Press Releases

November 4, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced the sentencing of an Administration for Children's Services supervisor for the sodomy of his adopted son.

George Alex Allen, 52, of 235 Bainbridge Street, Bedford-Stuyvesant, entered a plea of guilty, on September 10, 1999, in Supreme Court, Kings County, to the charge, Sodomy in the Third Degree, a class D felony punishable by a maximum prison term of four years.

Allen was sentenced on October 28, 1999 to serve a prison term of one to three years.

"The defendant in this case is a sexual predator who violated innocent children," District Attorney Hynes said. "The defendant's actions reflect on him alone and not the hundreds of ACS employees who serve and protect our city's children."

The incident occurred in the defendant's home on 235 Bainbridge Street, Bedford-Stuyvesant.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Debra Kellman, sex Crimes and Special Victims Bureau.

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November 18, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the sentencing of two former New York City Police Officers for an off-duty incident outside a Crown Heights restaurant in December 1997.

The victim, Reginald Bannerman, 36, later died when he was struck by a train in a nearby subway station.

The defendants Lloyd Barnaby, 39, and Mark Cooper, 29, were convicted on October 1, 1999 in Supreme Court, Kings County.

"The defendants in this case betrayed their oath," District Attorney Hynes said. "This sentence provides appropriate punishment for such public safety threats."

Barnaby was convicted of the following charges: Assault in the Third Degree; Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree; Official Misconduct and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree.

Cooper was convicted of: Assault in the Third Degree; Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree; Official Misconduct and Menacing in the Second Degree.

The charges are all Class A misdemeanors punishable by a maximum prison term of one year.

The defendants were convicted by a jury of six men and six women who deliberated three days in Supreme Court, Kings County before returning the guilty verdict.

Barnaby and Cooper were sentenced today by Justice Albert Tomei who presided over the case.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney Charles M. Guria, Chief of Corruption Investigations, Rackets Division, Executive Assistant District Attorney Lance O'Giste, Chief, Civil Rights Bureau and Special Assistant District Attorney Matthew Greenberg.

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November 5, 1999. . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of a criminal complaint charging a Brooklyn man with assault and other charges involving the stabbing of a New York City bus driver.

A five-count Criminal Complaint filed in Criminal Court, Kings County names Michael Williams, 34, of 97 Sumers Avenue.

"The charges accuse this defendant of stabbing a bus driver with a knife, putting the lives of the driver, the passengers and passerbys in danger" District Attorney Hynes said. "These charges will be prosecuted swiftly and fairly."

Williams is accused of the following charges: Assault in the Second Degree; Assault in the Third Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree; Menacing in the Second Degree and Harassment in the Second Degree.

The most serious charge, Assault in the Second Degree, is a Class D felony punishable by a maximum prison term of seven years for a predicate felon.

The press and public are advised that this criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The complaint accuses Williams of placing a knife to the neck of Miguel Rodriguez, 61, stating "I'll kill you.

The complaint also accuses Williams of causing a laceration to the hand of Miguel Rodriguez with the knife during a struggle.

The incident occurred on November 4, 1999, inside of a New York City Transit Authority bus traveling at the corner of Smith and Butler Streets, Carroll Gardens.

Williams was arraigned in Criminal Court, Kings County before Judge Alex Calabrese who set bail at $50,000/$25,000 (cash/bond) and set a return date of November 10, 1999.

The case is being prosecuted by First Deputy Bureau Chief Neil Doherty, Special Prosecutions.

A 16-count indictment unsealed yesterday in Supreme Court, Kings County names Pablo Vargas, 32, of 2950 W 24th Street, Coney Island.

"Any crime against a child is a vicious one," District Attorney Hynes said. "This defendant is a sexual predator that deserves to be locked away from all children."

Vargas is accused of the following charges: Rape in the First Degree, Sodomy in the First Degree (four counts); Sexual Abuse in the First Degree (six counts) and Endangering the Welfare of a Child (five counts).

The most serious charges, Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree, are Class B felonies each punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years.

