John Cerini Announces Candidacy for City Council District 13

  Local small business owner, John Cerini, announced his candidacy for New York City Council during the Bronx GOP’s field office open house at 3029 Middletown Road in Pelham Bay.  

Cerini, owner of the well-known business “Bronx Tax Man,” a family business serving the Bronx for 30 years, decided to enter the race after recently engaging in local community activism.  John has been a vocal opponent of the East Tremont Avenue “road diet” that took away a lane of traffic on each side of the vital roadway, causing needless traffic and longer commutes for residents.

Some other recent community involvement highlights by Cerini include founding the Throggs Neck Merchants Association, which is considered one of the best run in New York City.  John was also appointed to the New York State Insurance Department’s Special Panel for Homeowner’s Insurance by Senator Jeff Klein, which was considered by many a nod of gratitude and an acknowledgement of excellent service for John’s advocacy on behalf of City Island and Throggs Neck homeowners who were facing difficult business relations with their homeowner and flood insurance carriers.

A lifelong resident of Throggs Neck, John and his high school sweetheart turned wife, Grace, decided to stay in The Bronx to raise their four children in the only community they ever called home and loved.

“One of the many factors for deciding to enter this race is to make sure our Southeast Bronx neighborhoods remain a place my children will want to remain to raise my future grandchildren.”

“Therefore, fighting over-development will be one of my main campaign platform.  Those of us who have lived in the area for decades have seen firsthand the damage done by unscrupulous real estate developers.  Many local and city wide elected officials have not done enough to prevent the developers from over developing our area. Variances must be stopped from being the norm.”

“That is why we have seen so many single family lots turn into multifamily eyesores, why our streets are clogged with traffic and why our local police are stretched thin.  I will never put our community second.  Our residents and families deserve the best.” 

Bronx GOP’s Field Office Grand Opening/Open House at 3029 Middletown Road in Pelham Bay.

   Earlier thus afternoon the Bronx Republican Party held an open house at its headquarters at 3029 Middletown Road to show off the transition of a new county leaders, and several mayoral candidates. Mr. John Greany has retired as the Bronx Republican County Leader, and Mr. Michael Rendino has taken the helm as the new Bronx Republican County Leader. Some interesting guests dropped by as you will see in the photos below, and an announcement by a new candidate into the 13th City Council race. 

   New Republican County Leader Michael Rendino welcomed the rather large crowd, introduced the Bronx GOP new field director Mr. Robert Giuffre, and then welcomed some candidates for office including two Mayoral candidates.

Above - Possible mayoral candidate John Castimatidis stands outside the Bronx Republican headquarters between former Bronx Republican County Leader John Greany, and new Bronx Republican County Leader Michael Rendino.

Below - Mr. Castimatidis comes into the Bronx GOP office to shake hands, and say that he is exploring a possible run for mayor. He said that he should have a definite answer in a few weeks if he is going to run for mayor or not.

Above - Another major candidate seeking the Republican line for mayor  ex Jet football player Michael Faulkner came with several supporters to talk to the Bronx Republican Party.

Below - Mr. John Cerini explains the difficulty Businesses sand residents are having, and then announced his intention to seek the Republican line in the November general election for the 13th City Council district.

The Open House will continue Sunday from 11 AM - 3PM.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON LUNAR NEW YEAR.

   "I wish all those celebrating across the Asian diaspora a happy and healthy Lunar New Year. As the proud city of immigrants, we cherish every opportunity to come together and embrace our city’s rich heritage. That is why we made Lunar New Year an official school holiday. While we celebrate on a Saturday this year, we hope everyone is able to share this special time with their loved ones. Happy year of the rooster, a symbol of hard work and diligence.”

Chinese:

我祝願所有慶祝農曆新年的亞裔人士新年快樂和健康。在這個令人自豪的移民城市，我們珍惜每一個讓大家一起迎接本市豐富傳統的機會。這就是我們爲什麽把農曆新年定為一個正式的學校假日。我們今年是在一個星期六慶祝這個節日，我們希望每一個人都能與其親人共度這個特別的時光。雄雞是刻苦努力的象徵，祝大家雞年愉快！

ASSEMBLYMAN LUIS SEPULVEDA ON MUSLIM BAN: "WHAT'S NEXT? MUSLIM INTERNMENT CAMPS? SO SHAMEFUL."

   Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda lashed out on Saturday, Jan. 28 over President Trump's executive order blocking the entry to the United States of citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries, as well as other restrictions, and prioritizing   admitting Christian over Muslim refugees.

 "I never thought I would see this nation apply a religious test for anything. This is a ham-fisted attempt by Trump to disguise racism against Muslims. So shameful," said Sepulveda, whose Bronx district includes a large number of Muslims. "What's next? Muslim internment camps? So shameful."

 Trump’s order barred refugees from entering the United States for 120 days, barred Syrian refugees indefinitely, and blocked citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering for 90 days.

 Sepulveda noted that most of the 19 hijackers on the planes that crashed into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Shanksville, Pa., were from other Middle Eastern countries not placed on the visa ban list.

 "Even people with green cards, giving them legally permanent U.S. resident status, are included in the order, leaving many of them stranded because they may be visiting outside the country at the moment," the Assemblyman said.

 "There are better, saner, more humane ways to deal with this situation than with a blanket iron fist," said Sepulveda. "This is not who we are as a people, not who we are as a nation." 

Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda currently represents the 87th Assembly District covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest and Stratton Park.

Woman Convicted By Jury In Manhattan Federal Court Of Impersonating A Federal Official

Sandra Zongo Claimed to be the “Deputy Commissioner of Foreign Affairs” While Passing Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Fake Purchase Orders.

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and David E. Beach, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service New York Field Office (“USSS”), announced today that SANDRA ZONGO, a/k/a “Sandra Nelson,” a/k/a “Akiwa Gizzel,” was convicted today by a jury of impersonating an officer or employee of the United States, passing fictitious government obligations, wire fraud, and attempting to commit wire fraud in seeking benefits from the Human Resources Administration. ZONGO was convicted following a nine-day trial in Manhattan before U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Today, a unanimous jury convicted Sandro Zongo of posing as a federal government employee and using fake documents to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods and services from her victims. Claiming she was a Commissioner for a made-up organization with ties to the United Nations, Zongo defrauded hotels, restaurants and other vendors with fake invoices and went as far as defraud a charity for military veterans.”

Special Agent in Charge David Beach said: “The Secret Service places a priority on investigating criminals, who prey on the residents of this city and their businesses through deceit and false solicitations for real charities. Working with our partners with the NYPD to arrest these criminals and deter others from committing similar schemes, the Secret Service pursues complex crimes with significant community impact.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment, other documents publicly filed in Manhattan federal court, and the evidence introduced at trial:

In October 2014, the United States Secret Service began investigating ZONGO, who had been holding herself out as the “Deputy Commissioner” of the “Office of the Commissioner.” The “Office of the Commissioner” purported to be an “Intergovernmental Organization” and claimed to be funded by the federal government in doing work with the United Nations. In fact, the organization was not federally funded and had no affiliation with the United Nations. While purporting to be a “Deputy Commissioner,” ZONGO obtained hundreds of thousands of dollars in goods and services from hotels, restaurants, and other Manhattan vendors using fake government purchase orders, certificates of indebtedness, and other fraudulent documents. Among other things, ZONGO defrauded a charity holding an event designed to benefit injured veterans of $150,000.

While ZONGO was claiming to be the “Deputy Commissioner of Foreign Affairs,” she also submitted fraudulent documents to the Human Resources Administration in her application for housing benefits, including letters in which she claimed to be an “intern.”

ZONGO, 47, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of passing fictitious obligations, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison; one count of impersonating an official or employee of the United States government, which carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison; one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of attempted wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.

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

Mr. Bharara praised the work of the United States Secret Service, and thanked the Criminal Investigators of the Southern District New York, the New York City Police Department, the Human Resources Administration, the United States Postal Service–Office of Inspector General, as well as the United States Postal Inspection Service.

