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Monday, December 16, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 18 Years to Life in Prison for Machete Attack That Killed

Grandfather and Wounded Two Other Family Members

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in November

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing his grandfather with a machete and wounding two other family members, including a 4-year-old niece, during a rampage at the family’s home in Bedford-Stuyvesant.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This sentence holds the defendant accountable for a tragic, senseless, and truly horrific act of violence perpetrated against members of his own family. My condolences go out to the family of James Dubose Sr. for their tremendous loss. Thankfully, the other two victims recovered from their wounds.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dayquan Dubose, 26, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. He was sentenced on Friday, December 13, 2024 by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Michael Kitsis to 18 years to life in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree murder on November 14, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on January 3, 2021, at approximately 5 p.m., the defendant got into an argument with his four-year-old niece inside a first-floor apartment located at 300 Putnam Avenue. The defendant pulled out an 18-inch machete and cut the young girl on the hip. The defendant then went up to a second-floor apartment where an uncle let him in. The defendant proceeded to walk into a bedroom where his 79-year-old grandfather, James Dubose Sr., and his 49-year-old brother-in-law were watching television. The defendant began to stab the grandfather in the abdomen. When the brother-in-law intervened, and attempted to grab the machete, the defendant slashed the brother-in-law on the hand. Two additional family members were able to hold the defendant down until police arrived at the apartment and arrested him.

James Dubose Sr. was taken to Interfaith Medical Center where he later died of injuries.

The 49-year-old was taken to Kings County Hospital, while the 4-year-old girl was taken to Woodhull Hospital. Both were treated for their injuries and released.

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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, December 6, 2024

Brooklyn District Attorney Shuts Down 40 Domains Associated With NFT
Crypto Scam Targeting Artists, After Brooklyn Painter Lost Over $135,000

Victim Was Contacted with Offer to Sell His Artwork in NFT Marketplace Through Website That Turned Out to be Bogus; Lost Life Savings Trying to Access Purported Bitcoin Earnings

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that his Virtual Currency Unit successfully disrupted a cryptocurrency scam that was targeting artists throughout the country. An 85-year-old Brooklyn resident was scammed out of his life savings, sparking an investigation that traced the money he paid back to Nigeria and identified 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites that appeared like legitimate marketplaces. Those domains have now been seized, preventing future victimizations.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Cryptocurrency scams can take many forms but have similar characteristics, such as preying on vulnerable victims and requesting fees to redeem purported earnings. These were the tactics used in this case, leading our investigators to a network of fraudulent websites that specifically scammed artists. It is my hope that by shutting these domains and raising awareness about this scheme, we will prevent others from falling victim to this scam.”

The District Attorney said that in May his office received a report by the children of an 85-year-old professional painter from Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, relating that their father was deceived by an online scammer posing as an art dealer. He was contacted via LinkedIn by a purported dealer for “OpenSea/Private Mint,” a company whose website closely resembles that of OpenSea, a legitimate NFT marketplace headquartered in New York City. (NFTs, or non-fungible tokens are digital assets that are stored on the blockchain and can represent content, such as digital artwork, that can be sold or traded.)

The so-called art dealer told the victim that she wanted to convert his art into NFTs and sell them, convincing him to sign a contract on the fake site. She later told him that he had earned over $300,000 in bitcoin and that he needed to first pay a fee to access those proceeds. To get the bitcoin he sent “OpenSea/Private Mint” over $135,000 by liquidating his entire IRA account, making payments from his credit card and securing a loan. He used online services to convert his money into cryptocurrency to pay the fees. The fraud unraveled when he eventually realized that he was not getting the promised $300,000, leaving him emotionally and financially devastated.

The District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit traced the cryptocurrency that the victim sent to “OpenSea/Private Mint” and found it had been transferred to different accounts at an exchange and primarily cashed out for Nigerian currency — foreclosing the ability for recovery. The OpenSea/Private Mint website appeared to be controlled and paid for from Nigeria. The investigation identified two other senior artists from Georgia and California who had fallen for the same scheme and a network of scam NFT marketplaces that appeared to be targeting artists. Some of the websites required a user to input their cryptocurrency wallet seed phrase, which would give scammers the ability to completely drain the contents of users’ online wallet.

While unable to recover the stolen money that was outside U.S. jurisdiction, investigators were able to identify over 40 scam NFT art marketplace sites for which they submitted seizure orders. These domains have now been seized and redirected to a KCDA seizure page with a warning message. Many of them appeared to be spoofing legitimate NFT marketplaces.

