Uncategorized

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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Queens Man Indicted for Brutal Kidnapping, Assault and
Sexually Motivated Attack on 25-Year-Old Woman in East New York

Defendant Allegedly Beat, Strangled and Sexually Assaulted
Woman Inside His Van Along the Penn Track

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man has been arraigned on an indictment for allegedly kidnapping, assaulting and sexually abusing a 25-year-old woman in an East New York area commonly known as the “Penn Track,” a stretch of roadway along Pennsylvania Avenue near Malta Street and Linden Boulevard that is frequently used by people engaged in sexual conduct for money.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was an exceptionally violent and degrading attack, and the allegations reflect a level of cruelty that is deeply disturbing. My office stands firmly with the victim, and we are committed to protecting people who are vulnerable to exploitation. We will use every tool available to hold the defendant accountable and to pursue any individual who uses such horrific violence and brutality to prey on at-risk individuals in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Rasi Vendryes, 48, of Queens. He is charged in a multi-count indictment with second-degree kidnapping, first-degree sexual abuse, second-degree strangulation as a sexually motivated felony, second-degree robbery as a sexually motivated felony and related counts. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter. Bail was set at $75,000 cash or $150,000 bond. The defendant was ordered to return to court on January 28, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 31, 2023, at approximately 3 a.m., the victim, who was engaged in acts of sexual conduct for money, approached the defendant’s grey Sprinter-style van near Malta Avenue after the two agreed to meet. After the victim entered the vehicle, the defendant allegedly drove her to a more secluded area and brought her to the back of the van. Once there, the victim observed bleach and metal chains.

The defendant then allegedly struck the victim in the head, which disoriented her and caused her to fall to the floor of the van. The defendant allegedly sat on her stomach, placed his hands around her neck and punched her repeatedly, while threatening to kill her if she attempted to escape. During the attack, the defendant allegedly sexually assaulted her while continuing to strangle her. The victim struggled to breathe, her vision blurred and she began to lose feeling in her extremities.

The victim was able to get to the front of the van, where she observed a large knife on the dashboard as the defendant allegedly locked the doors. She rolled down the passenger side window, and when she leaned out the window to scream for help, the defendant allegedly pushed her out of the vehicle, leaving her partially unclothed in the street. He then allegedly drove off with her purse, jacket and phone.

The victim later sought medical treatment and was found to have injuries consistent with the assault, including pain and visible trauma to her head and body. Her cell phone was later located using the Find My app in a Queens park near the defendant’s home.

The victim reported the attack in August 2024, when she encountered an NYPD Human Trafficking Team detective conducting outreach on the Penn Track. In September 2024, the victim allegedly again saw the defendant driving in the area. She photographed his license plate and later identified him in a photo array, which led to his arrest.

If you believe you have been a victim of this defendant, please call the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking hotline at 718-250-2770. See photos of the defendant and his van below.

The case investigation was led by New York City Police Department Detective Denis Regimbal of the FBI-NYPD Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the supervision of Lieutenant Amy Morin, and under the overall supervision of Inspector Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Social Worker Raquel Alger, Office Manager Aurora Martinez and Paralegal Aaliyah Antrobus, as well as Senior Assistant District Attorney Grace Hogan and Office Manager Brenda Campbell of the Law Enforcement Assistance Unit, for their assistance with the investigation.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Brighton Beach Mother and Daughter Indicted for

Labor and Sex Trafficking in Massage Parlors

Defendants Allegedly Forced Victim to Engage in
Sexual Conduct with Customers in Gravesend and Midwood

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that two women, a mother and daughter, have been arraigned on an indictment in which they are charged with sex trafficking, labor trafficking, promoting prostitution, and related charges for allegedly forcing a woman to engage in sexual conduct for money and promoting the prostitution of another woman.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly coerced and abused a vulnerable woman during a difficult time in her life, while running multiple illicit massage parlors in numerous locations in Brooklyn. I am fully committed to investigating and prosecuting this type of abhorrent trafficking, to protect victims and to fight against all exploitation of women.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Taya Benayun, 59, and Vladilina Benaun, 37, of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. They were arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on a nine-count indictment in which they are charged with sex trafficking, labor trafficking, third- and fourth-degree promoting prostitution, and permitting prostitution. They were each ordered held on bail of $150,000 cash or $300,000 bond and to return to court on February 11, 2026.

