Florida Man Indicted for Stealing Approximately $93,000 from Six Victims While Posing as a Lawyer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 15, 2024

Florida Man Indicted for Stealing Approximately $93,000 from

Six Victims While Posing as a Lawyer

Allegedly Forged a Victim’s Signature on Court Filings and Retainer Agreement

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo today announced that a Florida man has been charged with stealing tens of thousands of dollars from six Russian-speaking victims in Brooklyn while posing as an attorney. The defendant was never registered to practice law.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As alleged, this defendant deceitfully portrayed himself as a practicing attorney to exploit the trust of New Yorkers in need of legal services. Instead of helping them, the defendant allegedly took advantage of them and lined his own pockets at their expense. We will now seek to hold him accountable for his alleged criminal actions.”

Special Agent in Charge Arvelo said “David Manasher is accused of stealing over $90,000 from his victims, including those who sought to lawfully obtain their immigration benefits. He allegedly exploited his customers and our nation’s immigration system for his own financial gain. HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force is committed to identifying and investigating such crimes to ensure New Yorkers can feel as secure as possible, even – and especially – when they’re vulnerable. We are proud to work with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners in ensuring the public’s safety and overall wellbeing remain a priority.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Manasher, 44, of Margate, Florida, who also resided at times in New York and New Jersey. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk on a 20-count indictment in which he is charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny; first-degree immigrant assistant services fraud; second-degree forgery; first-degree offering a false instrument for filing; practicing law or appearing as attorney-at-law without being admitted and registered to practice; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on August 21, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2020, and March 15, 2024, the defendant defrauded six people out of approximately $93,000 while posing as a lawyer specializing in landlord-tenant, immigration, and contract law. The defendant stole amounts ranging from approximately $2,000 to approximately $65,000. All six victims are Russian-speaking and either resided or worked in Brooklyn. They retained the defendant through various referrals and paid him in the belief that he was a licensed attorney. In one matter, the defendant forged a victim’s signature on both a court filing and a retainer agreement.

One of the victims reported the defendant to the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, which launched an investigation.

People who believe that they have been victimized by this defendant are encouraged to contact the District Attorney’s Action Center at 718-250-2340 or send an email to ManasherComplaints@brooklynda.org.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators and Intelligence Analyst Veranika Basak of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division for their assistance on the case.

Additionally, the District Attorney thanked HSI New York’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Sergey Marts, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, Special Counsel to the Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of Investigations, and Assistant District Attorney Patricia McNeill, Chief of Investigations.

 

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

Fugitive Sheepshead Bay Lawyer Indicted for Embezzling Over $250,000 from Eight Clients

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Fugitive Sheepshead Bay Lawyer Indicted for
Embezzling Over $250,000 from Eight Clients

Defendant Allegedly Stole Settlement Money Before Fleeing the United States

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a personal injury attorney has been charged with embezzling approximately $253,000 from eight of his clients. The defendant fled the United States before being disbarred in 2019.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly betrayed the trust of his clients and violated his oath as an attorney by pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars to which he was not entitled. Criminal conduct in the legal profession will not be tolerated, and my Office is determined to hold this defendant to account for his alleged thefts.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Alan Ross, 66, whose law office was located in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a 10-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree criminal possession of stolen property; second-degree grand larceny; seven counts of third-degree grand larceny; and first-degree scheme to defraud. The defendant was released under supervision and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, from December 2015 to May 2019, the defendant, who handled personal injury cases, allegedly embezzled approximately $253,000 in settlement funds from eight of his clients. The thefts ranged in size from approximately $10,000 to $83,000. As part of the scheme, the defendant allegedly transferred settlement funds from his clients’ escrow accounts to his law firm’s operating account as well as his personal account. It is alleged the defendant spent over $52,000 of the stolen funds on a vacation to Aruba and another $3,000 on laser micro-surgery.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant abandoned his practice, leaving numerous files in his law office before fleeing the country to Israel. He was disbarred in February 2019.

The defendant was arrested at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport last month and waived extradition to New York.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Frank Ungerer of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Bureau, and Laura Neubauer, Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and the overall supervision of Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the Investigations Division, and 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.