The District Attorney shared the following warning signs and tips to avoid this type of NFT art cryptocurrency scam:

• • An artist may receive a direct message via an online account from someone purporting to be an art dealer or a representative of a legitimate NFT marketplace. It is important to verify the authenticity of any online art and NFT dealers before engaging.
  • Only use established and trusted NFT marketplaces to sell your work. Be alert for phishing attempts via email or phishing websites that appear to resemble well known NFT marketplaces. Phishing websites are often designed to steal credentials and fraudulently gain access to cryptocurrency assets.  Legitimate NFT marketplaces do not ask for exorbitant fees upfront to sell NFTs.
  • Protect your cryptocurrency wallet. No legitimate NFT marketplace will ask you to supply your seed phrase. Inputting your seed phrase on a website can lead to a scammer instantaneously draining the contents of your entire wallet.
  • If it seems too good to be true, it likely is. Do your own research and seek opinions from fellow artists.

The case was investigated by Assistant District Attorney Alona Katz, Chief of the District Attorney’s Virtual Currency Unit with the assistance of Virtual Currency Analyst Sam Weaver, Assistant District Attorney Brian Umana, of the Virtual Currency Unit, and Paralegal Claire Fagan. Detective Investigators from the KCDA Detective Bureau also assisted in the investigation.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Bronx Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for
Stabbing Two Bouncers, One Fatally, Outside of Gowanus Club

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter in October

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for stabbing two bouncers with a knife – killing one and wounding the other – after being kicked out of a party in Gowanus.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This was a senseless and escalatory act of violence that cost a man his life. The defendant has admitted his guilt and will now have to live with the disastrous consequences of his actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jose Velasco, 22, of the Morrisania section of the Bronx. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun to 20 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter on October 16, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on February 26, 2022, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the defendant was kicked out of a party at a club located at 168 7th Street in Gowanus after acting aggressively. Outside of the venue, the defendant got into a verbal dispute with three of the club’s bouncers, two of whom punched the defendant in the head and face. The defendant took a step backward and removed a kitchen knife from his waistband. He stabbed one of the bouncers, 21, in the back. The defendant then chased the third bouncer, Marvin Pretto, 25, into the street, and stabbed him in the chest.

Pretto sustained injuries to a major blood vessel and his heart. He was taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The 21-year-old victim was also taken to Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. He was later transferred to Stony Brook Medical Center and treated for his injuries which included a laceration to the liver.

Furthermore, according to the evidence, the defendant was stopped by police approximately an hour later near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 13th Street in Gowanus. As officers approached, the defendant dropped the blood-stained kitchen knife onto the ground. He was brought back to the club and identified by an eyewitness.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mancino, 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

Friday, November 22, 2024

East Flatbush Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison

For Sexual Assault of 13-Year-Old Boy

Defendant Abducted Stranger at Knifepoint as He Walked Home from School

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that an East Flatbush man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old boy. The defendant pleaded guilty to criminal sexual act earlier this year.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for a terrifying assault of a child and spares the young boy from having to testify and recount this life-altering attack in a courtroom. My thoughts are with the victim and his family, who I commend for immediately reporting this incident to the police and ensuring the defendant was brought to justice.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Christopher Fiesco, 34, of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Donald Leo to 14 years in prison. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal sexual act on August 9, 2024, in satisfaction of the entire indictment. He must register as a sex offender upon his release from prison.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on May 2, 2022, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the defendant, wearing a full ski mask, approached a 13-year-old boy in the vicinity of Winthrop Street and East 98^th Street in East Flatbush, grabbed the child’s arm, and asked him for the time. When the child tried to leave, the defendant threatened him with a knife, told him not to scream, and took him to a building located at 87 East 53^rd Street.

The defendant forced the child to climb a fire escape and enter an apartment through the window. Once inside, the defendant told him to shower and then sexually assaulted the child. He then let the child leave.

The victim went home and reported the assault to his family, who called 911.

