001 KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING DEATH PENALTY IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE       Brooklyn, January 15, 2004 . . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will seek a sentence of Death in the prosecution of Troy Hendrix and Kayson Pearson, indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges for the killing of Romana Moore along with the kidnapping and sexual assault of a second victim in late April of 2003.       Hendrix, 19, formerly of 5807 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn, and Pearson, 21, formerly of 1056 Ralph Avenue are charged in a twenty-five count indictment with the kidnapping and intentional murder of Romana Moore, 21, on or about April 26, 2003 in the basement of the Hendrix family home at 5807 Snyder Avenue, Brooklyn. A second victim, 15 years old, was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by both defendants at the same location on April 28, 2003 but was able to escape and alert authorities.        "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.       These are the tenth and eleventh First Degree Murder cases of ninety-one Murder in the First Degree 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 nine 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 re-sentenced to Life Imprisonment Without the Possibility of 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.       Hendrix and Pearson were arraigned on July 31, 2003. The 120-day period was extended on consent of all parties and was to have elapsed today.        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 defendants’ backgrounds.       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.       Hendrix and Pearson are accused of the following charges: Murder in the First Degree (five counts), Murder in the Second Degree (four counts), Kidnapping in the First Degree (three counts), Kidnapping in the Second Degree, Rape in the First Degree (4 counts), Rape in the Third Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree (four counts), Robbery in the First and Second Degrees, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.       The indictment charges that on or about April 26, 2003, Hendrix and Pearson kidnapped, sexually abused, and tortured Romana Moore before intentionally causing her death by beating her about the head, face and chest with a blunt object.  A second victim, whose name is being withheld, was sexually abused on April 28, 2003 by both defendants but was able to escape and alert the authorities on April 29, 2003. Both crimes were committed in the basement of the Hendrix family home located on Snyder Avenue in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn.             Hendrix is being held without bail, awaiting trial in Supreme Court, Kings County. Pearson is being held without bail in Yonkers, New York where he has been indicted for attempted assault of a Yonkers police officer and is awaiting trial in Supreme Court in both Yonkers and Kings County. The Brooklyn case is assigned to the Honorable Cheryl Chambers of the Supreme Court, Kings County, and the next court date is February 3, 2004.               The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Heide E. Mason, Counsel to the Sex Crimes/Special Victims Bureau.              A copy of the indictment is available.                Contact:   Jerry Schmetterer                          718-250-2300 002 KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES SENTENCING OF BIOLOGICAL GRANDFATHER FOR RAPING AND SODOMIZING 8-YEAR OLD GIRL  Brooklyn, February 3, 2004 --  Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the sentencing of Harold Brookins, 50, on charges of Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree for raping and sodomizing his 8-year old granddaughter.  He was sentenced yesterday before Supreme Court Justice Mark Partnow to 25 years for each count to run concurrently.              Brookins was convicted of raping and sodomizing his 8-year old biological granddaughter while the girl’s mother, Brookins’ daughter, was at work.  The 8-year old granddaughter reported these acts to her school guidance counselor who then alerted authorities.  Brookins was arrested on March 19, 2002 and subsequently was convicted after a jury found him guilty on November 6, 2003.  The girl and the school guidance counselor both testified at trial.              Yesterday, the mother appealed to the court and said, “I never foresaw her innocence being ripped away or her smile sealed.  These pains and memories taunt her even in her sleep and mommy can’t take it away.”  She further stated “I didn’t know I was opening my children’s bedroom door to the demon who lives beneath his skin.”               Senior Trial Assistant District Attorney Yvonne Pritchett of the Crimes Against Children Bureau prosecuted the case.   Contact:    Sandy Silverstein                    718-250-2300 003  KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES  ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEAS IN JUDICIAL CORRUPTION SCANDAL  RABBI EZRA ZIFRANI AND ESTHER WEITZNER ENTER GUILTY PLEAS TO CHARGES OF CONSPIRACY TO BRIBE JUDGE GERALD GARSON  Brooklyn, February 5, 2004 --  Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announces the guilty pleas of Rabbi Ezra Zifrani, 67, and his daughter, Esther Weitzner, 37, to the charge of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree for their roles in the judicial corruption conspiracy to bribe Judge Gerald Garson.  