Six Men Charged in One of the Largest Narcotics & Firearms Trafficking Busts in Nassau County History

 

A multi-agency, monthslong investigation recovered 47 illegal guns and more than one kilogram of narcotics that the defendants allegedly trafficked into Queens and Nassau County

Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder announced that six men have been charged with multiple counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance, criminal sale of a firearm, and other charges in one of the largest gun trafficking investigations in Nassau County history.

The arrests are the result of a 14-month long joint investigation led by NCDA’s Firearms Suppression and Intelligence Unit and included the Nassau County Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Enforcement Division, Long Island District Office Task Force.

“The arrests of these six individuals and the seizure of 47 firearms, cocaine, and heroin, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement officials face while targeting those who fuel drug-related violence in our communities” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Every firearm recovered represents one less weapon that can be used to intimidate, injure, or kill. The DEA and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to targeting violent criminals that profit from violence and drug trafficking, and protecting the communities of Long Island.”

“These six defendants allegedly tried to flood our communities with deadly narcotics and nearly 50 illegal firearms, some of which have been linked to crimes in other jurisdictions. Every illegal gun recovered had the potential to destroy innocent lives,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. “Since taking office, combating gun violence has been a top priority. I created the Firearms Suppression and Intelligence Unit to target those responsible for bringing illegal guns into our communities. Thanks to this outstanding joint investigation, these guns and drugs will never reach the hands of criminals who try to terrorize our neighborhoods. For five years, we have made clear that gun traffickers in Nassau County will face the consequences, and we are not slowing down.”

“If anyone thinks they are going to bring guns and drugs into Nassau County, they better think again. With the full support of our County Executive Bruce Blakeman, our Detectives went after these criminals and now they will have to answer for their crimes. Nassau County will remain the safest county in America, thanks to the hard work of the men and women in the Nassau County Police Department. We value our partners who worked with us to hold these criminals accountable,” said Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder.

“This investigation demonstrates the strength of our partnerships and our shared commitment to protecting the public,” said ATF New York Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo. “I want to commend the brave undercover personnel and the dedicated men and women from our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies who worked tirelessly to dismantle this firearms-trafficking operation. By disrupting the illegal sale of more than 40 firearms, we are preventing dangerous weapons from reaching those who would use them to commit violent crimes. ATF remains laser-focused on identifying firearms traffickers, dismantling illegal trafficking networks, and protecting our communities by stopping gun violence before it occurs. Special thanks to ATF Joint Firearms Task Force Long Island, ATF-NYPD Joint Firearms Task Force, DEA, Nassau County DA and Nassau County PD.”

“This was a takedown of historic proportions that will not only make Nassau County safer, but the whole region,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “This is a combination of using technology and good old-fashioned police work to solve these crimes that are being committed on a daily basis here in our region.”

Robert Petgrave, 30, was arraigned before Judge Michael Alpert on one count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent Felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 cash/ $1 million bond/ $2.5 million partially secured bond. He was also ordered to surrender his passport. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Andrew Petgrave, 36, was arraigned today before Judge Michael Alpert on charges including Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (an A-I felony) and two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree (a D violent felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 cash/ $1 million bond/ $2.5 million partially secured bond. He was also ordered to surrender his passport. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 8 to 20 years in prison.

Jamari Jamaal Purrier, 34, was arraigned before Judge Michael Alpert on one count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree (an A-I felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $500,000 cash/ $1 million bond/ $2.5 million partially secured bond. He was also ordered to surrender his passport. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 8 to 20 years in prison. 

Raeem Smith, 23, was arraigned before Judge Michael Alpert on charges including Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony); and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was remanded. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison. 

Clayton Solomon, 48, was arraigned before Judge Michael Alpert on one count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree (a B violent felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and bail was set at $250,000 cash/ $500,000 bond/ $1.25 million partially secured bond. He was also ordered to surrender his passport. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.

Shahede Folkes, 25, was arraigned before Judge Michael Alpert on one count of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony).

