DHS and Department of Transportation Announce Successful Operation that Removed More than 800 Dangerous Truckers from America’s Roads

 

Among those arrested were dozens of illegal aliens

United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin, alongside Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy, announced the preliminary results from the second wave of Operation Highway Shield, a joint mission targeting unqualified foreign truck drivers across the country.

In a three-day operation from July 28 to July 30, inspectors from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and state highway patrols, conducted roadside checks to crack down on illegal, unvetted drivers and unsafe vehicles.

Over the course of those three days, law enforcement officers:

• Detained 51 illegal immigrants, including 21 drivers with non-domiciled commercial driver licenses (CDLs) issued by California and New York. 
• Placed 766 unsafe drivers and vehicles out of service.
• Arrested 86 operators for dangerous behavior (including road rage and domestic violence).
• Issued 36 violations for failing English Language Proficiency tests.
• Recovered nearly $1 million in stolen cargo.

“When illegal aliens are behind the wheels of semi-trucks, they are putting American lives in danger,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “With the latest wave of Operation Highway Shield, DHS and our partners at the Department of Transportation have removed more than 800 dangerous truckers from our roadways, including more than 50 illegal aliens and more than 30 drivers who failed English Language Proficiency tests. I want to thank Secretary Duffy and our state and local partners for working with us to protect innocent lives from illegal aliens and other dangerous drivers on our highways.”

“Every life lost from an illegal trucker behind the wheel of a big rig is a completely preventable tragedy – and this administration will not stand for it,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. Our new partnership with DHS builds on President Trump’s progress to secure our roads, eliminate fraud, and restore the integrity of trucking in America. I want to thank Secretary Mullin for collaborating with us on this mission as we continue to crack down on unqualified and unvetted foreign drivers. If you continue to illegally operate a big rig – your days on America’s streets are numbered.”

This operation marks the latest effort by DHS and federal, state, and local partners to crack down on dangerous practices in the trucking industry, including illegal aliens receiving CDLs that allow them to be behind the wheels of semi-trucks. Last month, DHS and DOT announced a partnership to investigate fraudulent and illegal practices in CDL schools.

Illegal Alien Faces Federal Fentanyl and Firearms Charges After Stockbridge Arrest

 

Rogelio Moises Rosel Dimas, an illegal alien from Mexico, appeared in federal court to answer a criminal complaint after the alleged discovery of a handgun in his Stockbridge, Georgia home and a hidden fentanyl stash in nearby woods. 

“Our mission has always been about protecting people,” said Jae W. Chung, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “Every seizure of fentanyl is an opportunity to prevent tragedy, and every trafficker held accountable makes our communities safer. This case underscores the importance of the strong partnerships that make these investigations possible, and DEA will continue pursuing those who endanger lives as we work toward a Fentanyl Free America.”

“Fentanyl and illegal firearms are a lethal combination that gravely threatens the safety of our citizens,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg. “My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to hold fentanyl traffickers accountable and eradicate this deadly drug from our streets.”

According to U.S. Attorney Hertzberg, the charges, and other information presented in court: On July 29, 2026, federal agents conducting a narcotics investigation executed a search warrant at Rosel Dimas’s residence in Stockbridge, Georgia. Inside of the residence, agents found a 9mm pistol, which Rosel Dimas is allegedly prohibited from possessing as an illegal alien. Agents also found over two pounds of fentanyl, allegedly belonging to Rosel Dimas, hidden in the woods near his residence. 

On July 30, 2026, Rogelio Moises Rosel Dimas, 39, of Mexico, appeared in federal court on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Rosel Dimas was detained in the custody of the United States Marshals Service. 

Members of the public are reminded that the criminal complaint only contains charges. The defendant is presumed innocent of the charges, and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. 

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with valuable assistance provided by the Henry County Police Department.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Federal Grand Jury Indicts 7 for Drug Offenses Following Homeland Security Task Force Investigation

 

Following a lengthy investigation by the Louisville Homeland Security Task force, a federal grand jury in Louisville, Kentucky, returned an indictment on July 22, 2026, charging seven local individuals with conspiring to distribute controlled substances, and one individual with firearm- and methamphetamine-related charges. Six of these individuals have been arrested. 

