Official Albany County District Attorney's Office page. All presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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The Albany County District Attorney's Office is participating in the Blue Campaign on this year.
Why blue? Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness. Anyone can make a difference on , and by participating, you can increase online awareness of human trafficking and play a role in saving lives.
A Superior Court Information alleges that on or about March 13, 2021, 38-year-old Jonathan Waters possessed video of a 10-year-old child engaged in sexual acts, and uploaded it to a peer-to-peer file sharing service.
2023 STATE OF THE STATE RESPONSE:
The Albany County District Attorney’s Office applauds the Hochul administration for making public safety a priority in 2023. Specifically, we appreciate the acknowledgement of a clear truth; the refinement of recent laws, such as bail reform, is critically important in a multifaceted approach to public safety.
“The Governor’s plan correctly recognizes that addressing our crime problem requires additional law enforcement staffing, but more police and prosecutors will be insufficient without effective tools to fight crime. To that end, we need to address the least-restrictive bail standard, overhaul raise the age, and fix the problems with criminal discovery,” Soares said.
The office stands ready to offer advice and expertise to the Governor and the members of the legislature during negotiations.
PLEA FOR FATAL SHOOTING:
28-year-old Damien McCaskey pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree yesterday, in connection with the 2021 death of Danny Pearson.
It's time for introspection.
Looking back at 2022 and ahead to 2023, one thing is clear; we need a paradigm shift to STOP THE VIOLENCE.
While many of our asks have been policy-related in nature, we also need cooperation from the community to reverse recent Cultural Trends.
Violence has been normalized.
ARRAIGNMENT FOR OCTOBER 2022 HOMICIDE:
The indictment accuses 24-year-old Laquan Fallen of fatally shooting Czsar Lewis in October of this year.
It’s hard to justify a return to the State Capitol, a place where the People’s business is done, if you’re NOT going to address one of their major concerns; public safety.
Reports suggest there was at least an obtuse awareness of a need for change, and if so, why was there no significant effort to follow through during the special session?
GUILTY PLEA IN DOMESTIC ABUSE CASE:
35-year-old William Crawford was accused assaulting a woman, and threatening her with a gun back in October of this year.
He’s now facing 8 years in prison.
8-COUNT INDICTMENT FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER/STABBING INCIDENT:
The indictment alleges that 41-year-old Bledar Hoxha stabbed a victim several times, causing serious physical injury. The indictment also alleges the defendant violated a previously issued order of protection.
SENTENCING FOR 2019 S*X CRIMES:
The victim, whose name will not be released, said in an impact statement:
“You may think that you broke me, but I am not broken. I’ve continued with my life and moved it forward in a happy, healthy, and productive way. I’ve continued my schooling, and I’ve started a family. I’m a survivor. I know you thought that you’d continue to live your life, be social, and go without consequences, but justice is finally being served“
Judge Little said: "I enjoy this. This is probably the best part of my job, and it's not often I get to do this... I wish you the best, it's always good to see this type of story in front of me."
Congratulations to our most recent Felony Youth Diversion graduate to have their charge dismissed, and their record sealed this morning!
That individual, who will remain anonymous, was required to pay restitution, write an apology to their young child, complete 60 hours of community service, maintain employment, and write a research paper on the negative effects of their actions.
Diversion Head Renee Merges gives a brief recap below:
5 COUNTS IN FATAL ANIMAL CRUELTY CASE:
27-year-old Elisa Sumner of Troy is accused of intentionally killing a German Shepherd named “Nala” with no justifiable purpose, and failing to provide proper sustenance to four other dogs, while keeping them in a residence covered in urine, f***s, and garbage.
Vehicle theft increases every year when temperatures drop and snow starts falling. Taking a few preventative steps to minimize crimes of opportunity can save you from A LOT of headaches.
Victory Church (118 Quail Street, Albany, NY) is hosting a “Gifts for Guns” buyback program on Saturday, December 10 (tomorrow) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Any illegal, operable weapon can be exchanged for a gift card, worth up to $200. We need to eliminate illegal weapons by any means available.