Former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center Charged for Allegedly Stealing Almost $1.5 Million

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Former Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center Charged for Allegedly Stealing Almost $1.5 Million

Defendant Allegedly Used Business Credit Card for Purchases Ranging from a High-End Pet Resort to Personal Travel, Catering Expenses, College Tuition and Cash Advances

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, today announced that an emergency medicine doctor has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with grand larceny and other crimes for allegedly stealing approximately $1.448 million by using a business credit card for personal purchases and cash advances.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As a high-ranking doctor at this vital healthcare institution this defendant was entrusted with access to significant funds, which he allegedly exploited, stealing more than one million dollars to pay for a lavish lifestyle. The scope of the alleged thefts is shocking, and my office is committed to holding accountable anyone who rips off the taxpayers. I am grateful to the Inspector General’s Office for its partnership on this case.”

Inspector General Lang said, “New Yorkers deserve doctors who uphold their oath with the utmost integrity. The spending spree on the State’s dime alleged here is an insult to hardworking taxpayers and the medical profession. My office will continue to rigorously investigate any public servant who violates the public trust by abusing their position of authority. I am grateful to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and his staff for their diligence in doing the same.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dr. Michael Lucchesi, 66, of Staten Island. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo on a nine-count indictment in which he is charged with first- and second-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and third-degree criminal tax fraud. The defendant was released without bail and ordered to return to court on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, between December 1, 2016 and January 31, 2023, the defendant, a medical doctor, who was the Chairman of Emergency Medicine at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, and at various points was the acting head of Downstate Hospital and the medical school, and was the Chief Medical Officer, made personal purchases using a credit card meant to be used for business purposes only by members of the clinical practice, University Physicians of Brooklyn, of SUNY Downstate.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the defendant’s spending totaled approximately $1.448 million and included cash advances of approximately $115,000; pet care totaling $176,000 (including $120,000 paid to The Greenleaf Pet Resort & Hotel in New Jersey); $348,000 spent on personal travel; $109,000 in payments to the New York Sports Club for membership and personal training; $52,000 in catering expenses; $46,000 in tuition payments for his children; and assorted payments for online shopping, flowers, liquor, electronics and other items.

The alleged thefts were discovered by SUNY during an audit.

The District Attorney thanked Investigative Counsel Thomas Collery, Senior Investigative Auditor Angelus Okeke, Investigative Auditor Victoria Oliva, and Senior Investigator Jimmy Gibson, under the supervision of Chief of Investigations for the Downstate Regional Offices Ben Defibaugh, Deputy Inspector General for the New York City Regional Office Ken Michaels, and Chief Deputy Inspector General Michele Bayer of the Offices of the New York State Inspector General for their work on the case.

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Chief Financial Investigator Ludwig Sanchez for his assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Michael Choi and Assistant District Attorney Andrew Kohler, both Special Counsel to the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, 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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An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Queens Man Sentenced to 3 to 9 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Crashing into Vehicle, Killing Driver in Crown Heights

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Queens Man Sentenced to 3 to 9 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Crashing into Vehicle, Killing Driver in Crown Heights

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in May

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree manslaughter for speeding and running a series of red lights, ultimately crashing into another vehicle, and killing a man.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless decision to speed and disobey traffic lights cost an innocent man his life and endangered many others. He has now been held accountable for his criminal conduct. I remain committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Elijah Lucaine, 25, of Cambria Heights, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Joanne Quinones to 3 to 9 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on May 15, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on March 13, 2023, at approximately 4:35 p.m., the defendant was driving a 2015 white Infiniti when he was observed by police going through multiple red lights, traveling at a high rate of speed, and swerving in and out of oncoming traffic.

At approximately 4:45 p.m., at the southwest corner of Crown Street and Nostrand Avenue in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the defendant drove through a red light at approximately 70-m.p.h., in a 25-m.p.h. zone, and t-boned a black Acura belonging to David Ellis, 56, who was in the driver’s seat. The victim was trapped in his car and the Emergency Services Unit ultimately had to cut off the door. The driver was taken to Kings County Hospital with a leg fracture, rib fractures, and a lung contusion. He died five days later because of blunt force trauma from the crash.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Danyelle Shapiro, of the District Attorney’s Green Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Frank DeGaetano, Chief of the Green Zone Trial Bureau.

