the underlying complaints. The dismissals are pursuant to a writ of error coram nobis and the court proceedings are expected to continue over the next few days. In all, 27 felony convictions and 63 misdemeanor convictions will be vacated.
Those cases stemmed from arrests that happened when Det. Franco was assigned to Brooklyn commands, between 2004 and 2011. All but one of the 90 convictions were obtained by way of a guilty plea. Most of those convicted for a felony were sentenced to between six months and a year in jail, with the longest sentence being three years in prison. Most of those convicted for a misdemeanor were sentenced to terms ranging from time served to 90 days in jail.
The Conviction Review Unit reviewed all convictions where Det. Franco was involved. Cases where he was the primary undercover and his testimony was necessary for a potential hearing or trial were flagged for dismissal. Defense lawyers and the Court have been notified of the new allegations and the dismissals.
In April 2019, a New York County grand jury indicted Det. Franco on 16 counts of first-degree perjury and related charges. In July 2019, a grand jury indicted him on 10 additional counts of first-degree perjury and related charges. He is awaiting trial on both indictments and was fired from the NYPD in May 2020.
The case review was conducted by Assistant District Attorney Eric Sonnenschein, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Post-Conviction Justice Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Rachel Nash, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Mark Hale, Chief of the Post-Conviction Justice Bureau.
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Note: the court proceedings are expected to begin today at 9:30 a.m. in Criminal Court and can be viewed here (password: 9000). The Supreme Court hearing is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be viewed here (password: 1234).
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez Dismisses
All Outstanding Prostitution-Related Warrants Dating Back to 1970s
Asks Court to Vacate 857 Warrants for Prostitution and Loitering, and to
Dismiss Underlying Cases; 262 Warrants Already Vacated in January
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that he asked the Court to vacate 857 open bench warrants related to prostitution and loitering for the purposes of prostitution – charges his Office no longer prosecutes. The 857 warrants that were dismissed today were issued between 1970 and 2011. On January 29, 2021, the District Attorney vacated 262 warrants from 2012 to the present and moved to dismiss the underlying cases. In all, 1,119 cases have now been dismissed, representing the entire outstanding inventory in Brooklyn. The District Attorney also called on legislators to expunge old prostitution-related convictions.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “With today’s action, we have cleared all open prostitution and loitering for the purposes of prostitution cases in Brooklyn. My Office no longer prosecutes these offenses because we believe that that those who engage in these activities should be offered assistance, not criminally prosecuted. Open warrants have powerful negative consequences for the individual, and they undermine public safety. Someone with an open warrant is subject to arrest at any time, making them more likely to be driven underground and less likely to report abuse or other crimes, which makes both them and others less safe.
“In addition, an outstanding warrant could show up years after it was issued in a background check for an apartment rental or a job application, hamstringing someone’s ability to move on from their past to a more stable way of life. I thank the Legislature for repealing the vaguely written and unevenly enforced statute of loitering for the purposes of prostitution and renew my call on lawmakers to expunge past prostitution-related convictions so they will not hold people back from opportunities for a better future.”
Today, DA Gonzalez appeared before Brooklyn Criminal Court Supervising Judge Keisha Espinal and requested that the 857 outstanding warrants be vacated, and their underlying cases dismissed. 296 of those warrants pertained to cases with a top count of prostitution (PL 230.00) and 561 were for a top count of loitering for the purposes of prostitution (PL 240.37). In January, 183 were for prostitution and 79 for loitering for the purposes of prostitution.
Following the January dismissals in Brooklyn, the New York State Legislature repealed the loitering for purposes of prostitution law and two other counties, the Bronx and Queens, dismissed outstanding warrants pertaining to that statute.
The District Attorney said that the Brooklyn DA’s Office does not prosecute those arrested for engaging in prostitution, but rather refers them to services and dismisses their cases. Starting in 2020, when the law mandated that those arrested receive Desk Appearance Tickets with a future court appearance, the Office has endeavored to connect them with service providers and dismiss the charges before they even have to appear in court.
Common services involve therapeutic counseling, medical assistance and checkups, educational services, housing assistance, mental health or substance abuse screening and therapy, and legal assistance with immigration, children’s services or family court issues. Cases get dismissed whether individuals avail themselves of services or not. The Office processed fewer than 30 prostitution cases last year.
There are 25,575 convictions in Brooklyn for the two aforementioned offenses, dating back to 1975. Expunging them en masse is a legislative prerogative and the District Attorney called on legislators to pass a bill that would do just that.
The District Attorney thanked the Office of Court Administration, especially Justin Barry, Chief Clerk of New York City Criminal Court, Charles Blaha, Acting Borough Chief Clerk of Brooklyn Criminal Court, and Keshia Espinal, Supervising Judge of Brooklyn Criminal Court, for facilitating the dismissals.
What inspired you to become a social worker?
