https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjraIroEpx4
Anthony will not be on Talking Politics this week, but will Trump now bomb Iran that Election Day has passed, I will have Election Day results and what is a Blank Vote, plus lots more live at 12 PM Friday, or anytime on YouTube at the link above or below.
A Seattle man who concealed an inheritance and his interest in a business lost his bankruptcy discharge of more than $3.9 million after a trial victory by the Justice Department’s U.S. Trustee Program (USTP).
On October 20, the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington entered a judgment revoking Nevin Middleton’s chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge. As a result, Middleton remains liable for his debts, and creditors are free to pursue payment from him after the case is closed.
“The bankruptcy discharge is the key to a fresh start, but debtors must be transparent about their financial affairs to receive it,” said USTP Director Stephen V. Falanga. “The USTP remains steadfast in its commitment to protect the integrity of the bankruptcy system from dishonest debtors.”
Middleton originally filed an individual chapter 11 reorganization case to resolve debts stemming from a failed custom home construction business, but the case was eventually converted to a chapter 7 liquidation. In April 2024, Middleton received his chapter 7 discharge of $3,967,997 in unsecured debt—most of it involving claims from creditors who had invested in his projects.
Several months later, the court held an evidentiary hearing to resolve a dispute over Middleton’s claim to a homestead exemption on some of his real estate. There, Middleton disclosed for the first time that after filing for bankruptcy but before receiving his discharge, he had received two deposits totaling about $39,600 in distributions from his late father’s probate estate to a business bank account that Middleton controlled. But Middleton had failed to list his inheritance rights and his interest in the business in his bankruptcy schedules and statements.
An investigation by the USTP’s Seattle office found that Middleton had instructed his sister, the executor of the probate estate, to direct the funds to a business account that the private trustee administering his bankruptcy case was unaware of. But at trial on the USTP’s complaint to revoke his discharge, Middleton changed his story and testified that the funds were loans from his sister. After weighing the evidence, however, the bankruptcy court entered judgment in the USTP’s favor, concluding that Middleton had obtained his discharge by fraud and that he had knowingly and fraudulently failed to report the funds to the chapter 7 trustee.
The USTP’s mission is to promote the integrity and efficiency of the bankruptcy system for the benefit of all stakeholders — debtors, creditors and the public. The USTP consists of 21 regions with 82 field offices nationwide and an Executive Office in Washington, D.C. Learn more about the USTP at www.justice.gov/ust. To report suspected bankruptcy fraud or abuse, please visit www.justice.gov/ust/report-suspected-bankruptcy-fraud.
Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!
Shabbos candles Friday 11/6/26 @ 4:28 pm
Shabbos morning services 11/7/26 8:40 am
Shabbos Ends 10/31/26 5:31 pm
If you require an aliyah or would like to lead services, read from the torah or haftorah, please speak to one of the gabbaim.
Our enhanced kiddush has been a popular hit. Join us for services and stay to enjoy the kiddush and the company. This week’s kiddush is being sponsored by Stu Trivax in honor of several family yahrzeits.
This week’s Torah portion is Parashat Chayei Sara (read on 7 November 2026).
Chayyei Sarah (“The Life of Sarah”) opens as Sarah dies and Abraham buys the Cave of Machpelah to bury her. Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac. The servant meets Rebecca at a well, and Rebecca returns with the servant to marry Isaac. Abraham remarries, has more children, and dies at age 175. [1]
Torah reading: Genesis 23:1-25:18
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THIS SUNDAY: Kristallnacht Memorial Lecture: The Wannsee Conference and Its Ramifications
We will present a Kristallnacht Memorial lecture, “The Wannsee Conference and Its Ramifications,” on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 10:30 AM. Light refreshments will be served at 10:00 AM.
The lecture will be presented by Larry Hartstein, who has been widely praised and well received for his previous lectures.
The Wannsee Conference was a high-level meeting of senior Nazi German government officials and SS leaders held on January 20, 1942, in the Berlin suburb of Wannsee. The meeting played an important role in the Nazi regime’s plans for the systematic persecution and murder of Europe’s Jews.
This lecture will explore the Wannsee Conference, what took place there, the decisions that were made, and the ramifications that followed.
The program is free and open to everyone, regardless of faith or religious affiliation. The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center invites members of the community to attend this important and informative presentation.