GUILTY PLEA FOR MURDER AND SEVERAL COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER:
20-year-old Jarrell Howard faces a range between 29 years to life in prison, and 40 years to life in prison when sentenced on March 27, 2023. That will be served consecutive to a 15-year sentence handed down in a prior weapons case.
CHYNA FORNEY HOMICIDE UPDATE:
20-year-old Jahmere Manning was sentenced to 20 years to life in State Prison today, in connection with the May 2021 shooting death of Chyna Forney.
Judge McDonough said: “Your victim, Ms. Forney, is someone who you went to school with. Someone you grew up with. Someone that you probably played on the same playground with... This is just another case of people like you, Mr. Manning, destroying your own community.”
We'd like to thank Pastor David Traynham, the ALERT Partnership, Inc. and University at Albany, SUNY for hosting their first Community and Law Enforcement Leadership Summit since the pandemic.
Events like this are critically important when it comes to learning from the community and other law enforcement agencies.
CONVICTION IN FATAL SECOND STREET SHOOTING:
An indictment alleged that Quintin Lacy, 33, killed Ahmad Fleming in December of 2019.
GUILTY PLEA FOR FATAL CENTRAL AVE SHOOTING:
The indictment alleges that Sean Pacheco intentionally caused the death of John Welcome by shooting him with an illegal firearm in the area of 309 Central Avenue in Albany.
5-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR PERSONAL INJURY CRASH CAUSED BY DRUG IMPAIRMENT:
ADA Mary Tanner-Richter said:
“Hopefully this sentence brings the victim and his loved ones some sense of justice as they continue rebuilding their lives, and acts as a reminder to all not to drive under the influence of any substance”
DA Soares on the minors with open cases who were arrested over the weekend:
"The only logical conclusion is for us to come together as a village, with a shared objective of investing not just money, but our time, and our hearts into our youth. That directive requires investment from all levels of government, charitable organizations, and parents in this community."
A full written statement is in the comments.
INDICTMENT FOR FATAL HIT-AND-RUN:
The defendant is accused of driving while intoxicated in the area of Third Avenue in Albany, and recklessly causing the death of Larry Cunningham.
ARRAIGNMENT IN FATAL CENTRAL AVE CRASH:
The indictment alleges that Jose Guaman-Bunay recklessly caused the death of Kathleen McBride when operating his vehicle while intoxicated.
HOMICIDE ARRAIGNMENT FOR 2021 INCIDENT:
The indictment alleges that on or about July 24, 2021, Nicholas Anderson intentionally caused the death of another person, namely, Rashad Nicholson.
ARRAIGNMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEATH OF TANISHA BRATHWAITE:
The indictment alleges that 34-year-old Nsikak Okure recklessly operated a motor vehicle while under the influence of a significant amount of alcohol, in a way that caused the death of Tanisha Brathwaite.
Congratulations to Pastor Charlie Muller of Victory Church in Albany, on opening a new "Teacher Supply Center" on North Russell Road.
Enabling our children to reach their full potential with education, is an aspect of public safety that is often overlooked, but no less important than any of our other priorities.
THIRD AND FINAL DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN CONNECTION WITH MOTEL 6 MURDER:
On August 16, 2022, 23-year-old Desirique Johnson admitted that on or about May 11th, 2021, in the area of 2700 Curry Road in the Town of Colonie, while acting in concert with others, he attempted to assault Xiaa Price.
The incident ultimately ended with the victim’s death.
DESTINY GREENE HOMICIDE UPDATE:
The initial indictment alleged that 20-year-old Branden Rivera, or another participant, caused the death of Destiny Greene during the commission of a robbery in May of 2021.
20-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE FOR 2021 NYS CAPITOL STABBING:
On October 7, 2022, 39-year-old Alexander Contompasis was convicted of all charges following a jury trial before the Hon. Roger McDonough.
