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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Crown Heights Man Sentenced to 23 Years to Life in

Prison for Murder of Brooklyn Mother

Defendant Fatally Attacked Victim Outside Her Home

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 47-year-old Crown Heights man has been sentenced to 23 years to life in prison for the fatal stabbing of 27-year-old Jennifer Rodriguez. The victim was killed outside her home in Crown Heights on the day of her young son’s birthday.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a brutal and cowardly attack that stole the life of Jennifer Rodriguez on what should have been a day of joy for her family. Her children will now grow up without a mother, a loss that can never be repaired. While nothing can undo that pain, today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable and ensures he will spend years in prison for this horrific crime. Thanks to the dedication of our prosecutors, working with the NYPD, violent crime in Brooklyn continues to decline, and we remain steadfast in protecting our communities and seeking justice for victims.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Antoine Thompson, 47, of Crown Heights. He was convicted of second-degree murder and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon on July 28, 2025, following a jury trial. The defendant was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu to 23 years to life in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on August 31, 2021, at approximately 2:40 p.m., the defendant attacked Jennifer Rodriguez outside her home on Belmont Avenue and Georgia Avenue in Crown Heights, slashing and stabbing her in the throat, arm and torso with a sharp object, causing fatal injuries. Rodriguez died from her wounds shortly thereafter. The victim and the defendant were known to each other from past interactions.

The defendant fled to North Carolina but later returned to Brooklyn. He was arrested on October 18, 2021.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal Angelika Rostkowska, Chief Analyst of the Digital Evidence Lab Alexandra Aber and Victim Advocate Shannel Pichardo for their assistance in the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashley Thompson, of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Wednesday, October 1, 2025

Rapper and Gang Leader Sentenced to Five Years in Prison

For Directing and Participating in Gang Shootings

Michael Williams, a.k.a. Rapper Sheff G, Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a rapper and gang member known as Sheff G was sentenced to five years in state prison following his guilty plea to attempted murder and conspiracy. The defendant was a leading member among 32 purported members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliate, the 9 Ways gang, who were named in a 140-count indictment for allegedly committing shootings, possessing guns, and using stolen cars while shooting at gang rivals.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant had talent and opportunity, but chose to use them to fuel violence instead of building a better future. Together with the NYPD, we have driven gun violence in Brooklyn to record lows by focusing on dangerous individuals, like Mr. Williams and his cohorts. I can only hope that this measure of accountability will lead him to taking a different path and using his influence in a positive manner.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Michael Williams, 27, known as Sheff G. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to five years in prison and five years of post-release supervision in accordance with a Court plea offer under which he pleaded guilty in March to two top counts of second-degree attempted murder and one count of second-degree conspiracy.

Justice Chun last week also sentenced an associate, Tegan Chambers, a rapper known as Sleepy Hallow, to one year in jail following his guilty plea to fourth-degree conspiracy. 

Twenty-three of the other defendants have previously pleaded guilty and seven cases are pending against the remaining defendants.

The District Attorney said that the indictment in this case was the result of a long-term investigation by the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and the NYPD’s Gun Violence Suppression Division into shootings and gun possession incidents allegedly committed by members of the 8 Trey Crips and its affiliates, the 9 Ways gang, primarily in the 67^th and 71^st Precincts.

Many of the acts of violence were captured on surveillance videos. Furthermore, it is alleged that the defendants boasted about their criminal activities on social media and in text messages, discussing acts of violence and taking credit for shootings and an assault.

The most egregious incident charged in the indictment was a mass shooting on Hawthorne Street on October 21, 2020, at approximately 10:15 p.m. It is alleged that defendant Kamondre Dekattu was captured on surveillance video emerging from the sunroof of a white Infiniti and opening fire while other individuals fired guns from the driver’s side and rear driver’s side windows. An alleged Folk Nation rival, Theodore Senior, 23, was killed and five other alleged Folk Nation members were shot and injured. Dekattu was charged with the murder; his co-conspirators, including Michael Williams, were charged with being part of the conspiracy to commit murder for this incident and others.

In particular, approximately an hour after the mass shooting, Williams sent a text message seeking confirmation that the 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways had scored against rivals. In separate messages, he sent pictures of the victim and a news article about the incident and other shootings that preceded the homicide that day.

Two days after the homicide, Williams hosted a lavish dinner with his fellow 8 Trey Crips and 9 Ways members, including Tegan Chambers, at a Manhattan steakhouse to celebrate the death of Theodore Senior and the injuries sustained to the five other shooting victims.

