Embattled Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg told a group of bodega owners on Tuesday that there was an “absolute” chance he would drop the murder charge against worker Jose Alba, although he had given himself enough leeway to pursue the controversial case.
Bragg was attacked from all sides, including Mayor Eric Adams, for accusing Alba of raping, even though the video clearly shows the Manhattan worker being attacked by an ex-con, whom the clerk ended up stabbing in alleged self-defense.
United Bodegas of America’s closed-door meeting with Bragg in his Manhattan office was “very, very good,” with the prosecutor telling the group that Alba, 61, could see charges against him dropped, said Fernando Mateo, a spokesman for the group, after the gathering.
“We felt very good because his tone was very reassuring. His demeanor was very direct and he said, “I don’t understand why people jump to conclusions. I haven’t made a decision. I’m investigating,” Matteo recalled Bragg saying when asked about Alba’s case.
“I asked, ‘Is there any possibility you’ll drop these charges?’ And he said, ‘Absolutely.’
The group United Bodegas of America wants lawmakers to pass a Stand Your Ground Act to help small business owners. William Farrington, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg says there is a chance Jose Alba’s murder charge will be dropped. Steven Hirsch
On July 1, Alba was working behind the counter at the Blue Moon convenience store in Hamilton Heights when 35-year-old Austin Simon attacked him after his girlfriend got into an argument with the worker over a bag of chips she couldn’t pay for.
While Alba was under attack, he stabbed Simon five times and killed him, an action he told The Post Monday he regretted and regretted, while insisting it was all in the interest of self-defense.
During Monday’s meeting with the bodega owners, Bragg talked to them about a set of outcomes that are still on the table, Matteo said.
United Bodegas of America representative Fernando Mateo said the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Alvin Bragg, is still investigating Jose Alba’s self-defense case. William Farrington The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office does not agree with bodega owners carrying firearms. William Farrington
“He explained to us the whole routine of what happens when a crime or alleged crime is committed and what happens afterwards. We very much hope that Jose Alba’s case will be dismissed and dismissed by the district attorney,” Mateo said.
“He hasn’t made that decision yet, but he’s certainly left the doors and windows open for something like this to happen.” So we have to sit and wait, not get impatient and not jump to conclusions.”
Francisco Marte, the founder of Bodega and the Small Business Association, told The Post he contacted Bragg’s office and his team called him Tuesday to set up another meeting with Alba’s supporters.
At the meeting, UBA also asked Bragg about his thoughts on whether city bodega workers should be able to use the “Stand Your Ground” defense, similar to the Florida statute that allows people to use deadly force if they believe they are at risk of “great bodily injury.”
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg insists he is not jumping to “jump to conclusions” in Jose Alba’s defense case. Steven Hirsch United Bodegas of America representative Fernando Mateo speaks to reporters after his meeting with Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. William Farrington
The group also asked Bragg if he supports workers carrying firearms after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that New Yorkers can carry guns without having to prove they are necessary for self-defense.
Matteo claimed that Bragg said he supported law-abiding bodega workers who wanted to legally carry guns, but the DA’s office said in a later statement: “More guns in our communities make us less safe.
“Since taking office, DA Bragg has met with numerous business owners, community leaders and other stakeholders regarding public safety. Today’s conversation focused on how to keep bodega owners and workers safe, including after[Supreme Court ruling] a world where more people can legally own and carry firearms,” said Representative Doug Cohen.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg initially held Jose Alba on $500,000 bail. Stephen Hirsch The group United Bodegas of America wants lawmakers to pass a “Stand Your Ground” law similar to the one in Florida. William Farrington
“DA Bragg expressed support for strict gun laws in New York and emphasized that more guns in our communities make us less safe. We welcomed the opportunity to discuss how we can work together to promote safety on the streets and in our workplaces and look forward to continuing these conversations.”
Additional reporting by Georgette Roberts
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