RIKERS ISLAND INMATE IS SENTENCED FOR THE ASSAULT OF ANOTHER INMATE

Bronx District Attorney Robert T. Johnson announced today that a 33 year-old man has been sentenced to a term of up to life imprisonment for assaulting 28 year-old Noel Morales while both were inmates at the Rikers Island Correctional Facility.

Alkim Billip, currently incarcerated on Rikers Island on unrelated charges, was convicted last December of one count of Assault in the 2nd degree. Acting State Supreme Court Justice Robert Sackett sentenced Billip, a persistent felony offender, to a term of fifteen years to life imprisonment.

The assault occurred on November 8, 2001, when Morales, standing by a central command post at the Anna M. Kross Center, was approached from behind by the defendant. Billip punched Morales in the head and face causing Morales to have permanent scarring.

Assistant District Attorney's Daniel DeFilippi and Kevin Mailman of the General Crimes Division, Trial Bureau prosecuted this case.