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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 5, 2025

Disbarred Attorney Convicted of Stealing Deeds of 11
Brooklyn Properties in Decade-Long Fraudulent Scheme

Defendant Targeted Minority Homeowners Facing Foreclosure;
Now Facing Mandatory Prison Time

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the conviction of a disbarred Brooklyn attorney who stole the deeds to 11 residential properties across Brooklyn, primarily from minority homeowners in financial distress. The defendant falsely promised to help facilitate short sales, but instead transferred ownership of the homes to himself or companies he controlled.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant didn’t just steal homes — he stole stability, equity and the future that these families worked hard to build. He preyed on Brooklyn homeowners already in crisis, including a nurse, cab driver and home health aide, by posing as a trusted advisor. This sentence makes clear that we will not allow fraudsters to exploit vulnerable New Yorkers or profit from a housing crisis and highlights my office’s success in prosecuting deed theft.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sanford Solny, 68, of Midwood, Brooklyn. He was convicted today of 13 counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of first-degree scheme to defraud and one count of third-degree grand larceny in connection with 11 properties following a bench trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Eleven corporations owned by the defendant, one for each property, were also convicted of 13 counts of third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and one count of third-degree grand larceny (the judge acquitted the defendant of charges pertaining to one property as well as of additional charges pertaining to the 11 properties). As a predicate felon, the defendant is facing mandatory prison time when he’s sentenced on September 17, 2025, with the maximum sentence for the top count he was convicted of being three and a half to seven years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between 2012 and 2022, the defendant, whose law license was suspended in 2012 before he was disbarred in 2023, carried out a fraudulent real estate scheme targeting homeowners in foreclosure. He presented himself as a financial expert who could negotiate with lenders to sell the homes for less than what was owed on the mortgage — a process known as a short sale — to help clients avoid foreclosure. Instead, using an array of false statements, he tricked his victims into unwittingly signing over their deeds to corporations he controlled.

The defendant defrauded 15 victims, many of whom had limited legal or financial literacy by convincing them they were getting help. Instead, the defendant transferred ownership of their homes to his companies and in some cases collected rent from tenants already living there. The 11 properties included homes in Bedford-Stuyvent, East Flatbush, Canarsie, East New York and Ocean Hill, among other neighborhoods. Victims lost their homes, their equity and, in many cases, suffered damage to their credit as the foreclosure proceedings remained unresolved.

Since 2017, the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has obtained 30 indictments against 42 defendants in numerous deed theft cases, pertaining to over 70 properties. All of these cases resulted in convictions – leading to many carceral sentences – except for five that are still pending. Most of the defendants were skilled scammers, including disbarred attorneys and repeat offenders, who targeted and harmed multiple victims. These many successful prosecutions have significantly contributed to the overall precipitous drop since 2017 in the number of deed fraud complaints made by Brooklyn residents to the city’s Department of Finance. The DA’s Office remains committed to safeguarding homeownership and ensuring justice for communities harmed by these predatory schemes.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph DiBenedetto, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Gregory C. Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, June 4, 2025

Owner and Managers of Tobacco Processing Company Indicted for
Wage Theft for Allegedly Stealing Approximately $310,000 From
More Than Two Dozen Employees

 Defendants Allegedly Routinely Underpaid Workers, Failed to Pay Wages and Subjected Employees to Unsafe Working Conditions in Brooklyn Sweatshop

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon, New York State Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Clarissa M. Rodriguez, and New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, today announced that the owner of Hothead Grabba, LLC, two managers and the company itself have been arraigned on a 74-count indictment in which they are variously charged with grand larceny, conspiracy, and related charges for allegedly withholding wages and violating New York State labor laws. More than two dozen employees who processed tobacco at the Cypress Hills plant were allegedly cheated out of more than $310,000 in wages.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “We allege that these defendants operated a business that profited by systematically underpaying their employees, denying them basic protections, and exposing them to hazardous and degrading conditions. These serious charges send a strong message that this kind of exploitation will not be tolerated in Brooklyn, and we will continue to use every available tool to hold unscrupulous employers accountable and seek restitution for workers. I thank our prosecutors and our enforcement partners for their work on this case.”