In a plea agreement reached with prosecutors, Zifrani and Weitzner will testify against co-conspirator Nissim Elmann to avoid a sentence of up to one year in prison.                Zifrani and Weitzner confessed today before Justice Steven Fisher in Supreme Court to delivering $5,000 to Nissim Elmann at his Brooklyn warehouse with the promise that Elmann would bribe Judge Garson.  The ultimate goal of their conspiracy was to influence Judge Garson in the hope that the Justice would render more favorable rulings in Weitzner’s child custody case.   Nissim Elmann, a businessman, is currently awaiting trial on four separate indictments involving allegations of manipulating the judicial process for personal gain by conspiring with numerous individuals to bribe Judge Gerald Garson.  Elmann, who is alleged to be at the very center of this judicial scandal, is also charged with bribing court staff to steer cases before Judge Garson.                  Detectives with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office exposed Weitzner, Zifrani and Elmann’s bribery scheme by intercepting numerous telephone conversations through the use of court-approved wiretaps and undercover surveillance.              As a result of the plea and cooperation agreement, in addition to testifying against Elmann, Zifrani and Weitzner will also perform 210 hours of community service and report to probation for three years.  The next court dates for Defendants Garson and Elmann is March 22nd.  Contact:   Sandy Silverstein                   718-250-2300 004  STATEMENT BY KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES REGARDING RICHARD NERI INCIDENT In the early morning hours of January 24, 2004, Police Officer Richard Neri and his partner, P.O. Jason Hallik, assigned to the Housing Bureau of the New York City Police Department, were conducting routine vertical patrol of the Louis Armstrong housing project in Brooklyn.  As the media reported, Police Officer Neri shot and killed Timothy Stansbury, age 17.              A Kings County Grand Jury commenced an investigation into the death of Timothy Stansbury on February 5, 2004.  The Grand Jury heard from witnesses who were with Timothy Stansbury, forensic witnesses, including the deputy medical examiner and from both Police Officers Neri and his partner.  Today, the Grand Jury concluded its inquiry.  The Grand Jury returned a No True Bill.  A No True Bill means that the Grand Jury did not find Police Officer Neri criminally responsible for the tragic death of Timothy Stansbury. 005 COMMUNITY RELATIONS PROJECT MANAGER IN THE KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE IS NOMINATED FOR HARRIET TUBMAN HUMANITARIAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD  TERI COAXUM RECOGNIZED FOR HER WORK WITH THE COMMUNITY, IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR THE RESIDENTS OF BROOKLYN              Brooklyn, March 12, 2004 --  Teri Coaxum, Project Manager in the Kings County District Attorney’s Community Relations department was nominated for the 2004 Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award for her role in working with the community.  She will be awarded at the third annual awards ceremony on March 13th in Albany.  The award recipients are being recognized for their tireless devotion in providing service to “the poor, the powerless, and the persecuted” of society.              The Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Awards Jubilee, Inc. recognize New York State women who embody the spirit of courageous abolitionist Harriet Tubman who led over 300 slaves north to freedom through the Underground Railroad.  To preserve the memory of Tubman, a bill was introduced to establish March 10th as an official state holiday in her honor.  The humanitarian awards provide an opportunity to show New Yorkers that the selfless and the compassionate are not inhibited in a society shrouded by evil and immorality.         Teri, 32, has been working for the District Attorney’s Office for six years where she works hard to empower Brooklyn through her commitment to community and human services.  In her position, she addresses the needs of many of the residents of Brooklyn by connecting them with innovative programs and services necessary to improve their quality of life. She successfully coordinates community agencies, organizations, churches and elected officials in major initiatives such as ComALERT (Community and Law Enforcement Resources Together) a district attorney program that assists probationers and parolees in getting jobs, training and education, piloted in Crown Heights and Bedford Stuyvesant under Teri's coordination.                  Teri often goes beyond the call of duty teaching seniors safety tips, co-mediating cases at Crown Heights Mediation Center, organizing community programs, planning and coordinating college and career fairs, cleaning blocks, facilitating community meetings and participating in panel discussions.   