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge John Nokes of the ATF Louisville Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office, Acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kuszynski, IRS Criminal Investigation Detroit Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting, Homeland Security Investigations – Nashville, and Chief Paul L. Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement. 

According to the indictment, Michael Morris, Lajuan Sanders, James Moorman, Wayne Allen, Miriam Thompson-Morris, Gary Ross and Jeffery Roberson were all charged with one count of conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of mixture and substance containing cocaine from April 13, 2026, through July 22, 2026, in Jefferson County, Kentucky.

Additionally, James Moorman was charged with one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession with intent to distribute five grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm with the knowledge he had previously been convicted of a felony, specifically: 

On or about January 23, 1990, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 89-CR-1087, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance cocaine (two counts); 

On or about September 6, 1995, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 95-CR-0208, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of controlled substance in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence;

On or about October 14, 1996, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 96-CR-2298, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance cocaine and illegal possession of a controlled substance cocaine;

On or about June 3, 2003, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 01-CR-2060, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree while in possession of a firearm subsequent offender, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal possession of a controlled substance in the second degree while in possession of a firearm;

On or about June 3, 2003, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 02-CR-1628, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in controlled substance in the first degree cocaine subsequent offender;

On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 17-CR-2407, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree heroin two grams or more, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree cocaine, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon;

On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 18-CR-1841, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of a controlled substance methamphetamine, tampering with physical evidence; and

On or about September 17, 2019, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Jefferson County, Kentucky, in case number 18-CR-3425, James Moorman was convicted of the offenses of illegal possession of a controlled substance heroin, tampering with physical evidence.

On July 29, 2026, six of the seven defendants made an initial court appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. Jeffery Roberson will make his initial appearance at a later date. If convicted, James Moorman faces a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison. If convicted, Michael Morris, Lajuan Sanders, Wayne Allen, Miriam Thompson-Morris, Gary Ross and Jeffery Roberson face a minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. 

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “The Louisville Homeland Security Task Force is a national model for interagency cooperation and productivity. Agents from multiple federal agencies working seamlessly with the Louisville Metro Police Department are constantly working long-term investigations against significant drug trafficking organizations for the betterment of our community. It is truly an honor to announce this important indictment and commend the success of our law enforcement partners.”   

DEA Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott stated, “The DEA, alongside our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, remains committed to pursuing those who profit from trafficking dangerous drugs while fueling violence in our communities. By bringing the full resources of the federal government to bear against career criminals, we are sending a clear message to those who peddle poison on our streets: your days are numbered.”

"The men and women of ATF remain steadfast in our commitment to identifying and targeting those who drive violent crime through the illegal use of firearms and narcotics trafficking. Working alongside our partners on the HSTF, we will continue to investigate and dismantle violent offenders and organized criminal groups, ensuring they are held accountable and face the significant federal prison sentences they deserve," said John Nokes, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Louisville Field Division.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson stated, "This long-term investigation and subsequent arrest operation demonstrates the HSTF mission in action. By bringing together federal, state, and local partners, HSTF Louisville leverages every available law enforcement authority and resource to enforce the laws of the United States. When we operate with unity, purpose, and integrity, we are stronger together and better equipped to confront the threats facing our communities. FBI Louisville is proud to serve alongside our HSTF partners, whose collective expertise and shared commitment make operations like this possible."

"This indictment is the result of the unyielding dedication by the Louisville Homeland Security Task Force. By dismantling this drug trafficking organization, IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners are taking a significant step toward protecting our communities from the dangers of illegal narcotics and violent crime. We remain committed to pursuing those who threaten public safety and to ensuring justice is served," said Robert Kuszynski, Acting Special Agent in Charge, IRS-CI Detroit Field Office.

“Through the close coordination and shared purpose of the Homeland Security Task Force, we are able to bring the full strength of our collective authorities and resources to bear against those who threaten public safety and national security. Every arrest, every victim identified, and every threat disrupted reflects our dedication to safeguarding the American people,” said HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting.