Furthermore, Williams, who rented a large house in Short Hills, New Jersey during the conspiracy period, used the earnings from his music career to fuel gun violence in Brooklyn, by offering money and giving expensive jewelry to those who committed acts of violence. Williams’ involvement went beyond merely offering money to commit acts of violence. In one shooting incident, Williams coordinated a group of three shooters, drove those shooters to the crime scene, and then acted as the getaway driver.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal Tania Lopez of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau for her assistance with the investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sapna Kishnani of the District Attorney’s Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gillian DiPietro, VCE Deputy Bureau Chief, Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Cilia, VCE First Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Alfred DeIngeniis, VCE Bureau Chief.

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Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for

Triple Murder in East New York

Defendant Fatally Shot Victims in Two Separate, Execution-Style Attacks

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of three people during two separate East New York shooting incidents in June 2020. The defendant used disguises and high-capacity firearms to ambush and kill his victims in broad daylight.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s crimes were ruthless and deliberate, cutting short three lives and leaving their families with grief that will last a lifetime. While gun violence in Brooklyn is at record lows, we cannot lose sight of the devastation caused by horrific acts like these and the lasting impact they have on entire communities. Today’s sentence brings accountability and makes clear that this kind of brutality will never be tolerated in our borough.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Charles Hernandez, 52, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He was convicted on May 21, 2025, following a jury trial, of one count of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of first-degree reckless endangerment.

Additionally, the District Attorney identified a co-defendant as Liza Jenkins, 52, of East New York. On May 22, 2025, following a bench trial, she was convicted of second-degree hindering prosecution and tampering with physical evidence for her role in assisting Hernandez after the first homicide. She will be sentenced at a later date.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on June 20, 2020, at approximately 11 a.m., the defendant approached Kenneth Singleton, 35, from behind as Singleton was washing his car outside of his home in the vicinity of Milford Street and Blake Avenue, in East New York. Wearing a disguise, the defendant shot Singleton multiple times in the head at close range and fled the scene.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, a week later, on June 27, 2020, at approximately 12:30 p.m., the defendant approached Stephanie Perkins, 39, and Chioke Thompson, 23, as they sat on the stoop of Perkins’ home on Van Siclen Street, near Belmont Avenue, in East New York. Disguised in a blonde wig and wearing a long coat, the defendant opened fire with a high-capacity rifle, striking both victims multiple times and killing them instantly. The defendant then stepped over their bodies, entered the house and fired additional shots throughout the first floor before fleeing.

Evidence established that each victim was targeted because of their relationship or proximity to a man with whom the defendant had an ongoing dispute. The attacks endangered other people in the vicinity, including a child and other residents inside Perkins’ home.

The defendant was arrested on July 9, 2020, in West Virginia, by the Regional Fugitive Task Force, with assistance from the West Virginia State Police and the Martinsburg Police Department.

The District Attorney thanked Chief Analyst of the Digital Evidence Lab Alexandra Aber, Senior Digital Forensic Analyst Mauricio Suarez-Marquez and Paralegals Jannette Ayala and Amanda Connolly, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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Thursday, July 24, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 38 Years in Prison for Attempted Murder of Former Girlfriend, who was Slashed and Stabbed at her Workplace

Defendant Attacked Victim on Multiple Occasions, Causing Severe, Lasting Injuries

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man was sentenced to 38 years in prison for violently attacking his former intimate partner on two occasions, including slashing her face with a box cutter and later stabbing her multiple times, critically injuring her, at her workplace, a restaurant in Downtown Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant carried out a campaign of terror against a woman who once cared for him, leaving her with devastating physical and emotional injuries. His brutal and repeated violence showed a complete disregard for her life and for the law. With today’s sentence, he’s being held accountable and will no longer pose a threat to her or anyone else.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rakien Figueroa, a.k.a., Rakeem Figueroa, 43, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced yesterday by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Abena Darkeh to 38 years in prison. He was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, second-degree burglary, and second-degree assault on March 24, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 2, 2022, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the defendant and the victim, a 39-year-old woman, were arguing on the corner of Jay Street and Fulton Street, in Downtown Brooklyn, after the defendant had taken her cell phone from her workplace. The defendant slashed the victim’s face with a box-cutter, causing a severe eight-inch laceration that required reconstructive repair and resulted in significant nerve and gland damage.

The defendant fled the scene and removed his ankle monitor that he was required to wear under federal supervision. Two days later, on December 4, 2022, according to the evidence, the defendant attacked the victim again inside her New Jersey apartment, where he had been hiding inside her closet. The defendant jumped out of the closet with a hammer when the victim and her sister came home. The defendant pushed the victim to the ground and pressed his boot against her neck, causing her to have difficulty breathing, and threatened her life, according to the evidence.

