Press Releases
D.A. Bragg and Legislators Announce Bill To Address Systemic Harassment Of Rent-Regulated Tenants 
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, Jr., said: “Our city is in the middle of a housing crisis which creates power imbalances between landlords and tenants. While many landlords play by the rules, there are unscrupulous individuals who seek to exploit the lack of affordable housing for financial gain. I created the Office’s first Tenant and Housing Protection Unit to address systemic harassment and other illegal activity, and our work has shown we need additional tools to prevent and deter this conduct from occurring. This new proposed legislation will create additional measures of accountability for those who systemically harass rent regulated tenants and create a deterrent to engage in this type of conduct. We must protect every unit of affordable housing, and I thank our legislative partners for their support on this critical issue.”
D.A. Bragg: Six Indicted For Alleged 24-Hour Gunpoint Robbery Spree
“As alleged, these defendants conspired to commit four gunpoint robberies across Upper Manhattan within the span of just 24 hours,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The defendants armed themselves with firearms to carry out their conspiracy, and in one instance allegedly committed a shooting on a public street. This type of violence creates an atmosphere of fear for our communities, and I thank our prosecutors and law enforcement partners for putting a stop to it.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea of Woman for Stealing Legal Fees from Clients Applying for Permanent Residency
“New Yorkers trusted Analie Vargas to help them apply for permanent residence when in actuality she was pocketing their hard-earned money for personal expenses. Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of new New Yorkers for personal gain will be prosecuted,” said District Attorney Bragg. “If you believe you are a victim of this type of fraud, we urge you to call our office’s Immigration Affairs Unit hotline at 212-335-3600 or via WhatsApp at 347-371-0877. Interpreters are available to assist non-native English speakers and we encourage all to reach out regardless of immigration status.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea Of Home Health Aide In Theft Of $24,000 From Clients
“Jerona Smith used her access as a home health aide to steal from older adults who relied on her for care. Ms. Smith is now facing prison time for her disturbing conduct,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who prey on the perceived vulnerability of older New Yorkers will be prosecuted. If you or someone you know is above the age of 60 and may be a victim of a crime, I urge you to call our Elder Abuse Unit at 212-335-9007 or email EAU@dany.nyc.gov.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment For Random Slashing At Astor Place
“We remain focused on preventing and addressing stranger assaults like this one that allegedly occurred on Astor Place,” said District Attorney Bragg. “In addition to prosecuting these cases, I want the public to know we have resources to support victims and their loved ones. Being the victim of violence is an incredibly traumatic experience, in addition to the physical harm that can occur, and our trained counselors are here to help.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Pleas In Dark Web Cryptocurrency Drug Trafficking Ring That Laundered $7.2 Million
“The dismantling of this illegal drug trafficking operation highlights the ability of my office’s prosecutors and analysts to trace cryptocurrency and unmask those committing crimes on the dark web,” said District Attorney Bragg. “These prosecutions resulted not only in significant convictions, but the forfeiture of millions of dollars’ worth of funds gained from selling illegal and potentially deadly drugs. Whether on the dark web or on our city’s streets, we will root out criminal organizations who put our community’s health at risk.”
Manhattan District Attorney's Office