NYS DOL Commissioner Reardon said, “New York State has zero tolerance for anyone who cheats their workers out of hard-earned pay or forces them to work in dangerous and illegal conditions. I am proud of the New York State Department of Labor’s continued partnership with the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. Armed with expanded enforcement powers provided by Gov. Hochul’s 2026 budget, we will continue to fight worker exploitation in all its forms and put money back in the pockets of workers.”

NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Chair Rodriguez said, “The Board applauds the work of its task force members and all of the agencies that played a role in this investigation. Holding bad actors accountable underscores New York’s dedication to keeping workers safe and promoting compliance with the law.”

NYS Inspector General Lang said, “The exploitation of vulnerable workers through wage theft and unsafe labor conditions is both unconscionable and illegal. Every worker in New York deserves fair pay and a safe workplace, and in collaboration with our partners across federal, state, and local agencies, my office will continue working to ensure those rights are protected.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Hunter Segree, 28, of New Jersey; Isayed Rojas, 30, of Staten Island; Joshua Howard, 30, of Queens, and Hothead Grabba, LLC. They were arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 74-count indictment in which they are variously charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny, fourth-degree conspiracy, petit larceny, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, first-degree scheme to defraud, first-degree falsifying business records, violation of Section 52 of the NYS Workers’ Compensation Law, second-degree reckless endangerment, Labor Law section 198-A (1) and Labor Law section 662 (1). They were released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 13, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, Hothead Grabba, LLC, is a company that produces and sells “grabba,” which is ground up tobacco that may be added to marijuana. Hothead Grabba processed tobacco leaves for that purpose at a factory located at 234 Chestnut Street in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn until March 26, 2024. On that date, a task force which included members from the New York State Department of Labor, the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board, and the New York State Inspector General’s Office, conducted a civil enforcement sweep at that location and the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board issued a stop work order for failure to maintain workers’ compensation insurance.

The closure of the Brooklyn location caused Hothead Grabba to move to a worksite in Queens where it continued to pay its employees by the pound, in violation of the minimum wage law. It sold the product to convenience stores and other retailers.

Many Hothead Grabba employees allegedly worked approximately 12 hours a day, six or seven days a week, cleaning and separating tobacco leaves from their stems, according to the investigation, and were paid according to the quantity of pounds they processed, and not on an hourly basis. It is alleged that the workers, mostly women, were paid approximately $7 a pound for processing approximately 15 pounds of the leaves per day. Because the work was so time consuming, their payment for the pounds of tobacco they processed equated to a rate which was far lower than that provided by the applicable minimum wage and overtime laws and regulations.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the defendants failed to pay the employees on a timely basis, sometimes failing to pay them at all for weeks at a time.

Additionally, it is alleged, the workers were made to work with no official lunch or other breaks, in a room with no windows or ventilation, and generally with no protective equipment, despite the negative health effects tobacco processing can have. Furthermore, there was only one exit at the factory, which was allegedly frequently obstructed by tobacco and other materials, and no signs marking that exit, if an emergency required the workers to evacuate the location.

The indictment alleges the defendants withheld approximately $310,000 from a total of 25 employees between October 31, 2022 and July 15, 2024.

NYSDOL Chief Labor Standards Investigator Frank King and Senior Labor Standards Investigator Jorge Gordillo Alvarado and NYS Workers’ Compensation Board Senior Investigator Aleksandra Boyko assisted in the investigation.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona, Financial Analyst Veronica Beltran, and KCDA Detective Investigators for their work on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Longobardi, Chief of the District Attorney’s Construction Crimes and Labor Fraud Unit, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Sergey Marts of the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for
Fatal Stabbing Woman Who Tried to End Relationship

Defendant Stabbed Victim 35 Times; Fled the State After the Killing

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced today that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for fatally stabbing a Brooklyn woman outside his Sunset Park home in 2019. The defendant, who had been having an extramarital affair with the victim, launched a campaign of harassment after she attempted to end the relationship. He fled the state following the killing but was later apprehended and extradited back to New York.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a deeply disturbing case of domestic violence that ended in a brutal killing. After months of harassment, the defendant ambushed the victim and attacked her in front of his teenage son. I hope today’s sentence brings a measure of justice and closure to the victim’s loved ones.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sheng Mao Chen, 48, of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was convicted of first-degree manslaughter on May 1, 2025, following a bench trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. The defendant was sentenced today to 25 years in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the victim, Xiu Rong Zheng, 46, and the defendant were involved in an extramarital affair, which she ended. The defendant responded by harassing her and her husband over the course of several months.