On January 10, 2023, the victim was at her workplace when, at approximately 7:47 a.m., the defendant smashed the glass front door of CAVA with a rock, pushed his way through the broken glass of the door, and attacked the victim again, stabbing her repeatedly with a knife. The victim sustained multiple life-threatening stab wounds, including injuries to her neck, face, arm, back, and kidney. The victim was monitored in the surgical ICU for approximately three days.

The defendant fled after the attack and was arrested on January 17, 2023, by NYPD detectives and U.S. Marshals after he was discovered hiding in a relative’s closet.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Fitton and Assistant District Attorney Danielle Ripka, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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Tuesday, June 24, 2025

New York State Correction Officer Indicted for Stealing Approximately $43,000 in Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Defendant Allegedly Claimed She was Injured on the Job and Couldn’t Work,

Undercover Probe Revealed She was Earning Income from her Hair Braiding Business

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, today announced that a Brooklyn woman employed as a NYS Correction Officer has been arraigned on an indictment in which she is charged with grand larceny, scheme to defraud, falsifying business records and related charges for stealing approximately $43,000 in benefits over the last four years.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Workers’ compensation benefits exist to support those who are truly injured and unable to work—not to be exploited for personal gain. This defendant’s alleged conduct is a serious betrayal of the public trust, and we will seek to hold her fully accountable. This case sends a strong message that we will investigate and prosecute fraud wherever we find it, especially when committed by those sworn to uphold the law. I’m grateful to Inspector General Lang and her team, and to our prosecutors, for their work on this case.”

Inspector General Lang said, “Correction officers hold positions of public trust and should be expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity. This officer both violated that trust and undermined public confidence in her profession by fraudulently collecting workers’ compensation benefits while running a business at the same time. Thank you to my team, and to District Attorney Gonzalez and his office for their partnership in safeguarding public resources and accountability in State prisons.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jahmelia Mattison John, 42, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Gershuny on a 23-count indictment in which she is charged with two counts of third-degree grand larceny, first-degree scheme to defraud, five counts of first-degree falsifying business records, five counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, five counts of penalties for fraudulent practices, and five counts of third-degree insurance fraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 13, 2025.

It is alleged that between June 10, 2021 and June 6, 2025, the defendant, who is a NYS Correction Officer assigned to the Queensboro Correctional Facility at the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), stole approximately $43,382.79 in benefits from both DOCCS and the New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF) by falsely claiming she was unable to work due to on duty injuries.

In fact, it is alleged, while collecting workers’ compensation benefits, the defendant earned income from a hair braiding business which she owned and operated. The defendant advertised her business on social media. An undercover operation led by the NYS IG’s office allegedly recorded the defendant actively braiding the undercover’s hair – directly contradicting the defendant’s claimed disability.

The defendant has been employed as a Correction Officer for approximately 17 years.

The case was investigated by New York State Inspector General staff including Senior Investigator Anne Peters, Investigator Mario Rubino, and Digital Forensic Investigator Colin Corrado, working under the supervision of Attorney-in-Charge for Workers’ Compensation Fraud Bryan Richmond and Chief of Investigations for the New York City and Long Island Regions Ben Defibaugh.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Pamela Lowe, of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s 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

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Road Rage Murder in

Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Bed-Stuy

Allegedly Drove Stolen Car, Fled After Dragging Pregnant Woman

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment in which she is charged with murder and other charges in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash in Bedford-Stuyvesant that killed a 32-year-old pregnant woman. The defendant was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle, after striking the victim’s car from behind, when she allegedly struck the victim and dragged her nearly half a block before fleeing the scene on foot.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a shocking crime that claimed the life of an expectant mother. This defendant is accused of stealing a car, using it to senselessly run down an innocent woman, then leaving her to die in the street. We will now seek justice for the victim and her grieving family and will hold the defendant fully accountable for this heartbreaking loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Chaquasia Pigford, 28, of Bedford- Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dena Douglas on an indictment in which she is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree reckless endangerment, leaving the scene of an accident without reporting and other related counts. She was ordered held without bail and to return to court on July 30, 2025. The defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 24, 2025, at approximately 11:56 p.m., the defendant was driving a stolen red Chevrolet Trax near Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Van Buren Street when she rear-ended a 2021 Toyota 4Runner driven by the victim, Tiffany Cifuni, 32. After the minor collision, the victim exited her vehicle to speak with the other driver.

As the victim stood in front of the Chevy, the defendant allegedly accelerated, struck the victim, and dragged her northbound on Marcus Garvey Boulevard before her body was dislodged near Lafayette Avenue. The victim suffered severe head and body trauma and was pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital shortly after midnight.