The investigation was conducted by New York City Police Detectives assigned to the Brooklyn Special Victims Squad.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Deborah Cohen, Counsel to the District Attorney’s Special Victims Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Miss Gregory, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, November 22, 2024

Queens Man Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Two Violent Robberies

Attacked Two Individuals in a Two-Hour Span and Assaulted Another,

Pleaded Guilty to Robbery

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Queens man was sentenced to seven years in prison in connection with three separate incidents in Brooklyn. The defendant pleaded guilty to robbery last month.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant brutally attacked three individuals in unprovoked incidents committed over the span of just a few weeks. Today’s sentencing ensures he is held accountable for these vicious offenses and sends a strong message that violence in Brooklyn will be met with serious consequences.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Dupreme Williams, 43, of Far Rockaway, Queens. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to seven years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision following his guilty plea to second-degree robbery on October 29, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, on February 13, 2014, at approximately 8:15 a.m., at Flatbush Avenue Extension and Fleet Street, the defendant approached a 50-year-old woman and struck her multiple times about the face and body, causing her to drop her AirPods, which the defendant picked up and then walked away.

The defendant approached another individual, a 73-year-old man, shortly thereafter, at approximately 9:45 a.m., who was aboard a southbound F train at the York Street subway station. The defendant punched the man in the face, causing him to drop his cell phone. The defendant grabbed the cell phone and ran off the train.

Furthermore, according to the investigation, on March 8, 2024, at approximately 1:55 p.m., in front of 2135 Pitkin Avenue, the defendant punched a man in the face with a closed fist.

The defendant was arrested on March 28, 2024, following an investigation.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Natalie Riether, of the District Attorney’s Blue Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kin Ng, 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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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, November 7, 2024

Brooklyn Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

for Shooting at Uber Eats Driver

Defendant Fired Approximately Four Shots at Stranger in Random Drive-By Shooting

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Brooklyn man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison following his guilty plea to second-degree attempted murder for opening fire at an Uber Eats driver during a random drive-by shooting in 2021. The Defendant fired multiple shots at the victim, a stranger, as he sat in his car between deliveries.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant’s decision to open fire on an innocent driver was a shocking act of violence that put a stranger’s life at risk and terrorized a peaceful neighborhood. Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to confronting gun violence with accountability. My office will continue to pursue justice for those who recklessly endanger public safety and ensure that everyone in Brooklyn can feel safe in their community.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Laquan Battle, 28, of New Lots, Brooklyn. He was sentenced today by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to 10 years in prison and five years’ post-release supervision. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree attempted murder on September 25, 2024.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, on December 5, 2021, at approximately 11:45 p.m., in front of 1228 Pacific Street, in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, the victim, 22, was sitting in his 2004 Toyota Sienna when the defendant drove by in a red Kia. The defendant stopped slightly ahead of the victim’s vehicle and cursed at him. The defendant then stuck a 9-millimeter handgun out of the window and, according to the evidence, fired approximately four times at the victim before driving away.

One of the bullets struck the victim’s car. A second bullet struck an adjacent parked car. The victim was not injured.

Detectives from the 77^th precinct were able to identify the Kia’s license plate from video surveillance and placed a felony alarm on the vehicle. Following a continued investigation, the defendant was identified as the shooter.

The defendant was apprehended in Jonesboro, Georgia, in May 2022, and returned to New York.

The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Quon and Senior Assistant District Attorney Paola Orta Cordova, of the District Attorney’s Orange Zone Trial Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Michael Trabulsi, Deputy Bureau Chief, and Danielle Eaddy, Bureau Chief.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Bronx Man Arraigned on Attempted Murder and Other Charges for

Allegedly Stabbing Transit Worker in Subway

The Victim Was Trying to Empty the Train, the Defendant Allegedly Refused to Leave

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a Bronx man has been arraigned on an indictment in which he is charged with attempted murder, assault and other charges in connection with the stabbing of an MTA subway operator. The victim was stabbed 11 times. 

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of viciously attacking and seriously injuring a hardworking train conductor who was simply doing his job. We will aggressively pursue full accountability for this violent assault. Keeping straphangers and transit workers safe is essential to the functioning of our city and a top priority for my office. We remain committed to ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our subways face the full consequences of their actions.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Jonathan Davalos, 27, of the Bronx. He was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Deepa Ambekar on a 13-count indictment in which he is charged with second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault, and related charges. The defendant is being held without bail and was ordered to return to court on January 10, 2025.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, 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 allegedly refused to leave. The men engaged in a verbal exchange and the defendant allegedly lunged at the victim after pulling a knife out of his jacket pocket.

Furthermore, it is alleged, the victim then began running from the defendant, who chased him down the platform. The victim tripped and fell onto the platform and the defendant allegedly straddled him and began stabbing him about the body. A witness alerted police officers at the station, and they responded to the scene and drew their weapons. 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. 

