New York Man Found Guilty On Narcotics Trafficking Charges

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that STEVEN WILLIAMS was found guilty Friday of conspiring to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine. WILLIAMS was convicted after a one-week jury trial before U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As the jury swiftly found, Steven Williams used his music business as a front to traffic in massive quantities of cocaine and heroin. For pumping 100 kilograms of cocaine and more than 40 kilograms of heroin into New York City streets, Williams now stands convicted of federal narcotics conspiracy.”

According to the evidence introduced at trial, other proceedings in this case, and documents previously filed in Manhattan federal court:

Between 2009 and August 2015, WILLIAMS conspired with others to traffic in excess of 100 kilograms of cocaine and 40 kilograms of heroin from California to New York. WILLIAMS held himself out to be in the music business, and used his music business as a front to ship multi-kilogram quantities of heroin and cocaine across the country via industrial freight shipping companies, with heroin and cocaine hidden in speakers, amplifiers, and copy machines.

WILLIAMS, 46, of New York, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled before Judge Schofield.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, which comprises agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the New York State Police, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshal Service, New York National Guard, the New York Department of Taxation and Finance, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, the Clarkstown Police Department, the Port Washington Police Department, and the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The Strike Force is partially funded by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is a federally funded crime fighting initiative.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces $20K Agreement With Pet Store Chain Owner Who Abused Animals And Falsified Documents To Make Them Appear Healthy Enough To Sell

Richard Doyle Performed Surgery Without Veterinary Training; Falsified Documents In Order To Sell Sick Dogs To Unsuspecting Consumers; Left Sick Animals To Die

Doyle Barred From Dealing Pets; Will Pay $20K In Fees And Penalties

Schneiderman: Shutting Down Abusive Operations Like This Sends The Message That This Disturbing Behavior Won't Be Tolerated

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that pet store owner Richard Doyle has entered into an agreement with the Attorney General’s office permanently barring him from working as a pet dealer and imposing significant fines and penalties for repeated animal cruelty.

Doyle owned and operated three retail pet stores in Westchester and the Hudson Valley:  American Breeders, Inc. in Wappingers Falls, NY; Puppies and Kittens in Mohegan Lake, NY; and Best Breeds, Inc. in Larchmont, NY.  The Office of the Attorney General initiated an investigation into Doyle’s businesses in 2015 after receiving numerous complaints from consumers who purchased pets from Doyle’s stores only to discover shortly after purchase that the animals were sick.

Despite Doyle’s certification that his pets were healthy and free of disease, consumers reported that their own veterinarians found the animals to be suffering from serious health conditions such as parvo, giardiasis, pneumonia, intestinal parasites and kennel cough. In addition, the investigation revealed that Doyle falsified the names and license numbers of his suppliers in order to make it appear as though he purchased animals from reputable sources.

“By shutting down stores that mistreat animals – and sell sick animals - we can help ensure that consumers are purchasing healthy pets, while protecting the animals themselves from those who break the law to turn a profit,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Disturbing cases like these reaffirm my commitment to encouraging those in search of a new pet to adopt from a local shelter, rather than purchasing an animal. This gives an animal in need a home, and gives the consumer the peace of mind that they are receiving a healthy pet.”

The Attorney General’s investigation also uncovered a number of disturbing practices carried out by Doyle and his staff in an effort to make sick animals appear healthy and maximize sales. For example, it was found that Doyle – who is not a veterinarian, regularly performed surgery on animals in the back rooms of his stores. Doyle also ordered high school aged employees to routinely administer injectable medications and intravenous fluids to mask rather than cure diseases and infections in sick animals. Doyle would then lie or ask his young employees to lie to the inspecting veterinarians regarding the illnesses so the veterinarians would not mark the animals unfit for sale. These procedures were not carried out in a sanitary environment and there was no veterinarian supervision or approval. Syringes were re-used and pre and post-operative infection control was not practiced.  In some cases, when Doyle was unable to “cure” an animal himself, he let the sick animal suffer and, in some cases left it to die, rather than paying for routine veterinary care.   

This investigation is the latest in the Attorney General’s ongoing Animal Protection Initiative, which launched in May 2013. The initiative seeks to help consumers and animals alike by cracking down on animal cruelty, shutting down criminal animal fighting rings and bringing to justice those who unscrupulously sell animals to unsuspecting consumers. The Initiative is comprised of Investigators and Assistant Attorneys General from around the state, the OAG's Regional Offices, the Consumer Fraud Bureau, the Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau, the Organized Crime Task Force and the Investigations Bureau.

