Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr. (Alvin Bragg), Manhattan’s current District Attorney, has achieved many notable milestones in his legal career and time in office. Some key points include:

• He is the first African American to hold the position of Manhattan District Attorney.
• He has focused on reducing violence, cutting down on repeat offenses, and enhancing public safety.
• Bragg established the Pathways to Public Safety Division, directing individuals away from imprisonment towards evidence-based programs.
• He set up a standalone Police Accountability Unit to investigate and prosecute police misconduct.
• Initiatives to decrease gun violence were launched, including the appointment of a new executive assistant district attorney for gun violence prevention.
• Bragg secured a 6-count indictment against Steve Bannon and WeBuildTheWall, Inc., with charges including money laundering and conspiracy.
• Allan Weisselberg, the Trump Organization CFO, was convicted on multiple felony counts.
• There was an increase in gun prosecutions, with a specific focus on gun traffickers and ghost gun manufacturers.
• A comprehensive plan to combat retail theft was implemented in collaboration with partners.
• The Worker Protection Unit was created to investigate and prosecute wage theft and other forms of worker exploitation.
• Bragg slowed down the office’s move towards an indictment against former President Donald Trump, eventually resulting in an indictment on 34 felony charges.

Bragg’s achievements showcase his dedication to transformative justice, racial equity, and holding those who abuse power accountable.

Who Is Alvin Bragg?

Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr., born on October 21, 1973, is a trailblazing American politician and lawyer, currently serving as the New York County District Attorney, covering the bustling borough of Manhattan.

In 2021, he made history as the first African American elected to this esteemed office, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

Let’s delve into the life of Alvin Bragg, exploring his early years, education, legal career, and his transformative tenure as the District Attorney.

Biography

Alvin Bragg, at the age of 50 as of 2024, was born in the heart of New York City, specifically Harlem. His roots in Striver’s Row shaped his perspective, with personal encounters with the criminal justice system influencing his trajectory.

A graduate of the Trinity School, he went on to excel at Harvard College, earning a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, majoring in government in 1995.

His educational journey continued at Harvard Law School, where he earned a Juris Doctor in 1999 and served as an editor of the Harvard Civil Rights–Civil Liberties Law Review.

Early Life and Education

Growing up amidst the vibrant culture of Harlem, Bragg’s experiences with the NYPD fueled his passion for justice.

These formative years laid the foundation for a career dedicated to addressing societal issues and advocating for civil liberties.

Bragg’s academic prowess, showcased at Trinity School and Harvard University, foreshadowed the legal luminary he would become.

Career

Alvin Bragg started his legal career as a clerk for federal district judge Robert P. Patterson Jr. He then joined the law firm Morvillo Abramowitz Grand Iason & Anello, focusing on white collar fraud and civil rights.

Later, in 2003, he joined the office of the Attorney General of New York and became the chief of litigation and investigations for the New York City Council.

In 2009, Bragg became an assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of New York.

Key Roles and Achievements

In 2017, Eric Schneiderman appointed Bragg Chief Deputy Attorney General of New York. Bragg played a crucial role in overseeing lawsuits against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, Harvey Weinstein, and The Weinstein Company.

Additionally, he contributed to addressing the citizenship question on the 2020 United States Census.

Later, Bragg became a professor at the New York Law School and co-directed the Racial Justice Project. Notably, he represented the families of Ramarley Graham and Eric Garner in civil litigation against New York City.

Becoming New York County District Attorney

In 2019, Alvin Bragg began his candidacy for the 2021 Democratic Party nomination for New York County District Attorney. His campaign focused on criminal justice reform, earning the endorsement of The New York Times.

Bragg secured victory in the Democratic primary and went on to win the general election on November 2, 2021, making history as the first African-American elected New York County District Attorney.

Tenure as District Attorney

Bragg took office on January 1, 2022, and promptly announced a shift in prosecution policies.

He decided not to prosecute low-level offenses like fare evasion, resisting arrest, prostitution, and certain cannabis-related misdemeanors unless accompanied by a felony charge.

Moreover, he aimed to seek lesser charges for specific offenses involving dangerous instruments.

Challenges and Controversies

The handling of the Donald Trump case brought attention to Bragg’s tenure. Lead prosecutors resigned, citing Bragg’s hesitancy to move forward.

However, Bragg expressed support for a zero-tolerance policy for violent crimes. The case against Trump eventually progressed, leading to his indictment in March 2023. In another notable case, Bragg faced criticism for initially charging Jose Alba, a bodega clerk, with murder.

After public backlash and a reassessment of the evidence, Bragg dropped the charges, acknowledging that a homicide case against Alba couldn’t be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Ongoing Prosecutions

Bragg’s office continued its criminal investigation into Trump’s reported hush-money payment to a porn star. The probe led to Trump’s indictment, marking the first indictment of a former president in United States history.

In a separate case, Steve Bannon, previously pardoned by Trump, faced new charges brought by Bragg’s prosecutors related to fraud. Bannon pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Net Worth (as of 2024)

As of 2024, Alvin Bragg’s net worth has been a subject of varying estimations. Forbes reports a figure of $42 million, while other sources like Equity Atlas suggest a more conservative estimate of $1.5 million.

Recent projections for 2024 indicate a net worth of approximately $41 million. Bragg’s financial ascent correlates with his dedication to public service, with speculations hinting at a potential surpassing of $100 million by the decade’s end.

Personal Life

Beyond the courtroom, Alvin Bragg finds balance in his personal life. Married to Jamila Marie Ponton since 2003, the couple shares the joys of parenthood with their two children.

Bragg’s commitment to community extends to his time teaching Sunday School at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, showcasing the multifaceted nature of this influential figure.

Parents and Siblings

Alvin Bragg’s parents are Alvin Leonard Bragg, Sr. and Sadie Bragg. His father, a retired assistant superintendent for welfare in the New York City Human Resources Administration, and his mother, who worked in public service and education, had Alvin Bragg as their only child. Unfortunately, his father passed away in 2014.

Background Informations

Name:	Alvin Leonard Bragg Jr.
Date of Birth:	October 21, 1973
Age (as of 2024):	50 Years old
Place of Birth:	New York City, U.S.
Nationality:	American
Ethnicity:	Black African
Occupation:	Politician and Lawyer
Political Party:	Democratic
Spouse (wife):	Jamila Marie Ponton Bragg (married in 2003)
Children (kids):	2
Education:	Harvard University (BA, JD)
Net Worth (as of 2024):	Estimated $41 million (source: caknowledge.com)

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