On the evening of July 22, 2019, at approximately 10 p.m., the victim confronted the defendant outside his Sunset Park home. As she stood at his front steps, the defendant stabbed her 35 times, including five wounds directly to the heart. The attack was witnessed by the defendant’s 17-year-old son. The victim suffered numerous defensive wounds to her hands and arms, indicating she was attempting to protect herself and escape the attack. She also suffered numerous stab wounds to her back as she tried to flee. She died at the scene.

The defendant fled New York immediately after the attack but was later apprehended in Indiana during a traffic stop and returned to face justice.

The District Attorney thanked Homicide Paralegal Meghan Brancato for her work on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Ernest Chin of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau and Senior Assistant District Attorney Tara Kelly of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the Homicide Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, May 22, 2025

Two Men Indicted for Sophisticated Financial Scam That Allegedly Used 17
Stolen Social Security Numbers to Open Accounts and Get Fake Loans

Took in About $416,000 From Lenders; One Defendant Additionally Charged
With Allegedly Stealing $52,000 by Fraudulently Applying for COVID Relief

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two men have been indicted for allegedly stealing 17 social security numbers and using them to create a full identity profile for each of them – including driver’s licenses, bank statements, email addresses and more – then using the fake documents to apply for loans in the victims’ names, which they quickly withdrew and never repaid.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly perpetrated a sophisticated scam that used stolen identities to defraud financial institutions. The health of our banking system depends on honest dealings and my office will continue working with other partners to ensure that fraudsters are stopped and held responsible. I commend all the investigators who built this case for their meticulous and persistent efforts and am committed to using the evidence they gathered to obtain accountability.”

New York City Police Department Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch said, “This was a calculated and shameless scheme. These individuals allegedly stole identities, forged documents, and scammed lenders out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraudulent loans and COVID relief funds. New Yorkers rely on the integrity of their financial institutions, and the NYPD remains committed to identifying and arresting those who seek to exploit them. I commend our investigators, the Secret Service, and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for shutting this scheme down and holding these fraudsters accountable.”

Patrick J. Freaney, U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge at the New York Field Office, said, “The volitional criminality allegedly carried out by these defendants yielded massive fraudulent gains at the expense of unwitting victims. Such lucrative schemes require disruption — and that is exactly what this investigation brings. My thanks to our partners at the NYPD and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for building a compelling case and bringing accountability to this syndicate.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Dacson Sears, 42, of Coney Island, Brooklyn, and Raymond Lyles (aka L.A. Ray), 41, of Mount Vernon, NY. Sears was arraigned yesterday, and Lyles was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Both are variously charged in an indictment with fourth-degree conspiracy, second-degree money laundering, first-degree scheme to defraud, third- and second-degree grand larceny, 17 counts of first-degree identity theft, 62 counts of first-degree falsifying business records, and other related charges. The defendants were released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 6, 2025.

The District Attorney said that between January 1, 2022 through January 1, 2024, the defendants allegedly obtained the names and social security numbers of at least 17 individuals. They formed an identity profile for each individual by creating fraudulent documents in that person’s name such as a driver’s license, bank account statements, payroll stubs, utility bills, real estate deeds, and tax return forms. They also often opened or used email addresses in those persons’ names that were under the defendants’ control.

It is alleged that after creating these identity profiles, the defendants opened new online financial accounts with various creditors and applied for personal loans through the new accounts without the consent or knowledge of the true persons. The creditors approved the loans, and the loan proceeds were thereafter disbursed. The defendants also allegedly applied for and received debit cards that were mailed to addresses under their control. The funds from the loans were either quickly withdrawn using the debit cards or transferred to various other bank accounts the defendants controlled. They never paid back the loans, causing financial loss to the creditors.

