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010
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES HONORS GRADUATES OF BROOKLYN
DRUG TREATMENT ALTERNATIVE-TO-PRISON (DTAP) PROGRAM
JOSEPH
CALIFANO, JR. DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS TO 49 MEMBERS OF THE GRADUATING CLASS
Brooklyn, March 12, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes
today honored 49 graduates of his Drug Treatment Alternative-to-Prison (DTAP)
program in the ceremonial courtroom of Borough Hall in Downtown Brooklyn.
Joseph A. Califano, Jr., President and Chairman of the National Center on
Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University and former U.S.
Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare, delivered the keynote address.
CASA is in the process of a
federally-funded evaluation of DTAP, and announced its analysis based on five
years of research on March 11, 2003, in Washington, D.C.
District
Attorney Hynes created DTAP in 1990. This
diversion program, which is recognized as one of the nation’s most successful,
provides residential drug treatment to non-violent repeat drug-addicted
offenders under a deferred-sentencing model.
Participants are required to plead guilty to a felony prior to their
admission into the program. The
plea agreement contains a prison term, which will be imposed on the defendant in
the event of treatment failure. Length
of treatment is usually about 24 months.
DTAP, which is now in its 13th year of operation,
has substantially lowered the recividism rates of its graduates, while at the
same time, generating enormous cost savings to New York State.
Over 650 participants have completed treatment, and this diversion has
resulted in over $25.2 million in economic benefits.
Counsel to the
District Attorney, Anne J. Swern is the Director of DTAP.
District Attorney Hynes said, “I
agree with the critics of the Rockefeller drug laws that it makes no sense to
simply warehouse non-violent substance abusers in state prisons.
But rather than relaxing the prohibitions against drugs, the penalties
against their use can serve the constructive role of encouraging addicts to opt
for treatment. DTAP gives
non-violent offenders an opportunity to change their lives of addiction and
crime into lives of hope and promise.”
Of the 49 graduates this year, 92% are men and 8% are women.
Their average age is 38; the oldest graduate is 62, and the youngest is
21. Although some graduates are
unemployed for various reasons, including physical disabilities, 37 graduates
are employed. Their jobs are varied
and include truck driving, building maintenance work, warehouse work, electrical
work, carpentry, cooking, furniture sales, machine and auto mechanic work,
messenger service work, providing direct care for the disabled, counseling,
housekeeping, and customer service. The
majority of the class lives in Brooklyn, but there are graduates living in the
other four New York City boroughs as well.
Joseph A. Califano Jr. said, “This DTAP program demonstrates that we don't have to throw away the key
for repeat drug addicted offenders, even those who sell drugs to support their
habit. Prosecutors can help repeat
felony offenders become responsible citizens if they combine treatment and
vocational training with the certainty of punishment for noncompliance.
In this time of burgeoning prison populations and shrinking federal and
state budgets, every prosecutor in the nation can follow the lead of Brooklyn
District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and use this program to reduce crime, the
cost of incarceration and budget deficits.”
On
March 11th, Joseph Califano Jr. praised District Attorney Hynes as he
announced the results of CASA’s five-year evaluation of the Brooklyn DTAP
program at the National Press Club in Washington D.C.
As a result of CASA’s research, it was found that participants in the
DTAP program were 87 percent less likely to return to prison than comparable
offenders who were sent to prison. Also,
upon successful completion of the program, 92 percent of the graduates had found
employment.
These DTAP graduates received treatment at a number of residential
therapeutic communities, including Daytop Village, Phoenix House, Samaritan
Village, Odyssey House, Veritas, Aurora Concept, Narco Freedom, El Regresso,
Damon House, J-Cap, and Serendipity.
Following Califano’s keynote address, the graduation ceremony will take
place, followed by a reception. Some
graduates will be available for comment, to tell their stories of recovery.
Among them are Doris Simmons and Carlos Alvarez.
Doris Simmons left Florida at the age of 16, where she was raised by her
protective great-grandmother, and came to Brooklyn seeking a more exciting life.
She started drinking and smoking marijuana.
Soon, she was using cocaine and crack, and supporting her habit by
selling drugs. Following her second felony drug arrest, Doris was offered
DTAP and entered drug treatment at Damon House in May, 2001.
During her many months of treatment, she struggled to understand and
address her addiction. She also received vocational training in nursing and
healthcare. For the first time in
her life, Doris, a 44-year-old grandmother, now holds a regular job, working 40
hours per week as a direct care provider for disabled children.
Now almost 28 years old, Carlos Alvarez, a native of Brooklyn, was just a
teenager when he started smoking “wulahs” (marijuana combined with crack),
skipping school, and dealing drugs. Eventually,
he switched from smoking crack to sniffing cocaine. He spent several years
in prison for two felony drug
convictions. In 1999, he was
arrested for selling heroin in Bushwick. Facing
felony drug charges yet again and recognizing that he needed to tackle his drug
addiction if he was ever going to reclaim his life, Carlos, through DTAP, began
a long
period of residential drug treatment at Veritas.
While there, he got his GED and a certificate in telecommunications.
Clean and sober for over two and a half years, Carlos now works as a
technician for a cable and voice telephone installation company in lower
Manhattan, and lives in Queens with his fiancee.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
011
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES CLOSES INVESTIGATION OF ANTHONY
REID SHOOTING
Brooklyn, March
14, 2003
– Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the closing
of an investigation involving the fatal shooting of Anthony Reid, by three New
York City police officers from the 73rd Precinct.
“An
extensive investigation into the shooting death of Anthony Reid by New York City
police officers, Ernest Kenner, Michael Losco and Carlos Santana reveals that it
was a justified use of deadly force. There
is no credible basis upon which the involved officers could be found to be
criminally liable for their actions in this shooting”, said District Attorney
Hynes.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on January 1, 2003, when
Police Officers Ernest Kenner, Michael Losco and Carlos Santana responded to a
report of shots being fired outside of a Brownsville social club.
When they arrived at 92 Livonia Avenue, they observed Anthony Reid firing
a 9mm handgun. Witnesses indicate that Reid had been involved in an earlier
disturbance at the social club and left threatening to return with a firearm.
He was observed by a number of patrons returning a short time later armed
with a handgun when he began shooting.
After interviewing numerous witnesses, the investigation concluded that
Reid ignored the officers command to drop the weapon and he began to run away
from the officers firing back in their direction.
The three officers were between Reid and some civilian bystanders. Two civilians standing behind the officers were struck and
wounded by gunfire coming from Reid, which missed the officers and struck them.
All three officers discharged their weapons and shot Reid, causing his
death.
012
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES RECEIVES CELL PHONE DONATIONS
FROM ASSEMBLYWOMAN JOAN MILLMAN TO AID DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS
WHO:
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes; Assemblywoman Joan L.
Millman of the 52nd Assembly District
WHAT:
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes will be presented with
cell phone donations from Assemblywoman Joan L. Millman to assist victims of
Domestic Violence. Assemblywoman
Millman collected these phones from constituents in her district.
These phones will be programmed to dial 911 automatically, and will be
distributed to victims of domestic violence to provide them with immediate
access to the police.
WHERE: Kings County District Attorney’s
Office
350 Jay Street
19th Floor
Brooklyn, NY
WHEN: Thursday, March
27, 2003 at 3:00 PM
CONTACT: Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
013
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING
DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
March 26, 2003 . . . Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will seek a
sentence of life without parole in the prosecution of Antoine Belton, who was
indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges relating to the death of Jian
Chun Lin on October 15, 2002, in the East New York section of Brooklyn.
Belton, 22, formerly of 210 Newport Street, Brooklyn, is charged in a
twelve-count indictment with the attempted robbery and intentional murder of
Jian Chun Lin, 37, on October 15, 2002. Belton is also charged with second
degree murder, attempted robbery and weapon possession charges for the same
incident.
"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that the sentence
of life without parole for the defendant is the appropriate punishment to seek
in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the seventieth First Degree Murder case in which District
Attorney Hynes has decided to seek sentences of life without parole since the
capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995. In total, the Office
has filed eighty-five First Degree Murder indictments since September of 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the imposition of the death penalty in
seven First Degree Murder cases. In three cases, the defendants pleaded guilty;
one was sentenced to life without parole, another sentenced to 50 years to life
and the third was sentenced to 75 years to life. In two other cases, the
defendants were convicted following jury trials of Murder 1°
and sentenced to Life Without Parole after a waiver of their appeal, while
another defendant was convicted of Murder 2° and other charges and was
sentenced to 65 years to
life.
In the seventh case, the defendant, Darrell Harris, was sentenced to death, but
his sentence was remanded and he was sentenced to life without parole after an
appeal.
In two other cases, the defendants pled guilty to First Degree Murder and
were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole prior to the decision
on whether to seek the imposition of the death penalty was made by the District
Attorney.
The capital punishment law gives prosecutors 120 days from the
arraignment of a defendant on an indictment charging Murder in the First Degree
to determine whether to seek a sentence of death or Life Without Parole. Belton
was arraigned on November 26, 2002; the 120-day period elapsed on March 25,
2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision included the following
components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the available facts and
evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and mitigating factors provided
by the District Attorney's Office and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review
of the defendant’s background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision followed a review of the case
by a Committee he has established of executives, supervisors and experienced
trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this statute to assess the
appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this
procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First Degree Murder charge
in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of Kings County to uphold
the law in a fair-minded and responsible way," District Attorney Hynes
said.
Belton is accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree;
Murder in the Second Degree (three counts); Attempted Robbery in the First
Degree (two counts); Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree; Attempted Robbery
in the Third Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree;
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree (two counts); and Criminal
Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.
The indictment charges that on October 15, 2002, Belton, together with
Ernest Carroway, 16, and Shaniqua Brown, 19, attempted to rob Lin, a
deliveryman. During the attempt, Belton intentionally caused the death of Lin by
shooting him with a handgun; Lin died as a result of his wounds and injuries.
Brown and Carroway are charged in the same indictment with Murder in the Second
Degree and other related charges. The incident took place during the early
evening hours of October 15, 2002, in the lobby of 2069 Union Street in the East
New York section of Brooklyn.
Belton
is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings County. The
case is assigned to the Honorable Justice James Starkey of the Supreme Court;
the next court date is March 27, 2003.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant Julie Rendelman of
the Homicide Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
Contact: Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
014
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES
CONVICTION OF DRUNK DRIVER
FOR MANSLAUGHTER
Brooklyn, March 26, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today
announced the conviction of Perry Oneil, 40, on charges of two counts each of
Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree
and Criminally Negligent Homicide for driving while intoxicated, killing two
passengers in his car and injuring another.
On April 7, 2002, Oneil left his job at Tom’s Hotel in Soho
and acting as the designated driver, drove his girlfriend, Lina Chen and two
friends to a club in Manhattan called Centro Fly.
Then, Oneil left the club and at approximately 5:59 AM, he drove Chen,
Christian Olin and Olin’s girlfriend, Amber Gillespie in Olin’s white 1991
Infinity across the Manhattan Bridge at a rate of 70 miles per hour in a 30 mile
per hour zone. He continued onto the Flatbush Avenue Extension of the
Manhattan Bridge, drove through a red traffic signal at Concord Avenue and
crashed into the Veterans Administration Building and the surrounding
scaffolding at 25 Chapel Street. As
a result of this crash, Chen died later that day at Bellevue Hospital. Amber Gillespie died 13 days later at Long Island College
Hospital. Both women were 27 years
old. Olin suffered several
injuries, but survived.
Oneil, who has no prior convictions, had a blood alcohol content of .08
when tested three hours after the crash. But,
during trial, a toxicologist testified that at the time of the incident, the
defendant’s blood alcohol level would have been between .12 and .14. The trial lasted approximately two weeks.