The District Attorney said the investigation began following a series of community complaints regarding an alleged illicit massage parlor located at 2281 McDonald Avenue in Gravesend.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, one of the victims, a 23- year-old woman, needed to raise money for her ill father and was referred to the defendants by a friend in January 2024. She was allegedly forced to work from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. six days a week and required to split her earnings from engaging in sexual conduct 50/50 with the defendants. The victim worked out of alleged massage parlors run by the defendants at 2281 McDonald Avenue and 1204 Coney Island Avenue.

The victim’s father died in June 2024, and after that the victim became ill and could not work. While she was in the hospital recovering, it is alleged, the defendants called and texted her incessantly and threatened to report her to the authorities. They also allegedly threatened her and a friend of hers with physical violence. The victim eventually returned to work because of the alleged threats and was afraid to leave.

Furthermore, it is alleged, in February 2025, a second victim, a 20-year-old woman, responded to an advertisement the defendants allegedly placed for a massage parlor employee on RusRek.com, the digital version of Russkaya Reklama, a Russian language newspaper. The victim worked three days a week and could choose her schedule. The financial split, however, was the same 50/50. She also told police that she worked at 1204 Coney Island Avenue and 2359 Coney Island Avenue, and that multiple women worked at both locations. She also alleged that the locations had multiple internal and external surveillance cameras so that their activity could be monitored at all times.

The case investigation was led by Police Officer Konstantin Lyubinsky, of the New York City Police Department Brooklyn Vice Enforcement Division, under the supervision of Sergeant Brian Gribbin and Lieutenant Ewa Lapinska, and the overall supervision of Deputy Inspector Stanislav Levitsky.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Social Worker Raquel Alger, Office Manager Aurora Martinez, Paralegal Aaliyah Antrobus, Deputy Unit Chief Robert Kaftal, and Senior Assistant District Attorney Fernando Leal and Office Manager Brenda Campbell from the Law Enforcement Assistance Unit for their assistance on this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mary E. Monahan, Deputy Chief 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 District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau. 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 19, 2025

Brooklyn Man Indicted for Sex Trafficking of Teenage Girl

Defendant Allegedly Lured Victim to his Coney Island Apartment,
Forced her to Engage in Sexual Conduct for Money, Raped and Assaulted Her

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with sex trafficking of a child, promoting prostitution and related charges for allegedly trafficking, assaulting and raping a 15-year-old girl.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “As alleged, this defendant horrifically exploited a teenager in a month-long sex trafficking nightmare. Today’s indictment underscores our commitment to protecting girls and at-risk individuals and ensuring those who engage in sex trafficking face serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Sayquan Fleming, a.k.a. “Spectacular,” 26, of Coney Island, Brooklyn. He is charged in a 27-count indictment with sex trafficking of a child, sex trafficking by force, second-degree assault, third-degree rape, second-degree promoting prostitution, endangering the welfare of a child and related counts. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun. Bail was set at $300,000 cash or $2 million bond. The defendant was ordered to return to court on February 11, 2026.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, around November 3, 2025, a 15-year-old girl from Brooklyn was lured to an apartment in the Marlboro Houses in Coney Island where the defendant lived.

Upon arrival, the defendant allegedly took the minor victim’s phone and her purse containing her high school identification and gave her lingerie to wear and brought her and another female to the “Penn Track” street prostitution track in East New York where the teen was forced to solicit patrons from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. The Penn Track is a stretch of roadway along Pennsylvania Avenue near Wortman and Georgia Avenues, that is frequently where traffickers bring their victims to solicit patrons to engage in sexual conduct for money.

The defendant also allegedly posted nude and semi-nude photographs of the teen on websites for commercial sex. All the money was to go to directly to the defendant. The defendant also allegedly had several other females that he was forcing to engage in sexual conduct for money.