The loan amounts ranged from $15,000 to $36,000, the evidence shows, with the total sum allegedly stolen from financial institutions adding up to approximately $416,000.

In addition, the indictment alleges that in July 2022, Sears, using the stolen identity of a person whose name he was using to lease his Ocean Drive apartment, stole about $52,000 by applying for COVID relief for rental arrears with the NYS Office of Disability and Temporary Assistance. The fraudulent application was approved, and the funds were disbursed to his landlord, causing a loss to the state.

The case was investigated by Detective Marcelo Razzo, of the NYPD’s Financial Crimes Taskforce, Special Agent Haley Hoffman, of the Cyber Crimes Taskforce at the United States Secret Service, USSS Intelligence Analyst Jessica Ryan, together with Detective Investigators from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, Financial Investigator Vincent Jones and Intelligence Analyst Alexia Dolphy of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, with assistance from Senior Digital Forensic Analyst Mauricio Suarez-Marquez and other members of the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab.

The District Attorney thanked Yann Du, Senior Investigator, Financial Crimes and Intelligence, at Municipal Credit Union of New York, Detective Donald Wilhelm, of the Sheriff’s Office of Loudoun County, VA, and the Washington Field Office of the USSS, specifically Special Agent Lance Tate, Special Agent Willis Cheng, and Investigative Analyst Mary Epstein

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Deidre Moskowitz, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, May 7, 2025

Ringleader of ATM Burglary Ring Sentenced to Up to 12
Years in Prison; Five Accomplices Previously Pleaded Guilty

All Six Men to Serve Prison Terms; Charged for Series of
Break-ins to Stores in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that the ringleader of an ATM burglary ring that was charged with 14 separate heists was sentenced to six to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to burglary. His accomplices have previously accepted guilty pleas in exchange for carceral sentences. From June 2022 until January 2023 the group broke into numerous businesses and removed ATM machines that were later forced open. Many of the break-ins were captured on video surveillance.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This brazen group of criminals caused serious financial damage across the city. I am proud of investigators and prosecutors from my office who, after receiving a complaint, exposed this burglary ring, built a strong case with the NYPD, and helped bring these defendants to justice. Protecting small businesses from thieves is an important priority for my office, and we’ll continue to focus on prosecuting serial shoplifters, career burglars and others who violate our laws and hurt commerce.”

The District Attorney said that ringleader Alexander Torres aka “Chacho,” 52, was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Kim Petersen to six to 12 years in prison following his guilty plea in March to two separate counts of third-degree burglary. His brother Francisco Torres aka “Fusion,” 53, was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to five years in prison after pleading guilty to one count of second-degree burglary. Jesus Cedeno aka “Capone,” 54, was sentenced last week to five to 10 years in prison following a guilty plea to third-degree burglary and attempted third-degree burglary. Angel Barbosa aka “Pucci,” 46, pleaded guilty in March to second-degree assault in exchange for a promised sentence of five years in prison; he’s scheduled to be sentenced on May 14. Luis Villanueva aka “Cholo,” 54, and Chris Moustakos aka “Chris the Greek,” 54, who each participated in only one charged incident, were sentenced last year to one and a half to three years in prison following their guilty pleas to attempted third-degree burglary.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from June 23, 2022 to January 18, 2023, the defendants engaged in a conspiracy to steal ATMs from various stores. They used apartments in Clinton Hill and East New York to prepare for the burglaries. Based on the recovery of police scanners and other evidence, the ring used to assign a member to monitor police scanners during the heists, so they could alert the others if police were approaching and to evade detection.

The investigation, which included a review of surveillance footage, revealed that members of the ring used bolt cutters and other tools to gain access to stores and then rocked the ATM machines back and forth to dislodge them. Their roles in the burglaries varied, according to video surveillance, but, generally, Alexander Torres would break the bolts securing the ATMs and then helped carry them out of the stores. Francisco Torres was frequently the driver and helped to break stores’ doors. Barbosa and Cedeno typically acted as lookouts and helped with breaking into stores.