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was released to pretrial services with electronic monitoring. His next court date is scheduled for July 21, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 1-1/3 to 4 years in prison.

Beginning in April 2025, NCDA, working in conjunction with ATF, DEA, and NCPD, began a firearms and narcotics trafficking investigation into the suspected gang-related activities of the defendants.

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, the defendants allegedly obtained firearms from out of state, including Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia, and trafficked them into Valley Stream and Queens. 

As targets of an undercover operation, defendants Robert Petgrave and Andrew Petgrave allegedly obtained illegal firearms from Smith and other sources, then sold the firearms to undercover law enforcement officers on eight separate occasions. 

Folkes and Solomon were allegedly present at the time of some of the illegal gun transactions. 

On multiple occasions, Purrier and Andrew Petgrave allegedly sold heroin and cocaine to undercover officers in 13 separate transactions. 

The narcotics transactions occurred throughout Valley Stream, Hempstead, and Queens. 

As a result of the monthslong investigation, law enforcement recovered 47 illegal handguns, approximately 900 grams of cocaine, and 150 grams of heroin. 

The defendants were arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department’s Gang Investigations Squad on July 16, 2026.

NCDA thanks the NCPD, ATF, DEA, the Suffolk County Police Department, the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Secret Service for their help in this investigation.

The case is being prosecuted by Firearms Suppression and Intelligence Unit Chief Michael Greubel of the Narcotics, Firearms, and Gangs Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michelle Burke, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Nicholas Mauro. 

Folkes is represented by Gregory Zak, Esq. 

Solomon is represented by Mitchell Barnett, Esq. 

Smith is represented by George Michelle, Esq. 

Purrier is represented by Christopher Devane, Esq. 

Andrew Petgrave is represented by Joseph LoPiccolo, Esq. 

Robert Petgrave is represented by Justin Feinman, Esq. 

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality and Potential for Severe Weather

Wildfire Smoke Plume Expected To Impact Air Quality Statewide Saturday After Improved Conditions Friday Afternoon

Statewide Air Quality Health Advisory in Effect for Saturday; Check Local Air Qualit2y on AirNow.gov

Enhanced Risk for Severe Thunderstorms Across Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mid-Hudson and New York City Beginning Saturday

Damaging Winds Possible With Chance for Isolated Tornado in Those Regions; Flood Watches Issued for New York City and Long Island

New Yorkers Can Sign Up for Weather and Emergency Alerts by Texting 333111

Governor Kathy Hochul updated New Yorkers on rapidly-changing air quality conditions caused by smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota and high temperatures, as well as the potential for severe thunderstorms beginning Saturday morning. An updated Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter remains in effect for today, July 17, 2026 through 11:59 p.m. Air quality conditions improved in portions of the state through Friday afternoon, but shifts in the wildfire plume are expected to negatively impact air quality statewide on Saturday.

For portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Mid-Hudson and New York City, there is an Enhanced Risk meaning a greater likelihood, for severe thunderstorms through Saturday evening. Damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of tornadoes could occur with these storms. There is also a Slight Risk for flash flooding for New York City and Long Island with flood watches already issued. Governor Hochul has directed all state agencies to prepare for the incoming severe weather and continued to urge all New Yorkers, particularly sensitive groups, to continue to take precautions to protect their health and to monitor local air quality conditions using trusted sources, including AirNow.gov.

“While air quality has improved in portions of the State throughout Friday afternoon, lingering effects of smoke from Canadian wildfires continue to impact air quality into Saturday,” Governor Hochul said. “We expect rain to bring some much-needed relief to New Yorkers experiencing poor air quality over the weekend, but with it we may see the possibility of severe storms, flooding and tornados. I remind everyone to take this weather seriously: Take precautions, know what to do if a storm reaches your areas and remember to stay air quality aware to protect your health. Stay informed by checking trusted sources for air quality and weather forecasts, and don’t forget to check on friends and family members who might need assistance.”