Between November 3, 2025, and November 28, 2025, the defendant allegedly forced the minor victim to engage in sexual conduct for money on the Penn Track and in the stairwell of his apartment building in Coney Island. Additionally, if the buyer wanted the victim to go to them, they would send a car service to pick up the victim from the defendant’s residence to bring the victim to their place, where the victim was forced to engage in sexual conduct with men for money, all of which would allegedly be turned over to the defendant.

During the teen’s time with the defendant, he allegedly regularly assaulted her including one time when he accused her of not giving him all the proceeds she made while she was forced to engage in sexual conduct for him. On another occasion, to prove their loyalty to him, the defendant ordered the other women to assault the minor victim.

During the several weeks the minor victim was with the defendant, she also allegedly had to engage in sexual conduct with him on several occasions.

On November 28, 2025, the minor victim was able to convince the defendant to let her leave. In December, she disclosed what had happened to a school counselor and a report was made to law enforcement.

The investigation was led by Detective Daniel Bergamini, of the New York City Police Department’s Human Trafficking Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Kevin Kavanagh and Lieutenant Christopher Zizza, and the overall supervision of Inspector Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked Digital Forensic Analyst Lexie Giardina, of the Digital Evidence Lab and Human Trafficking Unit Social Worker Raquel Alger, and Assistant District Attorney Audrey Chao, of the Human Trafficking Unit, for their assistance in the investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Janesse Dawson, 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 District Attorney’s Special Victims
Bureau.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 19, 2025

Brooklyn Man Charged with Stealing nearly $16 Million by Presenting Himself as Cryptocurrency Exchange Rep and Scamming Users

DA’s Office Investigation Revealed About 100 Victims Throughout the US;
Allegedly Convinced Users to Transfer Funds, Claiming Accounts were Hacked;
Over $500,000 in Alleged Stolen Funds Recovered So Far

[Note: court documents and materials displayed at the press conference are available here]

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit indicted a 23-year-old Brooklyn man in connection with a phishing and social engineering scheme that stole nearly $16 million from about 100 users of the cryptocurrency exchange Coinbase. The defendant – who used the handle @lolimfeelingevil when bragging online – allegedly contacted users purporting to be a Coinbase representative, claimed that their assets are at risk from a hacker and convinced them to transfer their money to a new cryptocurrency wallet. He then allegedly emptied out those accounts and laundered the assets by sending them to online swapping and mixing services as well as cryptocurrency gambling entities.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This indictment charges the defendant of operating a long-running social engineering scam that amounted to a digital robbery against scores of crypto investors across the country. He allegedly tricked many unsuspecting people to transfer their life savings to wallets he controlled, blew their hard-earned money gambling online, and then bragged about his successful thefts. My office is committed to making sure that Brooklyn never becomes a hub for online scams, and we will continue to root out every instance of cryptocurrency fraud, which is a serious problem that’s been exploding throughout the country. We will investigate offenders using the latest technology, freeze their assets whenever possible, and assist the victims.”

Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer for Coinbase, said, “We’re grateful to District Attorney Gonzalez and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their partnership and relentless work to protect victims. In this case, Coinbase supported the investigation by helping identify the perpetrator and the customers he defrauded, providing evidence to ensure he could be charged, and assisting law enforcement efforts to trace and recover funds connected to the fraudulent phishing scheme. We’re committed to protecting our customers and working hand-in-hand with law enforcement to hold scammers accountable and help bring justice for those they harm.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Ronald Spektor, 23, of Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a 31-count indictment charging him with first-degree grand larceny, first-degree money laundering, scheme to defraud and other related counts. The defendant is being held on bail and will be arraigned today by Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun.

About $105,000 in cash and approximately $400,000 in cryptocurrency were seized from the defendant in the course of the investigation and the DA’s Office is working to access more alleged stolen cryptocurrency assets.

The District Attorney explained that Coinbase is an American cryptocurrency exchange that allows its users to buy, sell, and store digital assets. Coinbase users are popular targets for phishing scams, which are social engineering cyberattacks where a bad actor impersonates a trusted entity, like a bank or a well-known company, to trick customers into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords, account numbers, or other personal details. These scams are typically conducted through deceptive emails, text message, phone calls, or malicious websites that mimic legitimate ones.