The investigation revealed that the defendant allegedly abandoned the vehicle — which is registered to a man who reported it stolen that night — and fled on foot. Multiple surveillance cameras were analyzed by NYPD detectives and eyewitnesses provided a description leading to the defendant’s arrest.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Tara Kelly of the District Attorney’s Trial Bureau, Grey Zone, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau.

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

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Wednesday, January 22, 2025

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Unprovoked Killing of

Innocent Activist in Stabbing Caught on Surveillance Video

Will Be Sentenced to 20 Years to Life in Prison for Murder of Ryan Carson

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a 20-year-old Brooklyn man pleaded guilty for the random and unprovoked murder of Ryan Carson, a social justice activist who was stabbed to death in Bedford Stuyvesant in 2023. The defendant accepted the judge’s offer of 20-years to life in exchange for his guilty plea. 

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Many of us still shudder when recalling the horrific video showing this defendant viciously attacking Ryan Carson and stabbing him to death for no reason at all. Such an unconscionable crime requires the separation of this defendant from our society for a very long time, which is ensured by the promised sentence he’s now facing. Ryan was passionate about making our city a better place and I hope that today’s outcome will bring his loved ones a small sense of closure.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Brian Dowling, 20, of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He pleaded guilty today to second-degree murder before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and accepted the judge’s offer of 20 years to life in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for February 19, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 2, 2023, at approximately 3:50 a.m., outside of 57 Malcolm X Boulevard in Bedford-Stuyvesant, the defendant was walking angrily and kicking parked scooters. He observed the victim, who was walking behind him with his girlfriend.

According to the evidence, which includes a clear video of the incident, the defendant turned to the victim and started yelling at him, saying, in part, “I’m going to kill you.” He then swung a knife, striking the victim, who was trying to deescalate the confrontation. The victim attempted to flee but fell over a bus stop bench. The defendant then ran up to him and fatally stabbed him multiple times, striking his heart, as he lay on the ground.

The defendant flung the knife but returned moments later to retrieve it. A search revealed that the murder weapon was hidden under greenery next to a nearby sidewalk.

The defendant turned himself in later that week. A subsequent search warrant of his apartment discovered multiple knives with similar handles to the handle of the knife that was recovered. Clothes matching the ones that the assailant was wearing in the video were also recovered.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Perry, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Friday, January 10, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison for Shooting and Killing Man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights

Victim Was a Father Who Died Defending His Daughter

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison following his conviction on two counts of murder for fatally shooting a man at the Kingsborough Houses in Crown Heights. The victim, a 43-year-old father, died defending his teenage daughter from the defendant and an alleged co-defendant during an armed burglary attempt.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The viciousness of the defendant’s actions cannot be overstated, and the lengthy prison term to which he has been sentenced holds him accountable for killing an innocent man in cold blood. While nothing can fill the void left by this tragedy, I hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace to Mr. Scarlett’s family and loved ones. As Brooklyn ended last year as the safest on record for gun violence, my office remains committed to protecting our communities and bringing perpetrators to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Waki Bullock, 33, of Crown Heights, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today to 18 years to life in prison by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht. The defendant was convicted of two counts of second-degree murder on December 9, 2024, following a jury trial.

A co-defendant, Rashawn Brown, 28, of Crown Heights, is charged with two counts of second-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted burglary, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. His case is pending, and his next court appearance is February 6, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 13, 2019, at approximately 1:30 p.m., inside 219 Kingsborough 2 Walk, a building within NYCHA’s Kingsborough Houses, in Crown Heights, the defendant and his alleged co-defendant shot and killed 43-year-old Phillip Scarlett. Scarlett was expecting a visit from his 14-year-old daughter, who was coming to the sixth-floor apartment to get laundry money. As the girl approached the entrance, the defendant and his alleged co-defendant, who were standing in the hallway wearing masks and armed, grabbed her before she could enter. The girl yelled out for her father who in response ran to the door and was able to pull the girl away from the masked men. The victim used his body to shield his daughter from the defendant and alleged co-defendant by pushing her back into the apartment. The defendant and alleged co-defendant then grabbed the victim, dragged him down the staircase where, according to the evidence, they shot him in the hip and thigh.

The victim was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant fled to Georgia and was later apprehended and returned to Brooklyn on July 10, 2021.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Digital Evidence Lab Intelligence Analyst Zoë Feygin and Unit Chief Jingu Chong for their work on this case.