Perry Oneil is also convicted of Assault in the Third Degree, Driving
While Under the Influence, Reckless Endangerment, Reckless Driving, Speeding and
Running a Red Light. The defendant
faces a maximum of five to fifteen years in prison.
The sentencing will take place on April 23rd before Judge
Michael Brennan in Part 23 of Kings County Criminal Court.
The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Jeffrey
Levitt.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
015
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES THE INDICTMENT OF CHURCH
BOOKKEEPER FOR EMBEZZLING OVER $90,000
DEFENDANT MISLED
CHURCH OFFICIALS WHO THOUGHT SHE WAS USING THE MONEY FOR THE BUILDING OF A NEW
CHURCH
Brooklyn, April 4, 2003 -- Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the indictment of
Michelle Hill, 41, for embezzling over $90,000 from the Genesis Community
Baptist Church where she volunteered as a bookkeeper.
Hill, a resident of Valley Stream, had been volunteering at the church
until 2000, where her duties included overseeing a fund slated for the building
of a new church. She is charged
with drafting several checks from the church’s bank account to herself, and
depositing the money into her own bank account. It is charged that Hill was embezzling money from the church
for at least four years.
After discovering the missing money, church officials reported these
allegations to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office.
Hill surrendered to the District Attorney’s Office with her attorney
Richard M. Gutierrez on April 3rd.
She is charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and eight counts
of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree. If
convicted, Hill faces up to 15 years in jail.
Following arraignment, she was held on $1500 bail.
Hill was arraigned before Judge Guy J. Mangano.
The next court date is scheduled for April 17th.
Hill is currently employed by the New York City Department of Education
as a substitute teacher assigned to Brooklyn.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Joseph A.
DiBenedetto of the Rackets Division.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
016
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES
CLOSES INVESTIGATION OF THE JANUARY 2, 2003 SHOOTING
OF JOHN LAGATTUTA BY NYPD
Brooklyn, April 11, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the closing of an
investigation involving the fatal shooting of John Lagattuta, 35, by a New York
City Police Officer following a car chase through the streets of south Brooklyn.
“Although the death of Mr. Lagattuta is a tragedy, based on the
investigation by this office, the shooting by New York City Police Officer John
Brennan was accidental,” said District Attorney Hynes.
The incident occurred on January 2, 2003 when Brennan, who was in uniform
and in a marked police vehicle, attempted to apprehend Lagattuta, who was
driving a stolen mini-van. Lagattuta
led Officer John Brennan and other officers on a chase through the streets of
Bensonhurst, going through traffic lights, hitting other cars, driving on
sidewalks, and nearly striking several civilians before he was forced to stop in
heavy traffic on 86th Street and Bay Parkway.
With Brennan and other police officers surrounding him and ordering him
out of his vehicle, Lagattuta drove directly at the officers in an attempt to
evade capture. It was while Officer
Brennan was struggling to avoid being struck by Lagattuta’s vehicle that his
gun accidentally discharged one shot, hitting the suspect in the back. Lagattuta was pronounced dead that evening at Victory
Memorial Hospital.
The investigation concluded that Brennan’s actions in pursuing
Lagattuta, his efforts to apprehend him, and the manner in which he drew and
displayed his firearm were reasonable and prudent under the circumstances, and
that there is no evidence of recklessness or negligence that resulted in the
fatal shot being fired.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
017
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES
ARREST OF BOARD OF EDUCATION EMPLOYEE FOR FRAUDULENTLY COLLECTING WELFARE
BENEFITS
Brooklyn, April 21, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today
announced the arrest and indictment of New York City Board Of Education
employee, Felicia Bute-Allen for fraudulently collecting over $53,000 in welfare
benefits while she was working as a teachers aide at P.S. 140.
Ms. Bute–Allen, 41, voluntarily surrendered to the Kings County
District Attorney’s Office this morning.
She has been charged with Welfare Fraud in the Second Degree, Grand
Larceny in the Second Degree and six counts of Offering a False Instrument For
Filing in the 1st Degree to conceal her Board of Education
employment.
After
a joint investigation conducted by both the Human Resources Administration’s
Bureau of Fraud Investigator Jessica Villanueva and The Special Commissioner of
Investigation for the NYC School District’s Investigator Heather Mack, the
results were presented to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office’s
Public Assistance Crime Unit for prosecution. The Investigation revealed that
since September 1996, and for the next six years, Ms. Bute-Allen filed at least
six fraudulent welfare applications to collect over $53,000 in welfare benefits,
while concealing more than double that in wages.
The defendant, who lives at 735 Lincoln Avenue in Brooklyn, maintained
that she was unemployed until she finally confessed to the fraud last year. She
stopped receiving the welfare payments in August, 2002.
District Attorney Hynes said, “It is a shame that government employees
would cheat the city out of money that should go to people who are really in
need of these benefits. The real
victims in this care are those unfortunate citizens who are unemployed and the
taxpayers whose hard-earned money goes to people who defraud the system.”
“This case is
an example of the cooperative efforts between Governmental Agencies to combat
Welfare Fraud and to insure that the limited Social Services funds are
distributed to those members of our society that are truly in need of
assistance," added Verna Eggleston, Commissioner of the Human Resources
Administration, Department of Social Services.
If
convicted of the most serious charges, Ms. Bute-Allen, a New York City Board Of
Education employee since 1982, could face up to 15 years in prison.
The
case is being prosecuted by the Kings County District Attorney’s Office Public
Assistance Crimes Unit Assistant District Attorney’s Lauren Mack and Frank
Dudis.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
018
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING
DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
Brooklyn, April 25, 2003 . . .
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will
seek a sentence of life without parole in the prosecution of Naquasia Pollard,
who was indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges relating to the death
of Oleh Bosenko on October 30, 2002, in the Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn.
Pollard, 19, formerly of 2729 West 33rd Street, Brooklyn, is
charged in a ten-count indictment with the intentional murder of Oleh Bosenko,
38, during a robbery on October 30, 2002. Pollard is also charged with second
degree murder, robbery and weapons possession charges for the same incident.
"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that the sentence
of life without parole for the defendant is the appropriate punishment to seek
in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the seventy-second First Degree Murder case in which District
Attorney Hynes has decided to seek sentences of life without parole since the
capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995. In total, the Office
has filed eighty-five First Degree Murder indictments since September of 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the imposition of the death penalty in
seven First Degree Murder cases. In three cases, the defendants pleaded guilty;
one was sentenced to life without parole, another sentenced to 50 years to life
and the third was sentenced to 75 years to life. In two other cases, the
defendants were convicted following jury trials of Murder 1° and sentenced to
Life Without Parole after a waiver of their appeal, while
another defendant was convicted of Murder 2 and other
charges and was sentenced to 65 years to life. In the seventh case, the
defendant, Darrell Harris, was sentenced to death, but his sentence was remanded
after appeal, and he was resentenced to life without parole.
In two other cases, defendants pled guilty to First Degree Murder and
were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole prior to the decision
on whether to seek the imposition of the death penalty was made by the District
Attorney. Four cases are presently awaiting decision by the District Attorney.
The capital punishment law gives prosecutors 120 days from the
arraignment of a defendant on an indictment charging Murder in the First Degree
to determine whether to seek a sentence of death or Life Without Parole. Pollard
was arraigned on January 7, 2003; the 120-day period will elapse on May 7, 2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision included the following
components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the available facts and
evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and mitigating factors provided
by the District Attorney's Office and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review
of the defendant’s background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision followed a review of the case
by a Committee he has established of executives, supervisors and experienced
trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this statute to assess the
appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this
procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First Degree Murder charge
in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of Kings County to uphold
the law in a fair-minded and responsible way," District Attorney Hynes
said.
Pollard is accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree;
Murder in the Second Degree (three counts); Robbery in the First Degree (two
counts); Robbery in the Second Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the
Second Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree; and Assault
in the Third Degree.
The indictment charges that on October 30, 2002, Pollard, together with
Joseph Johnson, 25, robbed Oleh Bosenko and his wife, and during the robbery,
Pollard intentionally caused the death of Bosenko by shooting him. Bosenko died
as a result of his wounds and injuries. Johnson is charged on a separate
indictment with Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges. The
incident took place shortly after midnight on October 30, 2002, as the Bosenkos
were walking home from a subway station in the Sheepshead Bay section of
Brooklyn.
Pollard is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court,
Kings County. The case is assigned to the Honorable Justice Albert Tomei of the
Supreme Court; the next court date is April 28, 2003.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant Mark Hale of the
Homicide Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
019
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES ARREST OF BROOKLYN
SUPREME COURT JUDGE GERALD P. GARSON AND FOUR OTHERS ON CORRUPTION CHARGES
Brooklyn,
April 24, 2003
– Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the arrest
of Brooklyn Supreme Court Judge Gerald P. Garson on two counts of Receiving a
Reward for Official Misconduct, an E felony.
Garson was arrested for accepting gifts to fix divorce cases. He surrendered last night at the District Attorney’s
Office. Upon conviction, he faces
up to four years in prison.
Judge Garson and four others involved in this scheme
include Louis Salerno, a court
officer arrested on charges of Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a D felony; Paul
Siminovsky, at attorney, charged with two counts of Bribery in the Third
Degree, a D felony; Nissin Elmann, a
businessman, charged with two counts of Bribery in the Third Degree, one count
of Commercial Bribery in the Second Degree (a misdemeanor) and multiple counts
of conspiracy (felony and misdemeanor); and Avraham
Levi, a litigant, charged with one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree,
an E felony, were arrested last night. Arrest
warrants have been issued for three others including a former court clerk.
Judge Garson and the other four defendants under arrest are scheduled to
be arraigned this morning before Judge Alan J. Meyer at Kings County Criminal
Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street. Immediately
following the arraignment, District Attorney Hynes will be available at the
District Attorney’s Office, located at 350 Jay Street on the 19th
Floor.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
020
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES
DECISION REGARDING DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
Brooklyn, May 2, 2003 . . .
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will
seek a sentence of life without parole in the prosecution of Alonzo Miles, who
was indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges relating to the death of
Ktrish Sessions on October 2, 2002, in the East New York section of Brooklyn.
Miles, 33, formerly of 2628 Linden Boulevard, Brooklyn, is charged in an
eight-count indictment with the intentional murder of Ktrish Sessions, 24,
during a burglary on October 2, 2002. Miles is also charged with second degree
murder, burglary and weapons possession charges for the same incident.
"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that the sentence
of life without parole for the defendant is the appropriate punishment to seek
in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the seventy-third First Degree Murder case in which District
Attorney Hynes has decided to seek sentences of life without parole since the
capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995. In total, the Office
has filed eighty-five First Degree Murder indictments since September of 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the imposition of the death penalty in
seven First Degree Murder cases. In three cases, the defendants pleaded guilty;
one was sentenced to life without parole, another sentenced to 50 years to life
and the third was sentenced to 75 years to life. In two other cases, the
defendants were convicted following jury trials of Murder 1° and sentenced to
Life Without Parole after a waiver of their appeal, while another defendant was
convicted of Murder 2° and other charges and was sentenced to 65 years to life.
In the seventh case, the defendant, Darrell Harris, was sentenced to death, but
his sentence was remanded after appeal, and he was resentenced to life without
parole.
In two other cases, defendants pled guilty to First Degree Murder and
were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole prior to the decision
on whether to seek the imposition of the death penalty was made by the District
Attorney. Three cases are presently awaiting decision by the District Attorney.
The capital punishment law gives prosecutors 120 days from the
arraignment of a defendant on an indictment charging Murder in the First Degree
to determine whether to seek a sentence of death or Life Without Parole. Miles
was arraigned on November 4, 2002; the 120-day period was to have elapsed on
March 4, 2003. However, on February 20, 2003, the Court, upon application by the
defense, found good cause to extend the period of time to file through May 4,
2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision included the following
components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the available facts and
evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and mitigating factors provided
by the District Attorney's Office and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review
of the defendant’s background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision followed a review of the case
by a Committee he has established of executives, supervisors and experienced
trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this statute to assess the
appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this
procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First Degree Murder charge
in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of Kings County to uphold
the law in a fair-minded and responsible way," District Attorney Hynes
said.