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Fugitive Indicted for Murder of 15-Year-Old in Bensonhurst Extradited from Panama to Face Prosecution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 28, 2024

Fugitive Indicted for Murder of 15-Year-Old in Bensonhurst
Extradited from Panama to Face Prosecution

Defendant Allegedly Shot the Victim in Broad Daylight After Dispute Among Teens

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a fugitive who fled to Panama after allegedly shooting a teenager in Bensonhurst last summer has been returned to Brooklyn to faces charges in the boy’s death.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant was returned to Brooklyn from Panama and will now be brought to justice for allegedly killing Faridun Mavlonov, who was just 15 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. Hopefully this prosecution will bring some solace to Faridun’s heartbroken family and friends.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Leopoldo Nash Montoya, 18, formerly of Brooklyn. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Craig S. Walker on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, first-degree attempted gang assault, and third-degree assault. He was ordered held without bail and to return to court on July 3, 2024. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on July 12, 2023, in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and 60th Street, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the defendant, acting in concert with others, punched and kicked a 16-year-old boy about the head and body, causing physical injuries.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on July 17, 2023, at approximately 1 p.m., in the vicinity of 20th Avenue and 62nd Street, in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, the defendant displayed a firearm and repeatedly discharged the firearm at the 16-year-old boy who was walking with a group of friends. The defendant struck one of the individuals in the group, Faridun Mavlonov, 15, who was rushed to a local hospital and died the following day of one gunshot wound to the torso, which perforated his heart.

Following an investigation, including a review of extensive video surveillance footage, the defendant was identified. He was arrested in Panama on June 5, 2024 and returned to Brooklyn yesterday.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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

Four Hoolie Gang Members Variously Convicted in Multiple Shootings, Including the Death of One-Year-Old Davell Gardner Jr. in Bed-Stuy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Four Hoolie Gang Members Variously Convicted in Multiple Shootings, Including the Death of One-Year-Old Davell Gardner Jr. in Bed-Stuy  

Defendants Were Engaged in Gang War with Rival Street Gang

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that four defendants have been convicted in a series of gang-related homicides and shootings, including the shooting death of Davell Gardner Jr., who was just 22 months old when he was shot and killed during a cookout in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The defendants were convicted following a six-month jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s verdict sends a clear message that Brooklyn’s streets will not be playgrounds for gang wars. The reckless bloodshed perpetrated by these individuals not only robbed the innocent Davell Gardner, Jr., of a future but has also left an indelible scar on our community. These defendants will be held accountable for their horrific crimes, and my office stands unwavering in our fight against the scourge of gang violence in our neighborhoods. I commend the outstanding prosecutors in my office who tried this complex and lengthy case and thank the NYPD for their excellent work.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Travis Scott, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Dashawn Austin, of Canarsie, Jayquan Lane, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and Akeem Artis of Bedford-Stuyvesant. Scott, Austin and Lane were variously convicted today of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, first-degree reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, and second- and fourth-degree conspiracy following a six-month jury trial before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree attempted murder, second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, fourth-degree conspiracy, and first-degree reckless endangerment. Sentencing was set for May 1, 2024 for Artis and May 8, 2024 for the other defendants.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, the defendants are members of a violent street gang known as Hoolies, primarily based in and around the Roosevelt Housing Development in Bedford-Stuyvesant. The evidence presented at trial showed that the reason for Hoolies to commit acts of violence include retaliation against rival gangs and to display the gang’s strength.

Between May 2018 and May 2021, the Hoolies territory included 721 Willoughby Avenue and 303 Vernon Avenue, as well as the New York City Housing Authority Roosevelt Houses development and the surrounding area from Kosciuszko Street to Pulaski Street in between Marcus Garvey Boulevard to Stuyvesant Avenue.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on July 12, 2020, Dashawn Austin was seen entering the passenger seat of an Audi driven by Akeem Artis that turned on to Madison Street, near a park where there was a cookout. Austin fired into the park, striking Davell Gardner Jr., 22 months old, who later died, and three other people. Austin was convicted of second-degree murder and Artis was convicted of first-degree manslaughter for that shooting death. Austin was convicted of three counts of second-degree attempted murder and Artis was convicted of three counts of first-degree attempted assault in connection with the other three innocent victims struck in the park shooting. Artis was also convicted of one count of second-degree attempted murder in connection with a June 24, 2020 shooting.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, on March 3, 2020, Dashawn Austin and Jayquan Lane entered the Kinanm Lounge on Atlantic Avenue where alleged gang rival Janile Whitted was in attendance. They followed him when he left the lounge, and Austin fired several shots into his chest at close range, killing him. Austin and Lane were convicted of second-degree murder in that shooting death.

