New York, NY —

A man accused of trying to discourage a witness from testifying before the grand jury investigating the shooting death of Sean Bell was arrested yesterday.

Authorities say Melvin Cordero was a supervisor for the cleaning service that employed the witness, whose identity has not been disclosed. Cordero repeatedly warned the witness not to get involved in the case, saying that if he came forward he might be deported.

The witness surfaced just as the grand jury wrapped up its investigation of the police officers who fired a total of 50 shots last November, killing Bell and wounding 2 of his friends.

Earlier this month, 2 officers were indicted on manslaughter charges. A 3rd was charged with a misdemeanor.