Miles is accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree;
Murder in the Second Degree (two counts); Burglary in the First Degree; Burglary
in the Second Degree; and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree
(three counts).
The indictment charges that on October 2, 2002, Miles, forced his way
into the apartment of his ex-girlfriend, and while inside of Sessions’
apartment, Miles intentionally caused the death of Sessions by repeatedly
stabbing and beating her. Sessions died as a result of her wounds and injuries.
The incident took place in the early morning hours of October 2, 2002, at 1426
Loring Avenue in the East New York section of Brooklyn.
Miles is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings
County. The case is assigned to the Honorable Justice Joel Goldberg of the
Supreme Court; the next court date is May 2, 2003.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Kyle C. Reeves of the
Homicide Bureau and Deputy Bureau Chief Roger McCready of the Domestic Violence
Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
Contact:
Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
021
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES YOUTH CONFERENCE
DISTRICT ATTORNEY HYNES TO URGE YOUNG PEOPLE TO VOICE THEIR CONCERNS AT THIS
BROOKLYN BOROUGH-WIDE
YOUTH CONFERENCE AGAINST VIOLENCE
Brooklyn, May 10, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes will join Brooklyn Borough President
Marty Markowitz in announcing a Borough-Wide Youth Conference on Saturday, May
10, 2003 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the New York City College of Technology
located at 300 Jay Street. The
conference is titled Silence the Violence, a Brooklyn initiative to promote
dialogue, education, and positive alternatives to youth violence.
This youth empowerment conference is a forum to encourage young people to
openly voice issues and concerns. The conference will begin with a panel
discussion on media influences and will continue with workshops on drugs, gangs,
basis crimes, and relationship abuse. Therapist, community-based organizations
and trained youth leaders will be available to address questions and concerns.
The conference purpose is to help young people resolve problems and
issues without resorting to depression and/or violence.
According to FBI Intelligence, the borough of Brooklyn tops the list
when it comes to youth violence. The
Silence the Violence mission is to provide a safe future for youth, which will
enable them to become productive citizens in our society and contribute to the
social and economic development of Brooklyn.
The conference will bring together a diverse audience of Brooklyn youth
and their families, as well as educators, social workers, community-based
organizations, faith-based institutions, and law enforcement personnel in
discussion around issues impeding the productive capacity of the community’s
youth and the identification of strategies to address them.
This conference is sponsored by New York College of Technology, Delta
Funding, VIM, Community Counseling and Mediation/Youth Alliance/Act 4 Youth,
Bushwick Geographical Targeting Task Force 's Youth Link, Crown Heights
Community Mediation Center, DYCD Youth Line, and the numerous elected officials
and community based organizations.
Further information on this conference can be found on the website www.silencetheviolence.org
or contact :Teri Coaxum, Kings County District Attorney’s Office:
718-250-4906
022
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE LAW
ENFORCEMENT APPRECIATION AWARDS
HONOREES
SUBDUE ARMED SUSPECTS, DODGE BULLETS AND SAVE LIVES
Brooklyn, May 12, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announces the winners of the Law
Enforcement Appreciation Awards on May
12, 2003 at 8:30 am at a breakfast
ceremony to be held at the Brooklyn
Marriott Hotel. Juliet Papa
from 1010 WINS radio will be the emcee for this event.
This year marks the 13th year that the District Attorney’s
office is honoring outstanding law enforcement officers for their
accomplishments. This ceremony will
honor some of the courageous and dedicated employees of the New York Police
Department, New York Fire Department and other New York City law
enforcement/public safety agencies.
The award ceremony recognizes the work of some of the city’s top
employees. They have demonstrated
an excellent work ethic and dedication to their jobs.
These officers are an inspiration to their subordinates and peers.
They have played instrumental roles in protecting the citizens of New
York City and improving our communities.
Many of these honorees have been involved in community service. They have taught citizens, especially children, the skills
necessary to become productive individuals and law abiding citizens.
Some of them have helped victims of domestic violence while others helped
raise money for the homeless. Everyone
has his or her own unique stories. All
of them have excelled in their positions and set a standard to look up to.
District Attorney Hynes says, “With the war that is currently going on
in Iraq, it is important to recognize all of the efforts that go into keeping
our citizens safe. Whether it is
keeping Americans safe from international terrorists or keeping our local
residents safe from criminal activity, law enforcement officers have
demonstrated their bravery, dedication and diplomacy in order to make us feel
more secure. These officers face danger every day of their lives to
protect us. This ceremony allows us
to show them our appreciation for what they do.”
This year’s honorees have some amazing stories to tell.
Among the award recipients are:
Supervising
Investigator Elvin Boston – Elvin
has demonstrated excellence in law enforcement for over 19 years. He has worked with the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
and NYS Department of Labor, where he received a citation of excellence for his
investigative work with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the investigation of the
Fulton Fish Market. He is currently
assigned to the Kings County District Attorney’s Office’s new Security Unit
at Renaissance Plaza where he has implemented many new security procedures.
He has been with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office since
1989. Mr. Boston also donates his
time to the community as a volunteer at senior citizens centers as well as
neighborhood schools. He gives
lectures on safety, gang involvement and peer pressure.
He is an asset to the community and a dedicated Law Enforcement Officer.
Sergeant John
Tansey – Sgt. Tansey has
been assigned to the Kings County D.A. Squad since March 1991.
His vast knowledge and experience have led him to be assigned regularly
to the most complex and sensitive cases. Sgt.
Tansey started out with the NYC Police Department in 1962.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 1982 and rose to the position of Vice
President of the Sergeants Benevolent Association.
Law Enforcement runs in Tansey’s family.
His father was a police officer and now his two sons, John Jr. and Robert
are also police officers. Sergeant
Tansey has proven to be a very respected leader in his over 40 years in Law
Enforcement.
Sergeant Tawya
Wilson – Since Sgt.
Wilson joined the NYC Civil Court seven years ago, she has been very involved
with the community. She works with
a new group called Young Stars, which reaches out to many young girls in the NYC
Housing Projects with special emotional and social needs and challenges. She
succeeds in showing them how to foster stronger and better working relationships
with their family, community and their local law enforcement.
Wilson teaches them about the court system and what services are
available to them. Sgt. Wilson is
well educated, very reliable and caring, and is a major asset to the NYC Civil
Court.
Fire Marshal
Lawrence Pliska – Assigned
to the Special Investigations Unit in Brooklyn for the past three years, Fire
Marshall Pliska has been involved in several major case assignments including a
lengthy investigation into arson for profit fire, which seriously injured two
firefighters, and arrested the individual responsible.
In one particular case, on December 4, 1999, a fire broke out on the
third floor of a three-story commercial building in Brooklyn.
Upon arriving at the scene, Fire Marshall Pliska examined the scene, dug
out the area of origin, and determined the fire to be deliberately set.
Pliska noticed that a file cabinet which had sustained significant fire
damage was open and figured out that some of the contents had been removed prior
to the fire. This led to a criminal investigation, in which accounts of the
owner’s whereabouts at the time of the fire had conflicting stories.
With assistance from other sources, Fire Marshal Pliska solved the
investigation and arrested the owner. His
testimony at the trial was crucial to the case.
His dedication and keen attention to detail in all his investigations
have made Brooklyn a safer place.
SCO Officer
Dolores Harris – Officer
Harris was appointed as a Court Officer in 1987 and promoted to a Senior Court
Officer in 1993 at Kings Supreme Court, Civil Term.
She is very active in the community and with charities. Harris
works with the “Teddy Bear Program”, which collects money for homeless
children and children in hospitals during the Christmas season.
She has also been organizing a team for the Revlon Walk/Run to help the
cure of cancer. She has been a team
captain for the past five years and has collected $2,000 per year.
In addition, Officer Harris is quite active in the Supreme Court Officers
Association, Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, Brooklyn Botanical Gardens,
Fraternal Order of Police, Tribune Society, Guardian Association, and the Soap
Makers Guild. She is someone who is
always willing to help others.
Police
Officers Larry Chambers and Norman Grandstaff – Officers
from the 79th Precinct, they had a very busy day on December 25,
2002. Responding to a police signal
that a shot had been fired in the vicinity of Atlantic Avenue and Nostrand
Avenue, the officers were given a description of the male who had fired several
rounds. A short time after, the two
officers noticed two males, one fitting the description, and approached them.
While questioning the two males, one of them produced a firearm from
underneath his clothing, and proceeded to point the firearm.
Fearing for their safety, Officer Grandstaff discharged his firearm
eleven times at the male. The
suspect then fled with weapon in hand. Officer
Grandstaff pursued him on foot while Officer Chambers got in his vehicle and
chased him. Central was notified
and the suspect was apprehended. An
immediate search of the vicinity of flight resulted in the recovery of a Tech-9
machine pistol. Due to the
Officers’ quick response and with disregard to their own safety, an armed
suspect was subdued and placed under arrest.
The officers exhibited extreme bravery and valor.
Police Officer
Carol Fields – The
Domestic Violence Officer from the 76th Precinct, Officer Fields has
developed a remarkable rapport with the community in which she serves,
particularly the victims of domestic violence.
She has implemented her own system to aid the victims of domestic
violence with regard to notifying them when an Order of Protection is served to
the respondent. Police Officer
Fields takes it upon herself to accompany domestic violence victims personally,
and in some circumstances, serve it personally.
This is not a common practice, but she does it to help reduce the stress
of the victim. If the Order of
Protection cannont be served, Officer Fields will contact the victim and give
them particulars regarding the reason why it could not be served and suggest an
alternative means of handling the current situation.
The adjoining precincts within Brooklyn South and Brooklyn North have
already adapted to Officer Fields’ notification process, realizing the
positive affect that is gained for the victim and the high compliance rate on
all Orders served. She continuously
follows up on all her cases regardless of whether they are still active, and
reassures her victims that they can always contact her.
Sergeant
Michael Guccione, Police Officers Michael Billotto, David Gomes, Boris Blackmon,
William Regina and Arthur Diemicke –
On November 7, 2002, Sgt. Guccione, who works in the 71st Precinct,
was en route with one of his police officers, Officer Michael Billotto, to the
63rd Precinct where he was scheduled to fill in and perform patrol
duty. They witnessed a car run
through a red light, and attempted to stop the car.
They were unaware, however, that the driver had just carjacked the
vehicle at gunpoint, one minute prior. The
suspect vehicle stopped for a red light at Nostrand Ave.
As the Sergeant and his driver approached the vehicle from the rear in
their Rmp., the occupants suddenly opened fire.
The perpetrator then turned his vehicle right onto Nostrand Ave.,
traveling the wrong way for three blocks. Officer
Billotto pursued as Sgt. Guccione radioed for help, broadcasting the description
of the vehicle and the direction of the vehicle.
A chase continued as the perpetrator continued to fire shots in the
direction of Sgt. Guccione and other police officers.
With the assistance of several other officers including Officers Billotto,
Gomes, Blackmon, Regina and Diemicke, this dangerous suspect was apprehended
without a single shot fired by the sergeant and the other police officers.
They demonstrated excellent tactics and firearm control, while clearly
placing themselves in grave danger to make the arrest.
While the actions by all the police officers involved was clearly heroic,
the outstanding performance by Sgt. Guccione is particularly worth noting.
He managed to maintain his composure while disseminating vital
information over the radio, which was instrumental in the apprehension of this
armed and dangerous felon.