The District Attorney also thanked Homicide Paralegal Angelika Rostkowska and Blue Zone Paralegal Sharlesia Agaga.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Wishart, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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Friday, January 3, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison

For Shooting and Wounding Man in Bedford-Stuyvesant

Defendant and Victim Had a Dispute Outside Bar on Tompkins Avenue

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bedford-Stuyvesant man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison following his conviction for second-degree attempted murder for opening fire outside a neighborhood bar and striking a man in the leg. The defendant was convicted last month following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence sends a clear message that senseless acts of gun violence have no place in Brooklyn. The defendant’s decision to open fire over a petty argument not only caused serious harm to the victim but endangered innocent lives in our community. This brazen disregard for safety is unacceptable. As Brooklyn reached the lowest number of shootings ever recorded last year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to holding individuals who perpetrate gun violence accountable to ensure our borough remains a safer place for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Hajj Lovick, 48, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 12 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant was convicted of second-degree attempted murder, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and first- and second-degree criminal use of a firearm on December 11, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 15, 2023, at approximately 1:40 a.m., the defendant stepped out of Lover’s Rock, a bar located at 419 Tompkins Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, with the victim, a 51-year-old man, and the two men engaged in a verbal dispute. The defendant was armed with a knife and feinted use of that knife against the victim, as if he was going to stab him. The victim was unarmed.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, after the dispute cooled down the defendant left the vicinity of Lover’s Rock and entered a nearby building. Minutes later, according to the evidence, the defendant returned with a gun and fired twice toward the victim and several bystanders. The victim was struck once in his right shin. No one else was struck. Video surveillance captured the moments before the shooting, the shooting, and the aftermath of the shooting.

The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital and was treated and released.

The defendant fled the scene and was arrested on June 19, 2023, following an investigation. A knife was recovered from the defendant at the time of his arrest.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alejandro Vera and Senior Assistant District Attorney Natalie Riether, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Chief of the Blue Zone.

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Monday, December 16, 2024

Brooklyn Woman Indicted for Allegedly Stealing Approximately $15,800 From Prospective Tenants in Fraudulent Rental Scheme

Defendant Allegedly Advertised Apartment for Rent in Russian Language Newspaper;
Several Alleged Victims Recently Came to the United States from Ukraine

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn woman has been arraigned on an indictment in which she is charged with grand larceny and related charges for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars in “security deposits” and “rent” from prospective tenants who responded to her advertisement for an apartment in Gravesend, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of exploiting the trust and vulnerability of her neighbors, many of whom are newly arrived immigrants seeking stability in a new country. Her alleged actions not only caused financial harm but also betrayed individuals already navigating immense challenges. We are determined to hold her accountable and remind prospective tenants to safeguard themselves by insisting that landlords provide a written lease and avoiding cash payments in rental transactions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Svetlana Katzevman, 62, of Gravesend, Brooklyn. She was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on a 14-count indictment in which she is charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, petit larceny and first-degree scheme to defraud. She was released without bail and ordered to return to court on January 29, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between January 2022 and July 2024, the defendant placed an advertisement for a rental apartment at 1800 Ocean Parkway in a Russian newspaper, Russkaya Reklama. Individuals who responded to the advertisement allegedly paid the defendant amounts ranging from $700 to $2,300 under the belief that they were paying for a security deposit and rent. The defendant allegedly received approximately $15,800 from victims during that period.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the defendant would then change the locks or otherwise prevent the victims from moving in and refuse to return their money. Each of the 12 victims is Russian speaking and either worked or lived in Brooklyn. Several of the victims recently came to the U.S. from Ukraine and the defendant allegedly told them that she was giving them discounts on the rent because she, too, was from Ukraine and wanted to help them.

The defendant lives in the apartment she was allegedly trying to rent. In all the instances charged in the case the defendant allegedly insisted on cash instead of a check or other form of payment and did not provide a lease.

In addition, it is alleged, the victims included a 38-year-old man who gave the defendant a $700 deposit on November 13, 2023, and gave her the first month’s rent, another $700 on November 15, 2023. She gave him a receipt for the funds upon his request. The same day she allegedly took another $700 from a 60-year-old man for a security deposit, and three days later took another $700 from him as the first month’s rent.

In another example of the alleged scheme, the defendant received a $1,600 cash deposit from a 40-year-old man on April 13, 2024, and on April 17, 2024, she received a $2,300 cash deposit from a 65-year-old woman. Both were for a security deposit and first month’s rent.

Each of the victims expected to move in shortly thereafter and were surprised to discover the apartment door was locked and the defendant did not return their phone calls or text messages.

The District Attorney thanked Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak of the Investigations Division for her assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sergey Marts of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of 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