For the past year, the DA’s Virtual Currency Unit has been investigating a Coinbase phishing scheme that resulted in approximate loss of $15,944,000 from about 100 U.S.-based users (over 70 of whom were interviewed in the course of the investigation). Victims confirmed that a purported Coinbase representative contacted them and informed them that their assets were at risk from a hacker and needed to be moved to a new wallet. The users, believing they were communicating with a real Coinbase representative, unwittingly moved their crypto assets to a wallet that they were led to believe was under their sole control, but was actually accessible by the defendant.

The investigation further revealed that the stolen assets were then allegedly laundered by swapping them multiple times through different crypto exchanges until they were eventually consolidated at “cash-out points” where they could be converted to other types of cryptocurrencies, wagered in bets, converted to cash, and used to purchase gift cards or digital assets. Large portions of the stolen assets in this case were allegedly sent to gambling services and various online storefronts.

It is alleged that the defendant, who resides with his father in Brooklyn, is responsible for the scheme based on transaction records, blockchain analyses, digital forensic and evidence recovered from multiple search warrants. The defendant’s own home IP address was allegedly linked to multiple wallets that cryptocurrency was stolen from. The investigation also revealed that he allegedly used online forums to recruit others to work for him as social engineers (e.g. perpetuating what might look like a hacking attempt) and to brag about his criminal exploits.

Furthermore, the investigation revealed that Spektor allegedly used the handle @lolimfeelingevil on the encrypted messaging app Telegram, where he ran a channel called “Blockchain enemies” in which he openly bragged about his heists. He also allegedly used the encrypted apps like Discord. Investigators allege that recovered messages show that he wrote, using slang terms, that he lost six million dollars of cryptocurrency by gambling and implied that he has made millions of dollars’ worth of cryptocurrency through scamming.

In addition, text messages recovered from his phone show that after becoming the subject of online allegations of fraud, he allegedly made sure to dispose of a cryptocurrency hardware wallet and have a new one purchased.

Victims’ locations spanned the entire country. A California resident reported losing over $1 million and a Virginia resident reported losing over $900,000. A Pennsylvania man recalled receiving a phone call in September 2024 from an individual purporting to be “Fred Wilson” from Coinbase security. He was informed that there had been a suspicious attempt to move cryptocurrency from his account. Immediately prior to receiving the call, the victim had received multiple spoofed two factor authentication text messages from Coinbase and Google, helping to trick him into believing his username and password had been breached. He lost approximately $53,150 worth of cryptocurrency. A woman from Maryland received calls and emails alerting her that her wallet was compromised and discovered that about $38,750 worth of crypto had been transferred out of a wallet she believed she controlled. She also received an email from someone who identified themselves as “James Wilson,” who claimed to be an employee of Coinbase.

The District Attorney thanked Coinbase and Flashpoint for their assistance in the investigation.

The District Attorney offered the following tips to avoid falling victim to phishing scams:

• • Coinbase and most other companies will never call customers or ask to transfer crypto to a “safe wallet”
  • Don’t trust caller ID, sender names or lookalike domains that can be spoofed.
  • Only contact Coinbase and other companies through in-app support channels.
  • Slow down. Scammers rely on urgency and pressure. Verify independently, consult with other, don’t move money in a rush.
  • Use strong account protections, like two factor authentication or security keys where available.

The case was investigated by Assistant District Attorney Alona Katz, Chief of the District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit with the assistance of ADA Kevin Zhen of the Frauds Bureau, Senior Virtual Currency Analyst Sam Weaver, as well as analysts Jayden Kuprel, Chris Vellios, Paul Stenzel, and Paralegal Claire Fagan, of the Virtual Currency Unit. Detective Investigators from the KCDA Detective Bureau and members of the Digital Evidence Lab Unit under the supervision of Chief Jingu Chong also assisted in the investigation.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are accusatory instruments that contain allegations, not proof of a defendant’s guilt. Each defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

Defendant Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison for
Fatal Shooting of Stranger near Barclays Center

