Manhattan District Attorney Alvin “Set ‘Em Free” Bragg has been under fire for his lenient approach to prosecuting criminals, particularly in the case of career criminal Harold Gooding. Gooding, who has a staggering record of 134 arrests, has been allowed to continue his criminal activities unchecked, despite warnings to Bragg about his behavior.
Bragg’s progressive “decarceration” policies have been criticized for enabling repeat offenders like Gooding to commit crimes without facing significant consequences. By refusing to prosecute low-level offenses and implementing diversion programs for career criminals, Bragg has essentially made it easier for criminals to operate in Manhattan without fear of being caught or punished.
The impact of Bragg’s policies is evident in the rise of crimes like shoplifting and organized retail theft, which have plagued businesses in Manhattan. Many stores have resorted to locking their goods behind Plexiglas or closing down altogether due to the rampant criminal activity.
Since Bragg took office, conviction rates in Manhattan have dropped significantly, with dismissals and downgrades of charges on the rise. In 2023, 62% of cases brought to Bragg’s office were dismissed, and more than half of felony cases were downgraded to misdemeanors.
In Gooding’s case, despite being charged with grand larceny in the fourth degree, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison, he was allowed to plead to a misdemeanor and serve less than eight months in jail. This lenient treatment of repeat offenders like Gooding raises concerns about Bragg’s commitment to holding criminals accountable for their actions.
District attorneys, according to the law, are tasked with prosecuting all crimes and offenses within their jurisdiction. However, critics argue that Bragg’s ideological stance on criminal justice reform has clouded his judgment and compromised public safety in Manhattan.
Ultimately, the failure of Alvin Bragg to effectively prosecute criminals like Harold Gooding highlights the need for a more balanced and effective approach to criminal justice in New York City. As the minority leader of the New York City Council, Joann Ariola, and former public defender and Republican candidate for Manhattan District Attorney, Maud Maron, point out, the priority of a district attorney should be to uphold the law and ensure the safety and well-being of the community they serve.