Under the guidance of District Attorney Charles J. Hynes, Teri created, organized, and planned Youth Speak Outs, a program designed to empower young people to choose positive alternatives to violence. She actively engaged in assisting in the training and development of a youth leadership team, a group of over one hundred young people, who facilitated and moderated the empowerment sessions throughout Brooklyn. During the speak outs, young people are encouraged to openly voice issues and concerns that are addressed by agencies present at the session, thus helping young people resolve problems and issues without resorting to depression and/or violence. The speak outs developed and shaped a community partnership that led to a successful Silence the Violence Youth Conference.                Teri also volunteers in community youth and senior activities such as feeding over 2000 seniors on Thanksgiving and Christmas, delivering boxes of food to needy families and serving hot meals to the homeless.  She is also a lifetime member of the NAACP and she serves on several committees including the John Jay College of Criminal Justice Alumni Association and the Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce.              District Attorney Hynes said, “Teri Coaxum, for years, has shown great sensitivity to our communities and we are very proud of the work she has done and will continue to do.”              Teri will be honored on Saturday, March 13th, 2004 at 11:00 AM at the Lewis A. Swyer Theatre located inside of Empire State Plaza in Albany, New York.  Contact:    Sandy Silverstein                         718-250-2300 006 KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEA IN FIRST DEGREE MURDER CASE    March 19, 2004 . . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that Albert Clarke, 41, has entered a plea of guilty to the intentional murders of a mother and daughter in the East New York section of Brooklyn. On October 26, 2003, Beverly Harrison, 43, and her daughter, Tove James, 11, were both found with their throats slit and multiple stab wounds inside of the apartment they had shared with the defendant at 450 Logan Street, Brooklyn. When sentenced on April 23, 2004, Clarke will be required to serve the remainder of his life in prison without the possibility of parole. Clarke has also waived all rights to appeal the conviction and sentence.          Clarke, 41, former roommate of Harrison, had been charged in a nine-count indictment with the intentional murders of Harrison and James, inside of the shared apartment at 450 Logan Street. In addition to fully admitting that he committed the murders, Clarke indicated in both written statements to police and during a videotaped interview conducted by assistant district attorneys at the time of his arrest on October 26, 2003, that he had killed Harrison following a dispute over an electric bill amounting to less than three dollars, and then killed James.        Clarke had been indicted for two counts of Murder in the First Degree, charging him with the intentional killing of the two victims during the same criminal transaction under Penal Law § 125.27(1)(a) (viii), two counts of Murder in the Second Degree for the intentional killing of both victims, two counts of Murder in the Second Degree for the depraved indifference killing of both victims, and three counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree for the knives used in the attacks.       Clarke entered guilty pleas today before the Honorable Justice Alan Marrus. He pled guilty to both counts of Murder 1° and the two counts of intentional Murder 2°. He has been promised a sentence of Life Without the Possibility of Parole on the counts of Murder 1°, and sentences of 25 years to Life on the Murder 2° counts. Each 25 year to Life sentence will be served consecutively to one another, totaling 50 years to Life concurrent to the Life Without Parole.                       Clarke's pleas were entered less than five days before the expiration of the statutory period within which the District Attorney could have filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty as punishment for these crimes, which would have expired on March 23, 2004.        District Attorney Hynes said, "I am satisfied that this disposition and waiver of appeal guarantees that Albert Clarke will spend the rest of his natural life in prison for these horrific and unspeakable crimes. The plea also provides swift and final justice, and eliminates any additional trauma for the surviving family members of the victims, who were consulted and have supported my decision in this case."                         The case was prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Kyle C. Reeves and Senior Trial Attorney Stephen J. Murphy of the Homicide Bureau.        A copy of the indictment is available.  Contact:    Sandy Silverstein                         718 – 250-2300 007 STATEMENT BY KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES IN RESPONSE TO BRENNAN CENTER LAWSUIT FILED IN EASTERN DISTRICT TO REFORM SUPREME COURT SELECTION SYSTEM IN NEW YORK STATE:  “The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law should be commended for challenging a process where party leadership determines who becomes a Supreme Court Justice through an ‘election’ system that is a sham.  