Cases From The Bronx District Attorney

DARCEL D. CLARK DISTRICT ATTORNEY, BRONX COUNTY

2/27/2018 - BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR ATTACKING TWO FEMALES HE KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AND LEFT SEMI-NAKED
Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Assault and Attempted Robbery

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for two 2016 attacks in which he knocked the victims unconscious and removed items of their clothing. In one attack, he broke the jaw of a 15-year old girl near Bronx Park. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant brutally beat a young girl who refused his sexual advances and a young woman who had willingly handed over her phone. He will now serve 15 years behind bars for these vicious attacks. The two survivors have bravely gone on with their lives, despite severe emotional and physical pain. We hope this sentence brings a measure of peace to them.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Shaun Lewis, 28, of Lurting Avenue, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison followed by five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. He pleaded guilty on January 25, 2018 to Attempted Assault in the first-degree and Attempted Robbery in the second-degree. At the time of the attacks, the defendant was on parole for a robbery in which he beat a woman.

 According to the investigation, on the early morning of October 24, 2016, Lewis exposed himself to the teenage girl and demanded she “touch it” while in the vicinity of Bronx Park. When the girl refused, the defendant repeatedly struck her face, kicked her and choked her into unconsciousness. When she awoke her pants and underwear had been removed. He then grabbed her breast before she was able to flee.

 According to the investigation, on the night of April 21, 2016, on Wickham Avenue, Lewis approached a 33-year-old woman and demanded her cell phone. Upon handing over her phone, the woman asked the defendant to send the photos on her phone to her husband. The victim was knocked unconscious and awoke with her pants removed. She suffered bruising, swelling and extreme pain to her jaw.

2/28/2018 - BRONX BUILDING SUPER INDICTED ON PREDATORY SEXUAL ASSAULT AGAINST A CHILD, RAPE AND OTHER CHARGES FOR ATTACKS ON GIRLS

Defendant Allegedly Assaulted Girls in Two of the Buildings Where He Worked

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been charged in two indictments with Predatory Sexual Assault Against A Child, second-degree Rape and other felony charges for sexually abusing a 5-year-old girl and a 14-year-old girl in buildings where he served as a superintendent. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant allegedly preyed on a girl for nearly three years, starting in 2009 when she was five years old, in the basement of her building. He also allegedly raped a 14-year-old girl last year in another building. We will bring justice for the victims of these horrendous crimes. He could face up to life in prison if he is convicted of the most serious charge.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Angel Martinez, 63, of 1495 Morris Avenue, was charged in one indictment with Predatory Sexual Assault Against A Child, first-degree Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child, second-degree Course Of Sexual Conduct Against A Child, and Endangering The Welfare Of A Child. In the second indictment, he is charged with second-degree Rape, second-degree Criminal Sexual Act, third-degree Rape, third-degree Criminal Sexual Act and Endangering The Welfare Of A Child. He was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas on February 13, 2018. Bail was continued and he is due back on May 22, 2018. He could face up to life in prison on the top count.

 According to the investigation, between August 19, 2009 and July 10, 2012, in the laundry room area of the basement of 1800 University Avenue, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse and other acts of sexual conduct with a girl beginning when she was five years old.

 According to the investigation, on November 6, 2017, in 441 East 136th Street, the defendant engaged in sexual intercourse and other acts of sexual conduct with a 14-year-old girl.

 An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

 Anyone with information about other possible incidents is urged to call police at (212) 267-RAPE (7273).

3/1/2018 - BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATALLY SHOOTING 14-YEAR-OLD BOY ON HIS WAY TO SCHOOL

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing a teenage boy. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant ambushed and shot a 14-year-old, firing multiple times and then running away. For this senseless crime, he will spend 25 years behind bars. We will continue to pursue anyone who spreads fear through gun violence in the Bronx.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Travis Bloch, 31, of 3463 Third Ave., was sentenced on Feb. 28, 2018 to 25 years in prison followed by 5 years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Steven Barrett. Bloch pleaded guilty to first degree Manslaughter on January 18, 2018. A co-defendant, Jeremiah Thomas, who also pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on Feb. 15, 2018.

 According to the investigation, on the morning of May 22, 2015, outside a building at 1181 Sheridan Avenue, the defendant repeatedly shot Christopher Duran, 14, as he was heading to school, causing his death.