The press and the public are advised that this indictment is not evidence of guilt. It is an accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are concerned.

The indictment charges that, on August 13, 1999, Vargas, while babysitting his two nephews and his girlfriend’s three girls, left four of the children, ages two, four, five and eight, unattended in a park while he engaged in sexual intercourse with a seven year old upstairs in his apartment.

The indictment also charges that he placed his mouth on her mouth, neck and vagina.

The indictment also charges that Vargas, later that day, placed his mouth on an eight-year-old girl's mouth, neck and vagina and also penetrated her anus with his penis.

Vargas entered a plea of not guilty at his arraignment on the indictment before Justice Betsy Barros who kept bail at $100,000 and set a return date on December 13, 1999.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Kieran Holohan, Crimes Against Children Bureau.

October 26, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the sentencing of a parolee for rape and other charges involving the sexual abuse of two young children.

"The victims in this case were young and trusting children, District Attorney Hynes said, "This maximum prison term guarentees that the defendant cannot harm another child."

The defendant Julio Smith, 39, 275 Livonia Avenue, was found guilty on June 7, 1999, after a one and one-half week non-jury trial in Supreme Court, Kings County, of the charges: Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree.

Rape in the First Degree and Sodomy in the First Degree areboth Class B felonies punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years for a second violent felony offender.

Smith was sentenced today by Justice Abraham Gerges to serve a prison term of 50 years.

Justice Gerges found that Smith in December 1997 sodomized his nine-year-old nephew and on February 19, 1998 raped and sodomized his cousin's 10-year-old daughter.

Smith had been on parole for another case in New York County were he was convicted of sexually abusing his girlfriend's 11-year-old daughter.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Joanne Grippo, Criminal Court Division, Trial Bureau I.

October 12, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the conviction of a Queens woman for criminally negligent homicide involving the vehicular deaths of three young children.

"This is a sad and tragic case," District Attorney Hynes said. "All the parties involved have reached this agreement in the pursuit of justice."

The defendant, Anne Lamberson, 35, of 145-19 20th Avenue, Whitestone Queens, entered a plea of guilty on Friday October 9, 1999 in Supreme Court, Kings County to the charge: Criminally Negligent Homicide, a Class E felony punishable by a maximum prison term of four years.

Lamberson plead guilty with the understanding that at sentencing she will receive a sentence of five years probation.

Lamberson admitted that on September 30, 1998, she was driving at an excessive rate of speed, she passed a red light and entered an intersection at Bedford Avenue and Kings Highway without exercising caution. As a result of her negligence, the ambulance she was driving struck another car and caused the deaths of Damilola Morak, seven, Olusegun Morak, five and Akintunde Morak, two.

During her plea proceeding Lamberson apologized to the Morak family and expressed her sadness for this awful tragedy.

Lamberson will be sentenced on November 23,1999 by Justice Michael Gary who is presiding over the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Joseph Petrosino and Deputy Bureau Chief Carolyn Kelly.

October 15, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the sentencing of a Brooklyn man for attempted murder and other charges involving the stabbing of a woman.

Jeronimo Gordon, 36, of 345 Prospect Place, Prospect Heights, was found guilty on September 21, 1999 of the following charges: Attempted Murder in the Second Degree; Burglary in the First Degree; Assault in the First Degree and Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

The most serious charges, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree; Burglary in the First Degree and Assault in the First Degree are Class B felonies punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years.

Gordon was sentenced to serve the maximum prison term of 25 years to run consecutive with a sentence of one year for the charge Sexual Abuse in the First Degree.

"The victim in this case was violated in her own home," District Attorney Hynes said. "We sought the maximum sentence allowed by law for this crime and we obtained it."

The jury of four men and eight women deliberated one day after a one-week trial in Supreme Court, Kings County before returning the guilty verdict.

The jury found that Gordon on October 23, 1999, broke into an apartment located inside 345 Prospect Place, Prospect Heights, and stole a purse. He then stabbed a 26-year-old woman in the back numerous times with a screwdriver.