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) issued an Air Quality Health Advisory for tomorrow, July 18, for the Western New York, Central New York, Eastern Lake Ontario, New York City Metro and Long Island regions where air quality is forecast to reach levels that are ‘Unhealthy.’ The Adirondacks, Upper Hudson Valley and Lower Hudson Valley regions are forecast to reach ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’ Smoke causing temporary spikes of unhealthy air may affect other regions as the plume continues to move across the state. DEC and DOH will be closely monitoring conditions to make any necessary changes to advisories.

At the Governor's direction, the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) made over 100,000 high-quality N95-style masks available to all counties to address air quality impacts. DHSES has received requests from Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Schoharie and Warren Counties and provided an additional 70,000 masks to the New York City area for local distribution, and to the National Guard, Office of Emergency Management (OEM) staff and the Port Authority for distribution at regional transportation hubs across the five boroughs. More than 40,000 masks have been handed out over the past two days as part of this state-led distribution. Masks have also been made available at Thruway Rest Stops — Angola, Clifton Springs, New Baltimore and Ramapo. The Office of Emergency Management remains in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance.

While areas of smoke and hazy conditions will continue through tomorrow, there is an Enhanced Risk for portions of the state tomorrow for scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms. Main hazards include damaging winds and heavy rainfall with the possibility of an isolated tornado. Portions of Western New York, Finger Lakes, Central New York, Southern Tier, Mid-Hudson and New York City can expect scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms. While a first round of showers and thunderstorms could develop during the morning hours, the primary timing of severe storms is during the afternoon and evening hours.

Showers and thunderstorms moving across the state tomorrow will be capable of producing heavy rainfall. Widespread rainfall amounts from tomorrow morning through tomorrow night range between 0.5 inches to 1 inch with rainfall rates reaching between 0.5 to 1 inches per hour with thunderstorms. Locally higher amounts are possible where the heaviest rainfall occurs with thunderstorms tomorrow. There is a Slight Risk for flooding for New York City and Long Island with a Flood Watch issued for those areas.

How to Stay Prepared

• Closely monitor your local forecasts and look for updates issued by the National Weather Service. For a complete listing of weather alerts, New Yorkers can visit the National Weather Service website.
• New Yorkers should ensure that government emergency alerts are enabled on their mobile phones and sign up for real-time weather and emergency alerts by texting their county or borough name to 333111.
• To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts.
• A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation.
• New Yorkers should also continue to monitor the Air Quality Index (AQI) at www.AirNow.gov, New York State’s trusted source for air quality monitoring data, and take action when levels exceed safe thresholds.

Recommendations for New Yorkers in Areas of Poor Air Quality

• Sensitive groups should take particular caution.
• Where the air is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, New Yorkers with underlying health conditions should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms.
• In areas where the air is considered unhealthy, people who are especially sensitive to the effects of elevated levels of pollutants should make outdoor activities shorter and less intense, and take breaks to reduce the risk of health symptoms. Avoid spending time outdoors, if possible. People more sensitive to smoke-related pollution include those with heart or breathing problems, older adults, children and teens, pregnant people and those who exercise or work outdoors.
• If you must go outside when air quality levels are considered unhealthy, do not overexert yourself and find a well-fitting mask to wear.
• Remember to take steps to cool off in air conditioning for at least a few hours because it’s also hot outside and indoor and outdoor temperatures can climb quickly.
• Staying indoors in a smoke-free environment can lower your exposure.
• Those who experience symptoms or have symptoms that worsen should consider consulting their medical provider.
• View additional tips available here.

Exposure to unhealthy air quality conditions can pose negative health impacts, including irritation to eyes, nose or throat, coughing, sneezing, runny nose and shortness of breath. These conditions are especially dangerous for vulnerable New Yorkers with medical conditions such as asthma and/or heart disease. New Yorkers should also be sure to protect their pets, limiting outdoor exposure when air quality hits unhealthy levels.

Thunderstorm Safety Tips

Thunderstorms are dangerous storms that can produce winds over 50 miles per hour, lightning, hail and cause flash flooding and tornadoes.

• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
• Move to a sturdy building. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• If lightning occurs and sturdy shelter is not available, get inside a hard top automobile and keep windows up.
• Get out of boats and away from water.
• Telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Unplug appliances not necessary for obtaining weather information. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliances.
• Do not take a bath or shower.
• Turn off air conditioners — power surges from lightning can overload compressors.
• Get to higher ground if flash flooding or flooding is possible.
• Do not attempt to drive to safety — most flash flooding deaths occur in automobiles.
• If outdoors, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles.
• If you are in the woods, take shelter under short trees.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stands on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet; place your hands on your knees with your head between them; make yourself the smallest target possible; and minimize your contact with the ground.

Tornado Safety Tips

• If outdoors: Seek shelter in a substantial building immediately. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.
• Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
• If at home or in a small building: Go to the basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of the building. Stay away from windows. Closets, bathrooms, and other interior rooms offer the best protection. Get under something sturdy or cover yourself with a mattress.
• If in a school, hospital, or shopping center: Go to a pre-designated shelter area. Stay away from large open areas and windows. Do not go outside to your car.
• If in a high-rise building: Go to an interior small room or hallway on the lowest floor possible. Do not use the elevators. Use the stairs.
• If in a mobile home or vehicle: Get out of mobile homes or vehicles — they are easily tossed about by strong winds in the tornado.
• Take shelter in a substantial structure: If there is no shelter near-by, lie flat in a ditch or low spot with your hands shielding your head.

Flood Safety

• During flash flooding, never attempt to drive on a flooded road. Turn around and go another way. If water begins to rise rapidly around you in your car, abandon the vehicle immediately.
• Do not underestimate the power of fast-moving water. Two feet of fast-moving flood water will float your car, and water moving at two miles per hour can sweep cars off a road or bridge.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: Electric: 800-527-2714 or Gas: 800-942-8274
• Con Ed: Electric: 800-752-6633 or Gas: 800-752-6633
• Corning Gas: 800-834-2134
• Liberty Utilities (St. Lawrence Gas) Corp.: 800-673-3301
• National Fuel Gas: 1-800-444-3130
• National Grid:
• Electric: 800-867-5222
• Long Island (gas): 1-800-490-0045
• Metro NYC (gas): 1-718-643-4050
• Upstate (gas): 1-800-892-2345
• NYSEG: Electric: 800-572-1131 or Gas: 800-572-1121
• O&R: Electric: 877-434-4100 or Gas: 800-533-5325
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: Electric: 800-743-1701 or Gas: 800-743-1702 

Housing Lottery Launches for 3547 Webster Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 3547 Webster Tower, an eight-story mixed-use building at 3547 Webster Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx. Designed by Genaro Urueta Inc. and developed by Yoel Landau, the structure yields 88 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 39 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $92,880 to $238,160.

Amenities include a shared laundry room, common area Wi-Fi, and an elevator. Residences include air conditioning and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity, including stove and heat.

3547 Webster Avenue in Norwood, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 19 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,545 for incomes ranging from $92,880 to $198,510, and 20 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,747 for incomes ranging from $101,726 to $238,160.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 5, 2026.

1340 Blondell Avenue Completes Construction in Westchester Square, The Bronx

 

Construction is finished on 1340 Blondell Avenue, a seven-story affordable housing building in Westchester Square, The Bronx. Designed by Aufgang Architects and developed by Exact Capital Group under the Blondell Equities LLC, the 75-foot-tall structure spans 216,941 square feet and yields 182 rental units with an average scope of 851 square feet. The project also includes 15,304 square feet of commercial space, 1,783 square feet of community facility space, ground-floor retail, a 30-foot-long rear yard, and a 225-vehicle parking garage. The property occupies most of the block between Ponton and Fink Avenues, directly behind the MTA Westchester Yard and Maintenance Facility.

The building is fully enclosed in its façade of red and dark gray brick surrounding a grid of recessed PTAC windows. Three setbacks on the final story make space for terraces, and black metal canopies hang over the two separate entrances.

The rear elevation along Fink Avenue is clad in red and gray precast concrete panels with horizontal scoring between each level. The same windows are used throughout.