Victim was Shot Six Times in Busy Intersection following Dispute

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the shooting death of a Staten Island man following a verbal dispute near the Barclays Center in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds this defendant accountable for this incredibly callous shooting of an innocent man. Steven Vargas was a beloved brother and uncle who was violently and senselessly taken from his family and friends. And while gun violence is currently at record lows in Brooklyn thanks to the dedicated focus of law enforcement, my thoughts are with Mr. Vargas’ loved ones today as they continue to deal with this profound loss.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Matthew Passaro, 53. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 25 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder on November 18, 2025 following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on September 20, 2017, the defendant was walking on Atlantic Avenue in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. He came upon the victim, 47-year-old Stephen Vargas, whom he didn’t know, standing on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Fourth Avenue, and started yelling at him.

After exchanging words with the victim, the defendant walked about a block and a half, changed his clothes, then returned to where the victim was standing, in the vicinity of Fourth Avenue and Atlantic Avenue and, at about 8:15 p.m., shot him multiple times outside 578 Atlantic Avenue, killing him, according to trial testimony. The evidence showed that the defendant fired seven times, striking the victim six times about his body, including his spine, liver, kidneys, lungs, and heart, instantly killing him.

The defendant fled and was arrested on November 1, 2017 inside the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. A loaded .45-caliber pistol was recovered from the defendant. A microscopic analysis of the recovered gun and ballistic evidence from the scene of the shooting determined that this was the same gun used to kill Vargas.

Following his arrest, according to trial testimony, the defendant admitted to police that he killed the victim.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jhounelle Cunningham, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Kaitlin Kinsella, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Homicde Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 15, 2025

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for
Near-Fatal Assault and Kidnapping of Ex-Girlfriend

Defendant Strangled, Robbed and Repeatedly Stabbed Victim
Before Leaving Her to Die on Long Island Parkway

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his conviction for kidnapping and repeatedly stabbing his ex-girlfriend in April 2023, leaving her for dead on the side of a Long Island parkway.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “A woman was strangled, robbed, and repeatedly stabbed by someone who once claimed to care about her, then dragged into brush and abandoned to die. She survived because she refused to give up, fought through unimaginable injuries, and found a way to get help. Thanks to her resilience and courage, this defendant has been held accountable and will spend 15 years in prison. My office will continue to stand with survivors and pursue serious consequences for anyone who commits this kind of domestic violence.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Darren Brathwaite, 39, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin to 15 years in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree kidnapping, first-degree attempted assault, second-degree robbery, second-degree assault and first-degree unlawful imprisonment on September 30, 2025, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on April 29, 2023, at approximately 7 p.m., the victim finished her shift at her workplace in East Flatbush, where the defendant was waiting for her. He approached her and offered to drive her to her babysitter’s home to pick up her child, and she got into the defendant’s car.

As they drove, the defendant brought up their prior relationship and asked the victim to get back together with him. When she refused, according to trial testimony, the defendant became enraged, grabbed her, punched her, took her phone and brandished a knife. He then repeatedly stabbed and slashed the victim in the neck and thigh and strangled her with both hands. As the defendant continued driving, the victim attempted to escape the car several times but was forcibly pulled back inside and repeatedly stabbed. Eventually, the victim went limp and pretended to be dead to stop the attack.

The defendant drove from Brooklyn to Long Island, stopped on the Wantagh State Parkway and dragged what he believed was the victim’s lifeless body out of the vehicle. After walking away, the defendant returned and realized the victim was still alive, according to the evidence. He again stabbed her multiple times and moved her deeper into brush on the side of the parkway before fleeing.

Despite her extensive injuries, the victim managed to reach the roadway, where she flagged down a New York State Trooper. She was transported to Nassau University Medical Center and was treated for numerous stab wounds to her neck and thigh.