The jury also found that he sexually abused the women by touching his hand to her vagina.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Maria Cienava, Sex Crimes Bureau.

November 19, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the convictions of three men and one woman involving the sexual assault of three children, ages eight, 13 and 14.

"The victims in this case are children who were violated sexually in a reign of terror by their relatives," District Attorney Hynes said. "These guilty pleas avoid the necessity of these children reliving the horror ."

The 13 and 14 year old teenagers are the daughters of Theresa Fremgen and Daniel Robacker, who are first cousins.

Ezra Fremgen, 26, of 149 Starr Street, entered a plea of guilty, on November 10, 1999, in Supreme Court, Kings County to the charge of Sodomy in the First Degree, a Class B felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 12 1/2 to 25 years.

In his plea of guilt, Ezra Fremgen admitted that on May 9, 1998, he did sodomize an eight-year-old boy.

Ezra Fremgen entered his guilty plea with the understanding that at sentencing he will receive a prison term of five to 10 years, sign a waiver of appeal, register as a sex offender and a full order of protection will be issued for all three children.

Curtis James, 37, of 232 Linden Street, Bushwick, entered a plea of guilty, on November 10, 1999, in Supreme Court, Kings County, to the charge Rape in the First Degree, a Class B felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 12 1/2 to 25 years.

James admitted that on and between January 1, 1995 and January 31, 1995 he did forcibly have sexual intercourse with a girl under the age of 11.

James entered the guilty plea with the understanding that at sentencing he will receive a prison term of seven to 14 years, register as a sex offender, sign a waiver of appeal and a full order of protection will be issued for all three children.

Daniel Robacker, 42, of 232 Linden Street, entered a plea of guilty on November 12, 1999, in Supreme Court, Kings County, to the charge Course of Sexual Conduct Against a Child in the First Degree, a Class B felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 12 1/2 to 25 years.

Robacker admitted that on and between September 1, 1996 and September 1, 1997, he, on more than two occasions, did orally sodomize of a child under the age of 11.

Robacker entered the guilty plea with the understanding that at sentencing he will receive a prison term of five to 10 years, register as a sex offender, sign a waiver of appeal and a full order of protection will be issued for all three children.

Theresa Fremgen, 37, of 232 Linden Street, entered a plea of guilty, today, in Supreme Court, Kings County to the charge Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a Class D felony punishable by a maximum prison term of three and one-half to 7 years.

Theresa admitted that on May 9, 1998, she sexually abused a child under the age of 11.

Theresa entered the plea with the understanding that at sentencing she will receive a prison term of one and one-third to three years, register as a sexual offender, sign a waiver of appeal and a full order of protection will be issued for all three children.

A fifth defendant, Vincent Fremgen, 29, of 149 Starr Street, was ordered a 730 exam by Justice Betsy Barros, and has been found unfit to proceed to trial for the near future.

Ezra Fremgen, Curtis James and Daniel Robacker will be sentenced on November 29, 1999 by Justice Barros who is presiding over the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Rosemary Sherman, Deputy Bureau Chief, Crimes Against Children Bureau.

October 20, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the sentencing of a New Jersey man for murder involving the death in Brooklyn 22 years ago of an off-duty police officer.

The victim, Police Officer Ronald Stapleton, 32, was found on December 18, 1977, in the parking lot of the Tradewinds Bar at 2433 Knapp Street in Sheepshead Bay. He had been beaten, mutilated and shot, and he died of his wounds on January 3, 1978.

District Attorney Hynes said, "This was a cold-blooded and brutal crime. This conviction is the result of an unrelenting investigation by New York's finest police detectives, federal agents and prosecutors whose teamwork and dedication are in keeping with the highest traditions of law enforcement."

The defendant Tony Francesehi, also known as Manny Gonzalez, 41, 7 South Dakota Avenue, Jackson, N.J., was found guilty on September 30, 1999 in Supreme Court, Kings County, of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years to life.

The jury of six men and six women deliberated 19 hours over three days after a two week trial before returning their verdict.

