Press Releases
Statement From Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg on the Sentencing of Jelani Parker 
“Jelani Parker was sentenced to twelve years in state prison for setting a Hamilton Heights apartment building on fire, leaving 35 families without homes and injuring three brave firefighters,” said District Attorney Bragg. “New Yorkers deserve to have safe homes, and shouldn’t have to fear arsonists setting their homes ablaze. I thank the heroic firefighters for responding to the scene and collaborating with our office to keep Manhattanites safe.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence Of Geraldo Balbuena In 2022 Fatal Stabbing Of His Wife
“Geraldo Balbuena brutally murdered his wife of 50 years, viciously stabbing her in the apartment they shared,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Leonilda Nuez Balbuena was a cherished member of her family, and her life should not have ended in such an egregious and reprehensible act of intimate partner violence. For his actions, Balbuena will serve a lengthy prison term, and my thoughts remain with the family as they continue to grieve this devastating loss.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment Of Jonathan Bean For Sexually Abusing, Patronizing 16-Year-Old Boy
“My office’s Human Trafficking Unit investigates not only sex traffickers but also those who pay to sexually abuse children,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The Unit is fully equipped to support young survivors, with dedicated prosecutors and investigators working alongside specially trained social workers. Please call us at 212-335-3400.”
D.A. Bragg, MTA I.G., Announce Indictment In $339K Wage Theft Case
“The subway system is the backbone of New York City and the workers and contractors that keep it running deserve every dollar they earn,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Instead, we allege, Rocco Mechanical and its executives stole hundreds of hours’ worth of lawfully earned compensation from its employees by issuing paychecks reflecting the mandatory prevailing wage, but then brazenly requiring cash kickbacks from their own workers. I thank the MTA Inspector General’s Office and the New York City Comptroller’s Office for their partnership in ensuring that New Yorkers are paid what they are owed. I also thank the workers who came forward and urge anyone whose wages have been stolen to do the same. Call or message our Worker Protection Unit at (646) 712-0298.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Sentencing Of Elhadji Sene For Serial Identity Theft
-“Elhadji Sene was sentenced to significant time in state prison for stealing the identities and hard-earned money of countless individuals and for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm. I hope today’s sentencing sends a message that people who steal the identities of vulnerable New Yorkers will be held accountable,” said District Attorney Bragg. “If you are a victim of identity theft, please call us at 212-335-8900.”
D.A. Bragg: Alon Riabichev Indicted For Murdering 80-Year-Old Washington Heights Neighbor
“As alleged, Alon Riabichev brutally murdered Lev Vayner, an 80-year-old neighbor who opened his home to Mr. Riabichev when he didn’t have secure housing,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Mr. Riabichev allegedly took advantage of his hospitality in the most brutal way and repeatedly, fatally stabbed him. This ruthless murder is beyond devastating, and my thoughts are with Mr. Vayner’s loved ones as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”
Manhattan District Attorney's Office