With over 15 years of experience in the field of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and trauma, I received a Master’s degree in social work at Long Island University and have since dedicated my professional career to advocating for victims of crime. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make the world a safe and better place, and the job of Wonder Woman was already taken. My role as the Director of the Victim Services Unit allows me to do my part to explore emotional and physical safety with victims. It also allows me to work with an amazing team of dedicated social workers and victim advocates who provide support, advocacy, and information to individuals who have been criminally victimized in Brooklyn.
What should someone know about working with you?
I love working with people of all ages and backgrounds and feel that it is my calling to help anyone work through difficult times and situations. Compassion, acceptance, and understanding are only a few of the qualities that I bring to my work. I aim to create a restorative experience with victims engaging with the criminal justice system, by creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for anyone who interacts with the Victim Services Unit.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
I believe that the voices of victims need to be heard, and it is important that Social Workers and Advocates in our Unit lift up those voices every chance we get.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
It is the collaborative relationship between the social worker and prosecutors that attracted me to the DA’s office and still motivates me today. The innovative work being done in criminal justice and forensic social work to increase public safety continues to evolve and I want to be part of that process.
Emmanuel DeJesus Social Worker, Victim Services Unit
What inspired you to become a social worker?
I believe my path began from before my birth. My mom was studying to become a Social Worker as I was in her womb. Though I received my Bachelor’s degree in Spanish Literature and Anthropology, I did my practicum at a community center in Madrid, Spain. I worked with underserved children in an afterschool program. Since then, the majority of my jobs have all been in social services, though with various communities and different roles. Along the years I have worked with children, homeless LGBTQI+ youth, victims/survivors of IPV, just to name a few. I was fortunate to be able to continue my education and receive my MSW in both Clinical Social Work and Community Organizing while working at KCDA. The support I received from the office was a huge help in achieving that goal.
What should someone know about working with you?
I am extremely passionate about my work and am very open to learning from those around me. I truly believe that we can only create a better future working as a community and not just working individually.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
Core values that shape my work are transparency and clear communication. This also means that I will not have all the answers or resources and am open to partnerships with others in order to fully approach a victim’s need.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
My motivation comes from both the importance of the work and the joy that can come from it. The continuous learning that I receive from this work brings me a great sense of personal and professional growth. And growth is what life is all about.
Hyeseung Yoo Social Worker, Victim Services Unit
What inspired you to become a social worker?
My father got his PHD in Social Work in South Korea that, after immigrating to America, he was unable to use due to language barriers. It was natural for me to follow in his path to do what my dad wanted to do in America – I always have been passionate towards advocating, organizing and serving those who are disadvantaged and oppressed.
What should someone know about working with you?
I try to be patient with everyone and I am always here to learn, listen, and understand.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
My parents taught me to be non-judgmental, compassionate and to always lend a helping hand to those in need. I do my absolute best to understand, learn, and assist in the ways that benefit the survivors and victims I work with.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
I am motivated to continue to do the work I am doing because I know from personal experience that it is not easy being a survivor, feeling alone and that you have no one to turn to for help. I hope that whoever I get to help can find comfort, peace, and support that they may not find anywhere else.
Ashley E. Wright Social Worker, Victim Services Unit
What inspired you to become a social worker?
When I was in college, I worked at a drop-in center and soup kitchen for women. Since then, I knew I wanted to be of service.
What should someone know about working with you?
I hope my clients and colleagues would say that I approach everyone with kindness and a profound level of respect.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
Everyone deserves a chance to tell their story and be heard.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
Unfortunately, crime in general and gender-based violence specifically are part of our fractured society. I continue to find motivation when I witness my clients pursue their path to healing. I’m honored to meet them on their way.
Darlene Ellison Advocate, Victim Services Unit
What inspired you to become an advocate?
I did not want a job just to be gainfully employed. I wanted a job that would allow me to have an impact on people’s lives. I am not the type of person who wants to sit and wonder if what I was doing would make a difference. Though I have not been here long yet, I can tell from the people I have been honored to be trained by and work alongside that “am I making a difference?” will not be a thought I will have to entertain.
What should someone know about working with you?
I come across as quiet, but I like working with a team.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
I have always been interested in the behaviors and mental health of others and I am curious about what motivates people. People’s lives change when they are empowered. And that’s what we do here.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
I am motivated to continue to do this work because I want to give back to those that need it most.
Marianne Lane Elder Abuse Unit Coordinator, Victim Services
What inspired you to become a social worker?
I went to John Jay College to get my Master’s Degree in Forensic Mental Health Counseling and while there I started volunteering with an organization called SAVI (Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention) which led me to want to work with victims.
What should someone know about working with you?
I am 110% dedicated to helping victims as much as I can and to be there to listen when they just need/want to talk.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
Being in the Elder Abuse Unit, I think my family values are what helps me understand and be empathetic toward victims.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
I strongly believe mental illness is a topic that doesn’t get enough attention. Many of my victims have loved ones who are mentally ill, and I think our approach to defendants with mental illness is the best way to help the victims.