Sergeant
Jessie Daniel – Sergeant
Daniel, currently assigned to the Police Service Area #3 Anti Crime Unit,
displayed true heroism on September 10, 2002.
On this date, an off duty member of his department heard numerous shots
being fired in the vicinity of 314 Pulaski Street, within the confines of the 81st
Precinct. When this officer exited
the building, he saw three males, all armed with guns, running on Pulaski
Street. He immediately called 911.
Then, he saw another three males running behind the first three.
As the first group of males approached the intersection, he saw a marked
department auto and a uniformed member of the department, Sergeant Daniel,
exiting the auto. Sgt. Daniel
ordered two of the males to the ground. A
third male fled from the sergeant, but was chased back toward the sergeant by
another officer. The male had a
firearm pointed in the direction of Sgt. Daniel.
He ordered the male to stop, and when he didn’t, Daniel fired his
weapon twice, grazing the perpetrator. Two
firearms were recovered from the three defendants.
There were no injuries to any civilians or members of the department.
Sgt. Daniel acted quickly and courageously in response to a violent and
dangerous situation. He plays a
huge role in keeping Brooklyn safe.
The 67
Detective Squad under the supervision of Lieutenant Robert Casazza -
Under the supervision of
Lt. Robert Casazza, the 67 Detective Squad effected nearly 1300 arrests in 2002,
establishing it as the Detective Squad with the most arrests in the entire
Detective Bureau. Information
obtained from debriefings led to the execution of 25 search warrants, which
resulted in the seizure of 34 firearms. In
2002, the 67 Squad effected 476 arrests for domestic violence related offenses.
These are remarkable numbers. It
demonstrates Lt. Casazza’s dedication to his work, and he sets a high standard
for all other officers.
Correction
Officer Michelle Brown – Brown
is a 13 year veteran of the New York City Department of Correction and a
lifetime resident of Brooklyn. For
the past 21 years, she has volunteered her time working with the youth of
Brooklyn at the Brownsville Community Center.
Officer Brown interrelates with the youth, stressing education and a
positive attitude to help keep them drug-free and free from a life of crime.
She volunteers her time by taking them on field trips, some of which she
funds personally. With assistance from her mother, she produces dance
performances and helps sponsor a host of sporting events.
In addition, every other Sunday, Officer Brown and some of these youths
perform community service by visiting the sick and disabled.
She has also helped to establish an after school tutorial program at the
Brownsville Community Center, which in turn, has been influential in the
students’ improved grades. Officer Brown has proven herself to be a positive role model
for the disadvantaged youth of the Brownsville Community.
MTA Bridge and
Tunnel Sergeant Debra Gavagan
- Sgt. Gavagan demonstated heroic qualities on October 4, 2002,
when she helped to save a merchant’s life.
She was on duty at the facility toll plaza when a radio transmission came
in. Gunshots had been fired in an
area adjacent to the toll plaza on Hamilton Ave. So, Sergeant Gavagan made her way to the scene and observed
the victim lying on the ground, bleeding and calling out for help.
She immediately radioed the Brooklyn-Battery desk to call for an
ambulance, secured the scene and attended to the victim.
She calmed him down and applied pressure to the wound until the ambulance
arrived to transport him to the hospital. Thus,
this man’s life was saved.
Sergeant
Raymond Farrell and Police Officer Raymond Lewis – While
on routine patrol in the 83rd Precinct in the Fall of 2002, Sgt.
Farrell and his driver, Officer Lewis responded to a call of a baby drowning in
a bathtub. Upon their arrival, they
were met by a hysterical woman who was holding her limp, unconscious daughter in
her arms. As Officer Lewis raced to
the hospital, Sgt. Farrell performed CPR on the young girl in the vehicle.
Once at the hospital, the baby was stabilized.
The doctors at the hospital cited the CPR performed by Sgt. Farrell as
life-saving. The actions of these
officers are commendable.
Contact: Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
023
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT OF SUPREME
COURT JUDGE GERALD P. GARSON AND SIX OTHERS IN CORRUPTION SCHEME
Brooklyn, May 22, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J.
Hynes today announced the indictment of Supreme Court Judge Gerald P. Garson for
receiving rewards in order to fix divorce cases. Upon conviction, Judge Garson faces up to four years in
prison.
In
addition, the other defendants involved in this scheme including Court Officer
Louis Salerno, businessman Nissim Elmann, litigant Avraham Levi, former Court
Clerk Paul Sarnell, Rabbi Ezra Zifrani and litigant Esther Weitzner, were
indicted on charges ranging from Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree to
Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree.
“Whether a judge takes $1 or $1,000, he disgraces his position and he
violates the trust of the public,” said District Attorney Hynes.
With the cooperation of the Office of Court Administration and Chief
Administrative Judge Anne Pfau, the District Attorney’s Office’s Rackets
Bureau headed by First Deputy District Attorney Michael Vecchione, Deputy Bureau
Chief John Dixon, Chief Investigator Joseph Ponzi and Deputy Chief Investigator
George Terra conducted audio and videotape surveillance of Garson and Siminovsky. A hidden camera in Garson’s chambers recorded him receiving
gifts such as cigars and $1,000 in cash from Siminovsky. The scheme involved Elmann allegedly steering some litigants
that he spotted in the courthouse for divorce cases to Siminovsky.
Siminovsky would then arrange with Sarnell, and later with a court
officer, Louis Salerno, to have his cases heard before Judge Garson. Garson
would then assist Siminovsky in his representation for the clients.
Esther Weitzner is a litigant who along with her father, Rabbi Ezra
Zifrani, paid off Siminovsky in order to get her child custody case fixed in her
favor.
This eight month probe was initiated last Fall when a woman involved in a
custody case called the District Attorney’s Office’s Citizens Action Bureau
(718-250-2340). The investigation
by Brooklyn prosecutors found that there was corruption in Garson’s court. Garson was arrested on April 24th.
The case resulted in a special grand jury investigating possible
corruption in the way judges are selected in Brooklyn.
Contact: Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
024
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE’S SUPERVISOR OF DETECTIVES HELPS
RUSSIANS UNDERSTAND OUR JUSTICE SYSTEM
PETER GRINENKO APPEARS REGULARLY ON RUSSIAN RADIO 620
AM
Brooklyn, May 22, 2003 – When
you have a problem with the law, do you know what to do?
When you have a complaint or get arrested, do you know who to contact?
Well, many Russian residents here in Brooklyn do not know much about our
criminal justice system. Luckily,
there is someone around to help them. Peter
Grinenko, a Supervisor of Detectives in the Kings County District Attorney’s
Office for 12 years, has appears on numerous radio stations in the past, and
appears regularly on Russian radio station 620 AM
- New Life, to help explain to Russians what to do in certain situations
and informs them of their rights.
Grinenko, who lives in Queens, was born in Germany, but is of Russian
descent. He retired from the NYPD
after spending 22 years as a second grade NYC detective.
Grinenko speaks Russian fluently, and usually appears on 620 AM twice a
week. 620 AM – New Life is the largest Russian-speaking radio
station in the United States and broadcasts in cities such as New York, Chicago,
London and Moscow. Its chief
executives, President Nathan Lieberman and Vice President Alexander Rosbam, play
an instrumental role in providing their radio station with top speakers who are
experts in their respective fields. They
knew that Grinenko would be a valuable asset to the Russian speaking community
as an expert in law enforcement. Grinenko has a good rapport with the shows’
hosts Boris Talis and Valery Shukin, who do a good job of asking Grinenko
important questions regarding the community’s major concerns.
Grinenko does an excellent job in the District Attorney’s Office, but
obviously his work doesn’t stop there. He
voluntarily works with the radio station, informing its listeners of the laws
that they must obey. He discusses
the function of the police and the differences between the roles of the police
and that of the prosecutor’s office. He
goes over specific laws, and lets the listens know what is legal and what is
illegal. Grinenko also explains
what the District Attorney’s office does and
how they try to protect crime victims.
He also explains the other services that the District Attorney’s Office
provides.
Recently, Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes appeared on the
radio station with Grinenko to refute myths about the Russian mafia and prevent
the Russian community from being stigmatized.
Another topic that Grinenko normally discusses is how to look out for
scams including medical fraud. Grinenko
advises listeners of this Russian radio station that they can contact him if
they have any questions or concerns at (718) 250-4725.
If you require a photo of Peter Grinenko, please contact me.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
025
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES FILING OF INDICTMENT
AGAINST ANDRASAN SCOTT FOR PLANTING A BOMB INSIDE A POLICE OFFICER’S CAR
INDICTMENT ALSO FILED AGAINST STEPHEN ALSTER WHO
PAID SCOTT TO BOMB VEHICLE TO HELP HIS CONVICTION APPEAL
Brooklyn, May 27, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J.
Hynes today announced the filing of an indictment against two men for hatching a
plan to bomb a police officer’s car. The
indictment charges that Andrasan Scott, 29, acted on behalf of a prison friend
that he met at Rikers Island when he planted a pipe bomb as well as a couple of
guns inside of an S.U.V. parked on Montague Street.
Stephen Alster, 66, allegedly paid Scott to bomb the vehicle just two
years after he was sentenced to 20 years to life for detonating a crude bomb
inside the S.U.V. owner’s Brooklyn Heights home during a party to celebrate
her graduation from the Police Academy.
Both Alster and Scott were charged with Placing a Bomb in the First
Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, two counts of Criminal Possession of a
Weapon in the Fourth Degree and five counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon
in the Third Degree for the March 31st incident where police found
the bomb and guns in Thomas’ car after receiving two anonymous 911 calls.
After shutting down three blocks to investigate the scene, police found
that the bomb had no trigger. Scott
faces up to 25 years to life in prison. Alster
faces an additional 7 years in prison to run consecutively with his current
sentence.
Alster allegedly concocted this plan to make it appear that he was
wrongly convicted in 2002 for the 2001 incident, and that the real bomber is on
the loose. The recent incident
happened the day before depositions in a civil case against Alster were to be
taken.
Scott
was arrested on April 24 outside his home in Rosedale, Queens.
Inside, police found wires and adhesive materials that can be used to
make bombs. Scott is a convicted
felon who was on parole with arrests on his record for robbery and weapons
possession.
Alster
and Scott will both be arraigned tomorrow morning.
This
case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Joseph A. DiBenedetto,
Counsel to the Rackets Division. The
Arson and Explosion Squad of the New York City Police Department and the Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted the joint investigation with ADA
DiBenedetto.
Contact: Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
026
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNY CHARLES J. HYNES CLOSES THE INVESTIGATION OF THE
JANUARY 1, 2003 SHOOTING OF JAMEL NIXON BY NYPD
Brooklyn, May 28, 2003 --
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the conclusion
of his office’s investigation into the fatal shooting of Jamel Nixon, 19, by
New York City Police Officers just after midnight on New Years Day.
“The shooting of Jamel Nixon is
the tragic result of the reckless and unacceptable practice of firing guns into
the air to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, combined with the presence of
illegal handguns in our communities. This
office remains committed to working with the community and community leaders to
insure that this type of needless tragedy is prevented in the future.”
After a 5-month investigation which included interviews of over a dozen
witnesses, it has been determined that the death of Mr. Nixon was a justified
use of force by the police officers involved.
The matter will not be presented to a Grand jury.
The shooting occurred at 12:13am
on January 1, 2003 when police officers from the 73rd Precinct
observed Nixon firing a handgun into the air.
Captain Timothy Bugge and Sergeant James Knoebel, both in uniform,
ordered Nixon to drop his weapon. Nixon
turned and began to lower his weapon toward the officers while firing.
It was at that point that the police officers discharged their weapons.
A 9mm pistol was recovered at Nixon’s side.
Nixon was pronounced dead at
Brookdale Hospital.
The investigation concluded that the actions of the police officers were
a justified use of force in the face of what they reasonably believed to be the
threat of deadly force being used against them.
