“While incarcerated, Hayden Espinosa allegedly sold guns and gun parts by using contraband electronic devices,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Furthermore, we alleged Espinosa operated a Telegram channel that is a hub of ethnically and racially motivated extremist ideology.”
“Tom Ruiz and Jonathan Tolentino carried out the cold-blooded execution and robbery of 26-year-old Michael Monclus hoping that they could gain status within their gang and pay back their debts. Mr. Monclus was cared for by his whole family, adored his son, and loved to help others,” said District Attorney Bragg. “I send my deep condolences to Mr. Monclus’s family, including his parents, brothers, former girlfriend and six-year-old son, who are continuing to mourn his devastating loss. I hope today’s sentence can provide Mr. Monclus’s loved ones a sense of comfort and closure as Tom Ruiz and Jonathan Tolentino are being held accountable for their fatal actions.”
“In the final days of this legislative session, we implore the Assembly to join their Senate colleagues in passing this critical piece of legislation and finally correct this fundamental injustice.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg called for the closing of a legal loophole in New York that allows those charged with rape and other sex crimes to use a victim’s intoxication in their defense.
