Jakhi McCray pleaded guilty on Apr. 8 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn to setting fire to ten New York City Police Department vehicles and one trailer, according to United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. McCray faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years in prison, as well as a fine and restitution, with sentencing details still pending.
The case highlights concerns about attacks on law enforcement property and their impact on public safety. According to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, such acts threaten first responders and reduce resources meant for community protection.
“The defendant’s actions were not only dangerous, but they were also a direct attack on public safety and the rule of law,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. “By deliberately setting fire to multiple police vehicles in the pre-dawn hours, the defendant put at risk the lives of first responders and residents asleep in their beds nearby, and ultimately, strained resources meant to protect the community. Today’s guilty plea ensures accountability and sends a clear message that acts of violence and destruction against law enforcement will be met with serious consequences.” ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo added: “This defendant’s actions—setting fire to multiple NYPD vehicles and causing significant damage—demonstrates a blatant disregard for public safety and the rule of law. Arson is not a form of protest—it is a dangerous crime that puts lives at risk… We remain committed to working alongside our partners to protect our communities and ensure those who commit violent acts are brought to justice.”
Court documents state that on June 12, 2025, McCray entered a secure lot housing NYPD vehicles on DeKalb Avenue between Wilson Avenue and Central Avenue in Bushwick by scaling a fence before intentionally setting fires that resulted in over $800,000 worth of damages as estimated by NYPD officials. The incident occurred two days before scheduled protests over June 14-15 weekend.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York operates as the designated federal prosecutor’s office for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, and Suffolk County according to its official website. The office supports community outreach efforts as well as victim assistance programs according to its official website, maintains offices both in Brooklyn and Central Islip per its official website, handles federal crime prosecutions along with civil matters representation per its official website, operates under United States Attorney Breon Peace as noted on its official site.
Assistant United States Attorney Rebecca M. Urquiola leads prosecution efforts from within the Office’s General Crimes Section.