Recent events in Kings County have resulted in a lack of public confidence in the court’s ability to dispense justice impartially and fairly.              My office has been conducting an ongoing investigation into judicial corruption and in preliminary findings, there is clear evidence why the Judicial District Convention method of electing State Supreme Court Justices should be eliminated.              Voters, irrespective of party affiliation, simply have no say in the choice for those nominated for the office of Justice of the State Supreme Court, and since the choice is made for them by political leaders, the voters are unjustly disenfranchised.              Any suggestion that the office of the State Supreme Court is an elective office where the citizen has an unfettered right to vote is an illusion.” 008   TOP CHARGE IN GARSON CASE UPHELD  VIDEOTAPE NOT SUPPRESSED            Supreme Court Justice Steven Fisher today upheld the most serious charge against Judge Gerald Garson, bribe receiving in the third degree, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.  Justice Fisher also upheld a misdemeanor count of official misconduct and a misdemeanor count of receiving unlawful gratuities.           In the same decision, handed down today in Brooklyn Supreme Court, Justice Fisher also denied Judge Garson’s motion to suppress eavesdropping and video surveillance evidence, which Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes intends to use in the prosecution of Judge Garson.           At the same time, Justice Fisher dismissed six felony counts of receiving reward for official misconduct in the second degree and two misdemeanor counts of official misconduct.           In his decision, Justice Fisher acknowledged that the issues regarding the counts of receiving reward for official misconduct “are not free from doubt” and present  “close questions of law.”           District Attorney Hynes said his office would appeal the ruling dismissing those counts.                  “It is our opinion that review of this issue by an appellate court is essential to clarify when a judge may be criminally prosecuted for accepting benefits for having violated his duty as a public servant, and it is our intention to appeal Justice Fisher’s order,“ said District Attorney Hynes.           Justice Fisher dismissed the counts of receiving reward for official misconduct in large part based on a 1979 decision of the Court of  Appeals in the case of People v. La Carrubba.  In that case, a judge was charged with the crime of official misconduct for dismissing a traffic case against a friend, but was not accused of accepting any benefits for doing so.           The charge of official misconduct in La Carrubba was based on a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Court of Appeals reversed the conviction, holding that the Code of Judicial Conduct could not be  used to define a crime.           In the case against Judge Garson,  the judge is charged with receiving benefits for having violated the Rules of Judicial Conduct in two ways. First, he accepted a benefit for giving ex parte advice to a lawyer about a case on trial before him. Second, he received compensation for lending the prestige of his office to advance the private interests of that same lawyer by referring clients to him.           Judge Garson’s conduct is far more serious than the conduct at issue in La Carrubba, because Judge Garson, unlike the judge in La Carrubba, accepted benefits for his improper conduct. Moreover, unlike the judge in La Carrubba, Judge Garson had a duty under the New York State Constitution to comply with the Rules of Judicial Conduct, and by failing to do so, Judge Garson violated his duty as a public servant. Contact: Jerry Schmetterer               718-250-2300 009 KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES ANNOUNCES ARRESTS IN REAL ESTATE SCHEME TAKEDOWN OPERATION “DIRTY DEEDS” VICTIMS BILKED OUT OF OVER  $5 MILLION DOLLARS               Brooklyn, May 6, 2004 --  Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announced the arrests of five individuals for their roles in a multi-million dollar real estate scheme in which they first bilked victims out of their homes and then sold those homes to victims who believed they were buying legally owned property.  The double edge scheme came to light when a victim complained to DA Hynes’ Rackets Bureau.  The investigation which eventually led to more than 30 stolen homes was dubbed “Operation Dirty Deeds.”                The alleged ringleader Maria Leyna Albertina and her husband Raymond Albertina, who has a criminal record for a RICO drug trafficking conviction, were arrested last night on multiple counts of Grand Larceny.  Other individuals arrested in this major takedown were David Carter, Alex Saget, and Cheryl Nurse.    Maria Leyna Albertina is charged with multiple counts, including Grand Larceny in the first degree.  If convicted of the top charge, she faces up to 25 years in prison.  Raymond Albertina, David Carter, Alex Saget and Cheryl Nurse are charged with multiple counts including Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.  If convicted of the top charges, they each face up to 15 years in prison.              The defendants engaged in a variety of schemes over the course of three years in which they stole properties in New York City by forging the names of the true owners or heirs, and forging notary stamps and signatures.  