LMPD Chief Paul Humphrey stated, "This investigation is another example of what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal law enforcement work together with a shared commitment to protecting our community. I want to thank every investigator who spent countless hours on this case to make our neighborhoods safer."

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case is being investigated by the DEA, ATF, FBI, IRS-CI, HSI and FBI. 

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. 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 Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

NYC Council Releases New Analysis and Public Interactive Map on Vision Zero Interventions Most Effective at Reducing Pedestrian

 

Analysis of nearly 10,000 intersections finds interventions that slow vehicle speeds and increase pedestrian visibility deliver greatest impact 

Today, the New York City Council released a new analysis evaluating the effectiveness of nine Vision Zero street safety interventions, providing one of the most comprehensive and data-driven assessments to date of which street safety strategies have been most successful at reducing pedestrian casualties. The analysis confirms that while Vision Zero has had a positive effect on street safety, not all interventions have the same impact across the city. 

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death and injury in New York City. Since the launch of the Vision Zero initiative in 2014, the City has implemented hundreds of street safety treatments aimed at reducing traffic violence, including speed humps, turn traffic calming, and speed limit reduction. 

The Council’s analysis, which analyzed data from 2013 to 2023, found that interventions designed to slow vehicle speeds and improve pedestrian visibility produced the greatest reductions in causalities, which are defined as both injuries and fatalities. The most successful interventions include: 

• Turn Traffic Calming, which reduced pedestrian casualties by 27 percent.  

• Neighborhood Slow Zones, which reduced pedestrian casualties by 21 percent. 

• Leading Pedestrian Intervals, which reduced pedestrian casualties by 13 percent.  

• Citywide Speed Limit Reduction, which reduced pedestrian casualties by 10 percent. 

See the Council Data Team’s full analysis here.  

“To keep New Yorkers safe on our streets, we must invest in effective interventions that reduce injuries and save lives,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “The Council’s data analysis provides valuable insight into which Vision Zero interventions are having the greatest impact across the city and where we should focus these resources. I thank our Council’s Data Team for their thorough and thoughtful analysis, and I look forward to advancing data-driven solutions to improve street safety for all New Yorkers.”

“Vision Zero was built on a powerful premise: that every traffic death is preventable,” said Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. “That belief is what launched the initiative over a decade ago and continues to underpin our efforts today. Thanks to the hard work of the Council’s data team, we now know which interventions are the most effective in achieving the goal of comprehensive street safety. Turn traffic calming, slow zones, and leading pedestrian intervals—these all save lives. We will ensure the City fulfills its responsibility and uses this important insight to continue to make our streets safer for everyone.” 

Along with the analysis, the Council released a new public tool for New Yorkers to search how intersections in their neighborhoods have improved due to the implementation of Vision Zero interventions. The interactive map advances accessibility and transparency by empowering users to better understand how their streets have changed—and which interventions they can advocate for to improve street safety. 

The Council’s Data Team analyzed pedestrian casualty data at 9,562 intersections that received Vision Zero interventions between 2015 and 2021. The analysis compares outcomes before and after the physical and regulatory changes were made to understand which interventions produced the strongest safety outcomes. 

The Council plans to hold an oversight hearing this fall to examine the report’s findings, discuss broader Vision Zero strategies, and hear from City agencies about how this data analysis can better inform future street safety investments.  

Texas Physician Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Operating a Houston-Area Pill Mill

 

A Texas physician was sentenced yesterday to 12.5 years in prison for operating her Kingwood medical clinic as an illegal pill mill that issued prescriptions for over 3 million opioid pills.

According to court documents, Maryam Qayum, M.D., 68, of Montgomery County, Texas, owned, operated, and was the sole prescriber at Recare Health Clinic (Recare). Qayum operated Recare as a cash-only pill-mill, selling controlled substance prescriptions to street-level drug dealers who were referred to at Recare as “providers.” “Providers” purchased prescriptions for high strength, highly addictive opioids oxycodone and hydrocodone. Qayum issued these prescriptions without a legitimate medical purpose, and often without ever interacting with the patient. According to court documents, Qayum issued prescriptions for more than 3 million opioid pills between 2022 and 2025, when her clinic was shut down by law enforcement.