Melissa A. Castello Advocate, Victim Services Unit
What inspired you to become an advocate?
My path to becoming a victim advocate began in social services with homeless individuals. I would hear so many heartbreaking stories of broken relationships, domestic violence, loss of income and falling on hard times from homeless men and women. From working as a case manager to becoming a social service supervisor, I was inspired to reach more individuals in need.
What should someone know about working with you?
I am compassionate, dedicated, loyal and determined. Helping others is my life’s passion.
How do your own core values shape your approach to working with crime victims?
I believe that it’s important to be attentive and supportive. Crime victims have not asked to be in the position in which they are placed. My job as an advocate is to provide as many resources and moral support as possible.
Why are you motivated to continue to do this work?
I am motivated to continue to do this work because there is a great need to heal. I believe I have what it takes to heal and to assist.
Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Prison for Rape of Three Women
Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attacking the Victims in 2019 and 2020
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Canarsie man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison for raping three women, in separate incidents, in his car after physically assaulting them, causing two victims to lose consciousness.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “I am committed to seeking justice for all victims of sexual violence in Brooklyn. With today’s sentencing this defendant, who repeatedly preyed on vulnerable women and continued his violent behavior even after getting arrested, has now been held accountable for his actions. Our communities are safer now that this defendant has been taken off our streets.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ayindee Boyce, 25, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo. The defendant, who pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree rape on February 17, 2021, must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.
The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on August 3, 2019, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the defendant pulled up to a 21-year-old woman in East New York and asked her if she wanted to “chill.” After the victim got into his car he drove to Canarsie, where he asked the woman to get into the backseat of his car so he could look for something. He then offered her $20 for what she believed would be a sex act, and she told him it was not enough. When she tried to get out of the car, the defendant applied pressure to her neck and raped her. When she managed to open the car door, he slammed it shut and threatened to kill her. He then drove a short distance away and let her out of the car. She immediately reported the attack to police officers she spotted on the street. She was taken to a hospital and a sexual assault evidence collection kit was performed.
Furthermore, according to the evidence, on September 15, 2019, the defendant picked up a 24-year-old woman he met once before, drove her to a driveway in Canarsie, and told her to get in the backseat. He also got in the backseat, pushed her down and applied pressure to her neck and raped her. At one point the victim managed to escape through an open car door window and ran down the street, with the defendant chasing after her. He continued to strangle her and hit her on the head. The attack was interrupted by a Good Samaritan who called 911. Police responded and the victim was taken to a hospital where a sexual assault evidence collection kit was performed. On September 24, 2019, the defendant, whose name was known to the victim, was arrested by the police. He consented to give a DNA sample, which came back as a match for the August 3, 2019 incident.
Finally, early on September 14, 2020, while out on bail that he posted in June 2020, the defendant pulled up to a 26-year-old woman in East New York and offered her $100 for sex. The woman agreed and got in the car. After driving a short distance, the defendant demanded oral sex. When the victim asked for the money first, the defendant applied pressure to her neck, causing her to lose consciousness. He then raped her and repeatedly threatened to kill her. He then forced her out of the car and kept her purse. She called 911 and was taken to a hospital where a sexual assault evidence collection kit was performed. A DNA hit subsequently linked the defendant to the incident. He was arrested again on December 2, 2020 and remanded without bail.
The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Michael Zebrowski, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.
Brooklyn Man Arraigned on Indictment Charging Him
With Sexually Assaulting Two Female Relatives
Defendant Was Extradited from Israel After Fleeing U.S. in 2010
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man who fled to Israel in 2010 to allegedly escape charges that he repeatedly sexually assaulted two young relatives has been returned to Brooklyn. He was arraigned today on an indictment in which he is charged with course of sexual conduct against a child, criminal sexual act and sexual abuse.
District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant tried to escape justice by fleeing our jurisdiction. Today’s arraignment on these serious charges is our first step to bringing him to justice for this alleged terrible betrayal of trust. There is no place in our society for this type of predatory behavior, and I am committed to prosecuting cases such as this despite lengthy extradition proceedings.”
The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gershon Kranczer, 65, of Midwood, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree course of sexual conduct against a child, second-degree criminal sexual act and second-degree sexual abuse. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on March 22, 2021.
The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on multiple occasions from August 1996 to February 2003, in Midwood, Brooklyn, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted a child from the time she was six years old to 13 years old. He allegedly sexually abused a second child between March 2001 and September 2002 when she was approximately 11 years old.
The defendant fled to Israel in November 2010 to allegedly escape prosecution. He was returned to New York today by the United States Marshals Service.
The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Detective Steve Litwin, formerly assigned to the Brooklyn Special Victims Squad and currently assigned to the Cold Case Squad.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Connie Solimeo, of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief.
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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt
