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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Broadway Producer Sentenced for Fraudulent COVID-19 Grant Scheme

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Falsifying Records to Obtain $69,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, announced today that a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $69,000 in COVID-19 small business recovery grants by filing falsified records.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant took advantage of a public health crisis by falsifying records to secure government aid that was meant to keep struggling small businesses afloat. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraud at the expense of programs designed to protect New Yorkers.”

Inspector General Lang said, “Abuse of scarce state resources — during the pandemic and always — is a crime against both government and New Yorkers in need. Thank you to our partners at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for sharing our commitment to public integrity and to ensuring accountability for those who undermine it.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Suzanne Gilad, 54, of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. She pleaded guilty to second-degree falsifying business records and was sentenced by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Janet McDonnell on April 28, 2025 to a conditional discharge and ordered to complete 210 hours of community service, proof of which she provided to the court today. The defendant previously reimbursed the State for the funds.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between December 2021 and January 2022, the defendant submitted multiple fraudulent applications for grants offered by the New York State Empire State Development to assist businesses that experienced financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant submitted falsified copies of federal business income tax returns on behalf of three companies she controlled: In Fine Company LLC, Custom Broadway LLC and All the Josh Cohens LLC. As a result of the fraudulent applications, the defendant received approximately $69,099 in grant funds, which she then transferred into her personal bank accounts.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kirsten Tamayo of the District Attorney’s Fraud Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 25, 2025

New Jersey Brothers Indicted for Alleged Financial Scam Targeting Seniors

Allegedly Claimed Victims’ Bank Accounts Were Compromised and Directed Them to Send
Funds to the “Government” for Safekeeping or to Other Bank Accounts They Controlled

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two New Jersey men, acting in concert with others, have been indicted for allegedly scamming four women ranging in age from 76 to 90 years old out of almost $400,000 by posing as government agents or bank representatives and claiming the victims’ bank accounts were compromised and they needed to withdraw their funds immediately – and not tell anyone what they were doing.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly targeted some of the most vulnerable members of our communities to steal the nest eggs they had carefully built up over many years. Their alleged behavior is despicable, and we will now seek to bring them to justice. I am committed to protecting our senior citizens from scams such as this one.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Abhishek Barvalia, 31, and Tushar Barvalia, 32, of Rutherford, New Jersey. They were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which they are charged with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud and fourth-degree conspiracy. They were released without bail and ordered to return to court on October 22, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between June 2023 and January 2024, the defendants allegedly participated in a scheme that targeted at least four victims who were 76, 78, 83, and 90 years old. The victims lived in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, and Connecticut. In some cases, it is alleged, the victims were instructed to keep their withdrawals confidential to protect the secrecy of the “government investigation.”

It is alleged that on December 11, 2023, the 76-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer screen which urged her to call the number displayed on the screen, which she did, and spoke to a person purporting to be an FBI agent. The “agent” told the victim hackers were using her information for illegal activities including selling drugs and guns and money laundering. The victim was told she needed to secure her savings by transferring money out of her bank accounts and into accounts “controlled by the U.S. government.” That same day she withdrew a total of $171,680 in three cashier’s checks and mailed them to the defendants.

Furthermore, it is alleged, on July 5, 2023, the 78-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer screen claiming her computer was infected with malware and urging her to call “Microsoft” at the number displayed on her screen, which she did and was then transferred to someone purporting to be with the Federal Trade Commission who told her hackers were trying to steal money from her bank accounts and she should send funds to the federal government for safekeeping. Over the next two days, the victim sent two cashier’s checks totaling $70,000 to the defendants.

It is alleged that on December 4, 2023, the 90-year-old victim received a pop-up notification on her computer warning her of a purported “Apple Security Risk” and then began speaking with a purported government agent who allegedly said her bank accounts were being hacked and used to store money related to illicit activity including child pornography. Over the next two weeks the victim was persuaded to send a total of approximately $136,224 to accounts allegedly controlled by the defendants.

Finally, it is alleged that on June 30, 2023, the 83-year-old victim received a phone call from someone purporting to be a bank representative who convinced the victim to disclose information about her account. Later that day, $15,000 was wired out of the victim’s account into an account allegedly controlled by the defendants. That same day, an additional request for $21,000 was made but denied by the bank.

The District Attorney said that financial schemes are often conducted through a person contacting the victims under the guise of protecting their assets, with the callers representing themselves as a law enforcement officer, a representative of a financial institution, or security from a technology firm such as Microsoft or Apple. The caller typically requests some transfer of funds or information about accounts. The perpetrators direct the victims to mail cashier’s checks or send funds via a wire transfer.

The District Attorney offered the following information to guard against being victimized by a financial scheme:

• • Beware of any warnings that pop up on your computer screen which claim that your bank account is being hacked and that you need to call a certain phone number.
  • DO NOT call that number.
  • DO NOT click on anything received in an unsolicited email or text message.
  • DO NOT give your bank account information or PIN number to anyone who calls you and claims to be a federal agent or banker. End the call
  • immediately.
  • DO go to your bank branch and tell a manager what happened, or if that is not possible, call your local branch and speak to a manager about what happened.
  • Beware of any caller who requests absolute confidentiality and requests that you not tell family members or contact the police.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators for their work on this case, as well as Supervising Financial Investigator Susan Ryan, Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak and Paralegal Jezebel Negrete-Ugaz.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Frank Ungerer, also of the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for
Execution Style Murder in Bedford-Stuyvesant

 Victim Lured to Neighborhood in Premeditated Plot as Defendant Lay in Wait

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally gunning down another man in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant opened fire in broad daylight on a crowded street, killing his intended target and striking an innocent bystander. He was arrested and prosecuted following a thorough investigation and has now been held accountable. My thoughts today are with the young victim’s devastated family. Acts of gun violence in Brooklyn will always lead to severe consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant Rahmell Howell, 29, of Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree reckless endangerment and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on June 16, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 10, 2021, at approximately 6 p.m., the victim, Jermaine Isaiah Hill-Cross, 23, was standing in front of 354 Clifton Place. At the time, the defendant and another individual were inside an apartment located at 366 Clifton Place. Upon seeing the victim, the defendant and the other person immediately exited the apartment and walked up to the victim. The defendant was brandishing a gun, and the victim ran away. The defendant then chased the victim down Clifton Place, according to the evidence, and fired six shots, striking the victim once in the chest. A 42-year-old man standing on the block was struck once in the buttocks.

The victim, who was a former friend of the defendant and went to school with him, was lured to the area after getting some phone calls an hour before the murder, taking a taxi from Manhattan to Brooklyn, according to the evidence.

The defendant, who boasted about the shooting on social media, was arrested on November 5, 2021.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Visotzky, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Han Zhang, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 18, 2025

Brownsville Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for
Shooting Man Five Times in Broad Daylight Following Dispute

Defendant Left Area After Argument, Returned with a Gun, and Chased and Shot the Victim

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting another man following an argument at a deli in Brownsville. The defendant was convicted of attempted murder following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn is safer with this defendant behind bars. His brazen violence in broad daylight could have easily cost an innocent life, and today’s sentence ensures he can no longer endanger our community. I am grateful to our prosecutors and the NYPD for their outstanding work on this case.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Orando Matthan, 25, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Margaret Martin to 10 years in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on June 25, 2025, following a jury trial.