027
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES SENTENCING OF BROOKLYN
FATHER FOR KILLING HIS BABY DAUGHTER
SHARIFF
ALLAHBEY TO SERVE 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR SECOND DEGREE DEPRAVED MURDER
Brooklyn,
June 10, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of
35-year old Shariff Allahbey to 25 years to life in prison for killing his two
month-old baby girl in their Flatbush apartment on July 15, 2002.
Allahbey was convicted of Depraved
Murder in the Second Degree for slamming his daughter into her crib because the
baby would not go to sleep, causing massive skull fractures, brain injury and
rib fractures. Allahbey prevented
the mother from aiding the baby until hours later when 911 was called.
The baby was already dead when the paramedics arrived.
Justice James Starkey pronounced the sentence.
The incident was witnessed by the baby’s mother, Paulebelle Bienaime,
who testified against Allahbey. The
trial lasted about six days. It
took the jury just over an hour to return a guilty verdict.
The case was prosecuted by Lead Attorney Judie Saunders and Wayne
McKenzie, co-counsel for the Crimes Against Children Bureau.
Ama Dwimoh is Chief of the Crimes Against Children Bureau.
Contact:
Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
028
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES SENTENCING FOR ASSAULT AND
SODOMY
HIV-POSITIVE
DEFENDANT STABBED TEENAGER AS HE ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE APARTMENT
Brooklyn, June 17, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of
Anthony Mercer, 42, for assaulting and sodomizing a 16 year-old boy he had lured
inside his apartment at 495 Putnam Avenue in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of
Brooklyn. Mercer was convicted of
Assault in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree on May 27th,
and sentenced yesterday to 25 years for those charges in addition to 3 ½ - 7
years to run consecutively for perjury committed during the trial.
Mercer met the victim shortly prior to the incident at a McDonald’s
near the victim’s home on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
After talking for a while, they exchanged phone numbers.
The incident then occurred on May 26, 2002 when Mercer invited the victim
to his home for “wine, women and fun.”
While there, they looked through pornographic magazines and Mercer made
sexual advances toward the teenager. When
the victim got uncomfortable and tried to leave, Mercer struck him, stabbed him
several times with a knife in the left lung, chest and hand, and pinned him up
against a wall and sexually abused him. The
victim finally managed to escape and make his way back home.
He was taken to Cornell Hospital and treated for stab wounds and a
possible injured lung.
Mercer is HIV-positive and sodomized the child without using a condom.
The city pays for Mercer’s apartment because he is an HIV victim.
Fortunately for the victim, test results came back HIV-negative.
A 17 year-old boy who lives in Mercer’s neighborhood testified that he
met Mercer at a gym near his home and Mercer gave him boxing lessons.
He invited the 17 year-old to his house and offered him vodka and
pornographic magazines.
He testified during trial that Mercer mailed him a letter asking him to
lie in court. Mercer wanted him to
say that he was present in the apartment when the 16-year old boy claimed to
have been sodomized. He wanted the
17-year old boy to tell the court that no sodomy took place and instead, he
stabbed the boy only in self defense after the boy came at him with a knife. But, the 17-year old witness testified that he was not
present at the time of the incident and that the defendant wanted him to lie so
he would have an alibi. Other
evidence against Mercer included drops
of blood on the wall of his apartment which matched the child’s DNA, as well
as Mercer’s semen on the victim’s clothing.
Mercer was sentenced before Justice Caroline Demarest in the Supreme
Court. The case was prosecuted by
Assistant District Attorney Adam Charnoff, Counsel in the Appeals Bureau.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
029
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES SENTENCING OF RICHARD
CINTRON FOR MURDERING EX-GIRLFRIEND
DEFENDANT PLED
GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES
Brooklyn,
June 18, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of
Richard Cintron, 32, for killing his ex-girlfriend, Margalie Valme, 35, and
injuring her 8 year-old daughter Bianca. He
was initially charged with Second Degree Murder, but pled guilty to Manslaughter
in the First Degree on June 6th, and was sentenced today to 20 years
in prison before Justice Matthew D’Emic in the Brooklyn Supreme Court.
Cintron was charged with repeatedly stabbing Valme in bed, causing her
death on October 15, 2001. Valme’s
children were in the room at the time of the incident.
After stabbing Valme to death, he turned to her 8 year-old daughter
Bianca, and stabbed her in the neck and temple.
Bianca was treated and released from Kings County Hospital and Margalie
was pronounced dead at Kings County Hospital.
Cintron claimed to have contracted the AIDS virus from Valme, so he
sought to exact revenge on her. The
case was prosecuted by Cynthia Lynch, Counsel to the Domestic Violence Bureau.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
030
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEA OF COP
NABBED SELLING DRUGS
INTERNAL
AFFAIRS INITIATES STING OPERATION TO CATCH THOMAS COYLE SELLING DRUGS BEHIND A
BAR
Brooklyn,
June 18, 2003 – Kings County District
Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the guilty plea of 17-year veteran
police officer Thomas Coyle, 37, for
selling cocaine. He pled guilty to
Attempted Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree today.
He faces three month in jail and five years probation.
In addition, he was forced to resign from the police force after his
arrest and he had to forfeit the money from the drug deals totalling $12,091.
Sentencing will take place on July 28th before Justice William Garnett in
Brooklyn Criminal Court.
On May 24, 2003, undercover police officers investigating allegations
that Coyle was improperly working as a bartender, observed Coyle sell a quantity
of cocaine to a confidential informant inside of Cousins Sports Bar, located at
3856 Flatlands Avenue. Two bags of
cocaine were recovered. The next
day, the informant met the defendant inside of the same location
and handed him marked bills. In
return, the informant received two more bags of cocaine.
Later that day, Coyle was arrested after leaving the bar carrying two
bags of cocaine, the marked bills and an additional $1,291 in cash.
The case was prosecuted by Kevin Richardson, Bureau Chief of the Rackets
Division.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
031
MEDIA
ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2003
MIKE TYSON TO BE
ARRAIGNED ON JULY 24TH
WHO:
Mike Tyson
WHAT:
Mike Tyson will be arraigned on charges of Assault in the Third Degree
for his role in a brawl that took place on the morning of June 21st at
the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel.
WHEN: Thursday, July 24,
2003 at 9:30 AM
WHERE: Kings County Criminal Court
120 Schermerhorn Street
CONTACT:
Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2300
032
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING
DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
Brooklyn, June 27, 2003 --
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will
seek a sentence of life without parole in the prosecution of Wilfredo
Semprit-Carmona, who was indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges
relating to the death of Krystyna Marusa on or about January 13 or 14, 2003, in
the Boro Park section of Brooklyn.
Semprit-Carmona, 28, formerly of 1970 East
18th Street, Brooklyn, is charged in a thirteen-count indictment with
the intentional murder of Krystyna Marusa, 55, during a robbery and rape on or
about January 13 or 14, 2003. Semprit-Carmona is also charged with second degree
murder, robbery, rape, sexual abuse and criminal possession of stolen property
for the same incident.
"I have concluded, after review and
deliberation, that the sentence of life without parole for the defendant is the
appropriate punishment to seek in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the seventy-fourth First Degree
Murder case in which District Attorney Hynes has decided to seek sentences of
life without parole since the capital punishment law took effect on September 1,
1995. In total, the Office has filed ninety First Degree Murder indictments
since September of 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the
imposition of the death penalty in seven First Degree Murder cases. In three
cases, the defendants pleaded guilty; one was sentenced to life without parole,
another sentenced to 50 years to life and the third was sentenced to 75 years to
life. In two other cases, the defendants were convicted following jury trials of
Murder 1° and sentenced to Life Without Parole after a waiver of their appeal,
while another defendant was convicted of Murder 2° and other charges and was
sentenced to 65 years to life. In the seventh case, the defendant, Darrell
Harris, was sentenced to death, but his sentence was remanded after appeal, and
he was resentenced to life without parole.
In two
other cases, defendants pled guilty to First Degree Murder and were sentenced to
Life Without the Possibility of Parole prior to the decision on whether to seek
the imposition of the death penalty was made by the District Attorney. Seven
cases are presently awaiting decision on sentence by the District Attorney.
The capital punishment law gives
prosecutors 120 days from the arraignment of a defendant on an indictment
charging Murder in the First Degree to determine whether to seek a sentence of
death or Life Without Parole. Semprit-Carmona was arraigned on March 6, 2003;
the 120-day period is to elapse on July 3, 2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision
included the following components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the
available facts and evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and
mitigating factors provided by the District Attorney's Office and defense
counsel; and an exhaustive review of the defendant’s background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision
followed a review of the case by a Committee he has established of executives,
supervisors and experienced trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this
statute to assess the appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case
basis. Therefore, this procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First
Degree Murder charge in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of
Kings County to uphold the law in a fair-minded and responsible way,"
District Attorney Hynes said.
Semprit-Carmona is accused of the following
charges: Murder in the First Degree (three counts); Murder in the Second Degree
(five counts); Robbery in the First Degree; Robbery in the Third Degree; Rape in
the First Degree; Sexual Abuse in the First Degree; and Criminal Possession of
Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree.
The indictment charges that on or about January
13 or 14, 2003, Semprit-Cardona, forcible raped Marusa, robbed her of personal
items, and intentionally caused her death by asphyxiation. Marusa died as a
result of her wounds and injuries. The incident is believed to have taken place
on or about January 13 or 14, 2003, inside of an apartment building at 1180 50th
Street in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn.
Semprit-Carmona is being held without bail,
awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings County. The case is assigned to the
Honorable Justice Plummer Lott of the Supreme Court; the next court date is July
2, 2003.
The case is being prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney
Mitchell Benson of the Homicide Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
033
718-250-2300
034
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES
DECISION REGARDING DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
DEATH
PENALTY NOTICE FILED IN PROSECUTION OF LARRY SMITH
July 28, 2003 . . . Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will seek a
sentence of Death in the prosecution of Larry Smith, indicted for First Degree
Murder and other charges for the killing of Melisha Francis and her son, Michael
Stultz, on June 24, 2002.
Smith, 32, formerly of 45 Hawthorne Street, Brooklyn, was charged in a
four-count indictment with the intentional murders of his girlfriend, Melisha
Smith, 26, and her son, Michael Stultz, 6, on June 24, 2002.
"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that a sentence of
Death is the appropriate punishment to seek in this case," District
Attorney Hynes said.
This is the eighth First Degree Murder case of eighty-four Murder in the
First Degree cases in which the death penalty was available in which District
Attorney Hynes has decided to seek the sentence of Death since the capital
punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995.
The
last death notice was filed on February 4, 2000, in the case People v.
Christopher Webb, Ind. 5157/99; Webb had been charged with three counts of
Murder in the First Degree, for intentionally killing the victim during a
burglary. Webb was subsequently convicted on February 8, 2001, after a jury
trial, of Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the First Degree
for killing the mother of his cousin's girlfriend and for attempting to kill the
girlfriend. Webb was sentenced to 65-Life by Justice Anne E. Feldman on March 8,
2001.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the imposition of the death penalty in
seven other First Degree Murder cases. In three cases, the defendants pleaded
guilty; one was sentenced to life without parole, another sentenced to 50 years
to life and the third is awaiting sentence. In two other cases, the defendants
were convicted of Murder in the First Degree and sentenced to life without
parole following a waiver of their appeal prior to commencement of the penalty
phase of trial, while
another defendant was convicted of Murder in the Second
Degree and other charges and was sentenced to sixty-five years to life. In the
seventh case, the defendant, Darrell Harris, was sentenced to death. Harris was
later resentenced to life without parole following his direct appeal to the
Court of Appeals. The District Attorney has sought the punishment of Life
without Parole in seventy-four other cases; in two cases, defendants pled guilty
and accepted a sentence of life without parole prior to the time in which the
District Attorney was required to make his decision.
