NEWS FROM BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL CLARK

FORMER RIKERS ISLAND INMATE SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STARTING FIRE IN CELL

Sentence to Run Consecutive to 40-Year Term He Is Serving for Manslaughter 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former Rikers Island inmate has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for starting a fire in the jail complex. The sentence will run consecutive to a 40-year prison term he is serving for a Brooklyn killing. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant intentionally started a fire in his jail cell and prevented a correction officer from immediately putting out the flames, jeopardizing the lives of Correction Officers and other inmates. The defendant was considered one of the most dangerous and volatile inmates that Rikers Island has seen over the last several years. This consecutive sentence sends a strong message to anyone who would commit violence in jail.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Steven Sidbury, 26, of Brooklyn, was sentenced in absentia today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett to 25 years in prison. A jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree Arson on September 26, 2018 after he was tried in absentia. Sidbury was disruptive and was barred from the courtroom.

 According to the investigation, on January 8, 2014, at the George R. Vierno Center on Rikers Island, the defendant, who was in solitary confinement at the time, started a fire in the food slot of his cell. A Correction Officer observed smoke from the defendant’s cell and saw Sidbury lighting pieces of paper on fire. The Correction Officer tried to push a fire extinguisher hose through the slot, but the defendant pushed it away. The officer called for assistance and the fire was extinguished. The defendant, another inmate and several Correction Officers received medical attention for smoke inhalation. The fire endangered the lives of inmates in the solitary confinement area, since each inmate who comes out of the cell has to be escorted. District Attorney Clark thanked court officers and correction officers for maintaining safety

FORMER KARATE INSTRUCTOR SENTENCED TO EIGHT YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING YOUNG GIRLS

Defendant Assaulted Victims When They Attended Karate Lessons In The Bronx

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a former karate instructor has been sentenced to eight years in prison for sexually abusing two young girls. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant took advantage of his position as an instructor and adult, and sexually assaulted two girls when they attended karate lessons at a center in the Bronx. These events have been very painful and traumatic to the victims and their families. Hopefully this sentence brings some justice to the innocent children and their loved ones who still struggle emotionally.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Anthony Gonzalez, 38, of 990 Leggett Avenue, was sentenced on October 15, 2018 by Administrative Judge Robert E. Torres to eight years in prison and 10 years post-release supervision. The defendant will also have to register as a sex offender. Gonzalez pleaded guilty to first-degree Sexual Abuse and second-degree Course of Sexual Conduct against a Child on September 25, 2018 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio.  

 According to the investigation, on January 17, 2018 at the USA Martial Arts Fitness Academy at 914 Prospect Avenue, the defendant, who was volunteering as an instructor at the time, sexually abused a six-year-old girl who was taking classes at the center. Gonzalez took the young girl to the bathroom, closed the door and touched her genitals. He then told the victim not to tell anyone. The young girl eventually told her mother what Gonzalez had done to her and the mother called the police.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Detective Julia Watson and Police Officer Gabriel Baaith of the Bronx Child Abuse Squad as well as the Bronx Child Advocacy Center for their assistance with the case.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR FATALLY STABBING HIS WIFE

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for the murder of his wife, which he initially blamed on intruders. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “This was a brutal attack in which the defendant stabbed his wife 13 times. He told police who responded that two men broke in and attacked his wife and himself, then admitted he stabbed his wife, in self-defense. The jury rejected his claim and convicted him of second degree Murder, and now he will spend many years in prison.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Roy Savage, 46, of 215 East 164th Street, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy to 25 years to life in prison. A jury found the defendant guilty of second-degree Murder on September 21, 2018.

 According to the investigation, on May 26, 2016, at 10 p.m. in 215 East 164th Street, the defendant stabbed his wife, Shellette Walace Savage, 37, 13 times, including four times in the back. Defendant told responding police officers that took men broke into his apartment and attacked him and his wife. Savage showed responding officers his injuries, including cuts on his hand and scratches to his neck. Defendant was taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries to his hands. Shellette Savage was pronounced dead on arrival to the hospital. Detectives immediately investigated his home invasion story; after reviewing surveillance video and examining the crime scene his story was proven false.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Police Officer James Fleming, formerly of the 44th Precinct and now assigned to the 104th Precinct in Queens, for his assistance.