Elhadji Sene, 34, was sentenced to seven years in state prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including Identity Theft in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, for crimes committed from December 2023 to April 2025. His offenses involved targeting vulnerable individuals on the Lower East Side, stealing phones, wallets, and personal information to access their financial accounts, according to the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. said, "I hope today's sentencing sends a message that people who steal the identities of vulnerable New Yorkers will be held accountable." Sene entered his guilty plea on November 25, 2025, in New York State Supreme Court, which led to his sentencing, as reported by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
Sene was arrested in April 2025 for using stolen funds to buy over $30,000 in cryptocurrency, make retail purchases, and increase his digital currency holdings. He also made more than $13,000 in unauthorized transactions on other victims’ accounts and credit cards. Police found weapons and stolen items in his vehicle. The case was prosecuted by former Assistant D.A.s Thomas Roman and Lauren Di Giovanni under the Cyber Crime Bureau and Investigation Division. Victims can report similar crimes by calling 212-335-8900, as stated by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
