Press Releases
D.A. Bragg Announces Jail Sentence Of Father For Harassing, Intimidating Witnesses In Son’s Case 
“Steve Darbasie waged a relentless campaign of intimidation, using social media as a sword to both punish witnesses for speaking with police and attempt to prevent them from testifying about his son’s crime,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Honest testimony is the bedrock of our criminal legal system and when witnesses are harassed and intimidated, our ability to hold accountable those who commit violent acts suffers. We will not tolerate any such attempts, as I hope this trial conviction makes clear. My thoughts are with the loved ones of Terrell Wigfall as they continue to mourn his loss.”
D.A. Bragg: Eleventh Piece Of Nazi-Looted Art Returned To Relatives Of Fritz Grünbaum
“The history behind Nazi-looted art is horrific and tragic, and the consequences are still impacting victims and their families to this day. It is inspiring to see both the Grünbaum and Papanek families join together to reflect on their shared history and preserve the legacy of Fritz Grünbaum. I want to commend the Reif family for harnessing Fritz Grünbaum’s legacy to create a better world by using the funds from their auctions to support underprivileged artists. Their commitment to giving back to the community is incredibly moving and should serve as an example for others to follow. I also want to thank the Papanek family for their willingness to fully cooperate throughout this entire investigation, and to the attorneys and analysts in our Antiquities Trafficking Unit for their tireless commitment to returning these artworks,” said District Attorney Bragg.
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Man For Stealing And Swapping $460,000 Worth Of Diamonds
“Diamonds are forever, but this alleged scheme was short-lived. As alleged, Manashe Sezanayev took advantage of diamond merchants by stealing their diamonds and replacing them with fake stones,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Merchants are expected to conduct business in a fair and honest manner. Those who take advantage of consumers will be held accountable.”
D.A. Bragg Funds Youth Programs To Prevent & Drive Down Gun Violence For Third Consecutive Summer
“Since the launch of this initiative, we have driven down shootings by nearly 40% in Manhattan through targeted prosecutions and strategic community investments. For the last three summers, our youth gun violence prevention initiative has served the future generation of young New Yorkers across the borough, all with the goal of reducing gun violence and keeping Manhattan safe,” said District Attorney Bragg.
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment For Fatal Stabbing In Washington Heights Subway Station
“As alleged, Diego Figureoa-Hepner committed a senseless, vicious act when he stabbed and took the life of Johnny Medina, a vibrant, positive and creative person, inside a Manhattan subway station,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Our transit system is a cornerstone of our city and we will continue holding people accountable who exploit it as a place to bring weapons and commit violent conduct. Mr. Medina was part of an incredible, tight-knit community and my thoughts remain with his family and loved ones as they continue mourning his loss.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Sentencing Of William Smith For Murder At Bellevue Shelter
“William Smith brutally murdered Marcus Guerrerio, a 59-year-old disabled man, by entering his private room at the Bellevue Men’s Shelter and stabbing him repeatedly in his own bed. He struggled valiantly to protect his life, but he ultimately succumbed to the wounds,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Today, William Smith is facing accountability for his fatal actions. We will never tolerate this type of horrific violence and will always strive to achieve justice for victims and their loved ones.”
Manhattan District Attorney's Office