The defendant fled to Atlantic City, N.J. and on May 2, 2023, was located and removed from the ocean by an Atlantic City Police Department officer. Following coordination between the NYPD 67th Precinct Detective Squad, Brooklyn South Warrant Squad, and Atlantic County authorities, the defendant was taken into custody and transported to Brooklyn.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Jessica Soares and Assistant District Attorney Lawrence Newman, Special Counsel, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 15, 2025

Bronx Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison for Stabbing
Transit Worker in Brooklyn Subway

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following his guilty plea to attempted murder for stabbing an MTA subway conductor 11 times inside a Brooklyn subway station.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant nearly killed an innocent man working to keep New York City running. Today’s significant sentence holds him accountable for this vicious attack on a hardworking train conductor. As subway crime continues to trend downward, my office will remain relentless in protecting both transit workers and riders in Brooklyn and ensuring that those who commit violence in the system are held accountable.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jonathan Davalos, 28, of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Carolina Holderness to 15 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on August 25, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on October 8, 2024, at approximately 10:40 a.m., aboard a number 4 train subway car at the Crown Heights-Utica Avenue station in Brooklyn the victim, a 59-year-old subway operator, was attempting to clear the subway at the last stop on the train when he encountered the defendant. The operator asked the defendant to exit the subway, but he refused. The defendant then pulled a kitchen knife from his jacket pocket and lunged at the victim with the knife.

The victim then ran away from the defendant, who chased the victim down the platform. The victim tripped and fell onto the platform and the defendant straddled him before stabbing him about the body. A witness alerted police officers at the station, who responded immediately, drew their weapons and ordered the defendant to stop. The defendant then stood up, dropped the knife, and was placed under arrest.

The victim, who was stabbed 11 times, was taken to Kings County Hospital in serious condition and survived his injuries.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal Jamal Marshall for his assistance on this case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg and Assistant District Attorneys Garrett Hines and Holley Howell, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Coney Island Man Arraigned for Brooklyn Slashing Spree

That Left Three Seriously Wounded

Victims Suffered Deep Facial and Neck Wounds in Unprovoked Attacks

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Coney Island man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is accused of a series of violent, unprovoked attacks that left three men with serious injuries. The defendant was also linked to a burglary and arson inside a nearby residential building, where he allegedly set multiple fires before fleeing.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These were terrifying, unprovoked assaults that brutalized three innocent men and could have killed someone. Brooklyn is safer today than it has been in decades, with homicides and gun violence at record lows, and we will not allow anyone to undermine that hard-won progress. My office will pursue this case aggressively to ensure accountability and protect the public.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Odyssey Head, 27, of Coney Island, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Adam Perlmutter on an indictment charging him with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, second-degree arson and other related counts. The defendant was ordered held without bail, to undergo a psychiatric exam and to return to court on January 21, 2026. 

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on October 25, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., aboard a northbound Q train near Cortelyou Road and E. 16^th St. in Flatbush, the defendant allegedly randomly slashed a 37-year-old man with a razor blade from lip to cheek, causing a deep facial wound that required multiple stitches.

Later that same day, at approximately 10 p.m., a 53-year-old man was standing at the corner of Foster Avenue and New York Avenue in East Flatbush when the defendant allegedly approached and slashed him across the left side of his face from eye to ear with a knife, causing a deep laceration. The victim required 25 stitches to close the wound.

Furthermore, it is alleged that the next day, on October 26, 2025, a 56-year-old man was walking on Newkirk Avenue in East Flatbush when the defendant slashed him across the neck without warning, narrowly missing an artery. He required more than a dozen stitches.

According to the investigation, that same weekend, on October 25, 2025, the defendant allegedly broke into a residential building on New York Avenue in Flatbush, where he damaged property and set fire to items inside the basement laundry area. He then allegedly walked to the first-floor trash compactor room and ignited additional items before fleeing.

The defendant was arrested after police circulated a wanted flyer for the arson incident and subsequently identified him as the individual allegedly responsible for the three slashings. At the time of his arrest, officers recovered a kitchen knife believed to have been used in the attacks.

The District Attorney thanked St. Paul Community Baptist Church, the Oyate Group, Junior’s Restaurant and local elected officials for their assistance in providing donations and in promoting the event.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Holly Hay and James Buchsbaum, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Douglas Marquez, Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, Bureau Chief.