The capital punishment law gives prosecutors 120 days from the
arraignment of a defendant on an indictment charging Murder in the First Degree
to determine whether to seek a sentence of death, life without parole or a
lesser penalty of 20 to 25 years to life in prison.
Smith was arraigned on September 12, 2002, and the 120 day period was to
have originally elapsed on January 12, 2003. Upon request by defense counsel,
and with the consent of the Court after a finding of good cause, the 120 day
period was extended until July 28, 2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision included the following
components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the available facts and
evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and mitigating factors provided
by the District Attorney's Office and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review
of the defendant's background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision followed a review of the case
by a Committee he has established of executives, supervisors and experienced
trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this statute to assess the
appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this
procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First Degree Murder charge
in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of Kings County to uphold
the law in a fair-minded and responsible way," District Attorney Hynes
said.
Smith is accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree
(two counts) and Murder in the Second Degree (two counts.
The indictment charges that Smith, on June 24, 2002, intentionally caused
the death of Francis by strangling her. After killing Francis, Smith then
drowned Francis’ six year old son Michael Stultz in the apartment’s bathtub.
The incident took place in the early evening hours of June 24, 2002, inside the
couple’s apartment at 45 Hawthorne Street in the Crown Heights section of
Brooklyn.
Smith is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings
County. The case is assigned to the Honorable Priscilla Hall of the Supreme
Court, Kings County, and the next court date is August 18, 2003.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant Mark Hale of the
Homicide Bureau and Deputy Bureau Chief Roger McCready of the Domestic Violence
Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
035
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES SUPERSEDING INDICTMENT
AGAINST JUDGE GERALD P. GARSON
INDICTMENT UPGRADES
CHARGES AGAINST GARSON TO BRIBERY
Brooklyn, August 6, 2003 –
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced a
superseding indictment against Judge Gerald P. Garson to include bribery
charges. Previously, Garson was
facing a top charge of Receiving Reward for Official Misconduct in the Second
Degree. However, following
additional investigation, the decision was made to upgrade the charges to Bribe
Receiving in the Third Degree, a D felony.
In addition, the superseding indictment will include two new counts of
Official Misconduct and an additional count of misconduct that replaces the
original count of misconduct. Upon
conviction, Garson faces 2 1/3 – 7 years in prison.
The new indictment alleges that Garson understood that in exchange for
attorney, Paul Siminovsky conferring on him numerous gifts, Garson would give
Siminovsky favorable treatment, which included among other things, extraordinary
access to the judge’s robing room, indulgences on Siminovsky’s cases and
various instances of ex parte advice, as well as preferential assignment of law
guardianships to Siminovsky. Siminovsky
received far more law guardian assignments than anyone else, earning tens of
thousands of dollars for these extra cases.
The indictment further alleges that the investigation shows that this was
a consistent pattern of behavior on Garson’s part.
Garson was arrested on April 24, 2003, for accepting money and gifts in
exchange for giving preferential treatment and ex parte advice.
He was secretly caught in the act as investigators from the Kings County
District Attorney’s Office conducted audio and videotape surveillance of
Garson and attorney Paul Siminovsky, who was also arrested. This eight month probe was initiated last Fall when a woman
involved in a custody case called the District Attorney’s Office’s Citizens
Action Bureau at (718) 250-2340. Besides
Garson and Siminovsky, six other people were arrested in this scheme.
The investigation found that there was corruption in Garson’s court,
and led to a larger investigation into corruption in the Brooklyn courts and how
Brooklyn judges are selected. That
investigation continues.
Copies of the indictment are available.
036
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2003
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES PRESENTS “GRANDPARENTS RAISING
GRANDCHILDREN”
A
FORUM ON THE PROBLEMS OF GRANDPARENTS AS PRIMARY CAREGIVERS FOR THEIR
GRANDCHILDREN
WHO:
KCDA’S OFFICE, TRUANCY BUREAU, TRACK
PROGRAM; THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT FOR THE AGING, GRANDPARENT RESOURCE CENTER
AND THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF RETIRED PERSONS (AARP).
WHAT:
THE NYC DEPARTMENT FOR THE AGING AND AARP WILL ADDRESS THE DIFFICULTIES
GRANDPARENTS ENCOUNTER AS PRIMARY CAREGIVER FOR THEIR GRANDCHILDREN.
KEYNOTE
SPEAKER GERALD WALLACE, ESQ., DIR. OF GRANDPARENT CAREGIVER
LAW CENTER, THE BROOKDALE CENTER ON AGING, HUNTER COLLEGE INSTITUTE ON LAW AND RIGHTS OF OLDER ADULTS WILL ADDRESS PENDING LEGISLATION EXTENDING GRANDPARENTS’ RIGHTS IN CUSTODY HEARINGS, AUTHORIZING GRANDPARENTS’ REVIEW OF SCHOOL RECORDS AND ENABLING
GRANDPARENTS TO GIVE CONSENT FOR MEDICAL CARE AND TO ENROLL THEIR GRANDCHILDREN IN
SCHOOL.
WHERE:
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
350 JAY STREET – RENAISSANCE PLAZA
ROBERT KAYE TRAINING ROOM, 19TH FLOOR
BROOKLYN, NEW YORK 11201
WHEN:
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2003, 10:30 AM
CONTACT:
SANDY SILVERSTEIN
(718) 250-2300
037
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES INDICTMENTS OF KINGS
COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COUNTY COMMITTEE LEADER CLARENCE NORMAN
IN TWO
INDICTMENTS AGAINST NORMAN, HE FACES A TOP CHARGE OF GRAND LARCENY IN THE THIRD
DEGREE. IN A THIRD INDICTMENT, THE
TOP CHARGE IS FALSIFYING BUSINESS RECORDS IN THE FIRST DEGREE
Brooklyn,
October 10, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today
announced the indictments of Kings County Democratic County Committee Chairman
Clarence Norman. As part of an
investigation into political corruption sparked by the bribery indictment of
Supreme Court Judge Gerald P. Garson, it was found.that Norman misappropriated
funds. He is accused of stealing
$5,000 from his re-election committee and stealing more than $5,000 from the
State by submitting 76 fraudulent vouchers for reimbursement of travel expenses.
Clarence Norman is accused of double-billing the State Assembly for
expenses which had already been paid by the Kings County Democratic County
Committee (KCDCC). He submitted vouchers for reimbursement to the State Assembly
for gasoline and other car-related expenses when they were already paid for by
the committee. Thus, he received
payments from two sources for a single expense.
A comparison of Assembly records and American Express (he was given an
American Express card by KCDCC for committee-related expenses) records prove
this fact.
The proposed charges are one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree
to cover the over $5,000 that Norman received from the State as reimbursement
for car related expenses that were not actually incurred and seventy six (76)
counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree – one
count for each voucher submitted to the Assembly for reimbursement of car
related expenses. The period in
question is 1999 through 2002.
Grand Larceny in the Third Degree is the top count, a D felony,
punishable by 2 and a 1/3 to 7 years imprisonment.
Offering a False Instrument for Filing is an E felony, punishable by 1 to
3 years imprisonment.
In another incident, Norman is accused of stealing a $5,000 contribution
from his re-election committee and putting it to his personal use. On
October 30, 2001, the Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club wrote a $5,000 check to
the Committee to Re-elect Clarence Norman
at
the direction of Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. The Thurgood Marshall Democratic Club indicated on the check
that the $5,000 was a “Contribution” to the Committee to Re-elect Assembly
Clarence Norman JR., and also reported it as a “Contribution” to the New
York City Board of Elections, as they were required to do by the provisions of
the Election Law.
The next day, October 31, 2001, that $5,000 check was signed “Clarence
Norman” and deposited into the personal checking account of Assemblyman
Clarence Norman Jr. Clarence
Norman, Jr. did not repay the Committee to Re-elect Assemblyman Clarence Norman
Jr. from this account or any of the other bank accounts maintained by Clarence
Norman, Jr., the $5,000 contribution to the committee.
For this incident, Norman is being charged with Grand Larceny in the
Third Degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, and
Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree as well as election law
violations including Failure to Account to a Treasurer the Receipt of Campaign
Contributions, Failing to Report a Campaign Contribution and Using Campaign
Funds for Personal Use.
During the
Spring of 2000, Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. solicited the Executive Director
of the New York State Association of Service Stations and Repair Shops, Ralph
Bombadiere, to pay expenses incurred by the Assemblyman in his Primary race to
secure the Democratic nomination for his assembly seat.
Clarence Norman, Jr. forwarded bills for printing and other expenses to
Mr. Bombadiere for payment. Bombadiere
paid primary expenses for the Assemblyman in excess of The Election Law limits
and amounting to over $7,000 between July and September 2000, in violation of
the Election Law.
Again in 2002, Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. solicited Bombadiere to
pay primary expenses amounting to over $5,000.
Bombadiere did pay bills amounting to $2,700 on behalf of Assemblyman
Clarence Norman, Jr.
Assemblyman Clarence Norman Jr. did not report this
payment to the treasurer of the Committee to Re-elect Assembly Clarence Norman,
Jr. nor did he report this payment to the New York State Board of Elections in
violation of New York State’s Election Law.
For
this particular case, Clarence
Norman Jr. is charged with the following crimes:
For
the year 2000 -
Offering
a False Instrument for filing in the first degree- [NYS Board of Elections],
Falsifying Business Records in the first degree (2 counts) [ NYS Board of
Elections and Committee to re-elect Clarence Norman Jr.], and Soliciting a
contribution in excess of contribution limitations.
For
the year 2002 -
Offering
a False Instrument for filing in the first degree [NYS Board of Elections],
Falsifying Business Records in the first degree (2 counts) [NYS Board of
Elections and Committee to re-elect Clarence Norman Jr.], Failure to Account to
a Treasurer the Receipt of Campaign Contributions and Failing to Report a
Campaign Contribution
038
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY
CHARLES J. HYNES AND POLICE COMMISSIONER RAYMOND W. KELLY ANNOUNCE INDICTMENT IN
“MURDER FOR HIRE” PLOT TO KILL FIVE WITNESSES ON PENDING CASES
DEFENDANT
MAKES ARRANGEMENTS FROM INSIDE RIKERS ISLAND WITH UNDERCOVER OFFICER
Brooklyn, October 23, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes and NYPD Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly
today announced the indictment of John Hillard, 33, on charges of five counts of
Conspiracy in the Second Degree (to commit Murder in the First Degree), five
counts of Conspiracy in the Second Degree (to commit Murder in the Second
Degree), and five counts of Solicitation in the Second Degree.
The Conspiracy counts are class B felonies and carry a maximum jail
sentence of 81/3 to 25 years.
The objective of the Conspiracy, which was foiled by
a combined effort between the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the
New York Police Department, was to murder five witnesses on pending cases in an
effort by Hillard to avoid prosecution. He
had been arrested on robbery and assault charges last month for attempting to
rob a victim. When the victim
refused to give him his money, Hillard shot him in the leg, and then, took his
money and jewelry. Hillard was also
arrested last month on another gunpoint robbery of an aunt and nephew.
He was incarcerated on $50,000 bail. While incarcerated on Riker’s
Island for these pending cases, Hillard had conversations with an undercover
officer, posing as a hitman, and requested the murder of witnesses offering
money for the undercover’s services. Hillard
provided the undercover with the names and addresses of the witnesses as well as
contact information for a person who would pay the officer $1,000 for the
murders. These conversations took
place between September 20, 2003 – October 8, 2003.
Accordingly, the plot was foiled and on October 8,
2003, John Hillard was arrested. On October 10, 2003, Hillard was arraigned and
remanded. The defendant is
currently awaiting arraignment on the indictment.
Kings County
District Attorney Charles J. Hynes said, “I would like to commend the officers
from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office’s DA Squad and the New York
Police Department for foiling this scheme.
