A New York diamond dealer pleaded guilty on Thursday to stealing more than $400,000 worth of diamonds from two sellers and replacing them with cheaper lab-grown stones in a scheme he operated out of a Manhattan storefront.
Hate crimes targeting LGBTQ individuals have made up a significant share of hate-motivated attacks in Manhattan in recent years, drawing the attention of Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and his office.
A Queens man was indicted on Thursday for stabbing a man on the Metro-North train in Grand Central station this January, District Attorney Alvin Bragg said.
According to Bragg, the suspect, Abdul Little, 46, stabbed a 31-year-old man on Jan. 4 at around 6:47 p.m. while onboard the train.
“Manashe Sezanayev is facing accountability for stealing diamonds from merchants and replacing them with fake stones,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will continue to prosecute those who take advantage of consumers and conduct business deals in a dishonest manner.”
“As alleged, Abdul Little viciously stabbed a train passenger on a train pulling into Manhattan’s landmark train station,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New Yorkers and commuters deserve to be safe while navigating our railroads and subways, and we will seek full accountability for anyone who commits these horrific acts of violence. I wish the victim a speedy and full recovery.”