Two co-defendants, Jeovanie Nelson and Alex Davis, previously pleaded guilty in connection to this case. Nelson, 25, pleaded guilty to second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on May 7, 2025, and was sentenced to five years in prison. Davis, 24, pleaded guilty to second-degree hindering prosecution on January 8, 2025, and is awaiting sentencing.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 3, 2023, the defendant and his co-defendant, Jeovanie Nelson, got into an argument with the victim, a 25-year-old man, at a deli located at 1167 Lenox Road in Brownsville. The defendant shoved the victim before leaving the deli with Nelson. The pair walked to the defendant’s home, and the defendant went inside and got a loaded gun, showed it to Nelson and put it into his own hoodie pocket, according to the evidence, and they walked back to the deli and got into another argument with the victim. The defendant walked to the back of the deli and reached into his pocket, but by the time he returned to the front of the deli the victim had already left.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, at approximately 1:46 p.m., the defendant located the victim in front of a store at 332 East 98th Street, in Brownsville. The defendant began firing shots at the victim, who ran into the store. The defendant chased the victim and fired from the store doorway at point-blank range. The victim was struck five times: in the hip, forearm, pinky, thigh, and head. He was taken to Brookdale Hospital and underwent lifesaving surgery.

The defendants fled the scene to a location on Saratoga Avenue, which is the home of another co-defendant, Alex Davis. The defendants stripped off their clothes while running to change their appearances and the defendant got rid of the gun by discarding it in a garbage can. Nelson called Davis (who was not home) and asked him to come and pick them up, according to the evidence, and said: “I just got a body.” Davis picked them up and they fled the area.

The defendants were arrested on July 25, 2023, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Werner Kuang, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karen Varriale, Deputy Bureau Chief, with assistance from Assistant District Attorney Matthew Stewart, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Alfred De Ingeniis, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 31, 2025

Brooklyn Man Indicted for PPP Loan Fraud and Voter Petition Scheme

Defendant Allegedly Stole More Than $104,000 in COVID Relief Funds,
Also Charged with Filing Fraudulent Petitions to Run for U.S. Senate

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Attorney General Letitia James, today announced that a Brooklyn man has been indicted for allegedly stealing more than $104,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and, separately, for submitting fraudulent election petitions to appear on the 2024 Democratic primary ballot for U.S. Senate.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant allegedly defrauded a critical pandemic relief program and attempted to deceive voters through a fraudulent election petition. Misusing public funds intended to help small businesses recover, and fabricating support to appear on the ballot, are serious allegations that reflect a troubling disregard for the law and public trust. Whether it’s stealing taxpayer money or trying to manipulate an election, these alleged actions demand accountability. My office remains committed to protecting both public resources and the integrity of our democratic process.”

Attorney General James said, “New Yorkers must be able to trust that our democracy and our economy are protected from fraud. Khaled Salem allegedly tried to undermine an election and critical financial aid to businesses with his schemes, but today we are bringing him to justice. I thank District Attorney Gonzalez and the New York State Board of Elections for their collaboration in this investigation and efforts to root out fraud wherever it arises.”

The Co-Executive Directors of the NYS Board of Elections, Raymond J. Riley, III and Kristen Zebrowski Stavisky, said, “The State Board is proud to work with law enforcement on this matter. We want to thank the District Attorney and his team for their diligence and action. While incidents of election fraud are rare, they are serious and unacceptable. New Yorkers deserve to know that those who attempt to undermine the democratic process will face consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Khaled Salem, 53, of Bay Ridge. He is charged in a 60-count indictment with second-degree grand larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, second- and third-degree identity theft and a violation of New York State Election Law. He was ordered released without bail and to return to court on September 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendant first applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on April 6, 2020, for American Human Rights, Inc. (AHR), a nonprofit organization he incorporated in 2019. The defendant received a $104,166 PPP loan on March 15, 2021. The defendant later applied for loan forgiveness claiming that the required amount of loan proceeds was used for payroll costs. The loan application and loan forgiveness application allegedly included false representations about payroll and listed employees who never worked for or were associated with AHR.

Separately, on April 2, 2024, the defendant allegedly had a 12-volume, 5,900 page petition submitted to the New York State Board of Elections, seeking to qualify for the Democratic primary ballot. According to the petition, three subscribing witnesses collected approximately 30,000 signatures across New York State over a twenty-day period. Those subscribing witnesses, however, allegedly denied collecting any signatures for defendant or his campaign. The petition is also alleged to have included forged names, fake addresses and false witness signatures. Ultimately, the defendant was not placed on the ballot.