Travis Scott was also convicted of second-degree murder for the December 4, 2018 shooting death of Tyree Walker, 35, who was not a rival, as he walked towards his home on Myrtle Avenue, and of second-degree attempted murder for shooting and paralyzing a 23-year-old man that same night.

The case was prosecuted by Executive Assistant District Attorney and Chief of Staff Nicole L. Chavis, Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Trial Division Joseph P. Alexis, and Senior Assistant District Attorneys Michael Diamond and Fabiola Marrufo, of the District Attorneys Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau.

Former Brooklyn Resident Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Attempted Murder and Arson in Connection to Setting Fire to Rabbi’s Home

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, March 18, 2024

Former Brooklyn Resident Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Attempted Murder and Arson in Connection to Setting Fire to Rabbi’s Home

Fire Destroyed Victim’s Midwood House as Well as Two Adjacent Properties,
Defendant was Captured on Video Surveillance Setting the Fire

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Pennsylvania resident has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for intentionally setting fire to the home of a Brooklyn rabbi. The fire quickly spread to two adjacent houses, injuring six people, including a six-week-old infant, a firefighter and two police officers.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s actions destroyed the homes of several families and put numerous people in harm’s way. I am thankful that there were no life-threatening injuries. With today’s sentence, this defendant has been brought to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Matthew Karelefsky, 46, of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of first-degree attempted murder, second-degree arson, six counts of second-degree assault, and two counts of fourth-degree arson on February 7, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 13, 2019, at approximately 3:50 a.m., a rabbi at a local yeshiva and his wife awoke to a fire in their three-story multi-family home at 1492 East 17th Street in Midwood. The fire spread to homes on either side of the property, causing 13 residents to evacuate. Numerous individuals, including a six-week-old infant and two NYPD officers were treated for smoke inhalation. Additionally, one firefighter was treated for bruising suffered while responding to the fire.

Fire Marshals determined the fire at 1492 East 17th Street was intentionally set and that it spread to the adjacent properties. Investigators also determined the fire began underneath the rabbi’s front porch, where K9 dogs identified the smell of an accelerant and fire marshals discovered remnants of a Kingsford charcoal bag, charcoal, a plastic milk carton, empty lighter fluid containers, lighter boxes and several rags believed to have been drenched in lighter fluid.

Video surveillance taken from across the street from the victims’ homes shows the defendant setting the fire. Additionally, video surveillance from a Midwood grocery store captured the day before the incident shows the defendant purchasing Kingsford charcoal and matches.

Police arrested the defendant in Manhattan on June 15, 2019. At the time of his arrest, he was wearing a pink shirt with a white collar—a shirt he was seen wearing walking near the victims’ homes before and after the incident. The defendant has a tattoo on his forearm that reads, “Never let go of the HATRED – KILL Rabbi Max”. He also wrote numerous social media posts expressing his animosity for and intention to harm the victim.

The District Attorney thanked members of the FDNY and the NYPD, specifically New York City Fire Department Marshal Stewart Hines, retired NYPD Detective Andrew Cohen and the NYPD Arson and Explosion Squad, who investigated the case, as well as retired Allegheny County Detective Donald Pasquarelli, who assisted in the case and Police Officers Andrew Webber and Anthony Castrillon and Detective John Hostetter, of the 17th Precinct, who apprehended the defendant.

The District Attorney thanked Discovery Support Director Lisa Santapaul, Discovery Expeditor Casey Goedtel, Paralegal Supervisor Aneudy Mata, Assistant District Attorney Erin Shea, Chief Analyst Alexandra Aber of the District Attorney’s Digital Evidence Lab, Senior DEL Intelligence Analyst Christina Stewart, Mauricio Suarez, DEL Senior Digital Forensics’ Analyst and the DA’s Detective Investigators for the assistance in the case.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sara Kurtzberg, Chief of the District Attorney’s Bureau of Litigation and Technology (BOLT), and David Kim, Deputy Chief of BOLT.

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MTA Employee Indicted for Running Brothel Out of Greenpoint Apartment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 1, 2024

MTA Employee Indicted for Running Brothel Out of Greenpoint Apartment

Investigation Prompted by Neighbors’ Complaints About Strange Men Inside the Building

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with promoting prostitution for allegedly running a brothel out of his Greenpoint apartment. The defendant is employed as a structural maintainer with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He is currently suspended.