The property was formerly occupied by low-rise structures, as seen in the below Google Street View image from before the start of demolition.

The residential program features 46 studios, 81 one-bedrooms, 33 two-bedrooms, and 22 three-bedroom units. Amenities include a rear outdoor recreation space.

The nearest subway from the ground-up development is the 6 train at the elevated Westchester Square–East Tremont Avenue station to the south over Westchester Avenue.

ICE Arrests Illegal Alien for Flying Drone in Restricted FIFA Airspace

 

This illegal alien had already been deported once before

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) law enforcement arrested an illegal alien who was caught flying a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Kansas City, Missouri.

On July 3, Jose Gerardo Garrido-Benitez, a criminal illegal alien from Mexico, was flying a drone within 2.5 miles of Arrowhead Stadium, where World Cup festivities were taking place. Federal agents seized his drone and notified ICE, who arrested him on July 6. He remains in ICE custody pending removal.

The suspect: Jose Gerardo Garrido-Benitez

Garrido-Benitez has a criminal history that includes prior convictions for felony forgery and driving while intoxicated, and prior arrests for battery, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, and possession of opiates, opium, or narcotic drugs.

“This criminal illegal alien dangerously flew a drone in restricted airspace near a FIFA event in Kansas City, Missouri,” said Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “His lengthy criminal history includes driving while intoxicated, forgery, battery, and possession of drugs. The Trump Administration will not allow illegal aliens to threaten the safety and security of the American people. We will continue to guarantee the safety of all who attend these historic games as the World Cup comes to an end.”

Garrido-Benitez illegally entered the United States through California in 2003 and was deported. He then illegally re-entered the country – a felony – at an unknown date and location. A Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judge issued him a final order of removal on February 14, 2005.

Two Colombian Nationals Extradited from Colombia to Michigan to Face Cocaine Trafficking Charges

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that two Colombian nationals made their initial appearance in a federal court in Grand Rapids after they were extradited to the United States.

According to the indictment, from November 2024 through June 24, 2025, Carlos Andres Rueda Ipia, also known as “Indio,” and Manuel Augusto Munoz Orozco, also known as “Gordo,” conspired with each other and other individuals to distribute and import five kilograms or more of cocaine into the United States from Colombia, and on March 13, 2025, distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine in Colombia, having reasonable cause to believe that the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the U.S.

“We worked with our international law enforcement partners to extradite these two men to face justice here because we want to send this message: if you send drugs into our community, we will come for you no matter where you are,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey. “I look forward to proving the guilt of these two defendants before a West Michigan jury.” 

If convicted, Rueda Ipia and Munoz Orozco face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

“Let this be a warning, if you choose to traffic cocaine into the United States, you should expect to be hunted down, arrested, and brought into an American courtroom—no matter where you try to hide,” said DEA Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. “The DEA will relentlessly pursue transnational drug traffickers, dismantle their criminal enterprises, and ensure they face the full weight of the American justice system.”

“Drug trafficking on this scale crosses jurisdictions and international borders, and working with our federal and international partners is necessary to hold those responsible accountable,” said Kent County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Bryan Muir. “Having a KCSO detective assigned to the DEA Task Force gives us a direct role in these investigations, improves information sharing, and helps keep dangerous drugs out of West Michigan.” 

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is investigating the case, with domestic assistance from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Grand Rapids Police Department, and the Michigan State Police, as well as international assistance from DEA’s Offices in Bogota (Colombia) and Vienna (Austria), the Colombian National Police, the Austrian Bundeskriminalamt, and the Austrian Landeskriminalamt. 

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is a whole of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad. 

Governor Hochul Announces Start of $54.4 Million Steel Repair and Seismic Retrofit Project on South Grand Island Bridges

Project Includes Seismic Retrofits and Structural Steel Repairs To Protect Against Seismic Events

Thruway Authority Received $39 Million Federal Grant To Support the Project

Project Scheduled To Be Completed in Late 2028

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the start of a $54.4 million structural steel repair and seismic retrofit project on the South Grand Island Bridges in Erie County. More than 70 percent of the funding for the infrastructure project comes from a federal grant awarded to the Thruway Authority.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe means making smart investments in the infrastructure that connects our communities and drives our economy,” Governor Hochul said. “The South Grand Island Bridges are critical for residents, commuters and commercial traffic across Western New York, and these steel repairs and seismic improvements will help ensure they remain safe and dependable for years to come.”