The District Attorney thanked the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Board of Elections for their assistance in the investigation, as well as Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak and Paralegal Jezebel Negrete-Ugaz, both of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and KCDA Detective Investigators.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in
Prison For Brownsville Execution-Style Shooting

Defendant Shot Victim Multiple Times at Close Range in NYCHA Courtyard

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man seated on a bench in the courtyard of a public housing complex in Brownsville. The defendant fired five rounds at the unarmed victim and fled the scene.

District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless, execution-style killing of a man who posed no threat. The victim was simply sitting outside when the defendant chose to open fire and take his life, robbing a boy of his father. Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for this horrific act, and I hope it brings a sense of justice to the victim’s loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Corey Townsend, 42. He was sentenced today to 25 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on April 8, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 17, 2020, at approximately 9:05 p.m., the defendant approached Romaine Mazyck, 47, as he sat on a bench in the courtyard of the Howard Houses at 80 Osborn Street in Brownsville. The defendant then fired five rounds at close range, striking the victim multiple times in the head and torso, and fled the scene.

The victim was taken to Brookdale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The defendant was arrested on March 19, 2021.

Trial testimony established that the victim was unarmed and seated when the defendant shot him. The defendant later gave conflicting accounts of the shooting, which the court found to be unreliable and inconsistent with the evidence.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Colby Levin, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, July 18, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Rush
Hour Subway Shooting That Injured Two Passengers

Defendant Opened Fire on Crowded C Train,
Hitting 17-Year-Old and 52-Year-Old Passengers

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to attempted murder for opening fire inside a crowded subway car during the evening rush hour, striking two passengers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a terrifying act of gun violence that endangered dozens of commuters and left two people injured. Firing multiple shots on a packed train showed a blatant disregard for human life, and this sentence holds the defendant accountable for his actions. We remain committed to ensuring public safety and delivering justice for victims.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Alexander Villafana, 22, of Cypress Hills, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino to 10 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on April 8, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on November 28, 2023, at approximately 5:35 p.m., the defendant was inside a crowded northbound C train approaching the Ralph Avenue station in Bedford-Stuyvesant when he got into a verbal altercation with a 17-year-old boy. The dispute escalated, and the defendant pulled out a gun and fired several shots, one of which struck the teen in the hand. As a 52-year-old passenger fled to an adjacent train car, he was struck in the ankle. A 9mm shell casing and fired bullets were recovered from the subway car.

The teenage victim was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where he underwent treatment for fractures to both hands. The older victim was taken to Kings County Hospital, where a bullet fragment was removed from his fractured ankle.

Following the shooting, the defendant fled to Pennsylvania and changed his appearance. The Regional Fugitive Task Force apprehended him at his home in Brooklyn on December 12, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Omar Harding, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Alfred DeIngeniis, VCE Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Shooting
Father and Son Following Traffic Dispute

After Victim Asked Him to “Chill Out,” Defendant Returned with Gun And
Opened Fire on Crowded Sidewalk; Apprehended by Bystanders as He Tried to Flee

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for shooting a man in East Flatbush, then also shooting the victim’s dad who tried to intervene. The broad daylight gun violence took place after the defendant became upset at a woman who was parking her car in a driveway, briefly blocking his vehicle, and the victim asked him to calm down.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a terrifying act of gun violence that inflicted lasting harm on a father and son and endangered everyone nearby. I commend the extraordinary bravery of the victims and the bystanders who intervened to disarm and detain the shooter. Thanks to their courage and the excellent work of my office, this dangerous individual has been held fully accountable and will no longer pose a threat to our community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as John Miller, 34, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. The defendant, a violent felony offender, was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 30 years in prison, following his conviction on two counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon following a jury trial last month.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 12, 2022, at about 6:30 p.m., in the vicinity of East 95th Street in East Flatbush, the first victim, a then 38-year-old man, was sitting in his parked car when he heard a commotion. He stepped out and saw the defendant yelling at a neighbor who was blocking his sedan as she navigated her vehicle into her driveway. He told the defendant to “chill out,” and the defendant responded, “I’ll be back,” before driving off. The victim then went and sat on his stoop.

