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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Brooklyn Doctor Sentenced to up to Six Years in Prison
In Connection with Sexual Abuse of Female Patient

Victim was Abused by Defendant During Appointment for Sinus Infection

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn doctor who sexually abused a patient at a clinic in Carroll Gardens and later illegally obtained her records was sentenced to up to six years in prison. He was convicted earlier this year following a jury trial.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant used his power and stature as a doctor to victimize a vulnerable woman, which is an unconscionable betrayal. I hope today’s sentence brings some closure to the victim and her family and I remain steadfast in my commitment to protect victims of sex crimes.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jamil Ibrahim, 56, of Sunset Park, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Phyllis Chu to two to six years in prison. The defendant was convicted on January 21, 2025 of third-degree sexual abuse, third-degree burglary and computer trespass.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on March 18, 2018, the victim, a 47-year-old woman, went to the Pro Health clinic at 330 Court Street in Carroll Gardens for treatment of a sinus infection. The defendant was her doctor. As he was touching her throat, he pressed his erect penis against her inner knee/thigh area. She moved her legs further apart so he wouldn’t come into contact with her, and he pressed himself against her again, according to the evidence. This happened approximately four to five times.

After the checkup, the victim texted her friend about what happened and asked to speak to the defendant’s supervisor but was told no supervisors were available. She went home and called the police and officers came to her home. The defendant was arrested on April 22, 2018. He was later suspended from Pro Health and his access to all Pro Health clinics and computer records was terminated. However, on June 16, 2018, the defendant walked into the Pro Health clinic on 18th Avenue in Bensonhurst and obtained copies of the victim’s records.

Furthermore, two additional women who filed complaints with the New York State Department of Health alleging sexual abuse by the defendant testified at trial.

One victim, a 39-year-old woman, testified that she went to see the defendant for a bladder and sinus infection on January 9, 2014, at an Urgent Care. She testified that the defendant allegedly put a stethoscope on her back under her clothing and put his other hand on her breasts over her clothing and held it there for several seconds. The victim testified that she became alarmed and after the appointment told her husband and then reported the defendant to the Department of Health. She did not report the alleged incident to the police and the statute of limitations prohibits charges from being filed at this time.

The other alleged victim, who was 23 years old at the time, testified that she went to see the defendant at a City MD on March 23, 2014, after falling against a wooden bench and bruising her leg. She testified that when the defendant learned the woman was from Las Vegas he allegedly asked her if she was a stripper while caressing her upper thigh, which was not where she was bruised. The patient testified that she was shocked and reported the defendant to the front desk before she left. Her complaint was referred to the Department of Health.

The District Attorney thanked Paralegal Supervisor Jennifer Hernandez of the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau for her assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gwen Barnes and Senior Assistant District Attorney Chelsea Jacobi of the Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Olatokunbo Olaniyan, First Deputy Bureau Chief and Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Long Island Man Arraigned on Indictment Charging Him
With Stealing $2 Million House in Fort Greene

Alleged Theft Marks the Second Time Property was Targeted, Title Stolen

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Nassau County man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with filing a deed purporting to be the rightful owner of a three-family house, valued at over $2 million, in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Real estate fraud is a serious threat to homeowners, and in Brooklyn, we will not tolerate scammers who try to steal property through deception. This alleged scheme was uncovered thanks to the rightful owner’s vigilance, and we will now seek to hold the defendant accountable. Our Real Estate Fraud Unit is dedicated to protecting property owners, and we will continue to aggressively investigate and prosecute those who undermine the security of homeowners and the integrity of property ownership.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Danny Noble, 55, of Baldwin, New York.
He was arraigned today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with first-degree grand larceny, first-degree falsifying business records and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. He was ordered held on $300,000 cash bail or $2.5 million bond, and to return to court on April 23, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the indictment, between September 1, 2023 and September 15, 2023, the defendant falsely transferred the title to 71 Carlton Avenue, a three-story house in Fort Greene valued at approximately $2,170,000.

The defendant allegedly filed a deed, recorded on September 15, 2023, in which he purported to be the rightful owner of 71 Carlton Avenue. He then allegedly initiated a quiet title action in Brooklyn Supreme Court, seeking a judicial order declaring him the rightful owner of the property. The actual owner, 71 Carlton LLC, learned of the fraudulent deed and contacted the Brooklyn DA’s Action Center in December 2024.

The property’s title was also illegally transferred in 2010.

As part of the 2023 scheme, it is alleged, the defendant filed false documents with the New York City Department of Finance, Office of the City Register, which maintains land records and other real property filings in New York City, including records relating to ownership and encumbrances, such as liens and mortgages.