CONVICTION FOR MARCH 2020 HOMICIDE:
An indictment alleged that on or about March 18, 2020, in the area of 550 Madison Avenue in the City of Albany, Darius Cokely intentionally caused the death of Maurice Skeen.
Defendant sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison, following 3 DWI arrests in a 3 month period:
After this community experienced yet another tragic homicide yesterday, this message is more relevant than ever; STOP THE VIOLENCE!
A big thank you to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area for holding a "Stop the Violence Rally" today to help spread positivity in the community.
They are one of our community partners helping to raise a society of strong children, which in turn, leads to fewer broken men.
“I think you deserve a lot more than 25 to life. If there was a way that this could work out where you could get more, I think you would deserve it. Easily. At your age… you have the opportunity to possibly get out. Based on what you did, I’m not sure you should.”
-Judge Little at today’s sentencing of 28-year-old Nicholas Lewis
GUILTY PLEA IN SCHOOL RESTROOM CAMERA CASE:
ADA Ariel Fallon said: “As an employee of Sand Creek Middle School, Patrick Morgan enjoyed a high level of trust among his peers. His actions, which violated the privacy of 28 people, are an egregious betrayal of that trust. In the Special Victims Unit, we take exploitation very seriously and hope that today’s resolution provides his victims with some peace of mind and closure.”
A big thank you to Albany Law School, who hosted our office for a panel on "Today's Prosecutor". The students asked many thought-provoking questions about our daily challenges, and how we ensure the best outcomes for all involved.
Our profession relies on brilliant minds like theirs.
TWO SENTENCED IN MOTEL 6 HOMICIDE CASE:
The indictment alleged that 25-year-old Paul Streeks caused the death of Xiaa Price, by shooting him with a firearm.
Arraignment in Stabbing Case:
The indictment alleges that on or about September 16, 2022, Adam Matteson unlawfully entered a location in the Town of Bethlehem, and caused physical injury to two victims.
Specifically, the defendant is accused of stabbing one victim, and striking a second victim, in the presence of a child.
From DA Soares: The impact of Red Flag Laws, as it relates to minimizing inner-city violence, has been grossly overstated.
This is not the correct place of focus if we want to reclaim our streets.
8 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTEMPTED ARMED ROBBERY:
An indictment alleged that 23-year-old Elijah Fields-Wilson attempted to steal property while either he, or another participant was in possession of a loaded firearm.
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What do the Rockefeller Drug Laws have in common with recent Criminal Justice Reforms? More than you might think. Hear the rest of this conversation on this week's Albany Street, airing on B95.5 fm, and Magic 590 am tomorrow morning at 6:30.
One of THE MOST significant problems with Bail Reform has seemingly gone completely unnoticed. It's the words, "Least Restrictive". Below is a 1-minute explanation of how those two simple words in the law have led to disastrous outcomes. #reform #raisetheage #crime #publicsafety #albany #albanycounty #culture #blackcommunity #innercity #guncrime #gunviolence #guns #violence #weapons #blacklivesmatter #bailreform
Here is a 1-minute explanation of a secondary effect caused by Raise the Age and related reforms; a change in Culture surrounding crime. What message does a lack of accountability send to at-risk youth?
Black Lives cannot ONLY matter when a bullet is fired by a police officer. Black Lives have to matter regardless of who is holding that gun. DA Soares sits down with Communications Director Darrell Camp here, to further clarify yesterday's statements about ongoing gun activity in Albany, and discuss solutions.
We ARE talking about the Black Community. The leaders in State Government have forsaken this community. We can't shy away from it. It can't be normalized in our discussions, and we have to call out these issues, and call out the policies that are contributing to this heightened level of violence.
"How do you get people to stop looking at other people as that... as just... 'The Enemy'?" 30-year-old Shimair Perrin was sentenced to 20 years in State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision this afternoon, for the July 2021 shooting death of Lamon Lanier. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Brucato, who handled the prosecution of this case, spoke about its resolution, and the ongoing issue of gun violence in Albany. The Full Press Release is in the comments.