On October 26, 2022, Angel Barbosa was arrested for possession of a police scanner. Days later, on November 1, 2022, he was arrested in possession of two stolen ATMs, after he attempted to flee apprehension and drove into an occupied unmarked police car, injuring two officers.

The ring grew more cautious after that but continued the heists, the investigation found. On January 18, 2023, Alexander and Francisco Torres, Cedeno and Moustakos burglarized a bodega in South Richmond Hill, Queens, and were exposed by investigators. They then led the authorities on a high-speed chase from there, past Kennedy Airport and ended when their Ford van crashed into a barrier in LaGuardia Airport. The four were arrested and charged in connection with that burglary.

A total of nine incidents that were charged in the indictment took place in Brooklyn, four in Queens and one in the Bronx. The exact stolen amount in most of the incidents is not known.

The case was investigated by Detective Investigators assigned to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Nicole Lauterbach and Corey Hardin, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Pamela Murray, Deputy Bureau Chief of the Fraud Bureau and Gregory Pavlides, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Patricia McNeill, Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 5, 2025

Bronx Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Brutal Beating of Elderly Man

Defendant Repeatedly Attacked 67-Year-Old Who Tried to
Protect Woman From Harassment in East New York

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced today that a 30-year-old Bronx man has been sentenced to seven years in prison following his conviction for violently attacking an elderly man who intervened to stop the defendant from harassing a woman in East New York.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a vicious and senseless assault on a senior citizen who stepped in to defend a woman in need. The defendant had multiple opportunities to walk away, but instead chose to return again and again to inflict serious, lasting injuries. Today’s sentence holds him accountable and reinforces that this kind of wanton violence has no place in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ryan Lawrence, 30, of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter to seven years in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree assault on April 2, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 22, 2023, at approximately 4 a.m., the defendant, holding a weapon, approached a homeless woman who was sleeping outside a building on Liberty Avenue. After she pushed him away, the defendant briefly walked off, but soon returned and again advanced toward her.

A 67-year-old man who witnessed the encounter from his nearby apartment came outside to intervene and followed the defendant to the corner of Liberty Avenue and Fountain Avenue. The man threw a single punch, which the defendant dodged. The defendant then punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground, and launched a prolonged and brutal assault.

As the victim lay on the ground, the defendant grabbed his shirt and threw him down again. Throughout the attack, the defendant punched the victim in the face at least 11 times, kicked him in the face at least eight times and stomped on his head. Despite efforts by bystanders to stop the attack, the defendant repeatedly returned to continue beating the victim.

The victim suffered a traumatic brain injury, facial fractures and permanent vision loss in one eye. As a result, he required extensive facial reconstructive surgery.

The defendant fled the after the assault but was arrested on November 8, 2023..

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Salvatore Prince and Assistant District Attorney Jonathan Parrish, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Chief of the Red Zone.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, April 14, 2025

Retired Police Officer Indicted for Unlawfully Searching NYPD Database and Sending Information to Friend in Alleged Bribery Scheme

Unauthorized Shared Info Included Arrest Warrants, Incident Reports and More,
Pertaining to the Friend – who was also charged – and Suspects in ATM Burglary Ring

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a former police officer and his alleged accomplice have been indicted for an alleged bribery scheme in which the officer allegedly conducted unauthorized searches while assigned to Brooklyn Criminal Court. The information, which included confidential reports and warrants, was allegedly exchanged for promised monetary payments.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly betrayed his badge when he provided confidential information to people accused of crimes. This was a shocking abuse of the trust he was granted and an example of corruption that could have led to serious public safety consequences. We have now indicted him and his alleged bribery partner and will work to hold them responsible.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Richard Arce, 54, of Yonkers, NY and Raymond Ramos, 42, of the Bronx. Arce was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 114-count indictment charging him with third-degree bribe receiving, fifth- and sixth-degree conspiracy, unauthorized use of a computer, and official misconduct. He was arrested last week by U.S. Marshals in the Dominican Republic. Ramos was arraigned in January 2025 on third-degree bribery, second-degree rewarding official misconduct, and fifth-degree conspiracy. Arce was released without bail and both defendants were ordered to return to court on May 7, 2025.