The District Attorney offered the following tips to homeowners to protect themselves:

• Make sure the NYC Dept. of Finance has the correct address to receive property notices.
• Designate a trusted family member or friend to receive notices if you are unable.
• Register with the NYC Department of Finance to receive automatic notifications regarding any changes to your deed or property records.
• Never sign any contract you do not understand.
• For more information visit http://brooklynda.org/deedfraud/

The District Attorney thanked KCDA Detective Investigators and Investigations Division
Intelligence Analyst Yacelys Corona for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Richard Farrell, Chief of the District Attorney’s Real Estate Fraud Unit, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the District Attorney’s 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

Friday, February 14, 2025

Man Arraigned for Murder and Arson in Connection With
2012 Cold Case Homicide of Trans Performer

Victim was Killed Before Her Apartment Was Set on Fire;
Defendant Connected to Crime through Phone Records and Surveillance Images

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned for the 2012 murder of a trans performer known as Lorena Escalera, who was found dead in her bed after her Bushwick building burned down. The defendant was indicted based on evidence that included surveillance images, phone records and other forensic evidence.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Ms. Escalera came to Brooklyn to pursue her dreams of becoming a performer, but her life was brutally snuffed out instead when she was only 25. The quest for justice lasted over a decade but today we are able to charge her alleged killer who we’ll now seek to hold fully responsible for this killing and the arson that put many other lives at risk. I hope that Ms. Escalera’s loved ones and friends will find a measure of solace knowing that this tragic murder has now been solved. In Brooklyn, we protect everyone, no matter who they are, who they love or where they came from.”

NYPD Commissioner Tisch said: “Let this indictment send a clear message to those living in fear for who they are: public safety does not discriminate, and every New Yorker deserves to feel safe at home. The horrific murder of Lorena Escalera, a beloved trans performer, devastated her Brooklyn neighbors and chosen LGBTQIA+ family, who continue to face the ongoing threat of hatred and violence. I commend the NYPD investigators and the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office for their tireless efforts to bringing this heinous criminal one step closer to justice and offering a modicum of solace to Ms. Escalera’s family, friends, and loved ones within the LGBTQIA+ community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Henry Pacheco, 44, of Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jeffrey Gershuny on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, second- and third-degree arson and petit larceny. The defendant was ordered held without bail and to return to court on February 19, 2025. He faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison if convicted.

The District Attorney said that the victim was 25-year-old Lorelise Escalera Ferrer, who was known as Lorena Escalera or by her stage name Lorena Xtravaganza. According to the investigation, in the very early hours of May 12, 2012, she received multiple calls from the defendant.

Shortly after the last call, a few minutes past 2:20 a.m., surveillance video captured the defendant enter her building, 47 Furman Avenue in Bushwick, where she resided on the third floor. He was seen leaving the building over an hour later and minutes after that, a surveillance camera captured what appears to be smoke coming from the third-floor apartment. By 4 a.m., the building was consumed by heavy smoke and fire. Other residents were able to escape the blaze, but the victim was found lifeless on her bed. She was declared dead at the scene.

The Medical Examiner determined she was killed before the fire started and died of “homicidal violence of undetermined type.” The Fire Marshal concluded the fire started in the bed where she was discovered and that the fire was not natural nor accidental. A review of the victim’s phone records revealed that it received calls after she had been declared dead – and some calls were answered. Specifically, one of the answered calls came from an individual who knew the defendant and not the victim. Finally, the defendant confirmed last year that he is the person in the surveillance images from that early morning.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Steven Bravo, 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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February  4, 2025

Driver Sentenced to 3 to 6 Years in Prison for Running Red Light and Causing Collision that Killed Senior Citizen Crossing Street

Defended Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Manslaughter

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to three to six years in prison following his guilty plea to manslaughter for speeding through a red light in his Cadillac SUV and causing a collision that killed a 65-year-old pedestrian.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s reckless and selfish actions robbed an innocent man of his life and devastated a family that will forever mourn this senseless tragedy. No one should have to fear for their life while crossing the street. My heart is with the family of Jun Jin Yang as they continue to grieve their unimaginable loss. I remain steadfast in my commitment to holding reckless drivers accountable and making Brooklyn’s streets safer for all.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Isidro Rodriguez, 38, of Homecrest, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice John Hecht to three to six years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter on November 12, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on May 30, 2022, at approximately 10:18 a.m., the defendant was driving a 2020 Cadillac Escalade north on West 1st Street in Gravesend when he sped through a red light and t-boned a 2016 Hyundai Sonata ride-share vehicle traveling east on Avenue P. The impact of the collision sent the Cadillac spinning toward a 65-year-old man who was crossing the street. The victim, Jun Jin Yang, attempted to move out of the way, but was instead pinned between the Cadillac and another vehicle.

