Press Releases
Statement from D.A. Bragg on the Sentencing of Alejandro Piedra 
“Alejandro Piedra has been sentenced to a state prison term for murdering Clemson Cockfield and brutally stabbing two other New Yorkers,” said District Attorney Bragg. “This horrific violence unfolded on busy East Village streets, leaving a family in mourning and significantly harming the two survivors. We hope this outcome brings a measure of justice to the survivors, who continue to navigate the reeling effects of the attack. My thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Mr. Cockfield as they continue to mourn his loss.”
D.A. Bragg Announces Hate Crime Indictment Of Man In Homophobic Attack At West Harlem Station
“New Yorkers deserve to be safe using our transit system without fear of violence, discrimination or harassment,” said District Attorney Bragg. “As alleged, Tavaughn Thompson targeted a stranger because of their perceived sexual orientation in an unprovoked, bias-motivated attack. Our Hate Crimes Unit is committed to protecting the safety and dignity of Manhattanites by holding accountable those responsible for these harmful acts, and I urge anyone who has been a victim or witness to a hate crime to report by calling 212-335-3100.”
Statement From D.A. Bragg On The Sentencing of Jason Sargeant
“Jason Sargeant committed a brutal attack without provocation at Grand Central on Christmas Eve,” said District Attorney Bragg. “No New Yorker should fear for their safety while using New York’s subways. I hope today’s prison sentence can give the victims a sense of closure as they continue to heal.”
D.A. Bragg: Agustin Diaz Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison For Series Of Sexual Assaults
“Agustin Diaz engaged in a predatory cycle of targeting Spanish-speaking women who needed jobs, and then sexually assaulting them,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Again and again, he repeated this pattern, zeroing in on survivors who were new to the United States and thought he could provide them with gainful employment. I thank the survivors for their bravery, including speaking at today’s sentencing, and urge anyone else who has been sexually assaulted to contact our office at 212-335-9793.”
Statement From D.A. Bragg On The Harvey Weinstein Mistrial
While we are disappointed that the proceedings ended with a mistrial, we deeply respect the jury system and sincerely thank all of the jurors for their time and dedication.
D.A. Bragg Announces Indictment For Arson Pattern, Including In Abandoned Chelsea Building
“This is an alleged frightening pattern of arsons that destroyed a vacant apartment building in Chelsea,” said District Attorney Bragg. “While it is extremely fortunate that nobody was living in this building, the defendant’s alleged conduct threatened the safety of those working and living in the surrounding residential buildings and 24-hour bodega, which all experienced fire damage from the resulting blaze. I want to thank our prosecutors, the NYPD and the FDNY, for all working closely together to quickly arrest and charge the defendant and stop this conduct.”
Manhattan District Attorney's Office