The jury found that Francesehi, while acting in concert with Vincent Cilone, who died of natural causes in 1997, recklessly caused the death of Ronald Stapleton, under circumstances evincing a depraved indiffernce to human life, by striking him in the right eye with a dangerous instrument, causing the loss of that eye, and also firing gunshots into his abdomen.

District Attorney Hynes commended the New York City Police Department's Cold Case Squad, the Brooklyn-Queens Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Attorney's Office, Eastern District.

District Attorney Hynes also commended New Jersey State Police Organized Crime and TEAMS Units for their support in obtaining Francesehi's arrest.

The case was prosecuted by the Deputy District Attorney Kenneth Taub, Bureau Chief, Homicide Bureau and Paul DeMartini, Bureau Chief Trial Division Rackets Bureau, Kings County District Attorney's Office.

September 30, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the conviction of a New Jersey man for murder involving the death in Brooklyn 22 years ago of an off-duty police officer.

The defendant Tony Francesehi, also known as Manny Gonzalez, 41, 7 South Dakota Avenue, Jackson, N.J., was found guilty today in Supreme Court, Kings County, of the charge Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years to life.

The jury of six men and six women deliberated 19 hours over three days after a two-week trial before returning their verdict.

The jury found that Francesehi, while acting in concert with Vincent Cilone, who died of natural causes in 1997, recklessly caused the death of Ronald Stapleton, under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, by striking him in the right eye with a dangerous instrument, causing the loss of that eye, and also firing gunshots into his abdomen.

District Attorney Hynes also commended New Jersey State Police Organized Crime and TEAMS Units for their support in obtaining Francesehi's arrest.

Francesehi will be sentenced on October 20 1999, by Justice Neil Firetog who is presiding over the case.

The case is being prosecuted by the Deputy District Attorney Kenneth Taub, Bureau Chief, Homicide Bureau and Paul DeMartini, Bureau Chief of Trials, Rackets Division, Kings County District Attorney's Office.

November 18, 1999. . . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of an indictment accusing a mother and her son of murder and other charges related to the death of her daughter, Latanisha Carmichael, 20 years ago.

The police discovered the child’s body on November 5, 1999, concealed in a closet in the defendants’ home.

Latanisha Carmichael, born on February 27, 1976, would have been approximately three years old when she was killed in 1979.

“The victim in this case was an innocent child who never had a chance to experience life,” District Attorney Hynes said. “For justice in the memory of Latanisha Carmichael, the defendants, her own mother and brother, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

“We have instituted many reforms and many new casework protocols to safeguard against tragedies such as this one. Twenty years ago, at the time of this case, caseworkers carried 40 or more cases. Caseloads are now down to 10, thanks to new hires and a complete restructuring of child protective services,” Administration for Children’s Services Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta said. “Caseworkers now must conduct face-to-face interviews with all children-even those not mentioned in a report; they must interview children out of the presence of adults at home; and they make unannounced visits to ensure the safety of children. If a caseworker cannot locate a child, they must contact ACS lawyers within 72 hours. Finally, if the child is reported to be outside of New York City, the caseworker must contact the child welfare agency of that jurisdiction.”

A four-count indictment filed on November 15, 1999 in Supreme Court, Kings County names Madeline Carmichael, 60, and her son, Gregory Carmichael, 37, both from 94 Rockaway Parkway, Brownsville. Gregory Carmichael is presently incarcerated in the Cape Vincent Correctional Facility, where he is serving a sentence of two to four years for Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.

The Carmichaels, are each charged with the following crimes: Murder in the Second Degree (two counts): Hindering Prosecution in the First Degree and Tampering with Physical Evidence.

The most serious charge, Murder in the Second Degree, is a Class A-I felony, punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years to life.

The press and the public are advised that this indictment is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The indictment charges that, in 1979, Madeline Carmichael and Gregory Carmichael repeatedly struck Latanisha Carmichael, causing her death.

The incident took place in the Carmichael’s residence at that time, 22 East 96^th Street, Brownsville.