We try to do everything in our power to protect witnesses who are
instrumental in the prosecution of our cases.
Anyone who attempts to undermine the testimony of witnesses to a crime
faces the full force of the law.”
New York Police Department Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly said, “The New
York City Police Department Investigators and the Kings County District
Attorney’s Office joined together to end further violence by the defendant in
this case. They are to be
congratulated for their results. The
investigation demonstrates our commitment to the safety of the witnesses and
victims of crime who have cooperated with the criminal justice system.”
The
investigation was run by Detectives Thomas Farley and Patrick Sammon of the New
York City Police Department Kings County District Attorney’s Office Squad.
Deputy Bureau Chief Patricia M. McNeill, of the District Attorney's
Rackets Division, and Assistant District Attorney Christiane Hoffman are heading
the investigation and prosecution. Michael Vecchione is Chief of the Rackets Division.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
039
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT OF FOUR
INDIVIDUALS IN
“OPERATION CAR WASH”
AUTO DEALERS TRADE CARS FOR DRUGS IN MONEY
LAUNDERING SCHEME
ONE DEFENDANT STILL UNAPPREHENDED
DA SEEKS HELP OF PUBLIC
Brooklyn,
November 6, 2003 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the
indictment of four individuals who used auto dealerships to launder drug money.
They are charged with turning illegally gained money from drug sales into
cars.
"Operation: Car Wash" exposed money laundering and
cars-for-narcotics operations working under the guise of legitimate businesses.
Employees at two auto dealerships would accept money from drug dealers to
purchase cars in their lots, such as Mercedes and BMWs, that they knew were
monies made from drug transactions. In
order to make these purchases seem legitimate, the defendants who worked at
these dealerships would fill out paper work with the Department of Motor
Vehicles that showed that they sold the cars for less money than they actually
received.
Defendant Waleed Kharalah, 42, is the president of
Steel Wheels Auto Sales, Inc., located at 413 92nd Street in
Brooklyn. As part of the investigation into Operation Car Wash, an undercover
officer posing as a drug dealer, inquired about the “cleaning” of drug money
through the purchase of high end used cars. Kharalah allegedly agreed to launder
more than $100,000 by falsifying documents relating to the sale of BMWs and
other flashy vehicles.
Gerard Eid, 42, and Steve Giannakouros, 35, are the
owners of GS Auto Group, Inc., a licensed used-vehicle dealership located at
9104 5th Avenue in Brooklyn. The
second part of the “Operation Car Wash” investigation had an undercover
officer posing as a drug trafficker, inquiring about the cost of two Mercedes
Benz and two BMWs for his narcotics enterprise.
Giannakouros
and his associate, Brandon Pollock, 28, allegedly offered to trade the vehicles,
valued at more than $100,000, for kilos of cocaine. In order to avoid paying the
full amount of sales tax on the transaction, Giannakouros and Eid filled out
documents understating the price of the vehicles.
The takedown took place when
a non-narcotic substance, packaged to look like five kilos of cocaine, was
delivered to Giannakouros as payment. The "sham" kilos were left in a
plastic bag in the trunk of a car for Preston Geritano, another of
Giannakouros's associates, to pick up. As police staked out the vehicle,
Geritano, 22, opened the trunk and removed the bag containing the phony drugs.
Geritano was arrested on the street seconds after taking possession of
the fake cocaine. Pollack, who was nearby in a blue Santa Fe four-by-four, fled.
After chasing Pollock for several blocks, authorities appeared to have him
surrounded and moved in to make the arrest. To escape, Pollock allegedly drove
directly at a District Attorney’s Detective Investigator standing in the
street, narrowly missing the detective. Pollock
managed to shake the Detectives during a 100 M.P.H. pursuit over the Verrazano
Bridge. Pollack is still
unapprehended, and the District Attorney’s Office encourages anyone with
information on his whereabouts to call 1-718-250-2025.
Giannakouros, Eid and Kharalah were arrested without incident at their
respective auto lots.
Between the two rogue dealerships, over half-a-million dollars of drug
profits would have been laundered in the proposed deals.
Law enforcement personnel also seized 37 vehicles from the two auto lots.
Kharalah has been indicted for Money Laundering in
the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Falsifying Business Records
in the First Degree and other fraud related and tax violation charges.
He faces 5-to-15 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
Giannakouros, Eid, Pollock and Geritano have been
indicted for Attempted Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the
First Degree, Conspiracy in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree,
Money Laundering in the Second Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the
First Degree and other fraud related and tax violation charges. If convicted,
each of those defendants faces a maximum of 25-years-to-life in prison on the
top count.
Pollock has also
been indicted for Attempted Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Reckless
Endangerment and related charges.
Contact: Sandy
Silverstein
718-250-2025
040
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING
DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
Brooklyn, November 17, 2003 . . . Kings County District
Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will seek a sentence of Death
in the prosecution of Arthur Kelly, indicted for First Degree Murder and other
charges for the killings of Joseph Pizzingrillo, Irene Pizzingrillo, and
Ferdinand Benevento on April 26, 2003.
Kelly, 64, formerly of 1504
Avenue V, Brooklyn, was charged in a seventeen-count indictment with the
intentional murders of Joseph Pizzingrillo, 23, his mother, Irene Pizzingrillo,
42, and Ferdinand Benevento, 19, in front of 1504 Avenue V, Brooklyn, on April
26, 2003.
"I have concluded, after
review and deliberation, that a sentence of Death is the appropriate punishment
to seek in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the ninth First Degree
Murder case of eighty-eight Murder 1° cases in which the death penalty was
available that District Attorney Hynes has decided to seek the sentence of Death
since the capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has
sought the imposition of the death penalty in eight other First Degree Murder
cases. In three cases, the defendants pleaded guilty: one was sentenced to life
without parole, another sentenced to 50 years to life and the third was
sentenced to 75 years to life. In two other cases, the defendants were convicted
of Murder 1° after a jury trial and sentenced to life without parole following
a waiver of their appeal prior to commencement of the penalty phase of trial,
while another defendant was convicted of Murder 2° and other charges after
trial and was sentenced to sixty-five years to life. In the seventh case, the
defendant, Darrell Harris, was sentenced to death. Harris was later resentenced
to life without parole following his direct appeal to the Court of Appeals. The
eighth case is presently awaiting trial.
The District Attorney has sought the punishment of Life
without Parole in seventy-seven other cases; in two cases, defendants pled
guilty and accepted a sentence of life without parole prior to the time in which
the District Attorney was required to make his decision.
The capital punishment law
gives prosecutors 120 days from the arraignment of a defendant on an indictment
charging Murder in the First Degree to determine whether to seek a sentence of
death, life without parole or a lesser penalty of 20 to 25 years to life in
prison.
Kelly was arraigned on July
16, 2003, and the 120 day period was to have elapsed on November 17, 2003.
District Attorney Hynes said
his decision included the following components: a comprehensive and objective
analysis of the available facts and evidence; a thorough review of the
aggravating and mitigating factors provided by the District Attorney's Office
and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review of the defendant's background.
District Attorney Hynes said
his decision followed a review of the case by a Committee he has established of
executives, supervisors and experienced trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required
by this statute to assess the appropriateness of the death penalty on a
case-by-case basis. Therefore, this procedure will be followed in all cases
involving a First Degree Murder charge in order to carry out my obligation to
the citizens of Kings County to uphold the law in a fair-minded and responsible
way," District Attorney Hynes said.
Kelly is accused of the
following charges: Murder in the First Degree (four counts), Murder in the
Second Degree (six counts), Attempted Murder in the First Degree (two counts),
Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, Assault in the First Degree (two counts),
Criminal Possession in the Second Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in
the Third Degree.
The indictment charges
that Kelly, on April 26, 2003, intentionally caused the deaths of Joseph
Pizzingrillo and Ferdinand Benevento by shooting them to death; both men died
immediately from their wounds and injuries. Irene Pizzingrillo was also
critically wounded in the attack; she subsequently died from her wounds and
injuries on May 20, 2003. The incident took place in the late-morning of April
26, 2003, in front of an apartment building located at 1504 Avenue V in the
Sheepshead Bay section of Brooklyn.
Kelly is being held
without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings County. The case is
assigned to the Honorable Anne Feldman of the Supreme Court, Kings County, and
the next court date is November 14, 2003.
The case is being
prosecuted by Senior Trial Assistant Douglas Appel of the Homicide Bureau.
A
copy of the indictment is available.
Contact: Jerry Schmetterer
718-250-2300
041
KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES INDICTMENT AGAINST
CLARENCE NORMAN AND JEFFREY FELDMAN FOR COERCION BY EXTORTION
TWO JUDGES TESTIFIED THAT THEY WERE FORCED
TO PAY MONEY OR THEY WOULD BE “DUMPED” BY THE PARTY
Brooklyn, November 18, 2003 -- Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the indictment of
Kings County Democratic County Committee (KCDCC) Chairman Clarence Norman and
Jeffrey Feldman, Executive Director of the KCDCC, for coercion by extortion of
two candidates for county-wide Civil Court judgeships in 2002.
They are being charged with multiple counts of extortion, Grand Larceny,
Attempted Grand Larceny and Conspiracy.
In May 2002, district leaders of the Kings County Democratic party met at
the Park Plaza Restaurant (with Norman and Feldman present) and voted
endorsements for the three county-wide judicial seats for the Civil Court of the
City of New York subject to election in 2002.
The district leaders endorsed the re-election of Civil Court Judges
Margaret Cammer and Karen Yellen, and the candidacy of Housing Court Judge
Marcia Sikowitz. Soon after, Judge Cammer decided to withdraw from the race,
and she was replaced as endorsee by Robin Garson.
The indictment charges that in the summer of 2002, there were at least
three meetings in which the candidates, along with some of their supporters and
consultants, met with Norman and Feldman at their KCDCC offices to discuss their
campaigns. Norman and Feldman set
forth a proposal for a joint campaign for the three candidates.
An ambitious program of newspaper ads, mailings, lit. drops, palm cards,
and TV ads were discussed, with an estimated price tag of $100,000 to $150,000
per campaign. Most of the
negotiation was between Norman and Feldman on one hand and Yellen’s
consultants from The Advance Group on the other.
Ultimately, the KCDCC made a non-negotiable demand of three joint
mailings via Branford Communications.
Although
the Advance Group felt it could
find a cheaper alternative to Branford, the Yellen campaign agreed to the
proposal after Norman allegedly stated that any candidate that did not agree to
the Branford mailings would be “dumped” or functionally disendorsed and
otherwise not supported by his Party. The
candidates testified that they felt that the Party’s endorsement was very
valuable as they had access to a ready workforce, they could provide legal
assistance, and they could use the club’s workforce to distribute literature
and palm cards on Primary Day, which was all crucial to their campaigns.
The agreement by the Yellen campaign to the joint mailings via Branford,
upon pain of being “dumped” by the Party, gives rise to the first set of
charges against Norman and Feldman: Attempted Grand Larceny in the Second Degree
(attempt to extort more than $50,000) and Attempted Grand Larceny in the Fourth
Degree (attempt to steal by extortion).
Of the three joint mailings agreed to, only one actually took place.
That was in August 2002. The plan for the two additional joint mailings
fell apart because Robin Garson successfully challenged the ballot petitions of
her opponent (and thus, was assured the nomination for one of the three seats),
and Sikowitz simply ran out of money. The
Yellen campaign paid Branford approximately $7,600 for the one mailing.
This payment, resulting from the agreement coerced by Norman and Feldman,
is the basis for the second set of charges against Norman and Feldman:
Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (extortion of more than $3,000), Grand
Larceny in the Fourth Degree (larceny by extortion), and Coercion in the Second
Degree (a misdemeanor coerced under threat of harm to business, calling, career,
etc.).