Per the terms of the voluntary agreement, Richard Doyle is permanently barred from operating a pet sales business and must surrender all licenses relative to the sale of animals. Furthermore, he is required to pay $15,000 in restitution which will be distributed to the consumers who purchased sick animals from his stores and $5,000 in penalties and costs to the state.   

The Attorney General urges those interested in bringing home a dog or cat to adopt, not shop for their new best friend. By adopting from a local SPCA or shelter, an animal in need gets a home, and space and resources are freed up for the facility to take in more homeless dogs. In turn, the new owner can ensure that they are receiving a healthy pet, as these dogs have been fully vetted, immunized and given a clean bill of health. 

A.G. Schneiderman and 15 Other State A.G.'s Condemn President Trump's Un-American Executive Order, Vow Action

Joint Statement Issued By A.G.'s Of NY, CA, PA, WA, MA, HI, VA, OR, DC, CT, VT, IL, NM, IA, ME & MD

“As the chief legal officers for over 130 million Americans and foreign residents of our states, we condemn President Trump's unconstitutional, un-American and unlawful Executive Order and will work together to ensure the federal government obeys the Constitution, respects our history as a nation of immigrants, and does not unlawfully target anyone because of their national origin or faith.

Religious liberty has been, and always will be, a bedrock principle of our country and no president can change that truth.

Yesterday, multiple federal courts ordered a stay of the Administration’s dangerous Executive Order. We applaud those decisions and will use all of the tools of our offices to fight this unconstitutional order and preserve our nation’s national security and core values.

We are confident that the Executive Order will ultimately be struck down by the courts. In the meantime, we are committed to working to ensure that as few people as possible suffer from the chaotic situation that it has created.”

NYPD SERGEANT CONVICTED OF RAPE OF 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL

Defendant Found Guilty of Abusing Girlfriend’s Daughter Three Times 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a New York City Police Department sergeant has been convicted by a jury of raping and sexually abusing a 13-year old girl, who was his then-girlfriend’s daughter. 

District Attorney Clark said “The defendant horrifically abused the trust of this family and engaged in sexual acts with a child. He now faces prison time for his depravity and I hope his conviction reinforces the message that we do not stop until we get justice for the most vulnerable of victims.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Vladimir Krull, 39, a NYPD Sergeant in the Midtown North Precinct in Manhattan, was convicted today after a four-week trial before Acting Bronx Supreme Court Justice Lester B. Adler. After five days of deliberations, a jury found Krull guilty of two counts of second-degree Rape, two counts of second-degree Criminal Sexual Act, three counts of second-degree Sexual Abuse and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child involving three incidents. He faces up to 7 years in prison for each incident when he is sentenced on March 6, 2017.

 

According to trial testimony, Krull was involved with the victim’s mother for two years. His abuse of the teen started in September 2013, when he kissed her on the mouth. The abuse escalated and the defendant was found guilty of having sexual intercourse with her on two separate occasions, once at her residence and another time in his vehicle. The jury also found him guilty of a third incident, in June 2014, when he directed the teen to perform oral sex on him in his vehicle after a Father/Daughter breakfast for her eighth grade class.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Astrid Borgstedt, Trial Counsel with the Child Abuse/ Sex Crimes Bureau and Nancy Strohmeyer of the Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Joseph Muroff, Chief of the Special Victims Division. District Attorney Clark thanked Ana Pimentel of the Crime Victims Assistance Unit, Amy Pumo of the Center for Court Innovation and the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau.  

Independent Democratic Conference Announces Immigrant Defense Coalition

After the Trump administration issued an un-American executive order and ramped up anti-immigration rhetoric and policies, the New York Senate Independent Democratic Conference announced a major initiative to protect immigrant communities across New York State.

Starting immediately, the IDC’s new Immigrant Defense Coalition will operate out of each member’s district office to provide legal services, resources and any assistance to immigrants and their families.

The new service in each of the eight offices represents real action and help for New Yorkers on a day when other Senate Democrats took a soft, indirect approach of attaching hostile amendments to Senate resolutions in protest.

“President Trump’s anti-immigrant rhetoric came to life this weekend through his un-American executive order banning immigrants from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States and through his demonization of Mexicans with renewed vigor and plans to build a wall on our border. This level of intolerance starkly contrasts with the core values of our nation, one which has always embraced those who seek refuge here. All eight members of the Independent Democratic Conference will create the ‘Immigrant Defense Coalition’ to protect and defend immigrants in New York. Our offices will each offer services to immigrants who need assistance during this troubling time. Already, the IDC provided the Vera Institute of Justice’s New York Immigrant Family Unity Project with $250,000 to provide legal assistance to immigrants facing deportation, and this year the IDC will prioritize funding for other groups that provide similar services to immigrants in New York,” said IDC Leader Jeff Klein.