Court documents detail how Recare, like many pill-mill clinics, operated well outside the course of a normal medical practice, including charging more for prescriptions for drugs with higher street value. A prescription for oxycodone 30mg cost as much as $500, while hydrocodone prescriptions were often $300, and Recare’s staff frequently took “tips” from drug dealers to fast track their patients and prescriptions. The following note listing the cash price for each prescription was seized when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Recare.

Note seized from Qayum’s clinic showing cash prices for control substance prescriptions.

In March 2026, Qayum pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances.  

In addition to Qayum, four other defendants were previously sentenced in this case: 

• Melvin Sampson, 56, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 210 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Sampson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances. Sampson was a street-level drug dealer who brought patients to Recare, filled prescriptions at Surge Rx and elsewhere, and resold the drugs he obtained on the black market.
• Tomi-Ko Bowers, APRN, 71, of Cleveland, Texas, was sentenced to 96 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Bowers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was a nurse practitioner at Recare.
• Lester Stokes, 38, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced to 63 months in prison in June 2026. In March 2026, Stokes pleaded guilty to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances and was Recare’s security guard.
• Jared Williams, RPh, 49, of Pearland, Texas, was sentenced to 42 months in prison in July 2026. In March 2026, Williams pleaded guilty to unlawfully distributing a controlled substance and was the owner and pharmacist in charge at Surge Rx, which filled illegitimate prescriptions issued by Qayum.

DEA and the Conroe Police Department investigated the case.

Acting Assistant Chief Devon Helfmeyer and Trial Attorney Emily Reeder-Ricchetti of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Alum for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted 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 www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

NFT Startup Founder Charged With Fraud

 

Taj Tarsha Allegedly Stole Millions from Investors to Fund His Gambling and Lifestyle

Sean S. Buckley, Deputy United States Attorney, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced that TAJ TARSHA, the founder of Few and Far Limited (“Few and Far”), has been indicted for securities and wire fraud for defrauding investors of the crypto startup he founded by making false and misleading statements regarding the use of investor funds and subsequently misappropriating those funds.  TARSHA was previously arrested on June 6, 2026.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan. 

 

“As alleged, Taj Tarsha raised millions of dollars from investors by promising that their investments would be used to build a marketplace for non-fungible tokens, but he instead breached their trust by stealing those funds for his own personal benefit,” said Deputy United States Attorney Sean S. Buckley.  “Investors are entitled to the truth when choosing to make an investment, and this Office and our law enforcement partners will hold business leaders responsible when they lie for their own gain.” 

“Taj Tarsha is alleged to have concealed fraudulent conduct behind his crypto startup, using investor funds for personal benefit,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “Protecting the integrity of our financial markets is a priority, and the FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to conducting thorough and fact-driven investigations into potential financial offenses.”

According to the Indictment:(1)

TARSHA was the founder and sole equity owner of Few and Far, a startup that claimed to be developing a decentralized marketplace for non-fungible tokens (“NFTs”).  Beginning in February 2022, TARSHA solicited investments in Few and Far through Simple Agreement for Future Tokens (SAFTs), under which investors paid upfront for rights to receive FAR tokens—a proprietary token meant to be integrated into the marketplace—at a later date.  The offering materials promised investors that their funds would be used to advance the development of the Few and Far marketplace and the FAR tokens.  Through these sales, TARSHA raised over $10 million from the sale of 95 million FAR tokens to at least 67 investors.

Almost immediately, however, TARSHA began misappropriating investor funds for his personal use, including gambling at an online casino and purchasing speculative cryptocurrencies.  TARSHA also siphoned nearly a million dollars of investor funds under the pretext of legitimate compensation in the form of two bonuses—which he deliberately hid from investors and a co-founder—and a high salary that he acknowledged was unreasonable in light of Few and Far’s lack of product and “zero revenue.”