           District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The alleged illegal brothel that the defendant was operating in a residential building caused numerous disruptions for tenants concerned about their well-being. I am committed to responding to complaints from neighbors concerned about maintaining their quality of life and safety.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Blakis, 46, of Greenpoint, in Brooklyn. The defendant was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with third- and fourth-degree promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution. He was ordered to return to court on May 8, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in February 2023, the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit received a complaint about a brothel being run out of an apartment at 1083 Manhattan Avenue, in Greenpoint. On February 11, 2023, an undercover NYPD officer arrived at the location and was buzzed into the apartment. He allegedly gave $200 to a woman inside the apartment and was given poker chips, which he was told to give to another woman inside of a bedroom in exchange for sexual intercourse.

The undercover allegedly gave the second woman the poker chips and told her he paid for sexual intercourse. She allegedly took the chips and the undercover excused himself to go to the bathroom. He then notified his field team, and the two women were arrested. The police noticed signs throughout the location in English and Spanish that read “Tip the Ladies,” “chica cards” (business cards that advertise prostitution) and mail belonging to the defendant.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, police were granted access to surveillance cameras in the building’s common area by the building’s landlord showing numerous women coming and going from the apartment for various overnight “work shifts.” Numerous men were seen coming and going from the apartment throughout the day, sometimes staying 10 to 15 minutes. Women were also seen storing their belongings inside the defendant’s mother’s apartment next door.

On November 1, 2023, it is alleged, another undercover officer went to the location and was buzzed into the apartment. The undercover allegedly spoke to the defendant inside of the apartment and agreed to pay $65 for oral sex with a woman inside of the apartment.

Finally, it is alleged, on November 10, 2023, Brooklyn DA and NYPD detectives executed a search warrant at the defendant’s apartment and saw the defendant sitting on a couch in the living room, one woman inside of a bedroom in various stages of undress with a man and a second woman who ran out of the apartment and was caught on the fire escape. There was also another man sitting on the couch who allegedly admitted being in the apartment to engage in prostitution.

Pursuant to the search warrant, eight electronic devices were recovered, including five cell phones that allegedly contained evidence of promoting prostitution including advertisements for various women, prices, time frames, and the Greenpoint location. Investigators also recovered approximately $5,000 cash, chica cards, and a 2023 calendar with women’s names on various dates.

The case was investigated by a KCDA Detective Investigator assigned to the Human Trafficking Unit with assistance from the NYPD Brooklyn VICE Module Detective Michael Wolfe, under the supervision of Sergeant Brian Gribbin.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Paralegal Aurora Martinez and Digital Forensic Analyst Taylor Mumley, of the KCDA Digital Evidence Lab, for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Iorio of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney David Weiss, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Chief of the Special Victims Bureau.

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

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for Execution Murder of One Man and Shooting and Injuring a Second Man

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, January 8, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for

Execution Murder of One Man and Shooting and Injuring a Second Man

Defendant Opened Fire Inside of Crowded Deli

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting one man and shooting and wounding a second man inside of a crowded deli in East New York, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The defendant showed a complete indifference to human life when he callously opened fire inside of a crowded deli, repeatedly shooting and killing one man, a soon-to-be father, and shooting and severely wounding a second man. Today’s sentence holds him accountable for his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Marcus Worrell, 28, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder, second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 9, 2023, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on June 5, 2020, at approximately 8:20 p.m., the defendant entered a deli located at 620 Livonia Avenue and shot Evon Hillman, 28, and continued firing at him even after the victim fell to the ground. Hillman died instantly, according to testimony. A second man, age 40, who was standing next to the victim, was shot in the stomach and suffered massive internal damage.

The defendant then left the deli, according to the evidence, and robbed another man of his motorbike at gunpoint to escape. He was arrested two months later, on August 5, 2020, by the New York City Police Department.

Evon Hillman’s fiancée gave birth to their son two months after the murder.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Evan Hannay, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Chow Xie, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicide Bureau Chief.