The indictment also charges that both defendants then concealed Latanisha’s body inside a trunk, which was later moved by them to the family’s new apartment at 94 Rockaway Parkway.

Latanisha’s murder was reported to the New York Police Department by her surviving siblings in late October. The siblings, Andre and Sabrina Carmichael, were also allegedly victims of years of physical abuse by both defendants.

On November 5, 1999, detectives from the NYPD Cold Case Squad executed a search warrant at 94 Rockaway Parkway and recovered the body of Latanisha Carmichael from a trunk inside a closet in the bedroom. The closet had been bolted shut, and its door concealed.

District Attorney Hynes commended the detectives from the Cold Case Squad on their comprehensive investigation.

“Working from one eyewitness account, these detectives were able to thoroughly reconstruct the short life and brutal death of Latanisha Carmichael despite the passage of twenty years,” said Hynes.“

The Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the skeletal remains recovered from the trunk as being that of a female child of the same race and age as Latanisha. The case has been ruled a homicide.

Gregory Carmichael was arraigned today on the indictment in Supreme Court, Kings County before Justice Betsy Barros who ordered gregory to be remanded and set a return date of December 20, 1999.

Madelyn Carmichael was also arraigned today during a bedside arraignment at Brooklyn Hospital before Justice Barros who ordered her to undergo a 730 exam to determine her mental fitness to stand trial. Justice Barros set a return date of December 20, 1999.

The case is being prosecuted by Barry Schreiber, Deputy District Attorney, Homicide Bureau, Ama Dwimoh, Executive Assistant District Attorney and Assistant District Attorney Francis Urzi, both of the Crimes Against Children Bureau.

November 19, 1999 . . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today that he will seek a sentence of life without parole in the prosecution of Dexter Bartley, indicted for First Degree Murder and other charges involving the deaths of three people in a fire in the 79^th precinct.

Bartley, 40, of 149 Pulaski Street, was charged in a 28-count indictment with the intentional murders on May 22, 1999, of Ben Mixson, 47, Frank Pemberton, 43, and Steven Pierce, 43.

"I have concluded, after review and deliberation, that a sentence of life without parole is the appropriate punishment to seek in this case," District Attorney Hynes said.

This case is the 27th First Degree Murder case in which District Attorney Hynes has decided to seek a sentence of life without parole since the capital punishment law took effect on September 1, 1995.

District Attorney Hynes has sought the death penalty in six First Degree Murder cases. One case is currently in the jury selection process. One other case is awaiting trial. In two other cases, the defendants have pled guilty; one was sentenced to life without parole and the other was sentenced to 50 years to life. In a fifth case, the defendant was convicted by a jury of Murder in the first Degree and was sentenced to life without parole without parole following a waiver of his appeal. In a sixth case, the defendant, Darrel Harris, has been sentenced to death pending the outcome of an appeal.

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 imprisonment without parole or a lesser penalty of twenty to twenty-five years to life in prison.

Bartley was arraigned on the indictment on July 15, 1999, and the one hundred and twenty day period has been extended to November 24, 1999.

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 also followed a review of the case by a committee, which he had 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.

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December 2, 1999. . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of a criminal complaint accusing a New York City police officer of endangering the welfare of a child.

"This police officer is accused of betraying his oath and the trust of a child," District Attorney Hynes said. "These charges reflect upon him alone and not the thousands of dedicated men and women police officers who serve with pride and honor."

A criminal complaint filed today in Criminal Court, Kings County names Police Officer Vincent Alvarez, 41, a resident of Brooklyn.

Police Officer Alvarez is accused of the following charges: Possessing an Obscene Sexual Performance By a Child (3 counts) and Possessing a Sexual Performance By a Child (3 counts) both Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $1000 fine.

The press and public are advised that this criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The criminal complaint charges that Police Officer Alvarez made six telephone calls to the victim, a 14-year-old boy, and that each conversation was directed toward engaging the victim in sexually explicit conversation.