The District Attorney said that Arce was an NYPD officer from 2008 until he retired in 2023. He served in the Transit Bureau in the Bronx, and in February 2022, he was assigned to the Brooklyn Criminal Court section at 120 Schermerhorn Street. It is alleged that from approximately March 2021 through February 2023, Arce ran unauthorized searches for proprietary law enforcement information at the request of Ramos in exchange for promises of typically $40 to $50 per search.

The investigation revealed over 70 unauthorized searches for individuals including Ramos, Alexander Torres and Jesus Cedeno – who are defendants in an ATM burglary ring case, as well as other associates of Ramos. The searches were for arrest warrants, police reports and for license plates associated with vehicles owned or operated by Ramos. He allegedly ran these searches despite directives from the NYPD Patrol Guide, which requires NYPD officers to make inquiries which relate to official business only, and to only divulge information obtained from the system for valid law enforcement purposes. Arce allegedly used his NYPD issued cell phone to transmit the information via text messages.

For instance, the evidence shows that on October 23, 2022, Arce, while assigned to Criminal Court, texted Ramos two screenshots, one showing that Ramos had an active bench warrant from the Bronx. The next day, Arce texted, “Don’t forget the $25 cuz.” On November 11, 2022, Arce provided Ramos information indicating that he is a suspect in a commercial burglary in Manhattan, which included the name and contact information of the complainant.

The evidence further shows that, on November 1, 2022, Arce sent screenshots pertaining to Alexander Torres, which indicated he had two suspect warrants. The next day, Ramos asked for information about Jesus Cedeno, to which Arce replied, “Nope. No $. No Honey.” Torres and Cedeno were later indicted for participating in numerous burglaries of ATM machines. They have since pleaded guilty.

The case was investigated by detectives assigned to the New York City Police Department’s Internal Affairs Bureau.

The District Attorney thanked the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service for their assistance in apprehending the defendant.

The District Attorney thanked the KCDA Detective Investigators for their assistance on this case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorneys Nicole Lauterbach and Corey Hardin, of the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of the Investigations Division.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Driver Who Allegedly Blew Through Stop Sign and Struck School Bus,
Killing His Own Passenger, Arraigned on Indictment for Manslaughter

Defendant Allegedly Fled the Scene in an Uber Before Being Arrested

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with manslaughter and related charges for allegedly speeding and blowing through a stop sign, before crashing into a school bus, leaving his 26-year-old passenger dead and the school bus driver injured. No passengers were on the bus at the time of the incident.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The tragic loss of Imani Vance was allegedly caused by the defendant’s reckless decision to ignore a stop sign and drive at excessive speeds. His actions showed a shocking disregard for human life and safety, made worse by his attempt to flee the scene instead of helping the victim. We are committed to holding him fully accountable and will continue to prioritize the safety of every Brooklyn resident.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Tyree Epps, 32, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Dineen Riviezzo on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, second-degree assault, leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, disobeying stop signs, driving in excess of maximum speed limits, and unlicensed driver. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on June 20, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 27, 2025, at approximately 1:15 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 southbound on Van Sinderen Avenue towards Blake Avenue in East New York with a passenger, Imani Vance, 26, in the front seat. At the corner of Van Sinderen and Blake, the defendant allegedly blew through a stop sign at a high rate of speed and collided with a school bus that was driving on Blake Avenue. When the defendant allegedly crashed into the school bus his passenger was thrown into the windshield and hit her head. When the defendant hit the bus, it crashed into a third, unoccupied vehicle. The bus driver, a 57-year-old woman, suffered minor injuries.

Imani Vance was taken to Brookdale Hospital where she was pronounced dead due to blunt impact injuries to the torso, including a laceration to the heart.

The defendant allegedly fled the crash scene on foot, jumped into an Uber, and ordered the driver to drive away. Police had a description of the Uber and were able to stop it, at which time the defendant alleged fled on foot and was chased and apprehended by the NYPD.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jennifer DaRin, of the District Attorney’s Red Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, Deputy Chief of the Street Safety Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Andrea Orlando, Deputy Chief of the Red Zone, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Karla Watson, Chief of the Red Zone.

