Press Releases
D.A. Bragg Announces Jail Sentence, $400k Restitution For Payroll Insurance Fraud Scheme 
“Juan Escobar went to great lengths to defraud New York State in order to increase his own bottom line. Hardworking New Yorkers should not be used as pawns by their employers in the pursuit of profit. Construction companies and their owners should be on notice that we will not tolerate this type of exploitation of workers and the public trust,” said District Attorney Bragg.
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment of Man For Unprovoked Chambers Street Subway Shoving
“Samuel Junker now stands indicted for seriously injuring a woman who he allegedly trailed to a subway platform and pushed onto the tracks,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These types of attacks can be terrifying to experience, but we want New Yorkers to know that we will seek accountability for anyone who commits acts of violence in our subway system. I wish the victim a speedy recovery.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence For Fatal Stabbing In Midtown
“While Ronald Massaro decided to remain peaceful by walking away after an argument, Lawrence Downey resorted to violence, following and killing Mr. Massaro on a midtown sidewalk,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Thanks to the hard work of our prosecutors, Downey has been held accountable for this attack. I hope this resolution offers some comfort to Mr. Massaro’s loved ones, who continue to grieve him.”
D.A. Bragg, D.O.I. Commiss. Announce Sweeping Bribery, Conspiracy Indictments Against Former DOB Commissioner Eric Ulrich, Multiple Associates
D.A. Bragg said: “We allege that Eric Ulrich accepted or solicited more than $150,000 worth of bribes in less than two years by monetizing each elected and appointed role he held in New York City government. At every possible turn, he allegedly used his taxpayer-funded positions as City Councilmember, then Senior Mayoral Advisor, and finally Department of Buildings Commissioner to line his pockets. Government officials must abide by the law and uphold their duty to the People of New York. Particularly when a public servant runs an agency that affects the lives of millions – from residents of apartments to the workers that build them – we must hold them to the highest standard. Thank you to our law enforcement partners at the Department of Investigation for helping us do so today.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentences In Murder of Harlem Rapper Pressie Taylor Jr.
“Chester Taylor and Darius Hastings shot and killed a young Harlemite with great ambitions, talent and a bright future,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Although Pressie Taylor Jr. miraculously survived the shooting in its initial aftermath, his life was forever changed. He made a valiant attempt at resuming his life and music career, but unfortunately, he succumbed to the effects of his serious injuries, depriving his family and community of a promising star. Thanks to the jury’s careful review of the evidence, both defendants were found to be responsible for his murder, and I hope that the sentences imposed today bring the victim’s family some form of peace.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Return of 12 Antiquities To The People of Lebanon
“These pieces sat in apartments, storage units and museums when they should have been in Lebanon. As we have demonstrated time and time again, there is no trafficking scheme or network too complex for our Office. Stolen antiquities that come through Manhattan will be repatriated to their home country,” said District Attorney Bragg.
Manhattan District Attorney's Office