The complaint charges that the telephone calls were made on the following dates: September 6, September 17, September 24, September 25 and September 27, 1997.

The criminal complaint charges that on September 27, 1997, Police Officer Lachman, while having a sexually explicit conversation with the boy, discussed meeting him in person.

The criminal complaint states that the 14-year-old boy was in Kings County when each of the conversations took place.

Alvarez was arraigned in Criminal Court, Kings County today before Judge who set bail of $3500/$3500 and a return date on October 3, 1997. Judge also issued two full orders of protection for the boy and his mother.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Laudadio, Deputy Bureau Chief, Rackets.

December 21, 1999 . . . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of a criminal complaint accusing a Brooklyn Police Detective in the assault of his thirty-one year old wife.

"The abuse of a woman by any man is atrocious in of itself," District Attorney Hynes said. "The fact that the husband was a police officer makes this crime particularly atrocious."

A Criminal Complaint filed today in Criminal Court, Kings County names Gregg Cherry, 44, a resident of East Flatbush.

Cherry is accused of the following charges: Assault in the Third Degree; Menacing in the Third Degree and Harassment in the Second Degree.

The most serious charge, Assault in the Third Degree, is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a maximum prison term of one year.

The press and public are advised that this criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The criminal complaint charges that Cherry, on December 17, 1999 beat his common-law wife during a family dispute.

The victim was taken to Kings County Hospital where it was noticed that she had blunt force trauma to her forehead and a laceration to the right hand.

The criminal complaint alleges that the incident took place at the home the defendant shares with the victim.

Cherry was arraigned in Criminal Court Kings County before Judge Karopkin who released him on his own recognizance and issued a full order of protection for the victim. Justice set a return date of January 10, 2000.

December 6, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the conviction of a 16-year-old high school student for murder.

The defendant, Damian Davis, 17, of 82 Rockaway Parkway, Brownsville was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A-I felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 25 years to life.

"This defendant was a predator," District Attorney Hynes said. "His crime warrants imposition of the maximum penalty."

The jury of three men and nine women deliberated less than three hours after a three-week trial in Supreme Court, Kings County before returning the guilty verdict.

The jury found that Davis fired a .380 caliber handgun, at least two times, into a group of teenagers who were coming home from school, causing the death of Orlando Brathwaite Jr., 16, and injuring Shanley Jack, 16, in the hand.

The incident occurred on March 3, 1999 at the corner of E 92^nd Street and Rutland Road, East Flatbush.

Davis will be sentenced on January 25, 2000, by Justice Alan Marrus who is presiding over the case.

December 17, 1999. . . Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of a criminal complaint accusing a Manhattan man of making graffiti and other charges involving a painting at the Brooklyn Museum.

A criminal complaint filed today in Criminal Court, Kings County names Dennis Heiner, 72, of 111 East 38th Street, Manhattan.

Heiner is accused of the following charges: Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree; Making Graffiti and Possession of Graffiti Instruments, all are class A misdemeanors punishable by a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail and/or a $1000 fine.

The press and public are advised that this criminal complaint is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The criminal complaint charges that Heiner, on December 16, 1999 at 3:00 p.m., approached a painting at the Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway, and smeared white paint on it causing the painting to sustain discoloration and fading.

The complaint also accuses that Heiner had no permission or authority to touch or smear paint on that painting.

The complaint also accuses that Heiner was seen holding a container of white paint.

Heiner was arraigned in Criminal Court, Kings County today before Judge Lauren Bailey-Shifman who released him on his own recognizance with the condition that he stays away from the museum and set a return date of January 20, 2000.

December 1, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the conviction of a Brooklyn man for possession of narcotics.

"My office maintains a zero tolerance towards any kind of drug," District Attorney Hynes said. "Hopefully the time spent in prison by this young man will give him the opportunity to think of a more productive career."

The defendant, Mason Holtzberg, 24, of 248 Flushing Avenue, Williamsburg, entered a plea of guilty, yesterday, in Supreme Court, Kings County to the charge Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony punishable by a maximum prison term of 12 and one-half to 25 years for a predicate felon.