NYPAN Endorses Jumaane Williams For NYS Lieutenant Governor

At a City Hall press conference this morning, the New York Progressive Action Network(NYPAN) announced their endorsement of the candidacy of New York City Council Member Jumaane D. Williams for the office of New York State Lieutenant Governor. NYPAN grew out of the Bernie Sanders New York campaign and now is composed of 32 statewide grassroots chapters composed of thousands of progressives of all stripes, and which also includes many affiliates among local unions, progressive Democratic clubs, and community organizations. 

"I am honroed to accept the endorsement of NYPAN," stated Council Member Williams. "I am proud to be one of the founding members of BPAN. NYPAN is new but progressiveness is not. There have been many people who have pushing the progressive movement forward for years. People like George Albro, Arthur Schwartz, Samelys Lopez, Eddie Kay and Ernest Skinner who have joined me here today in support of this campaign.

"I am running for Lieutenant Governor because unfortunately we have people in power now who act as progressives based on polls. However, true progressives don't act based on polls but rather based on doing what is right all the time. We don't need the type of leadership that cast their fingers to the political wind to determine a course of action. I have been speaking the same language for my entire career- we have to fight for rights of all people all the time. For reproductive rights. For immigrant rights. For fair housing rights."

 

"Jumaane is not just a part of the resistance to Trump, he is the face and symbol of that resistance," stated NYPAN co-chairperson George Albro. "And he is one of the very rare breed of Democrats who is not scared off by the Cuomo/Hochul horde of millions of campaign dollars collected almost exclusively from the 1% of corporate polluters, hedge fund billionaires and other rich special interests. It is so refreshing to back a candidate who is more an activist than a politician, who believes in something other than their own self interest, and who, like Bernie, will certainly mobilize thousands of enthusiasic voters to rally behind his candidacy".

 

NYPAN Treasurer & Counsel Arthur Schwartz added: "For too long NY has been run by insiders, who look the other way when politicians steal or make policy in return for campaign contributions. Jumaane is not an insider. With him in Albany we will have an ethical watchdog who will blow the whistle. And while he is doing that he will be fighting for the needs of New Yorkers who don't make big campaign contributions, to strengthen rent laws, enact single payer and put the millions we need into education."

"As a proud member of the New York Progressive Action Network," stated NYPAN Bronx chapter president Samelys Lopez. "And today I'm proud to endorse Jumaane Williams for Lieutenant Governor. Our People's Lieutenant Govenor. We need leaders like Jumaane who have the conviction and the moral courage to fight for social justice in all its forms. To fight for the soul of our Democratic values and re-envisioning a New York State government that puts the needs of all people first. Jumaane is the fighter we need and deserve in the state capitol- who believes in the power of activism and will effect real change from the grassroots level on up. To speak truth to power."

Council Member Williams, who is a member of BPAN (Brooklyn Chapter of NYPAN) and was a Bernie Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, has been a unique progressive voice in New York State, having been a founder of the New York City Council's Progressive Caucus; an author of legislation ending the notorious and racist "stop and frisk" police policy; a fighter for civil and immigrant rights; and, main champion in securing tens of thousands of summer youth jobs, among many other accomplishments. He has engaged in civil disobedience numerous times, e.g., recently putting his body on the line to try to prevent the deportation of immigrants.

"We are the people who are going to save the Democratic Party," Council Member Williams added. "To make sure that Democrats live up to the progressive ideals we claim to espouse. And by doing so we're going to save our country from the hate and destructive policies that Donald Trump is pushing. I firmly believe that we need a People's Advocate in the office of the New York State Lieutenant Governor- someone to use the bully pulpit to work with the Governor when he is on the right course and someone to say the 'Emperor has no clothes" when he is wrong. It's time. Let's go."

PAID FOR BY JUMAANE 4 NY, P.O. Box 100323, Brooklyn, NY 11210

EDITOR"S NOTE:

While we never received an answer from the Williams for Lieutenant Governor campaign as to why it was using an old City Council Campaign for this state campaign, we do see that the 'PAID FOR BY JUMANNE 2017' has been replaced with 'PAID FOR BY JUMANNE 4 NY', even though the post office box remains the same at the Brooklyn post office. 