The second part of this case concerns Norman and Feldman’s demands that
Yellen and Sikowitz fund street operations in central Brooklyn (Norman’s
assembly district and adjacent ones), budgeted for $16,000.
This expense did not make sense to either Yellen or Sikowitz, who
preferred to focus the use of their limited resources in other parts of
Brooklyn. But here, Sikowitz said
she felt bullied. Norman allegedly threatened that the Party would not do
anything on Primary Day for the candidate who did not agree. Sikowitz agreed, but ultimately never actually paid the money
because she simply did not have it. The
Yellen campaign, however, after stalling, paid $9,000 in a check payable to
William Boone (a political operative of Clarence Norman Jr.), after Feldman
reiterated the demand and threat in early September, on the eve of the Primary.
The “central Brooklyn” proposal is the basis for the third and fourth
set of charges against Norman and Feldman: as to the Yellen campaign, Grand
Larceny in the Third Degree, Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, and Coercion in
the Second Degree; and as to the Sikowitz campaign, Attempted Grand Larceny in
the Third Degree, Attempted Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, and Attempted
Coercion in the Second Degree.
Sikowitz and Yellen lost the Primary on September 10, 2002, to their
opponents, Civil Court Judge Margarita Lopez Torres and Housing Court Judge
Delores Thomas.
Crimes:
Attempted
Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a class D felony, punishable by 2 1/3 – 7
years’ imprisonment.
Grand
Larceny in the Third Degree (two counts), a class D felony, punishable by 2 1/3
– 7 years’ imprisonment.
Attempted
Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class E felony, punishable by 1 1/3 – 4
years’ imprisonment.
Grand
Larceny in the Fourth Degree (two counts), a class E felony, punishable by 1 1/3
– 4 years’ imprisonment.
Attempted
Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (two counts), a class A misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year in jail.
Coercion
in the Second Degree (two counts), a class A misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year
in jail.
Attempted
Coercion in the Second Degree, a
class B misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days in jail.
In addition, conspiracies were charged for each “substantive” crime
charged above. The conspiracy
counts are:
Conspiracy
in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony, punishable by 1 1/3 – 4 years’
imprisonment.
Conspiracy
in the Fifth Degree (seven counts), a class A misdemeanor, punishable by 1 year
in jail.
Conspiracy
in the Sixth Degree (three counts), a class B misdemeanor, punishable by 90 days
in jail.
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
042
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING DEATH
PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE
Brooklyn, November 25, 2003 -- Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes
announced today that he will seek a sentence of life without parole in the
prosecution of Edward Pinkney, who was indicted for First Degree Murder and
other charges relating to the death of Kawame Buckner on April 3, 2003, in the
Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
Pinkney, 26, formerly of 148-20 11th Avenue, Queens, is
charged in a sixteen-count indictment with the intentional murder of Kawame
Buckner, 23, during an attempted robbery on April 3, 2003, inside of the PJ
Split Ends barbershop at 379 Bushwick Avenue. Pinkney is also charged with
attempted murder in the second degree, assault, attempted robbery, and criminal
possession of weapon charges related to the same incident.
"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that the sentence
of life without parole for the defendant is the appropriate punishment to seek
in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.
This is the seventy-eighth First Degree Murder case in which District
Attorney Hynes has decided to seek sentences of life without parole since the
capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995. In total, the Office
has filed ninety-six First Degree Murder indictments since September of 1995.
District Attorney Hynes has sought the imposition of the death penalty in
nine First Degree Murder cases. In three cases, the defendants pled guilty: one
defendant was sentenced to life without parole, another sentenced to 50 years to
life and the third was sentenced to 75 years to life. In two other cases, the
defendants were convicted of Murder 1° following jury trials and were sentenced
to Life Without Parole after a waiver of their appeal; another defendant was
convicted of Murder 2° and other charges after a jury trial and was sentenced
to 65 years to life. In the seventh case, the defendant, Darrell Harris, was
sentenced to death, but his sentence was remanded after appeal, and he was
resentenced to life without parole. Two defendants against whom death notices
were filed are currently awaiting trial.
In three other cases, defendants pled guilty to First Degree Murder and
were sentenced to Life Without the Possibility of Parole prior to the decision
on whether to seek the imposition of the death penalty was made by the District
Attorney. Five defendants are presently awaiting decision on sentence by the
District Attorney.
The capital punishment law gives prosecutors 120 days from the
arraignment of a defendant on an indictment charging Murder in the First Degree
to determine whether to seek a sentence of death or Life Without Parole. Pinkney
was arraigned on July 28, 2003; the 120-day period was to elapse on November 25,
2003.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision included the following
components: a comprehensive and objective analysis of the available facts and
evidence; a thorough review of the aggravating and mitigating factors provided
by the District Attorney's Office and defense counsel; and an exhaustive review
of the defendant’s background.
District Attorney Hynes said his decision followed a review of the case
by a Committee he has established of executives, supervisors and experienced
trial attorneys.
"I believe I am required by this statute to assess the
appropriateness of the death penalty on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, this
procedure will be followed in all cases involving a First Degree Murder charge
in order to carry out my obligation to the citizens of Kings County to uphold
the law in a fair-minded and responsible way," District Attorney Hynes
said.
Pinkney is accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree;
Murder in the Second Degree (three counts); Attempted Murder in the Second
Degree; Assault in the First Degree (three counts); Attempted Robbery in the
First Degree (four counts) Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree (two counts);
Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree; and Criminal Possession of
a Weapon in the Third Degree.
The indictment charges that on April 3, 2003, Pinkney, attempted to rob
Kawame Buckner and other persons inside of a barber shop. During the attempted
robbery, Pinkney intentionally caused Kawame Buckner’s death by shooting him;
Buckner died as a result of his wounds and injuries. During the robbery attempt,
Pinkney also shot a second person, causing serious physical injuries to that
victim. The incident took place inside of PJ Split Ends barbershop on April 3,
2003, located at 379 Bushwick Avenue, in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn.
Pinkney is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court,
Kings County. The case is assigned to the Honorable Justice Cheryl Chambers of
the Supreme Court; the next court date is January 11, 2004.
The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Anna-Sigga
Nicolazzi of the Homicide Bureau.
A copy of the indictment is available.
043
KINGS
COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES PRISONER RE-ENTRY CONFERENCE
SENATOR EDWARD M. KENNEDY TO BE KEYNOTE
SPEAKER
DISTRICT
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE’S COMALERT PROGRAM CO-SPONSORS CONFERENCE EXPLORING
PRISONER REENTRY INITIATIVES WITH NEW YORK CITY COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE OPEN
SOCIETY INSTITUTE
Brooklyn, December 1, 2003 – Kings
County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced a conference which
will explore prisoner re-entry policies. His
office’s ComALERT (Community and Law Enforcement Resources Together) Program
is co-sponsoring the “Prisoner Rentry Conference: A New Deal for Justice”
conference with the New York City College of Technology and The Open Society
Institute. This conference will
explore ways to help formerly incarcerated people re-enter society and adjust to
life post-release.
The conference is designed to propel prisoner re-entry ideas and
investigate new approaches to reinvesting in the economic and civic life of
Brooklyn neighborhoods with high incarceration rates.
Fred Beaufait, President of the New York City College of Technology will
be the first speaker, welcoming everyone in attendance.
Panelists scheduled to attend include international/national reentry
specialists and civic leaders including Rep. Ed Towns and NYC Human Rights
Commissioner Patricia Gatling. Senator
Edward M. Kennedy and Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes will be
the keynote speakers. Myrlie
Evers-Williams, widow of Medgar Evers and Chairman Emeritus of the NAACP
National Board of Directors, will deliver the closing address by video.
There will be four panels focusing on employment, health,
and housing models and the social and economic barriers that people exiting from
prison face upon returning home. The
conference will examine re-entry programs and policies and explore justice and
civic reinvestment initiatives in Brooklyn for the future.
There
are over 65,000 people in New York State prisons and over 14,000 in New York
City jails. Almost all of these
individuals will be released and return to their home communities in the future.
Research shows that over 40% of the parolees returning to Brooklyn every
year are back in prison within three years, either because of an arrest on a new
crime or for a technical parole violation.
This recidivist cycle has devastating effects on individuals, their
families, their communities, and, of course, public safety.
This conference aims to rectify the problems of this destructive cycle
and provide new momentum toward a better future.
The Kings County District Attorney’s Office’s ComALERT public safety
program was created in 1999 by District Attorney Charles J. Hynes.
The program supports individuals on probation or parole as they re-enter
their Brooklyn communities. Hynes
was motivated to implement ComALERT by his philosophy that education,
intervention and rehabilitation are as important as traditional law enforcement
techniques. The District
Attorney’s Office refers participants to community-based organizations that
provide them with job training, job placement, education, housing, mental health
and substance abuse counseling. Collectively,
these organizations, and the services they provide, help individuals resist the
temptation to return to or continue in a life of crime.
ComALERT emphasizes preventing violence over enforcement, prosecution,
and incarceration alone.
WHO:
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes; Senator Edward M.
Kennedy; The Open Society Institute; NYC College of Technology
WHAT:
Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes co-sponsors Prisoner
re-entry conference, which will discuss ways for formerly incarcerated
individuals to adapt to crime-free living after imprisonment.
WHERE: New York City College of
Technology
Klitgord Auditorium
285 Jay Street
Brooklyn, NY
WHEN: Monday, December 1,
2003 from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact:
Sandy Silverstein
718-250-2300
Brooklyn
Prisoner Reentry Conference
A New Deal for Justice: Civic Reinvestment
Morning
Session
8:00am to 11:45
Registration,
Breakfast & Welcome
8:00- 9:00am
Fred Beaufait, President of
School of Professional Studies, New York City College of Technology
Criminal
Justice Mapping Presentation
Eric
Cadora, The Open Society Institute
Justice
Reinvestment Panel
Moderator:
Jeremy Travis, The
Urban Institute
Chauncey Parker, New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
Patricia Gatling,
New York City Human Rights Commissioner
Michael Jacobson,
John Jay College
Errol Louis, Pratt Institute for Community and Environmental Development
JoAnne Page, The Fortune
Society
Ed Towns, US
House of Representatives
Eddie Ellis, Riverside
Baptist Church
Keynote
Address
Lance Ogiste, Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Charles J. Hynes, Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Edward M. Kennedy, US Senate
A New
Deal for Justice
Susan
Tucker, The Open Society Institute
Dennis Maloney, The Community Justice Associates
Afternoon
Session
1:15 to 5pm
Employment
Panel
Moderator: Bruce Western, Princeton
University
Henry Buhl,
Association for Community Employment- Programs for the Homeless
Kevin Costin, Kings County
District Attorney’s Office ComALERT
Program
Robert Carmona, National STRIVE
George McDonald, The Doe Fund
Ann McDonough, The Osborne Association/South Forty
Randolph Peers, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce
Mindy Tarlow, Center for
Employment Opportunities
Health
and Housing Panel
Moderator:
Carol Shapiro, Family
Justice, Inc.
Richard Cho,
Corporation for Supportive Housing
Sudhir Venkatesh, Columbia University
Phillip Hogan, Housing Matters, Inc.
Divine Pryor, NuLeadership Policy Group
Anne Swern,
Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Heather Barr,
Urban Justice Center
Civic
Reinvestment Panel
Moderator:
Todd Clear, John
Jay College
Andrew Coyle, Centre for Prison Studies at King's
College London School of Law
Georgianna Glose, Fort Greene SNAP
Glenn Martin, The Legal Action Center
Christopher Uggen, University of Minnesota
John Feinblatt,
New York City Criminal Justice Coordinator
Shadd Maruna, Cambridge University
Closing
Address
4:45pm
Merle Evers-Williams, Chairman
Emeritus of the NAACP National Board of Directors (invited)
044
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