The bill, introduced last week in Albany, targets a sophisticated “fencing operation,” Bragg said, whereby an intermediary purchases stolen goods from thieves and resells them online. “We need some upstream accountability,” Bragg told Crain’s. “We’ve got a real urgent matter facing our retailers.
In a memo supporting the bill, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg agreed. “New York is safer when survivors and witnesses feel comfortable reporting crimes,” he wrote. “Silencing these individuals does not protect us, it only protects the perpetrators of the crimes these survivors and witnesses are too afraid to report.”
“New York is safer when survivors and witnesses feel comfortable reporting crimes. But individuals involved in the commercial sex trade often feel reluctant to report crimes, because they are afraid they will be prosecuted themselves for prostitution offenses,” said District Attorney Bragg.
In a statement, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said Pazienza “went to great lengths to avoid accountability for her actions” after leaving Gustern bleeding on the sidewalk.
“This was a senseless and unprovoked attack,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Barbara Gustern was a beloved vocal coach who lived a vibrant and active life at the age of 87, and her loss was felt deeply by many throughout the city. ”