Yang was taken to Maimonides Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The 32-year-old driver of the Uber was treated at Lutheran Hospital for minor injuries. Two passengers, a 29-year-old woman and her 2-year-old daughter, also suffered minor injuries and were treated at New York Community Hospital.

Data from the black box of the defendant’s Cadillac was recovered by the NYPD. According to the investigation, the box showed the defendant accelerating to 42 m.p.h. in the 25 m.p.h. zone seconds before the crash. The defendant did not deploy his brakes.

The defendant was arrested on July 20, 2022, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Matthew Barg, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Chief of the Orange Zone, Assistant District Attorney Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief, and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Street Safety Bureau.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, February  3, 2025

Brooklyn Contractor Indicted for Stealing Approximately $318,000

From Park Slope Couple Renovating Brownstone

Defendant Allegedly Charged for Construction Work That Wasn’t Performed,

Spent Money on Restaurants, Designer Goods, Hotels, and a Porsche

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Williamsburg contractor has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with grand larceny for allegedly stealing approximately $318,000 from a Park Slope couple by charging them for a large-scale home renovation project but performing virtually no work. Instead, the defendant allegedly spent the victims’ money on a series of lavish purchases, including restaurants, designer goods and a Porsche.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant allegedly lined his own pockets by taking advantage of a Brooklyn family who put their trust in him. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute fraud in the home improvement industry and seek justice for those who are victimized by criminal conduct.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Hayk Safaryan, 43, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree grand larceny. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on April 2, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, beginning in December 2021, the defendant, a licensed general contractor in Williamsburg, contracted with the victims to perform major renovations to their brownstone in Park Slope.

On June 15, 2022, according to the investigation, the defendant and victims signed a contract that included an itemized list for demolition, site and structural work. The total cost of the project was budgeted at $1,290,000. Two days later, on June 17, 2022, the victims wired a deposit of $322,523 to the defendant’s bank account.

It is further alleged that other than approximately $4,000 that the defendant disbursed to a company to create a site safety plan, the defendant spent all the victims’ funds on purchases unrelated to the project. This allegedly included a $28,000 down payment for a 2018 Porsche Macan S.U.V.; $17,750 on back rent for his apartment; tens of thousands of dollars to cash advance lenders to pay off debts; thousands of dollars on designer goods, including Prada and Alexander McQueen; and thousands of dollars on hotels, bars, restaurants, and an Airbnb in Riverhead, New York.

On February 6, 2023, the defendant’s general contractor’s license expired and was never renewed.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, the defendant allegedly ignored repeated demands from the victims to return their money. Initially, the defendant allegedly offered a shifting series of explanations for the lack of progress on the project, including an audit from his insurance company. He allegedly ceased communication with the victims in the spring of 2023.

The investigation began following a report to the District Attorney’s Action Center.

The District Attorney thanked Financial Investigator Jociely Antigua of the Asset Forfeiture and Crimes Against Revenue Bureau for her assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Daniel R. Tibbets, of the District Attorney’s Investigations Division, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Gavin Miles, Chief of Intake for the District Attorney’s Frauds Bureau, Assistant District Attorney Gregory Pavlides, Chief of the Frauds Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney 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

Friday, January 15, 2025

Canarsie Man Indicted for Stabbing Wife to Death

Allegedly Also Slashed 15-year-old Son with Knife when Teen Tried to Intervene

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment charging him with murder for allegedly stabbing his wife to death during a jealous rage at their home in Canarsie. It is also alleged the defendant attacked the couple’s 15-year-old son with a knife when the teen tried to defend his mother.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This tragic case of domestic violence has left a family shattered—a woman’s life was taken, and her teenage son now bears the deep emotional scars of witnessing such a brutal act. No family should ever have to suffer this kind of pain, and we are fully committed to seeking justice for them while holding those who commit gender-based violence accountable. For anyone facing abuse, please know that you are not alone—help and support are available.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gordon Lewis, 45, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree murder, endangering the welfare of a child and fourth degree criminal possession of a weapon. He was ordered held without bail and to return on court on March 5, 2025. The defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on December 22, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the defendant fatally stabbed his 47-year-old wife, Antoinette Stewart-Gordon, during a jealous rage inside the couple’s home on East 81st Street near Flatlands Avenue in Canarsie.