In June 2023, an audit uncovered the misappropriation.  TARSHA falsely told investors that the bonuses were tied to predetermined FAR token presales targets and all transactions were done for the benefit of Few and Far, and he claimed all investor funds were still needed to complete the company’s mission.  In reality, he had fired nearly all staff and instructed the remaining contractor to do work that merely created the appearance of continued development of the marketplace.  For at least another year, he used investor funds for personal expenses, including cryptocurrency purchases, a Miami condominium loan and interior design services, and his DJ hobby.  When he finally launched the FAR token in May 2024, it was effectively worthless and soon ceased trading. 

TARSHA, 34, of Miami, Florida, is charged with securities fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding work of the FBI.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact descried therein should be treated as an allegation. 

BRONX WOMAN AND HER MOTHER INDICTED FOR MURDER IN THE DEATH OF THE WOMAN’S 16-YEAR-OLD SON

 

Medical Examiner Ruled the Teen Died From Starvation and Neglect 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx mother and grandmother have been indicted on second-degree Murder and other charges in the death of a 16- year-old boy. The deceased is the son and grandson of the defendants. Additionally, the women have been charged with Assault and Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person for alleged crimes committed against the decedent’s twin brother. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These two defendants, the mother and grandmother of the victims are accused of the long-term starvation and neglect of their sons and grandsons, two nonverbal autistic boys. Tragically, one of the boys died from starvation. His twin brother thankfully is alive but suffering the effects of starvation and neglect. These two women failed in their duty and responsibility to care for these boys. One child has died. The other faces a lengthy recovery.” 

District Attorney Clark said that defendants Geneva Jarvis, 36 and her mother Denise Jarvis, 62, were today arraigned on charges of second-degree Depraved Indifference Murder, and second-degree Manslaughter before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Giyang An in the death of 16- year-old Adonis. They were also arraigned on charges of first-degree Depraved Indifference Assault, first-degree Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person and second-degree Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent Person. Both defendants were remanded. They are due back in court October 27, 2026. 

According to the investigation, at approximately 6 p.m. on March 19, 2026, EMS responded to a 9-1-1 call at the apartment where the defendants and the victims lived. Adonis was taken to NYC H + H Lincoln where he was pronounced dead. The child weighed just 59 pounds. The Medical Examiner determined death was the result of neglect, starvation and dehydration. Adonis’s twin brother weighed just 60 pounds, having lost 20 pounds from his last documented doctor’s visit in August 2024. He was severely malnourished. Paramedics found that both were covered with bed sores, feces and flies. They had been diagnosed with autism and had a documented history of seizures.

District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Detective John Eller for his work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Strengthening Inspections on Cooling Towers in New York City

New Law Requires Twice-Yearly Cooling Tower Certifications, Faster Remediation of Health Hazards and Stuffer Penalties for Violations

Requirements Will Help Reduce New Yorkers’ Exposure to Legionella

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation requiring that owners and operators of cooling towers in New York City certify that their cooling towers have been inspected, tested, cleaned, and disinfected in compliance with the New York City Administrative Code. Cooling towers can be the source of bacterial outbreaks such as Legionnaires' disease, which causes flu-like symptoms and can be fatal.. The legislation sets timelines for building owners to notify the New York City Department of Buildings (NYC DOB) and take steps to remedy any public health hazards in cooling towers and increases civil penalties on building owners who fail to report or address these issues.

“Protecting the health and safety of New Yorkers is my highest priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Recent outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease underscore the urgency of certification requirements, and we look forward to working with the City to ensure New Yorkers are protected against these public health threats.”

The legislation (S08472-A/A09058A) will require biannual certifications taking place in January and July of each year or by dates specified by NYC DOB. In addition, it clarifies that the building owner must take steps to address maintenance deficiencies as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours, and must notify NYC DOB and take steps to address levels of microbes that present a serious health threat as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours. It also increases civil penalties for violations to $2,500 for a first violation, $7,000 for a second or subsequent violation, and up to $12,500 for a violation that results in a fatality or serious injury.

Legionnaires' disease is caused by Legionella bacteria that grow in warm water. The disease spreads through water vapor that contains the bacteria. It is a type of pneumonia that causes flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, and cough. Anyone who believes they have contracted Legionnaires' disease is encouraged to contact their healthcare provider right away.