For more information, contact the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center at 718-884-6105 or info@VCJewishCenter.org.
AND Mark your Calendar: Sunday, November 22nd, 10 AM
Rabbi Lowenthal will be giving a class on the laws of:
Eating the Cheese & Milk of a Non-Jew
No cost to attend, no prior experience is needed, and the books are provided by the synagogue.
If you are interested in learning Talmud with a group of fellow members of your community, but want more details, contact the VCJC office at 718-884-6105 or info@vcjewishcenter.org, or speak to Stuart Harris or Matthew Hartstein after davening on Shabbat morning.
We are delighted to announce that the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Eruv has been completed!
The accompanying map shows the boundaries of our new eruv, which includes both the Van Cortlandt Playground on Van Cortlandt Park South and the Fort Independence Playground.
Our sincere thanks go to Rabbis Willig and Lowenthal for their invaluable guidance, support, and assistance in bringing this important project to fruition.
We have not decided on the best way to inform you of whether the Eruv is “up”. We are considering including the update in this newsletter, posting it on the website, and other methods. If you have a suggestion as to what will work the best, please let us know.
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Our mailing address is:
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
3880 Sedgwick Ave
Bronx, NY 10463
Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s leadership, there will be no safe haven for illegal aliens
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens, convicted for horrific crimes such as lewd and lascivious molestation of a child, sex assault, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
“Illegal aliens have no business being in America,” said Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Yesterday, ICE arrested pedophiles, sexual predators, drug traffickers, and other public safety threats. We will not rest until these threats are removed from our country. Arresting and deporting illegal aliens saves lives.”
Arrests include:
Phaisan Pongkiatsakun, a criminal illegal alien from Thailand, convicted for lewd and lascivious molestation of a child and lewd and lascivious behavior in Miami, Florida.
Wilber Esau Sura-Hernandez, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador, convicted for using a computer to solicit a minor, attempted extortion, and gang participation in Fairfax, Virginia.
Felipe Menchu, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, convicted for sexual assault in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
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Anardo Batista, a criminal illegal alien from the Dominican Republic, convicted for robbery in Queens, New York.
Americans can see more public safety threats arrested in their communities on our webpage at WOW.DHS.Gov.
Foreign Terrorist Organization Tren de Aragua (TdA) leaders Yohan José Romero, also known as “Yohan Petrica,” 48; Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, also known as “El Viejo,” 37; and Juan Gabriel Rivas Núñez, also known as “Juancho,” 44, were previously charged in a 2025 six-count second superseding indictment in the Southern District of Texas, for conspiring to provide and providing material support to TdA. A nine-count third superseding indictment was later returned in July 2026 and unsealed this week. In those indictments, Mosquera Serrano is also charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute cocaine and international cocaine distribution.
“Since President Trump returned to office, the Department of Justice has charged more than 350 members and associates of Tren de Aragua, including Yohan Petrica, El Viejo, and Juancho,” said Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Their criminal enterprise has spread fear, violence, and lawlessness, and we will not stop until those responsible are brought to justice. Anyone with information regarding the location of the three individuals listed in superseding indictment should help save lives by notifying the FBI.”
“By leveraging DEA's investigative expertise alongside our partners through the Homeland Security Task Force, we are bringing the full force of the U.S. government to bear against narco-terrorists that threaten our communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Administrator Terrance Cole. “Today's announcement demonstrates what can be achieved through unprecedented coordination and intelligence sharing across federal law enforcement. Yohan José Romero, Mosquera Serrano, and Rivas Núñez have played key roles in directing and expanding Tren de Aragua's operations throughout the Western Hemisphere. TdA spreads violence, fear, and instability wherever it operates. Make no mistake - DEA will stop at nothing to identify, disrupt, and dismantle this criminal network.”
“These gang members are monsters, and we’ve indicted them as such,” said U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz of the Southern District of Texas. “I’m confident the enhanced bounties will incentivize these terrorists’ return to my district, where we will bring them to justice.”
Mosquera Serrano is on the FBI’s 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Jose Romero and Rivas Núñez are also fugitives. The Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is offering rewards under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program (TOCRP) of up to $50 million total for information leading to their arrests and/or convictions in any country.
Yohan José Romero, also known as “Yohan Petrica” increased from up to $4 million to up to $20 million.