Our question to Councilman Williams then would be, when did the council campaign pay the dues on this P. O. Box until, and since it is now a state campaign P.O. Box is City Council mail still going to said state P.O. Box?  

We also left the spelling errors in for the public to read. Honored is the correct way to spell the word not honroed, the third word in the second paragraph. Also Governor is the correct way to spell the word not Govenor in the second spelling of the word Governor in the statement by Ms. Samelys Lopez of the Bronx. 

In wake of NYCHA lead scandal, Senate passes IDC sponsored bills to create state Independent Monitor of NYCHA & to empower New York City Council with oversight power

Legislation is part of a comprehensive package announced by the Independent Democratic Conference to protect tenants

The New York State Senate on Wednesday passed legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Klein (D-Bronx/Westchester) that would give the New York City Council oversight of NYCHA and create an Office of the Independent Monitor to oversee operations at NYCHA.

Despite the overwhelming outcry for a state appointed monitor from advocates and NYCHA tenants, some members of the New York State Senate took a sharp stance against the measure opposed by Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“NYCHA residents demand immediate action and state oversight to ensure NYCHA is held accountable for its actions. It’s clear that NYCHA, where every board member is appointed by the Mayor, is not capable of managing itself. The alternative to installing a state monitor, appointed by Governor Cuomo, is to appoint a federal monitor — putting this dire situation in the hands of Donald Trump, whose real estate mismanagement has led him to bankruptcy and whose HUD director spent $31,000 on a new dining room set for his office. It’s shameful that anyone would vote against a state Independent Monitor to step in. The IDC is ready to stand up for tenants and will fight to make sure they are protected,” said Senator Klein.

The Independent Democratic Conference released a bombshell report, “The New Flint,” on Monday, comparing the lead paint crisis facing 400,000 tenants who call NYCHA home to the lead water crisis that possibly impacted 100,000 residents of Flint, Michigan.

The conference also rolled out a comprehensive legislative package to address NYCHA’s mismanagement and fix deplorable conditions in the city’s largest affordable housing stock, including a state Independent Monitor and City Council oversight to increase transparency.

While legislation passed 47-12 to create the Office of the Independent Monitor within the Department of Homes and Community Renewal, Senators Brian Benjamin (D-Manhattan), Leroy Comrie (D-Queens), Marty Dilan (D-Brooklyn), Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), Brian Kavanagh (D-Manhattan/Brooklyn), Liz Krueger (D-Manhattan), Velmanette Montgomery (D-Brooklyn), Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn), Roxanne Persaud (D-Brooklyn), Gustavo Rivera (D-Bronx), Sanders (D-Queens) and Toby Ann Stavisky (D-Queens) voted against it.

In June 2017, this measure passed unanimously.

The state-appointed Independent Monitor would  have the ability to review and have oversight of any NYCHA project and require corrective actions to remedy issues. The monitor would also be required to issue an annual report on actions that were taken and on the status of capital projects undertaken by the agency.

The Senate passed another piece of legislation, which was part of the IDC’s package, to give the New York City Council the power to review NYCHA operations in the same way that it currently is able to do with other city agencies. The City Council would also have the ability to pass their own legislation requiring NYCHA to produce reports on its operations. The Senate passed the bill 59-0.

The State Senate passed additional “The Senate passing two of the bills which we called for just mere days ago as measures to improve the lives of 400,000 NYCHA tenants is a testament of the dedication to our constituents. Most importantly, an independent monitor of NYCHA will ensure our residents suffering from mold and lead have another advocate on their side,” said Senator Diane Savino (D-Staten Island/Brooklyn).

“Considering the more than 400,000 people who live in NYCHA apartments and the falsification of lead inspection reports by NYCHA officials, it is entirely justified to compare the situation to that of Flint, Michigan. The inhabitants of NYCHA have a right to know when lead is found in their homes and the administration of NYCHA has a responsibility to comprehensively track and quickly deal with any lead problems. Lead poisoning is irreversible and lifelong, and we owe it to New York’s families to empower them to protect their children from the scourge of lead paint. I am proud that legislation to create real oversight at NYCHA has passed the State Senate and am committed to working with my colleagues in the Assembly to get these two important bills to the Governor's desk,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara (D-Manhattan).