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

­­­­Monday, November 4, 2024

Three Charged with Hate Crimes Related to Defacing and Vandalizing Homes of the Brooklyn Museum’s Director and Board Members

Allegedly Splashed Red Paint, Left Threats at Victims’ Homes; Charged with Making a Terroristic Threat as a Hate Crime, Criminal Mischief as a Hate Crime; 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced that a woman and two men were named in a 25-count indictment in which they are charged in connection with anti-Semitic incidents in Brooklyn Heights and Boerum Hill in Brooklyn and in Lenox Hill in Manhattan. The defendants allegedly targeted members of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors who have Jewish-sounding names and did not target two board members who do not have Jewish-sounding names.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “Acts of vandalism that target individuals in their own homes are a deeply disturbing violation meant to intimidate, terrorize, and instill fear. These defendants allegedly targeted museum board members with threats and anti-Semitic graffiti based on their perceived heritage. These actions are not protests; they are hate crimes, and we are deeply committed to holding accountable anyone who uses such unlawful tactics in Brooklyn.”

The District Attorney identified the defendants as Taylor Pelton, 28, of Astoria, Queens, Samuel Seligson, 32, of Brooklyn, and Gabriel Schubiner, 36, of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. They are variously charged in a 25-count indictment with making a terroristic threat as a hate crime, making a terroristic threat, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief as a hate crime, third- and fourth-degree criminal mischief, making graffiti, possession of graffiti instruments, and fifth-degree conspiracy. Schubiner was arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and released without bail. Seligson and Pelton are expected to be arraigned next week.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, the three defendants were allegedly captured on surveillance video gathering at 500 Saint Marks Place in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, in the early morning hours of June 12, 2024. They allegedly entered the location and were present for over an hour. When they left the location all three defendants and three unapprehended others were captured carrying supplies to Pelton’s car, a red Honda Fit, with Seligson directing the others to place items in the trunk.

The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, Pelton drove the defendants and unapprehended others to DeGraw Street and Bond Street in Boerum Hill, where Seligson, Schubiner and the unapprehended others are seen on video walking to Douglass Street with black bags. Douglass Street is where the residence of a member of the Brooklyn Museum’s Board of Directors is located.  A video camera at the location was allegedly painted over by Schubiner so it could not capture the identity of the defendants when they allegedly defaced the location using red paint, with the words, “Brooklyn Museum, blood on your hands” and left a banner with the victim’s name, claiming she had “blood on your hands, war crimes, funds genocide” and several inverted red triangles on the banner.

The red triangles, according to the investigation are associated with Hamas, a terrorist group. A stencil found on the ground at the location had a fingerprint covered in red paint which was identified as belonging to Schubiner.

Furthermore, according to the District Attorney, it is alleged that Pelton then drove the group to the next location, the corner of Pierrepont Street and Hicks Street. Seligson and Schubiner are then allegedly captured approaching the residence of the Executive Director of the Brooklyn Museum. A video camera was allegedly painted over so it could not capture the identity of the defendants as they allegedly defaced the building with red paint, a banner which named the Director and called her a White Supremacist Zionist, with red handprints, the words “Blood on your hands,” an anarchy symbol, and red inverted triangles painted on the banner and on the building. The defendants are then allegedly captured on video surveillance footage running from the location toward Pelton’s car. The car then headed over the Manhattan Bridge and into Manhattan.

Finally, it is alleged, according to the investigation, Pelton drove to East 65^th Street and First Avenue, where Schubiner and the unapprehended others are captured spraying red paint on a building on Fifth Avenue in Lenox Hill, which is the residence of Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Brooklyn Museum. They allegedly painted her name, the red inverted triangles and the anarchy symbol.

The case was investigated by New York City Police Detective Michael Rodriguez of the Hate Crimes Task Force and the entire HCTF, under the supervision of Chief Gary Marcus.

The District Attorney thanked the following individuals for their assistance on this case: Manhattan District Attorney Hate Crimes Bureau Chief Hannah Yu and Assistant District Attorney Alberto Gomez; KCDA Digital Forensic Analysts Austin Fedchock and Timothy Brown, of the Digital Evidence Lab; KCDA Hate Crimes Paralegal Michael Chung; KCDA Detective Investigators; the NYPD Latent Prints Lab and Gun Violence Suppression Squad.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Samantha Perlstein, of the District Attorney’s Hate Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Ari Farkas, Deputy Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau, and the overall supervision of Assistant District Attorney Kelli Muse, Chief of the Hate Crimes Bureau.

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