Maria Leyna Albertina would then “flip” or sell these stolen properties to unsuspecting buyers.  The defendants made it seem more convincing by producing numerous forged documents to bring to closings.  They would even employ imposters to appear and pose as the actual owners or heirs.                Albertina targeted homes that appeared on the pending foreclosure list issued  by JER Revenue Services, the corporation that services the real estate tax liens for New York City.  She chose homes that were close to being auctioned by the city as they presented the lowest probability that the actual owners would discover the fraud.  The homeowners had no idea that their homes were being stolen from them.                It is difficult to estimate the amount of loss to the victims in deed fraud cases because every subsequent sale based upon the forged deed is null and void.  Someone such as Albertina sells the stolen house to an unsuspecting buyer.  Then, that buyer could sell it a week later for much more to a renovator who may make improvements and sell it again.  Hence, a buyer months or years down the line would pay a lot more money for a home that he/she does not even own.  The sheer volume of homes in this case seriously compromises the integrity of real estate transactions in Kings County and the entire New York City market.  The presence of many forged deeds undermines public trust in the real estate industry and increases the insurance and mortgage costs that legitimate homeowners pay every day.               District Attorney Hynes said, “It is incredible that these individuals were able to operate this scheme for as long as they did.  This greed not only impacts the victims who spent their hard-earned savings to buy new homes or the homeowners who lost their homes, but it also affects the entire state.  It costs the taxpayers and the insurance companies, and it will make future home purchases even more expensive.  Individuals who attempt these crimes will learn that these fraudulent schemes will not go undetected.”                In total, Albertina stole over $5 million from unsuspecting buyers, including over one million from a single individual.  Those figures are just a fraction of the price that her crimes will cost the people of the State of New York.  For instance, title insurance companies will absorb tens of millions of dollars in claims, the costs of which will be passed on to future homebuyers.                Financial investigators discovered that Albertina used the proceeds to build a multi-million dollar dream home, bought a boat, made improvements to their upstate farm, bought a tractor, an ATV, personal vehicles, and tens of thousands of dollars in retail purchases from stores such as Luis Vuitton and Coach.  During the periods of the larcenies, the Albertinas did not hold regular jobs and neither has filed personal nor corporate income tax since 1999.  Much of the proceeds of the illicit activities have been seized by the Kings County District Attorney’s Office including the boat.              The case is being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Attorney Peter L. Zanolin of the Rackets Division.  He headed a team that included Supervising Financial Investigators Vincent Verlezza and Neil Gillon, and Detective Investigators Robert Intartaglio and Dave Reilly.   Michael F. Vecchione is Chief of the Rackets Bureau.    Contact:   Sandy Silverstein                   718-250-2300 010 KINGS COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY CHARLES J. HYNES HONORS OUTSTANDING LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FOR THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS  HONOREES RISK THEIR LIVES BY SAVING OTHERS’  LIVES, DODGING BULLETS AND MAKING DARING  RESCUES IN BURNING INFERNOS  Brooklyn, May 10, 2004 – Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes today announces the recipients of this year’s Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards.  He honors 22 outstanding law enforcement officers from the New York City Police Department, the New York City Fire Department, New York State Supreme Court, Kings County District Attorney’s Office and the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association.  They will be awarded at a special breakfast ceremony on May 10 at 8:30 AM at the Brooklyn Marriott Hotel located at 333 Adams Street in Brooklyn.  Juliet Papa from 1010 Wins will be the emcee of this year’s event.               “This marks the 14th annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards where we recognize the outstanding accomplishments and dedication to these law enforcement officers who make the rest of our lives safer.  Many of them risk their lives to help others, whether it’s engaging in gun battles, entering burning buildings or dealing with dangerous criminals.  This is just everyday life for these officers who demonstrate courage, valor and selflessness.  They also demonstrate an admirable work ethic and dedication to their jobs.  These award recipients are the top officers in their line of work and they set a standard for  all other law enforcement officers.  The work of many of these honorees is not at the end of their shift.  