The defendant and the victim had separated and were dating other people. According to the investigation, the defendant came home and observed a bruise-like mark or “hickey” on the victim’s neck and began to choke her. When the couple’s son tried to intervene, the defendant went into the kitchen and grabbed a knife. He then stabbed the victim multiple times in the neck and body. The teen was slashed on the hand when he tried to help his mother, then went to an upstairs neighbor who called 911.

The victim was taken to Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center where she was pronounced dead.

The teen was treated at the hospital and released.

The defendant turned himself in at the local precinct the next day.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Lauren Fitton, of the District Attorney’s Domestic Violence Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kori Medow, Bureau Chief.

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

For Attempted Sex Trafficking of a Child

Defendant Tried to Persuade 15-Year-Old Girl to Engage in Prostitution 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East New York man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempted sex trafficking of a child and other charges for trying to convince a 15-year-old girl to engage in prostitution.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant took advantage of a young, vulnerable teenager, attempting to exploit her for his own gain. His actions were both predatory and reprehensible. Thanks to the courage of this young survivor and the diligent work of law enforcement, he is being held accountable, ensuring he cannot harm others. My office remains steadfast in its commitment to prosecuting those who target and harm our most vulnerable, bringing justice to victims, and working tirelessly to prevent this kind of exploitation in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant Deandre Lee, 29, of East New York, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 10 years in prison and 10 years’ post-release supervision. He must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to attempted sex trafficking of a child on October 31, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on April 28, 2024, the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was walking on Mother Gaston Boulevard in East New York when she met the defendant, who let her charge her phone in his car. He then asked her to walk around the corner to meet him, and then drove her to Chipotle to get some food.

Furthermore, the District Attorney said, after they ate, the defendant drove the victim to the side of a highway in Brooklyn, gave her marijuana, then had sex with her. He then told the victim she could make money by stripping or selling her body in exchange for money. He then drove her home. The next day, the defendant and victim were texting, and the defendant again asked the victim if she thought about what they talked about. The victim then reported the rape to police.

The District Attorney thanked Human Trafficking Unit Paralegal Aurora Martinez for her assistance on the case.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Department Detective Paul Mastronardi of the New York City Police Department’s Human Trafficking Squad, under the supervision of Sergeant Kevin Kavanagh, Lieutenant Amy Capogna and Captain Maripily Clase, and the overall supervision of Chief Carlos Ortiz.

The case was prosecuted by the 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 18, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison

For Fatal Shooting in East New York

Defendant Convicted of Second-Degree Murder Following Jury Trial

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for fatally shooting a man at point-blank range in East New York, Brooklyn.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence brings the defendant to justice for a reprehensible act of violence. It should also send a strong message that shooting guns in our streets cannot and will not be tolerated, and that my office is committed to holding to account anyone who commits crimes that ruin lives and jeopardize public safety in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as David Cruz, 33, of Bushwick, 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 and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon on November 7, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on the evening of May 25, 2015, William Perez, 34, was headed to a Memorial Day barbecue in East New York with a group of friends when he crossed paths with the defendant and two associates.

According to the evidence, at approximately 8:55 p.m., as Perez and his friends neared the intersection of New Lots and Shepherd Avenues, Perez’s 22-year-old friend was shot at multiple times causing the group to flee down Shepherd Avenue. At one point, according to the evidence, Perez turned back towards the corner where his friend had been shot. The defendant then caught up to Perez and shot him once in the back with 40-caliber pistol.

The defendant fled down Shepherd Avenue where he tossed the firearm in the front yard of a nearby daycare.

Perez was taken to Brookdale Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The defendant was arrested on November 5, 2018, following an investigation. A previous trial ended in a mistrial.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Cassandra Pond, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 19, 2024

New York City Employee Indicted for Stealing Approximately $624,000

Defendant Worked as Associate Retirement Benefits Examiner at NYCERS,

Allegedly Stole Pension Checks from Two Retired Individuals

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber, today announced that a Brooklyn man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with corrupting the government, grand larceny, identity theft, and offering a false instrument for filing for allegedly stealing $624,000 from two retired New York City employees’ pensions.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of exploiting his trusted position to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from the New York City Employee Retirement System, betraying retirees’ dignity and the public trust. The financial security of more than 350,000 current and former city employees who rely on NYCERS is vital to their well-being and peace of mind. These are our neighbors—people who have dedicated their lives to serving New Yorkers—and we will not tolerate anyone preying on them. By pursuing this prosecution, we are sending a strong message that those who abuse their positions for personal gain will face serious consequences. I want to thank DOI for their thorough investigation and NYCERS for their cooperation in safeguarding the retirement funds of city employees.”