The project is scheduled to be completed in late 2028.

In 2024, the Thruway Authority received a $39 million federal grant to help fund these infrastructure investments. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) program, which is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law.

The South Grand Island Bridges are located between Grand Island and the Town of Tonawanda and are twin truss arch bridge spans, each carrying one direction of I-190 over the Niagara River. Construction on the southbound bridge was completed in 1935 and the northbound bridge in 1963. More than 68,000 vehicles cross the bridges daily.

The Thruway Authority’s approved 2026 budget invests a total of more than $600 million in capital contracts scheduled to be awarded in 2026, an increase of more than $133.5 million from the 2025 budget projected totals, and one of the largest single-year investments in Thruway history. The 2026 budget includes a historic $2.8 billion Capital Plan for 2026-2030. The five-year plan will fund the replacement or preservation of 150 of the Thruway’s 819 bridges—about 18 percent—and the resurfacing of more than 1,500 of its 2,800 lane miles of highway, or roughly 60 percent.

About the Thruway System

Built in the early 1950s, the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is one of the oldest components of the National Interstate Highway System and one of the longest toll roads in the nation. It sets the standard for modern highway geometric design with safe roadway characteristics including smooth curves, wide medians and unobstructed driver sight distance.

Year after year, the Thruway system is recognized as one of the safest highways in the nation. In 2025, the Thruway-wide fatality rate was 0.36 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. The figure is significantly lower than the nationwide (estimated) traffic fatality rate for 2025 of 1.10 and the latest New York State (estimated) traffic fatality rate from 2025 of 0.83. 

EyePoint Pharmaceuticals to Pay $4.6 Million to Resolve False Claims Act Allegations

 

Eyepoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., (EyePoint) headquartered in Massachusetts, has agreed to pay the United States $ 4,657,463.18 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by paying kickbacks to certain Ambulatory Service Centers (ASCs) to induce those ASCs to purchase and dispense DEXYCU, an injectable drug approved for the treatment of ocular inflammation following cataract surgery, between January 1, 2019 and March 1, 2023.  

The United States alleges that following the commercial launch of DEXYCU in 2019, EyePoint induced ASCs to purchase and dispense DEXYCU by implementing an Assurance Program ---  whereunder EyePoint would reimburse or compensate ASCs if health insurers denied a claim for DEXYCU or reimbursed DEXYCU below the ASCs’ purchase cost --- and by offering excessive free samples of DEXYCU to ASCs.

“Kickbacks by pharmaceutical companies increase the cost of drugs used by patients and paid for by federal health care programs,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Civil Division will hold accountable anyone who pays unlawful kickbacks.”

“As we have for years, our Office will continue to hold pharmaceutical manufacturers accountable for paying illegal kickbacks,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Through these efforts, we protect patients by removing providers’ financial incentives to prescribe or dispense products that may not be medically necessary for the patient and protect the public from fraud, waste and abuse.” 

“Pharmaceutical companies that attempt to boost profits through unlawful kickbacks undermine the integrity of federal health care programs and betray the patients who rely on them,” said Acting Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Scott J. Lampert of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG). We will aggressively pursue any entity that seeks to corrupt medical decision making and will not hesitate to hold them accountable.”

In connection with the settlement, EyePoint entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.  Through separate agreements, Eyepoint will pay an additional $21,518.68 to certain participating states.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by AFCE LLC.  Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. AFCE LLC, et al., v. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals, Inc., No. 21-CV-12071 (D. Mass.)  Under the resolution, the Relator will receive $791,768.74 from the settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.

The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules.  The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The investigation and resolution of this matter was handled by Fraud Section Trial Attorney Margaret F. Thomas and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven T. Sharobem.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.