Congratulations to our Head of Diversion Initiatives, Renee Merges, on being honored with the 2022 Albany Law School Distinguished Alumni Award! We couldn't think of a more deserving person to receive such a distinction! Below is an excerpt of her acceptance speech from last night.
We'd like to thank Assembly Members Pat Fahy and John McDonald, as well as Senator Neil Breslin for working to secure grant funding to support the continued success of our Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion Program, as we celebrate our 300th diversion! DA Soares: "There is no disruption with the ongoing commitment to diverting people. It would be easy for a police department... to respond to the crises that are emerging on our streets with a more hard-handed approach"
"Sharaf Addailam was literally walking to work, and stopped to talk to people on the corner, and ended up being shot" -Assistant District Attorney Jessica Blain-Lewis after the sentencing of 22-year-old Jhajuan Sabb. "And to see something like this happen, in such a brazen fashion, in the middle of the afternoon, and have no comprehension or even care for what you are doing to the people in that area, is incredibly scary"
"You, for whatever senseless reason, unleashed a Barrage of Bullets out the window Heedlessly, Carelessly, at some other group that you had some grudge with … You didn’t only hit your targets, you hit this poor victim, Mr. Addailam, who was walking to work... ... As I sit amidst this Tsunami of Street Violence, I’ve told defendants who get charged with gun cases, or cases where they fire a round and no one’s hurt, I always say ‘there but for the grace of God, you’d be standing before me charged with the death of another individual.’ Well this is exactly that case." -Judge Roger McDonough said during the sentencing of 22-year-old Jhujuan Sabb this morning. Full Press Release in the comments below:
"A lot of the police that we work with, they just have such empathy, that I would expect from a Service Provider" Albany's Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) Program recently saw its 300th Diversion from Prosecution! The program is aimed at low-level offenders, and crimes of poverty, or mental illness. Ultimately, diversion benefits the person being diverted, as well as society at large. ADA Renee Merges, along with co-project managers Jennie Huling, and Robert Ward, sat down to detail the goals of the program, and celebrate its accomplishments so far.
DA Soares on the LEAST RESTRICTIVE standard legally REQUIRED by NY's Bail Reform Law: "This idea that now, all of a sudden, prosecutors and judges have retroactively failed the bar, meaning we don't understand what they've written... it's infuriating, but it's also a bit insulting..." Judges need discretion, and they need it now.
Raise the Age is not working. The Crime Wave is not going to wait for the Legislature to return to Albany next year. We need a special session NOW to make common-sense adjustments to recent legislative changes, including Raise the Age, which have disproportionately affected the Black Community in a negative way.
Two reminders for this July 4th Weekend: 1) Do NOT Drive Impaired 2) The Use of Fireworks is Illegal in Albany County A big thanks to our communications intern, Tyreiq Mohamed, for lending his voice for this announcement.
As previously stated, the Albany County District Attorney's Office doesn't ONLY prosecute crime; in addition to diversion, we also engage in Community Outreach. One way we connect with the youth in the community, like 9-year-old Zavier Smith, is through our dirt bike mentorship program. He's one of several young people who found the program through the outreach efforts of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. Take a look at what this unconventional program is all about:
SENTENCING IN CONNECTION WITH 2020 ALBANY RIOT: ALBANY, NY – 40-year-old Dwight Parker was sentenced to 18 years in State Prison, followed by 5 years of post-release supervision, and a consecutive term of 2 to 6 years in State Prison in Albany County Court this morning, following his April conviction on (6) Counts, which included (1) Count of Attempted Aggravated Assault Against a Police Officer as an Act of Terrorism. An indictment alleged that on or about May 30th, 2020, at approximately 8:59 p.m. in the area of 259 South Pearl Street in the City of Albany, PARKER attempted to cause serious physical injury to a police officer with a dangerous instrument. Specifically, PARKER was accused of throwing an incendiary device toward police. Additionally, PARKER was accused of damaging a tractor Trailer in the area of South Pearl Street and Westerlo Street in the City of Albany, at approximately 9:30 p.m, by setting it on fire. Below are statements on the conclusion of the case from Assistant District Attorney Collin D'Arcy:
We're proud to announce the graduation of the FIRST EVER class from Albany County Mental Health Court! The program began in early 2021, with a focus on low-level offenses motivated by a mental health condition in need of treatment. Today's class involved two young people who demonstrated that they were committed to improving themselves. Assistant District Attorney Renee Merges, who leads our diversion initiatives (as explained here: https://fb.watch/dEMZ8lGFKh/ ), gave a review of this afternoon's POSITIVE court proceeding:
• Khalil Barnes • Tyshawn Daniels • Ty-Son Williams • Raheem Douglas • Dwayne Fenner These 5 names were added to the New York State Crime Victims' Memorial kiosk during this afternoon's dedication ceremony. Each year, we honor victims of crime by keeping their memory alive.