They contribute their time and effort to the community, helping those who are less fortunate.  These officers should be praised, and we are proud to have these brave men and women representing Brooklyn,” said District Attorney Hynes.                Among this year’s award recipients are:  New York State Supreme Court Sergeant Ray Butler – Sgt. Butler has been a Court Officer with the NYS Kings Supreme Court since 1983.  He was promoted to sergeant in 1991.  Ray has not only demonstated exemplary work in the courts, but he has contributed a lot of his time and energy to helping the community.  Every July for the past four years, Ray has sponsored a child from Northern Island through a group called the Irish Political Prisoners Children’s Holiday.  In addition, Ray and several other officers collect toys for needy children at Christmas time and distribute them to local charities.  Ray also helped a little 3-year old girl with an underdeveloped left leg when her walker was stolen.  He took it upon himself to get her a new walker and lots of toys that he collected at Christmas.  Lieutenant James Woods – Lt. Woods, from the Community Affairs Unit Patrol Borough Brooklyn South, a life-long Brooklyn resident, began a stellar police career in 1981.  Throughout his career, he has made many arrests and received numerous rewards for acts above and beyond the call of duty.  He has also trained many new officers, reflecting his superior leadership skills.  He was promoted to his current position in the 61st Precinct in 1994.  He became one of the city’s first Special Operations Lieutenants(SOL).  The SOL is responsible for supervising and coordinating the command’s specialized personnel.  In the course of his tenure as SOL of the 61st Precinct, the precinct saw the largest three-year drop in overall crime for the entire city.  Lt. Woods was known for his problem solving skills. He has made many important community contacts over the years which led to his appointment as Borough Community Affairs Commanding Officer.  In this role, he coordinated many events including the Memorail Mass and the West Indian Day Parade.  After the Sept. 11 tragedy, Lt. Woods took charge of special commemorative events in Brooklyn South such as the Spiritual Gathering at the Brooklyn Tabernacle and holiday parties for the victims’ families.  Police Officer Steven Weiss – Officer Weiss, currently assigned to the 67th Precinct Conditions Unit, effected a total of 127 arrests for the year of 2003, including five arrests for illegal firearms.  He has also effected several felony arrests for narcotics possession, several arrests involving stolen vehicles, and an off-duty robbery arrest in which the suspect was also wanted in New Jersey for Attempted Murder.  He was involved in uncovering a large CD/VHS/DVD counterfeiting ring in which five people were arrested and over 60,000 counterfeit tapes were confiscated along with over 100 pieces of equipment used to produce the counterfeit recordings.  Officer Weiss has also made numerous arrests for quality of life offenses, which directly improved the safety of the community.  Police Officers Michael Kelliher and Jose Ortiz – These two officers from the 69th Precinct made a courageous rescue on June 17, 2003, which demonstrated true heroism.  They responded to a radio call of a suicidal man jumping into the water at the Canarsie Pier.  He changed his mind about killing himself, but he was already drowning in the turbulent water.  Officer Ortiz held onto a pier railing with one hand and held Officer Kelliher’s leg with the other hand as Officer Kelliher hung down into the water to rescue the victim.  Officer Kelliher managed to grab the man’s hand and pull him to safety.  What made the rescue even more dangerous was that the officers were wearing their gun belts which would have weighed them down if they had fallen into the water.  They risked their own lives to save another man’s life.  Sergeant Robert O. Stapleton, Detective Edwin Cesario and Officer Nigel Paul – On November 19, 2003, these officers helped a female nurse who was being held hostage by a psychiatric patient at Long Island College Hospital.  Officer Paul heard the commotion and requested assistance.  The patient gained access to a pair of scissors and held them to the neck of the nurse.  Officer Paul quickly isolated the patient and Sgt. Stapleton and Det. Cesario began a dialogue with him, eventually persuading him to release the nurse and give up the scissors.  The patients then surrendered and nobody was injured.  These officers deserve to be commended for defusing this dangerous situation by placing the well being of the nurse and patient before their own.    Police Officer Anthony Ward – In a highly publicized incident on September 2, 2003, Officer Ward stopped an attempted rape in Prospect Park.  He observed an unattended bicycle on a path and instinctively investigated the scene.  He then observed a male named Bennie Hogan on top of a woman, severely beating her.  He called to the perpetrator to stop him, and the perpetrator fled.  Ward radioed for assistance and chased after Hogan.  He apprehended this violent man before assistance arrived.  He tackled the suspect and held him until more officers arrived at the scene.  