Press Releases
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In Murder Of Excenia Mette 
“As alleged, Ricky Shelby fatally shot Excenia Mette when she stepped outside to check on her grandson after she heard shots being fired. Ms. Mette, affectionately known as Momma Zee, was a staple of the Harlem community, and her death is an absolute tragedy,” said District Attorney Bragg. “My heart goes out to her many loved ones who are mourning her devastating loss. New Yorkers should be able to walk in their neighborhoods without fearing for their lives, and we will hold accountable those who harm New Yorkers through gun violence.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea Of Valor Security For Operating Sham Safety Training School With Approx. 20k “Students”
“Valor Security is facing accountability for operating a sham safety training school, imperiling the workers in one of New York’s most dangerous industries. Valor’s President, Alexander Shaporov, also pleaded guilty to recklessly endangering Ivan Frias, who tragically died when he fell from a construction site without proper training,” said District Attorney Bragg. “We will continue to root out fraud with our partners at DOI and DOB. If you are a victim of dangerous work conditions, please call our Worker Protection Unit at (646) 712-0298.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment In $40 Million Cash Payroll Conspiracy
“This indictment captures an alleged conspiracy that stretched from a construction company to the check cashing business that generated its $40 million unreported payroll,” said District Attorney Bragg. “NYSIF provides an important service in a city where construction is never-ending, and fraud impacts its ability to make injured workers whole. My Office’s Rackets Bureau followed the money, working with numerous enforcement partners here and in New Jersey, to put an end to this alleged scheme.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Trial Conviction Of Man Who Shot Neighbor In East Harlem Apartment Building
“Avery Dunning was held accountable for a vicious attack against his neighbor, who was trying to protect Dunning’s girlfriend from what she believed was abuse,” said District Attorney Bragg. “A jury of his peers determined that Dunning’s extremely violent conduct could have been fatal. It is miraculous that the neighbor survived such a horrific act of gun violence, but she continues to suffer from the significant, life altering effects of this shooting. I thank our prosecutors for presenting such a strong and compelling case and securing justice.”
D.A. Bragg Awards $295,000 To Local Initiatives To Prevent Youth Gun Violence This Summer
“Our comprehensive strategy of prevention, collaboration and enforcement has led to a 45% decline in shootings in Manhattan during my tenure,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Today’s awards underscore our commitment to a vital part of that strategy: prevention. I am grateful for the dedicated organizations who have demonstrated their commitment to showing our young people that they matter and are worthy of a promising future free from gun violence. Our youth gun violence prevention initiative continues to foster collaboration within the community and keep our Manhattan streets safer.”
D.A. Bragg: Nine Defendants Charged In Takedown Of Criminal Enterprise Linked To Murders, Violent Robberies, Drug Sales And Financial Fraud
“As alleged, this highly structured criminal enterprise is responsible for a wide range of violent and dangerous criminal activity,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Their money-making operation fueled their ability to commit violence and chaos, including, we allege, a double homicide, shootings and multiple gunpoint robberies. The combination of street crime and financial fraud is incredibly dangerous, and we utilized our significant expertise in these areas to unravel this criminal enterprise and hold them accountable.”
Manhattan District Attorney's Office