__________________________________________Ask the DA

    

Happy New Year!  This past year has been a very productive one for my office.  We implemented a number of new programs aimed at making Brooklyn a safer place to live and work, and we celebrated the continued success of many of our existing programs.

·         Together with the police department and six local churches, we conducted a gun buyback program allowing participants to surrender their guns in return for $200.  As a result of this initiative, we collected 287 guns that were eventually melted down and converted into coat hangers.

·         We started Project Safe Surrender which created the opportunity for residents with summons warrants to clear those warrants at St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church.

·         DA Deafway was launched to help the deaf and hard of hearing community access information on programs and services that are available to them through my Office.  Members of the deaf and hearing-impaired community can learn more about DA Deafway by going to www.brooklynda.org

·         My Environmental Crimes Unit announced indictments for pollution as businesses dumped raw sewage into Newton Creek and the Shell Bank Creek in Greenpoint and Sheepshead Bay.  I am proud to say that along with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and NYC Department of Environmental Protection, we have had tremendous success at cleaning once-polluted waterways.

·         We have continued our vigorous prosecution of crimes involving money laundering, mortgage fraud, identity theft and welfare fraud.  Throughout the year I announced indictments of 60 individuals and corporations for enterprise corruption, mortgage and real estate scams, welfare and Medicaid fraud.

·         Spearheaded by members of my Rackets Division, the Sex Trafficking Unit was created.  This Unit works with the police department, outside agencies and community groups to combat sexual exploitation.  The 24-hour hotline number (718) 250-2770 is available for victims and persons with knowledge of this crime to call.  Complimenting this initiative was the creation of a community outreach campaign focused upon educating the public about this criminal activity and offering help to victims.  Advertising firm LPNY devoted its time and talent to create literature and public service announcements by Emmy Award winning actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Oscar Award nominee and Brooklyn native Gabourey Sidibe accessible at http://www.brooklynda.org.

·         I implemented a new program to address concerns regarding school safety officers whose work leaves them susceptible to violence. This program complements my Assault on Police Officer Program and Assault on Transit Workers Program. 

            We are here to protect you and will continue in our efforts to make Brooklyn a safer place in the New Year.  You can read more about our programs and the activities of my office at www.brooklynda.org.

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