Giovanni Vicente Mosquera Serrano, also known as “Giovanni” and “El Viejo” increased from up to $5 million to up to $15 million.
Juan Gabriel Rivas Núñez , also known as “Juancho”: new offer of up to $15 million.
“As Secretary Rubio has repeatedly stated, transnational criminal and terrorist organizations such as Tren de Aragua are the most urgent security threat in our hemisphere,” said Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas G. DiNanno. “Today, we are offering rewards totaling up to $50 million under the Transnational Organized Crime Rewards Program for information leading to the arrests and/or convictions of the top three leaders of Tren de Aragua. The Trump Administration remains fully committed to eliminating narcoterrorist organizations in the region that traffic illicit drugs, commit violent acts, and cause harm to American communities.”
If you have any information concerning these individuals, please contact the FBI via WhatsApp or Telegram at 281-787-9939. Those with information may also contact their local FBI office, nearest American Embassy or Consulate or can submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI and the DEA are jointly conducting the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), Colombian National Police and the Colombian Attorney General’s Office (Fiscalía General de la Nación), with significant assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogota and Office of International Affairs.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz for the Southern District of Texas along with Joint Task Force Vulcan’s (JTFV) Deputy Director David C. Smith and Trial Attorneys James Keller and Kelly McGann.
TdA is a violent transnational criminal organization that originated as a prison gang in Venezuela in the mid-2000s. Since that time, TdA has expanded its criminal network throughout the Western Hemisphere and established a presence in the United States. TdA’s criminal activities range from drug trafficking and firearms trafficking to sex trafficking, kidnapping, robbery, theft, fraud, and extortion. TdA members also commit murder, assault, and other violent acts to advance the organization’s criminal activities. TdA has also developed an additional source of revenue stream by committing financial crimes that target financial institutions throughout the United States, including using ATM jackpotting to steal millions of dollars in cash. The investigation has revealed that the conspiracy has targeted or carried out ATM jackpotting attacks in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and several foreign nations.
This case is part of JTFV. JTFV was created in 2019 to eradicate MS-13 and has now expanded to target TdA. JTFV is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina; Western District of Virginia; Middle and Southern Districts of Florida; Eastern District of Texas; Western District of Oklahoma; Northern District of Indiana; District of Nevada; and the District of Arizona, as well as the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Criminal Division, and the Office of Judicial Attaché and DEA partners in Bogotá, Colombia. Additionally, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), USMS, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons are essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.
This prosecution is also 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. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Houston comprises agents and officers from FBI; HSI; DEA; Texas Department of Public Safety; Houston Police Department; Harris County Sheriff's Office; ATF; USMS; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Department of Transportation and IRS Criminal Investigation with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas leading the prosecution.
A complaint and indictment are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Florida men were sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to pay and receive illegal health care kickbacks. Laurent Cassagnol was sentenced to 6 months in prison, and Heriberto Rivera was sentenced to 13 months in prison. In addition to the prison terms, Cassagnol was ordered to forfeit $175,172, and Rivera was ordered to forfeit $515,542, which represented the proceeds that the defendants obtained from the offense.
According to court documents, Cassagnol, 43, and Rivera, 43, both of Orlando, Florida, conspired to pay and receive illegal kickbacks and bribes to direct veterans and their families, who were patients of the VA Community Care Program (VACCP), to Rivera’s clinic, Family Integrative Medicine of Orlando, LLC (FIMO), for acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and other holistic medical services. Rivera, the CEO of FIMO, paid illegal kickbacks and bribes to Cassagnol, an Advanced Medical Support Assistant for VACCP, in exchange for Cassagnol using his position with the VA to steer VA patients to FIMO for medical services. Cassagnol was a vital point of contact between veterans and the VA health care system; his abuse of that role took advantage of veterans and their families who rely on the VA to obtain medical care. The actions of both defendants put profit before the needs of VA patients.
As a result of the illegal kickbacks, over $14 million in fraudulent claims were submitted to the VA and VACCP, of which over $11 million was paid. The investigation was the result of a complaint made to the VA Office of the Inspector General (VA-OIG) fraud hotline.
Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division; Special Agent in Charge Rodney E. Crawford of the FBI Tampa Field Office; and Acting Special Agent in Charge Josh Lollar of the VA-OIG Southeast Field Office made the announcement.