The victim was severely beaten, her head was swollen, her jaw was broken, and she was temporarily blind in one eye.  The perpetrator also threatened to rape the woman. Hogan stopped a rape and quite possibly saved this woman’s life.    Bridge & Tunnel Officer Louis Sanseverino – Officer Sanseverino is a life-long Brooklyn resident who has distinguished himself early in his career by serving the people of Brooklyn at the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, ensuring their safety.  He has a keen eye in the ongoing fight against drunk drivers.  In 2003, he effected 19 DWI arrests.  Without Officer Sanseverino, there would be more drunk drivers on the road, making it dangerous for other vehicles and pedestrians.  We thank him for making our streets safer.  Lieutenant Bill Seidenstein – Lt. Seidenstein, from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office Squad, started his career with the NYC Police Department in 1966.  He was transferred to the Brooklyn D.A. Squad in 1969 and was promoted to Detective in 1971.  In 1972, he was promoted to Sergeant and served in the Public Morals Division of the Organized Control Bureau.  In 1974, he was transferred back to the Brooklyn D.A. Squad and in 1980, he was promoted to Lieutenant.  In 1989, Bill was promoted to Lieutenant Commander Detective Squad.  Bill also served in the U.S. Navy where he served as an Agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS).  He was assigned to force protection/counter-terrorism duties throughout the Middle East, Europe and Africa.  He retired from the Navy in 2001 as a Commander, the highest-ranking position in the Navy law enforcement community.  Bill served more than 30 years as a member of the DA Squad where he has been involved with countless investigations that have led to the arrest, conviction and incarceration of numerous defendants for serious criminal offenses.    Detectives Dino Anselmo, Brian Latimore and Edward Vasquez – These three Brooklyn detectives from the 75th Precinct risked their lives to save others in a burning building.  On September 23, 2003, the detectives were driving back to the precinct when they saw smoke coming from a three-story building.  Even though it is not their duty to respond to fires, they took it upon themselves to make sure that nobody was left in the building.  The stairs and hallways were filled with smoke.  But, the detectives put themselves in danger and went into the burning building, rescuing a four-year old girl and several adults.  After the rescue, the detectives finished their shifts.  These heroes were recognized by the Police Honor Legion for their courageous feat.    Supervising Detective Investigator Ted Sica – Ted, a life-long Brooklyn resident, joined the District Attorney’s investigative staff in 1998 after a stellar 28 year career with the NYPD.  During his career with the NYPD, Ted compiled 43 medals, including the police combat cross.  Upon joining the District Attorney’s staff, Ted’s experience was invaluable in mentoring many of the young investigators in the Trial Division.  Ted was eventually assigned to the Sex Crimes Bureau and the Crimes and Children Bureau due to his background in the area of Special Victims.  He received the highest accolades from both the investigative and legal staff and was directly responsible for some of the most highly sensitive cases.  Accordingly, Ted was promoted to the rank of Supervising Detective Investigator in July, 2001.  Ted also gives back to the community.  He teaches baseball to young kids.  Ted’s dedication to law enforcement and the community is an example to all.    Firefighters Keith Young and Richard Whalen – These two firefighters rescued an 80-year old woman who has poor vision and relies on the use of a walker, from an inferno in the Midwood section of Brooklyn on May 13th, 2003.  Firefighter Keith Young, blinded by the black smoke in the apartment building, crawled inside and found the woman lying unconscious in her living room.  He was joined by Firefighter Richard Whalen.  They both then proceeded to carry the woman down two flights of stairs to safety.  Keith and Richard demonstrated great valor in saving another person’s life.  Police Officers Peter Garrido and Daniel Perez – On May 22nd, 2003, while patrolling a robbery-prone location, the officers from the 77th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Unit noticed a suspicious man following people in and out of commercial and residential establishments.  They approached the perpetrator and identified themselves, at which time the perpetrator reached into his waistband.  Officer Garrido began wrestling with him for possession of the firearm while Officer Perez attempted to restrain the perpetrator.  In the process, Officer Perez suffered a broken hand.  Officer Garrido successful disarmed the perpetrator, but he shot Officer Garrido twice with a second firearm.  Officer Garrido still managed to discharge several shots with the perpetrator’s original gun, hitting the perpetrator several times.  Officer Perez moved his injured partner to a secure location, then pursued and apprehended the fleeing perpetrator.  