Holtzberg is also being prosecuted in New Jersey for a similar case involving narcotics.

Holtzberg plead guilty with the understanding that at sentencing he will receive a prison term of four and one-half to nine years.

Holtzberg admitted that on December 28, 1998 he did posses over 3/8 ounce of the hallucinogenic substance MDMA (ecstasy).

Holtzberg was arrested on December 28, 1998. Through a joint investigation between the NYPD and the Kings County District Attorney's Major Narcotics Investigations Bureau, detectives were able to obtain a search warrant which led to the recovery of two pounds of the depressant Diazepam; over 3/8 ounce ofthe hallucinogenic substance MDMA (ecstacy); over 1/4 ounce of the hallucinogenic substance DMT; over 7/8 ounce of concentrated cannabis and $89,173.00.

At second location, a loft apartment that Holtzberg rented, at 10 Grand Avenue, Williamsburg, through a search warrant, detectives recovered over 200 pounds of Marihuana plants and the equipment necessary to nurture these plants.

As a result of the investigation it was determined that Holtzberg was the proprietor of a website that offered glass pipes, commonly used to smoke marihuana, for sale over the Internet. The website was WWW.kissmyglass.com. During the search of the locations many of the pipes, that were offered for sale over the Internet, were recovered.

District Attorney Hynes commends the police officers of the 88th precinct for their hard work and dedication involving this case.

Holtzberg will be sentenced on January 14, 2000 by Justice Neil J. Firetog who is presiding over the case.

December 20, 1999…. District Attorney Charles J. Hynes will attend the renaming of Pacific Street between Troy and Albany Avenues in Brooklyn in the memory of the late Michael Griffith, today at 11:00 AM.

Michael Griffith was the victim of a racially motivated killing on December 20, 1986 in the Howard Beach section of Queens when he was chased by a mob and struck and killed by a car on the Belt Parkway. Mr. Hynes was appointed special prosecutor by then-Governor Mario Cuomo to prosecute the case.

December 20, 1999....Kings County District Attorney Charles J. Hynes announced today the filing of a multi-count indictment charging six men with criminal usury and other charges involving a loan sharking operation out of a meat market.

A 27-count Supreme Court, Kings County indictment names the following defendants: Joseph Ida; 63, 10 Seidman Avenue, Staten Island; Anthony Conigliaro, 61, 293 Dahlgreen Pace, Bay Ridge; Ernest Colelli, 55, 2031 E. 67th Street, Canarsie; Michael Squicciarini, 53, 6916 18th Avenue, Bensonhurst; Jerry Giarraffa, 47, 1483 73rd Street, Dyker Heights, and Fortunato Pizzimenti, 46, 1763 W. 12th Street, Bensonhurst.

Joseph Ida has been identified as a capo in the Genovese crime family. Anthony Conigliaro has been identified as a soldier and the other defendants have been identified as associates in the Genovese crime family.

"This incident is like a bad episode of The Sopranos", District Attorney Hynes said, "but reality is harsher than fiction and the defendants will pay the price for their misdeeds."

District Attorney Hynes commends the Waterfront Commission for their participation in the investigation.

The defendants are accused of various counts of the following charges: Criminal Usury in the First Degree; Attempted Criminal Usury in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree.

The most serious charge, Criminal Usury in the First Degree, is a class C felony punishable by a maximum prison term of five to 15 years.

The press and public are advised that this indictment is not evidence of guilt. It is the accusatory instrument by which these criminal proceedings are commenced.

The indictment accuses the defendants of 21 incidents on and between January 1, 1997 and June 27, 1999 where they acted in concert with each other in operating a loansharking business.

The indictment also accuses the defendants of attempting to loan money with an interest rate exceeding 25 percent.

The loansharking operation was based out of Bova Meat Market, 8020 13^th Avenue, Dyker Heights.

The defendants were arraigned on the indictment in Supreme Court, Kings County by Justice Michael Gary who is presiding over the case.