FBI and VA-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Jody King and Angela Benoit of the Fraud Division’s Health Care Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
The Department of Justice’s Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in federal districts across the country, has charged more than 6,200 defendants who collectively billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $45 billion since 2007. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at https://www.justice.gov/fraud/health-care-fraud-section.
United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, Assistant Director in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., and Superintendent of the New York State Police, Steven G. James, announced the unsealing of a Complaint charging STEVEN CALDERON with sexual exploitation of children and possession of child sexual abuse material. CALDERON was arrested and presented before Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court and detained.
“Steven Calderon’s alleged crimes are all the more disturbing knowing he committed these alleged acts while serving as a law enforcement officer—a position entrusted with protecting the public including its most vulnerable members,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald. “The defendant’s alleged acts are a profound betrayal of the public trust and the oath he swore to uphold.”
“Steven Calderon's alleged actions constitute a shocking breach of the public trust placed in law enforcement,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “The FBI is committed to utilizing every available resource and tool to relentlessly pursue anyone who exploits a child. This case should serve as a warning: no badge, title, or position will shield those who prey upon children and justice will find you.”
“The allegations against Sergeant Calderon are deeply disturbing and stand in direct opposition to the oath every member of the New York State Police takes to protect and serve,” said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James. “Our responsibility to protect children and investigate allegations of abuse does not change when the accused wears our uniform. We remain committed to supporting the victims and working with the FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and our local partners to ensure a thorough investigation. The public deserves accountability, regardless of rank or position.”
As alleged in the Complaint:(1)
CALDERON has been a Sergeant with the New York State Police since in or about 2022. On or about October 25, 2026, he was arrested and charged in the Town of Crawford with assault in the second degree and third degree.
On or about October 25, 2026, New York State Police executed a search warrant at the Orange County residence of CALDERON, in connection with the assault investigation and recovered various electronic surveillance equipment and storage devices.
The devices were found to contain thousands of sexually explicit images and videos of children, including prepubescent children, as well as numerous videos that appear to have been taken surreptitiously by CALDERON in a bathroom in CALDERON’s residence. The review of these videos revealed that, on or about July 25, 2026, CALDERON surreptitiously recorded a 10-year-old child (“Victim-1”) undressing in a bathroom in order to capture sexually explicit images of Victim-1 and then edited the recording to create a short clip of Victim-1 in which she appears to be engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Further, on or about February 3, 2023, CALDERON surreptitiously video recorded a 9-year-old child (“Victim-2”) undressing in a bathroom in order to capture sexually explicit images of Victim-2 and created a sexually explicit screenshot of Victim-2 from the recording.
There may be other victims. If you have information to report, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) or https://tips.fbi.gov.
A photo of CALDERON is below.
CALDERON, 43, of the Town of Crawford, New York, is charged with two counts of sexual exploitation of a child, which each carry a maximum term of 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum term of 15 years in prison. He is also charged with one count of possessing child pornography, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Mr. McDonald praised the efforts of the FBI, the Town of Crawford Police Department, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and the New York State Police in connection with this investigation.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.
As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
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| Department of Environmental Conservation |
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released the latest episode of “DEC Does What?!”, a podcast that features conversations with DEC experts about the agency’s wide-ranging efforts to protect New Yorkers and the environment. Episode 40 welcomes Commissioner Amanda Lefton back to reflect on DEC’s last 12 months of accomplishments, challenges, and investments in communities across the state.
In this episode, hosts DEC Chief of Staff and Deputy Commissioner for Equity and Justice Adriana Espinoza and Region 4 Director Sean Mahar speak with Commissioner Lefton about DEC programs and initiatives that increased access to public lands, expanded the FloodSafeNY monitoring network, plugged abandoned oil and gas wells, and budget highlights that included record funding and additional staffing across the agency.
Commissioner Lefton also spotlighted the largest round of environmental justice grants to support the construction and expansion of education centers across the state, continued engagement with Indigenous Nations, and New York State’s ongoing response to track radiological contamination in Western New York.
Episode 40 marks the end of season four of DEC’s award-winning podcast. Since launching in April 2024, the podcast has reached more than 30,000 downloads and streams across Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms.
For more information on "DEC Does What?!," visit http://dec.ny.gov/podcast.