Commissioner Strauber said, “This defendant used his access and knowledge of NYCERS’ systems to illegally divert pension checks from the rightful recipients to himself, bypassing internal controls, as alleged. As a result of vulnerabilities identified during our investigation, DOI will make recommendations to strengthen NYCERS’ systems, including increased oversight of changes to pensioners’ account information.  I thank the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for working with DOI to protect City pensioner funds.”

NYCERS’ Executive Director Melanie Whinnery said, “NYCERS strongly condemns the alleged actions of the employee. Their conduct, if proven true in a court of law, is a breach of trust and does not reflect NYCERS’ values nor our commitment to serving our clients with integrity and excellence. We take the safety and security of our clients’ pension accounts very seriously and we are cooperating fully with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office and the NYC Department of Investigation in this matter.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Gregory Mathieu, 40, of Canarsie, Brooklyn. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun on a nine-count indictment in which he is charged with first-degree corrupting the government, two counts of second-degree grand larceny, two counts of first-degree identity theft, and four counts of first-degree offering a false instrument for filing. He was released without bail and ordered to return to court on February 5, 2025.

It is alleged that between February 8, 2021 and January 2, 2024, the defendant stole approximately $624,000 from the New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS), where he worked as an Associate Retirement Benefits Examiner.

It is alleged that the defendant reactivated suspended pension payments of a retired Department of Sanitation supervisor who had not been reported as deceased after he died at age 63, stealing retroactive payments of approximately $242,000 and monthly payments between May 2021 and January 2024 of approximately $5,700.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the defendant stole approximately $199,000 from a 75-year-old retired Associated Railroad Signal Specialist employed by the MTA/NYC Transit whose account was suspended because he failed to cash his pension checks. He did not take steps to reactive his account until January 2024, which led to the discovery of the alleged thefts by the defendant.

Mathieu has been employed by NYCERS for approximately 15 years. He is currently suspended with pay.

The case was investigated by DOI Confidential Investigator Farhana Begum with DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for NYCERS and supervised by Assistant Inspector General Shakina Griffith, Assistant Inspector General Jeffrey Freeman, Deputy Inspector General Aleksandro Tilka, Inspector General Ann Petterson, Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ryan and Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella.

Kings County Detective Investigators further assisted in the investigation.

The District Attorney thanked NYCERS’ Fraud Unit for their assistance on the case.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Theresa Robitaille, of the District Attorney’s Organized Crime and Racketeering Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Adam Libove, Deputy Chief of the Public Integrity Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Laura Neubauer, Bureau Chief, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michel Spanakos, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s 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

Thursday, November 14, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 20 Years to Life
in Prison for Fatally Stabbing Teen in Prospect Park South

Defendant Convicted of Second-Degree Murder in October

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Flatbush man has been sentenced to 20 years to life in prison following his conviction for killing a teenager in Prospect Park South in 2020. The defendant and the 19-year-old victim were hanging out when the defendant pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed him in the chest.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “The life of Mamadou Bah was senselessly cut short at the hands of this defendant whose horrific actions left an entire community devastated. Hopefully, today’s lengthy sentence allows for some closure for the victim’s family and friends as they continue to grieve the young man’s tragic death.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Mamadou Barry, 35, of Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Rhonda Tomlinson to 20 years to life in prison. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder on October 16, 2024, following a jury trial.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 18, 2020, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the defendant and the victim, Mamadou Bah, 19, both immigrants from Senegal, were hanging out with friends in front of 591 Ocean Avenue in Prospect Park South. The defendant, who goes by the nickname “Zion,” pulled out a knife and approached the victim, who was backpedaling into the street. The defendant then swung and plunged the knife approximately four inches into the victim’s chest, perforating his left lung and heart.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant continued to chase the victim who ran to the corner of Ocean and Church Avenues, where he stumbled into a barbershop. Inside, the teen asked employees to call his mother before being rushed to Kings County Hospital. He died during emergency surgery.

Police were subsequently able to identify the defendant through surveillance footage, eyewitness statements, and social media.

The defendant was arrested in Secaucus, New Jersey, on December 1, 2020.

The District Attorney thanked the KCDA Detective Investigators, the Digital Evidence Lab, and Homicide Paralegal Andy Wang for their assistance on the case.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Gianna Del Grippo, of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, and Assistant District Attorney Daphney Gachette, Deputy Bureau Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Leila Rosini, Chief of the District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau.

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