We'd like to sincerely thank Albany City Schools Superintendent Kaweeda Adams for inviting the office to Albany High this week to LISTEN to the students' concerns about violence in the community. The students were very engaged, and offered thoughtful solutions to the challenges our communities face. In thinking over our discussions with the young people, one thing is immediately clear; as a society, have to prioritize protecting, and investing in them.
The Albany County District Attorney's Office is not ONLY a prosecutorial agency; we're also tasked with Crime Prevention Diversion from the criminal justice system entirely, is a major part of that. Assistant District Attorney Renee Merges leads our diversion efforts, and took time today to explain exactly how Diversion works.
Each year during Memorial Day weekend, there are nationwide and local increases in impaired driving incidents, including personal injury crashes. These are completely preventable. That includes not only alcohol-related crashes, but drug-impaired incidents as well. The Albany County District Attorney’s Office is calling for everyone to observe responsibly this weekend. To that end, the Vehicular Crimes Unit of the Albany County District Attorney’s Office is also calling on the New York State Legislature to pass bill (A9554/S8913), to update the state’s impaired driving laws to coincide with the legalization of adult-use cannabis in New York. Albany County Assistant District Attorney Mary Tanner-Richter, head of the Vehicular Crimes Unit, summarizes the bill in the video below:
27-year-old Raekwon Ellis of Troy was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison in Albany County Supreme Court this morning. He was accused of fatally shooting 26-year-old Raheem Douglas in the area of First Street and Lexington Avenue in the City of Albany in October of 2019. Assistant District Attorney Michael Shanley prosecuted that case:
Assistant District Attorney Michael Shanley on the murder of 62-year-old Valena Shepherd: "It was a brutal, vicious, and especially cruel crime... she was beaten to death and strangled with an electrical cord."
SENTENCING FOR 2020 HOMICIDE: This morning, 29-year-old Hassan Riddick of Albany, was sentenced to (2) concurrent terms of 25 years to life in state prison, and a consecutive sentence of 3 and 1⁄2 to 7 years in state prison as a Predicate Felon. Back in March, Riddick was convicted of three counts in connection with the 2020 murder of 34-year-old Dwayne Fenner. Assistant District Attorney Joseph Brucato on Fenner’s murder: “It’s not as easy as it once was to get away with crimes like this. There are cameras everywhere. There are electronic means of recording everywhere. Law enforcement will work diligently to pursue justice for anyone and everyone.”
DA David Soares and APD Chief Hawkins Address Gun Violence in City of Albany - June 5th, 2020
Congratulations to Myia and Nãla for being selected as the week one WORDS challenge winners! You definitely used your words to show us how you wash your hands! Week 2 Challenge here: https://bit.ly/2V8M4Yp
We want to see your #wORds in action! Use Your wORds win a "Bored" Game Swag Bag. Our first #TuesdayChallege: Post a song about washing your hands 👏 Details here: https://bit.ly/3cbH3Ef
Using WORDS to heal during this time of social distancing! Thank you #518RainbowHunt for keeping us all inspired to see the good and spread kindness everywhere we can.