“NYCHA’s serious failings demanded these steps towards increased transparency and increased accountability. As our ‘New Flint’ report explains, lead poisoning has lifelong consequences for children and families. In addition to solidarity with NYCHA residents, passage of these bills today demonstrates that we will take action to keep all our children safe,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton (D-Brooklyn).

“Our City cannot continue to put over 170,000 New York families living in NYCHA buildings in hazardous conditions and not answer to anybody. That is why I am proud to vote in favor of these pieces of legislation that will provide real solutions that will protect vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens).

“We need to work together to ensure NYCHA residents live in safe, decent conditions. The news about the lead paint exposure was terrifying. It is critical that we put all the necessary mechanisms in place to prevent this from ever happening again. I applaud my colleagues for their efforts, and it is my hope that the bills passing today, especially the one calling for an independent monitor at NYCHA buildings, become a reality soon,” said Senator Jose Peralta (D-Queens).

You can read The New Flint here:

https://www.nysenate.gov/sites/default/files/press-release/attachment/the_new_flint_-_full_report.pdf

BP DIAZ RELEASES SOUTH BRONX TECH SURVEY

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., in collaboration with the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, has developed a community survey questionnaire as a follow-up to the two previous meetings of the Bronx Tech Summit hosted at the Metropolitan College of New York Campus in The Hub.

 

The purpose of the survey is to gather information from the public on living and working in the South Bronx. Responses to this survey will help inform a report being prepared by a team of New York University urban planning graduate students on the tech industry in the Bronx. 

 

“If you live and work in the South Bronx, we want to hear from you,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “Technology plays a role in every sector of our borough. As we plan for the future expansion of tech in our borough and the creation of a tech hub, we want to ensure that those who live and work in this borough are guiding that conversation.”

 

A full link to the survey can be found at: http://bit.ly/2F1AiEA. The survey will be available until March 16, 2018.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR SEARCH MARCH 1,2018

  In a media availability today Mayor Bill de Blasio had the following to say about the hiring of a new public school chancellor, and the resignation of the new public schools chancellor.

 We had an extensive nationwide search as a lot of you reported when the announcement was made – a candidate who was very impressive and had done a lot of good work in Miami. I had offered Mr. Carvalho the job and Dean Fuleihan had follow-up conversations over a week ago and he had accepted.

We talked to him yesterday afternoon about formally putting the information out via the Politico article. We agreed on a phone call with Eric Phillips and I. I spoke to him again last night, I think it was around 8:00 pm and we discussed the next steps for his announcement here in New York City.

So you can imagine how surprised I was to get a phone call from him a few hours ago.

I’ve been doing this work a long, long time. I’ve hired a lot of great people. I’m very proud of the people who serve in this administration and a lot of people I’ve hired before that – never have had a situation like this before.

But look, we move forward. Our nationwide search has resumed. We have been immediately reaching out to candidates and will continue the search and we will have a new announcement soon as we continue the transition at the Department of Education so we can move forward.

I’m very confident in our school system. I’m confident in our teachers. I’m confident in our principals, all our educators, and all our staff. They have been outstanding and they will continue to be.

Let me also tell you, I spoke to the Chancellor. The Chancellor will be continuing her role until the end of March and I want to thank her, of course, for all she has done for this city and all she will continue to do.

So, the bottom line is what makes this school system great is our educators, our parents. Everyone who is a part of this school system will continue to do good work and we will have a new Chancellor soon.

Editor's Note:

The Mayor got a grilling from reporters on the subject of having to find another candidate to be public schools chancellor. He said that there would be one in place by the end of March, his original timetable. 

Let's see if this time the mayor can find a local educator such as the retired CUNY administrator who was mentioned at one time, instead of having to go out of town to find a new schools chancellor. 

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR DE BLASIO ON NEW YORK CITY SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR SEARCH February 28, 2018

  “Alberto Carvalho is a world-class educator with an unmatched track record of success. I am very confident that our extensive, national search has found New York City the best person to lead the nation’s largest school system into the future. I look forward to welcoming our new chancellor to New York City in the days ahead, and to working with him in the years ahead as we deepen achievement in our classrooms and build on the outstanding record of accomplishment that Chancellor Fariña has delivered for students and their families across the five boroughs.”

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Women of Distinction Luncheon