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

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, December 4, 2025

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and the NYPD to Offer
$500 and AirPods for Firearms at East New York Gun Buyback

Will be Held this Saturday, Just in Time for the Holidays
No ID Required, No Questions Asked

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch today announced that a Gun Buyback event will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at St. Paul’s Community Baptist Church, located at 859 Hendrix Street in East New York, Brooklyn. Those who turn in operable handguns and assault rifles will receive a $500 bank card and Apple AirPods.

Media availability will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 4 p.m. (members of the press are asked not to arrive before 3:30 p.m.).

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Brooklyn is about to finish this year with record lows in homicides and shootings – a testament to the comprehensive and holistic approach we have taken to reduce gun violence. Gun Buybacks are integral to our successful approach, they allow the community to get involved as every gun off our streets and out of our homes is one fewer weapon that can cause harm. I encourage every New Yorker to take advantage of this opportunity, safely turn in a gun, help make our neighborhoods safer and get some cash and a gift in time for the holiday season.”

Rev. Dr. David K. Brawley, Lead Pastor of St. Paul Community Baptist Church, said, “As a community-rooted Baptist church serving East New York since 1927, we are committed to promoting safety and wellness for our congregation and our neighbors. To that end, we are proud to partner with the Brooklyn DA’s Office on gun safety initiatives that help reduce violence and support a healthier, safer community.”

The District Attorney said that his office will offer money in the form of a $500 bank card for each operable gun or assault rifle turned in (maximum three per person). There will be an offer of a $200 bank card for ghost guns or 3D printed guns (a maximum of two per person). Participants will also receive a $75 bank card for each rifle or shotgun and a $25 bank card for each air gun, imitation pistol or a non-operable firearm. The first 100 people will also receive free AirPods, donated by the Oyate Group, a nonprofit dedicated to alleviating poverty.

No identification is required, and all transactions will be anonymous, no questions asked.

The bank cards will be issued after each firearm is received and screened by officers on site. Guns should be unloaded and packaged in a paper or plastic bag or a box when brought to the event. If transported by car, the guns must be kept in the trunk. Both working and inoperable weapons will be accepted. Active or retired law enforcement officers and licensed gun dealers are not eligible for this event.

St. Paul Community Baptist Church is located a short walk away from the Van Siclen Avenue subway station and a block away from a B83 bus stop. Free vehicle parking will be available.

The District Attorney thanked St. Paul Community Baptist Church, the Oyate Group, Junior’s Restaurant and local elected officials for their assistance in providing donations and in promoting the event.

The DA’s Office hosts periodic Gun Buybacks throughout the year in different Brooklyn neighborhoods. Over 600 firearms have been collected in these events over the past three years.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 22 Years to Life in Prison
For Stabbing Death of His Pregnant Wife

Victim was Stabbed Multiple Times in Neck with Screwdriver;
Sentence to Run Consecutively to Term Defendant is Serving for Upstate Murder

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 22 years to life in prison for the stabbing death of his wife in their Williamsburg apartment. The sentence will run consecutively to a term of 22 years to life in prison that the defendant is serving for the murder of his former wife in Schenectady, New York.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant shockingly killed two women, both mothers, within weeks of each other. He callously stabbed his pregnant wife, leaving her to die, then headed upstate and killed his former wife. He will now serve 44 years to life for these despicable crimes. There is no place for domestic violence and intimate partner abuse in Brooklyn and we will continue to prosecute such cases vigorously.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Timothy Taylor, 38, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Elizabeth Warin to 22 years to life in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on October 16, 2025. The term was ordered to run consecutively to an additional term of 22 years to life in prison that the defendant was sentenced to earlier this year following his July 1, 2025 guilty plea to second-degree murder for the death of Tishawn Folkes-Taylor, 44, in her Schenectady home on May 28, 2023.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on May 13, 2023, at about 8 a.m., at 356 Bedford Avenue, Theresa Gregg, 37, was found unresponsive on the floor in the doorway of her bedroom by her 14-year-old twin daughters. The victim had blood around her face and neck and a screwdriver was found next to her body. Her daughters called 911 and emergency medical technicians responded, and the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Gregg, who was employed as a police officer with the city’s Department of Homeless Services, was approximately three months pregnant.

The defendant was apprehended in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on June 2, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Farin Chasin-Fodeman, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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