The heroic actions of Officers Garrido and Perez resulted in the apprehension of a dangerous, violent criminal. Police Officers Michael Marinello and Sandra Ferguson – On March 12, 2003, the officers assigned to the PSA 2 Domestic Violence Unit responded to a call on St. Marks Avenue to evict an unwelcome tenant from an apartment on the request of the lease holder.  The tenant let the officers in his apartment, but when he was told that he had to leave, he became violent and combative.  The officers drew mace and attempted to subdue the man.  He then fled into the kitchen where he had a large pit bull in a cage.  He releases the dog and ordered him to sic the officers.  Officer Ferguson, in fear for her safety and the safety of others in the building, shot the dog.  At this time, Officer Marinello and the tenant began to violently struggle as the Officer felt a tug at his gunbelt.  The struggle continued into the hallway and down the staircase from the 13th floor to the 10th floor.  At that time, Officer Marinello noticed that the man had a gun in his hand and he realized it was the firearm that was missing from his gunbelt.  Officer Marinello screamed out to Officer Ferguson who discharged her weapon striking the assailant in the right side of his back, ending the struggle.  These officers demonstrated excellent police work.  They risked injury to subdue this violent attacker and make the arrest.  Fire Marshal Thomas Kane – Fire Marshal Thomas Kane has done excellent work during his tenure with the Bureau of Fire Investigation for the NYC Fire Department.  He is a 14-year veteran of the NYC Fire Department, serving four years with the NYPD prior to his appointment.  He is currently assigned to the City Wide Special Investigations Unit.  He has done great work putting out fires, but it is his efforts to help victims in the community affected by these fires that really make him stand out.  He was the lead investigator of two recent investigations in Brooklyn, which demonstrate his superior skills and his immense value to the NYC Fire Department.  One of those incidents occurred on August 24, 2002, when a fire broke out at Marine Park Junior High School.  The fire caused extensive damage.  As a result, five civilians were hospitalized.  Fire Marshal Kane’s efforts in this investigation resulted in an arrest and conviction for arson.  Also, on October 4, 2003, a 3rd alarm fire destroyed several fully occupied dwellings and commercial establishments including a synagogue in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn during the Yom Kippur holiday.  This fire left eight large Hassidic families without homes on the most solemn Jewish holiday.  This highly publicized fire sent shock waves throughout the community.  Fire Marshal Kane worked tirelessly throughout the course of this investigation, leading to the arrest and indictment of two individuals responsible for the arson.  Fire Marshal Kane continues to handle high profile , long-term investigations.  His dedication to duty has made Brooklyn a safer place in which to live and work.  Contact:   Sandy Silverstein                   718-250-2300 011 Kevin Costin, CSW, Director of the ComALERT Program at the Brooklyn DA’s Office, recipient of the Linda Mills Memorial Award for Community Service Robert Dennison, Chairman of the New York State Parole Board, and Anthony Ellis, the Executive Director of New York State Division of Parole announced Kevin Costin, CSW, Director of the ComALERT Program at the Brooklyn DA’s Office, as this year’s recipient of the Linda Mills Memorial Award for Community Service. The annual award acknowledges the work of individuals and/or collateral agencies that have rendered valuable service to the New York State Division of Parole. Mr. Costin will be honored at a luncheon on June 3, 2004 in Saratoga, NY.    ComALERT is the first district attorney sponsored prisoner reentry initiative in the country and Mr. Costin its only Director since its inception in October 1999.  ComALERT seeks to help Brooklyn-bound ex-offenders stay clean and sober, get and hold jobs while stabilizing other areas of their lives. The program provides substance abuse treatment, employment training and placement, and on-going reentry services for up to a year. ComALERT, which serves 200 parolees annually, promotes self-sufficiency, and seeks to motivate its clients to gain employment, and maintain crime and drug-free lifestyles.   Costin is also an adjunct professor for the Human Services Department of New York City College of Technology (CUNY). Prior to working at the DA’s Office, Costin served as the Community Project Director for Builders for Family and Youth of Brooklyn. A native of Nahant, Massachusetts, Costin was employed as Education Director for The Boston Living Center, an HIV/AIDS community-based organization, and The Massachusetts Bay American Red Cross, where he received a national Red Cross award, “The Ten by Ten”, for innovative service collaboration with the Americorps program, City Year. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Fort Greene SNAP and Housing Matters Inc. of New York, where he is Chairman. Costin received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University and was awarded the Harvard Loeb Scholarship for post-graduate studies. Costin received his Masters of Science in Social Work from Columbia University and is licensed to practice social work in New York State. He is a Brooklyn resident.