A short time later, the defendant returned on foot, stood in front of the victim and repeatedly said, “You were the one talking s–t.” The defendant then reached into his pocket, prompting the victim to lunge toward him to grab the gun. But the defendant managed to shoot him twice at close range, striking his back and stomach. The victim’s father, who was 63 at the time and standing by the stoop, ran over to help and was shot once in the upper thigh. A crowd formed and the father managed to pry the gun from the defendant’s hand and give it to a bystander. The defendant attempted to escape but was apprehended by the crowd and held on the ground until police arrived.

The son was taken to Kings County Hospital where he received two life-saving operations, suffered a severe complication, and underwent a high-risk procedure before he was discharged after 17 days. The father was treated in Brookdale Hospital and still suffers from numbness in his right leg and cannot walk without a cane as a result of the injury to his sciatic nerve and the lodged bullet.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart and Assistant District Attorney Robert Andrea of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Douglas Marquez, Deputy Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Manhattan Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for
Fatal Shooting of Innocent Bystander Inside Brooklyn Smoke Shop

Victim Was a Mother and Stranger to Defendant; Dog Also Killed by Gunfire

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Manhattan man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison following his guilty plea to first-degree manslaughter for fatally shooting a 36-year-old mother who was a stranger to him. The victim was struck by gunfire inside the Bedford-Stuyvesant smoke shop, where she was shopping with her dog. The dog was also killed.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant brazenly opened fire into a store open to the public, killing a completely innocent woman and endangering everyone inside. Today’s sentence ensures he is held accountable for this outrageous act of violence and reflects the seriousness of the harm he caused.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Namel Colon, 39, of the Lower East Side. He pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on June 9, 2025, before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu, who sentenced him today to 25 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on January 2, 2022, at approximately 9:45 p.m., the defendant arrived by car at Salim Smoke Shop, located at 488 DeKalb Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant. He exited the vehicle and fired into the store, striking Jennifer Ynoa, 36, a mother of four, in the torso. Ynoa, who was inside the store with her dog and had no connection to the defendant, was transferred to The Brooklyn Hospital Center, where she was pronounced dead. The victim’s dog was also fatally shot. A second person was present in the store at the time of the shooting but was not injured.

The defendant fled the scene but was apprehended by members of the NYPD’s Violent Felony Squad on February 22, 2022.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Da Rin, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 19 Years to Life in Prison
For Murder of Deli Clerk During Flatbush Robbery

Masked Defendant Shot 20-Year-Old Victim in the Head 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 19 years to life in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree murder for shooting a deli clerk in the head during a robbery. The defendant, who fled following the shooting, was apprehended in Newark, New Jersey.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a cold-blooded and senseless execution of a young man who was simply doing his job. Fadhl Moosa’s life was cut short in an act of shocking violence that has devastated his family and shaken the community. Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant will be held accountable for this horrific crime, and I hope it brings some measure of justice and closure to Fadhl’s loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ricardo Senatus, 32, of Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 19 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on June 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 14, 2021, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the defendant entered a deli located at 803 Flatbush Avenue, wearing a mask and armed with a firearm. He went behind the counter and pointed the firearm at the store clerk, Fadhl Moosa, 20, and demanded money from the cash register.

Furthermore, the District Attorney said, a physical struggle ensued between the defendant and the clerk and ended with the defendant shooting the victim in the head. The defendant left the store, then realized he forgot to take the money. He returned to the store, stepped over the dying victim’s body, and retrieved the money from the cash register.

The defendant fled the scene and was apprehended in Newark, New Jersey on December 20, 2021.

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

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