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Shootings and Shooting Victims Dropped by About 25% in Brooklyn in 2023, Accelerating Three-Year Decline; Homicides Down by 10%

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 29, 2023

Shootings and Shooting Victims Dropped by About 25% in Brooklyn in 2023,
Accelerating Three-Year Decline; Homicides Down by 10%

Significant Decline in Gun Homicides, Total Serious Crimes Reduced by Over 5%

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that Brooklyn continued to make significant gains in public safety in 2023, with shooting incidents and victims both dropping by about 25% compared to the previous year. Those numbers translate to about 150 fewer shooting victims. Homicides decreased by almost 10% and overall index crimes declined by more than 5%. These encouraging statistics are part of years-long trend that reversed the spike in gun violence during the height of the COVID pandemic and reverted back to pre-pandemic territory, when such crimes were at their lowest in recorded history. The Brooklyn DA’s Office continued to focus on reducing violence by targeting violent street gangs, partnering with community-based organizations to prevent at-risk youth from becoming either perpetrators or victims of gun violence, and enhancing efforts to better prosecute gun offenses. It also continued its efforts to correct miscarriages of justice and to strengthen fairness and equity in the legal system.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “It is gratifying to see the progress we are making in keeping Brooklyn safe. This past year, we experienced a marked reduction in gun violence with shootings and shooting victims declining by a full quarter and homicide decreasing by 10%. These are not just numbers; these are 150 fewer people suffering gunshot injuries that would have altered their lives forever. While every act of gun violence is one too many, we are on the right track with most other serious crimes also trending downward. These achievements are a testament to the joint effort among my office, the Brooklyn community, the NYPD and all other law enforcement and community partners. As we look to 2024, I am hopeful and confident that we can continue to make our borough safer and strengthen trust in the justice system.”

The District Attorney said that there were 337 shooting incidents in Brooklyn this year, down 100 or 25% compared to 449 in 2022. There were 147 fewer shooting victims – 397 compared to 544, or down 27%. There were also 15 fewer murders, or a 10% decline. The decrease in gun homicides was notable, with 10 fewer shooting-related homicides or 63% of total number of murders committed this year. This percentage is analogous to 2018 and 2019, when homicides in Brooklyn reached record lows and those involving shootings stood at 64% in each of those years. That ratio jumped to 80% in 2020 and 72% in 2021. The reduction in shooting related homicides is another indication of improvements in gun violence.

The most notable gains in public safety took place in Brooklyn North precincts, first among them the 73rd Precinct in Brownsville, where murders dropped by a whopping 67% (from 21 to 7) and shootings decreased by 30%. Shootings also declined in East New York (75th Precinct), by 32%, and Bedford-Stuyvesant (81st Precinct), by 47%. Greenpoint (94th Precinct) saw one shooting, compared to eight in the previous year (down 87.5%). The southern neighborhoods that experienced the biggest drops in shootings were Sheepshead Bay (61st Precinct), down 71.5%, and Coney Island (60th Precinct), down 55.6%. The number of shootings decreased in 18 out of the 23 Brooklyn precincts. And gun violence in public housing developments declined significantly with 41% fewer shootings and 42% fewer shooting victims.

The seven major index crimes (murder, rape, robbery, felony assault, burglary, grand larceny and grand theft auto) decreased in Brooklyn by 5.1% this year compared to 2022. Burglaries decreased by 18.4%, grand larcenies by 7.2%, reported rape by 6.1% and robberies by 4.2%. The only upticks, by about 2.5% each, were in felony assaults and grand theft auto. [These stats are based on the New York City Police Department’s preliminary CompStat reports as of 12/24/2023.]

The DA’s Office’s efforts to combat gun violence this year included the takedown of two rival street crews with the indictment of 32 alleged gang members. A central figure in one of the gangs was successful drill rapper “Sheff G,” who allegedly used his music industry earnings to bankroll and encourage acts of violence. The office also secured the conviction of a man who killed a gang rival, sparking the cycle of violence between the two groups. Other initiatives focused on prevention, such as support to a program that aims to reduce shootings by addressing domestic violence, engagement of criminal justice involved youth, and gun buyback events.

Brooklyn’s Conviction Review Unit continued its crucial work to correct past miscarriages of justice, exonerating three individuals over the course of 2023. They included a man who served 18 years in prison, having been arrested based on a witness identification of a different man with the same name; a man who pleaded guilty to murder but a reinvestigation revealed that another person was responsible; and a man who spent 35 years in prison for a conviction that was based on an unreliable witness.

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