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An indictment is merely an accusation and not proof of a defendant’s guilt

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 09, 2025

Man Who Shot and Killed One Man, Injured Another in Bushwick, And Then Shot at a Police Officer in Bedford-Stuyvesant Sentenced to 40 Years to Life in Prison

Defendant Fled from Homicide and When Confronted by Police Officers, Opened Fire

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for fatally shooting one man, shooting and injuring another man and then opening fire at a police officer a short time later – striking and injuring the officer.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant brazenly opened fire twice in one night, killing one man and seriously wounding two others, including a police officer. Thankfully, they both recovered, and the defendant was apprehended immediately. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Boyce Hayward, 30, of Bushwick, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 40 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, first-degree assault, two counts of first-degree criminal use of a firearm, second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on February 21, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 12, 2021, at approximately 11:11 p.m., at the corner of Madison Street and Broadway, in the confines of the 83rd Precinct, the defendant approached a BMW SUV stopped at a light and fired multiple shots into the vehicle’s passenger side window, striking and killing Randall Roberts, 28, and seriously injuring the driver of the vehicle. The defendant then walked away from the scene. The shooting was witnessed by an off-duty police officer who provided a detailed description of the defendant.

Minutes later, at approximately 11:15 p.m., the defendant was observed walking along Howard Avenue, near Saratoga Park, between Halsey Street and Macon Street in the 83rd Precinct, about four blocks from where he had just shot and killed Randall Roberts.

Police Officers Brian McGurran, Matthew Perry and Sergeant Kevin Beasley, of the 81st Precinct, saw the defendant after they received information regarding the shooting at Madison Street and Broadway.

Police Officer McGurran walked towards the defendant, who immediately turned around and fired at Officer McGurran multiple times. The police officers returned fire, including Officer McGurran, who was struck multiple times. The defendant was also struck.

The evidence showed that the defendant fired at Officer McGurran at least five times, with two of those shots striking him – one in his vest and one in his buttocks and through his thigh. The defendant was shot in the buttocks by police.

The District Attorney thanked Executive Paralegal Franklyn Arias, Homicide Paralegal John Homnick, Intelligence Analyst Selena Collado, of the Digital Evidence Lab, NYPD Detective Vincent DeMarino, of the 83rd Precinct, NYPD Detective James McDermott of the Force Investigation Division, and Retired Detective Alexander Grandstaff, of Brooklyn North Homicide for there work on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Robert P. Schwartz, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Executive Assistant District Attorney Joseph P. Alexis, Chief of the Trial Division.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 03, 2025

Hit-and-Run Driver Sentenced to up to 12 Years in Prison for
Killing Woman on Motorized Scooter in Bedford Stuyvesant

Defendant Did Not Stop After He Sped Through Red Light and Collided with Victim

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brownsville man has been sentenced to four to 12 years in prison following his guilty plea to reckless manslaughter in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. The defendant sped through a red light and struck the 43-year-old victim on a motorized scooter before leaving the scene.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant was speeding and ran a red light, causing a tragic crash that took a women’s life. After a thorough investigation, he has now been held accountable for his reckless and criminal conduct. My office is committed to improving the safety of Brooklyn’s streets, and I hope the family and friends of Bernadine Lewis find a measure of solace with today’s sentence, knowing this defendant has been held responsible and will be off our roadways.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Mike Josie, 26, of Brownsville, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Christopher Robles to an indeterminate sentence of four to 12 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on February 24, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 24, 2022, at about 2:14 a.m., the defendant was driving a Hyundai Elantra west on Lexington Avenue when he ran a red light at the intersection of Throop Avenue. The defendant was traveling in excess of 45 m.p.h. in a 25-m.p.h. zone when he struck the victim, Bernadine Lewis, 43, in the intersection. The collision knocked the victim off her moped and onto the ground.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, video surveillance captured the defendant driving off without stopping. The defendant never reported the collision to police.

Ms. Lewis was taken to Kings County Hospital where she died of her injuries.

The defendant was arrested on April 18, 2023, following an investigation led by NYPD’s Collision Investigation Squad.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kaitlin Kinsella, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Chief of the Blue Zone.

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