“It is against our country’s values to slam the door shut on immigrants seeking refuge. Our doors will be open to serve any immigrants who need help during this frightening time,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky.

“The president’s executive order is antithetical to our nation’s values and we will not stand for it. I fight against the anti-immigrant rhetoric and policies coming out of Washington and protect my district which is one of the most diverse places in New York City. My door will be open to help each and every person who needs a hand because that is the spirit of this country,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

“On inauguration day I protested President Trump for his anti-immigrant rhetoric and was arrested. Now, his words are a real threat to the people I represent and these dangerous policies will not be tolerated. I came to this country as an immigrant and I will always protect the rights of those who seek refuge here. My district will be impacted by these anti-immigrant policies and I will keep my door open to protect residents. I will fight to the end to make sure that we protect the rights of everyone who seeks to be an American,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

“The executive actions on immigration taken by the Trump administration are unacceptable and un-American.  This country was built on the backs of immigrants who came here looking for a better life for them and their families, many of them fleeing persecution. I will continue to fight to fund programs that aid immigrants and ensure that any person who needs help or resources knows that my office door is open to assist them,” said Senator Tony Avella.

“Providing important services is taking action directly to community members who are affected by the president’s executive orders. I am proud to take these important steps towards protecting immigrant New Yorkers and I look forward to continuing to find innovative ways towards combatting these destructive actions from the President,” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Over the weekend I joined protests at JFK that erupted after the impact of President Trump’s executive orders were first seen. I felt outrage that our country, the land of the free, was not letting people in. It is incredibly important that immigrants know that there are resources available to them and I am immensely proud of the leadership of the IDC to create this coalition to bring them directly to our communities,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

“The administration’s poorly-written and hastily implemented executive order has caused confusion in regard to immigrants’ rights. My door is open to help everyone in my district,” said Senator Diane Savino.

Key elements of the Immigration Defense Coalition include the establishment of a toll-free number for those seeking assistance for themselves or those they know.

IDC member’s district offices will provide legal services from partner immigration organizations to assist immigrants one-on-one with immigration related issues such as visa, green cards, deportation and questions on the impacts of the President Trump’s immigration related executive orders. In addition, the IDC will again in this year’s budget prioritize funding for immigration groups that provide necessary services for New Yorkers.

Each IDC member will also hold a “Know Your Rights” workshop in their respective districts on the same day so that community members know the services that they are providing and that their Senate offices are a place to find help.

Senate passes bills to make Pokémon a no go near dangerous sex offenders

  The New York State Senate today passed two pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Klein that protect children from high level sexual predators using Pokémon GO or other augmented reality games.

“While children believe they are out to catch a pokémon, what might really be lurking could be a predator instead of a Pikachu. There have been documented instances of sex offenders playing Pokémon GO as a means to locate children and it makes no sense at all to give these dangerous individuals a virtual road map to where our kids congregate. My legislation updates our law that already prohibits high level predators from using social media and holds game makers accountable from removing in-game features from within 100-feet of sex offenders,” said Senator Klein.

In late July, Senator Klein released an alarming investigative report, “Protecting Our Children: How Pokémon GO and Augmented Reality Games Expose Children to Sex Offenders.” The investigation, conducted in New York City, found that in the majority of cases either Pokémon materialized in front of the homes of sexual predators or in-game objectives were located within a half-block from a sexual predator’s home.

As the Pokémon GO craze continued, Senator Klein conducted investigations on Long Island and in Westchester/Rockland counties on sex offender residences and in-game objectives and the findings were similarly disturbing.

“There could be real-world consequences for children playing augmented reality games and we cannot let them linger in front of the homes of sex offenders. We devised simple solutions to the problem in light of our eye-opening investigation so our laws stay up-to-date as technology advances and today is an important step forward,” said Senator Savino.

“Augmented reality games like Pokemon GO have been an example of the potential value of new technologies but we have seen too many examples in our community of how close children can come to danger while playing them.  Parents should be able to let their kids enjoy games like these without the concern of coming into contact with sexual predators or other undesirable situations.  Passing this legislation will help prohibit sexual offenders from being able to play games like Pokémon GO and help make our community safer,” Said Senator Carlucci.

In light of the alarming findings, Senator Klein introduced legislation, which the Senate passed, to prohibit Level 2 and 3 sex offenders from playing augmented reality games. Many high-level sex offenders are already prohibited from using social media.

The Senate also passed legislation sponsored by Senator Klein, requiring game developers, like Pokémon GO creator Niantic, to regularly scour the Department of Criminal Justice website to obtain sex offender addresses and remove all in-game objectives within 100-feet of their residencies.

Bronx Borough President Invites you to celebrate Dominican Heritage Month