Queens Man Sentenced To Life In Prison For Murder-For-Hire

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSE LUIS GRACESQUI was sentenced today to life in prison after having been convicted at trial of conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, murder-for-hire, and murder in connection with a narcotics conspiracy for his role in the murder of a 28-year-old Manhattan man in 1999. U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel, who presided over the three-week jury trial, imposed today’s sentence.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Thanks to the efforts of the dedicated agents, detectives, and prosecutors who never gave up, this cold-case murder of an innocent 28-year-old man has been solved and the perpetrator brought to justice. The person responsible for that murder has been sentenced to life in prison, bringing to a close this tragic and senseless crime. We hope this brings some measure of peace to Richard Diaz’s family.”

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

JOSE LUIS GRACESQUI, a/k/a “Luis Perez,” a/k/a “Ramon Ortiz,” a/k/a “Onel Colon,” a/k/a “Muffler,” was a member of a crew that committed violent robberies, kidnappings, and beatings of drug dealers. In the summer of 1999, GRACESQUI was hired by a major drug dealer in Upper Manhattan to kill one of the drug dealer’s customers (“Intended Victim-1”) after Intended Victim-1 and a number of his associates stole heroin from the drug dealer.

On the night of July 19, 1999, GRACESQUI and a member of his crew saw Intended Victim-1 in a car with another person and began following Intended Victim-1 through Manhattan. When the car with Intended Vicitm-1 stopped at a red light, GRACESQUI got out of the car that he had been in, approached the car with Intended Victim-1, and began shooting. The shots hit both Intended Victim-1 and the driver of the car, Richard Diaz. Richard Diaz was able to drive a short distance to the Henry Hudson Parkway, until Diaz lost consciousness and died. Intended Victim-1 sustained injuries but did not die.

GRACESQUI, 46, is from Queens, New York. Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the DEA and the NYPD.

Two Individuals Arrested And Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Securities And Wire Fraud For Participating In A Multimillion-Dollar Ponzi Scheme

Steven Simmons and Joseph Meli Charged with Defrauding Investors and Diverting Fraudulent Proceeds For Their Own Use and to Further the Ponzi-Like Operation of a Hedge Fund

   Joon H. Kim, the Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today that STEVEN SIMMONS and JOSEPH MELI were arrested this morning on conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud charges stemming from their participation in a scheme to defraud investors and provide those fraud proceeds to earlier investors in a hedge fund (the “Hedge Fund”). MELI is also charged with wire fraud in connection with a related fraudulent scheme in which MELI solicited investments through false representations that MELI had entered into an agreement to purchase tickets to a particular Broadway show (the “Show”), which MELI could then resell for a profit.

SIMMONS and MELI are expected to be presented today in Magistrate Court before the Honorable James C. Francis IV.

Deputy U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said: “As alleged, while soliciting funds from investors for legitimate-sounding investments, Steven Simmons and Joseph Meli were in fact running Ponzi schemes. Meli allegedly made up out of whole cloth purported deals to buy Broadway tickets that he could later sell at a profit. But as alleged, Meli was just robbing Peter to pay Paul. Thanks to the work of the FBI, the curtain has fallen on Simmons and Meli's alleged fraud scheme.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “When fraudsters think they’re going to get away with scheming investors out of money, they tend to forget that at some point the money will run out. It’s the way a Ponzi scheme ends. At some point, the original investors will want to see returns on their investments, and they’re going to demand an explanation as to why there isn’t any money. The men arrested in this case even allegedly joked about the scheme, calling it a ‘shell game.’ This should serve as a warning to others playing the same games, at some point, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will discover the fraud and will make sure the criminals behind it are held accountable.”

According to the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Beginning in at least November 2015 through in or about January 2017, SIMMONS and MELI solicited investments by falsely representing to the investors that their funds would be used for legitimate, specified, investment purposes. SIMMONS represented that investor funds would be invested in securities by the Hedge Fund and MELI represented that investor funds would be used to purchase a large number of tickets for the Show which would then be resold by MELI for a profit. In fact, SIMMONS and MELI failed to invest the investor monies as promised, but rather used the money, in a Ponzi-like fashion, to fund the repayment of earlier investors in the Hedge Fund whose redemption requests could not be forestalled, and diverted investor monies to their own use.

Among other false and misleading statements, SIMMONS told one investor (“Victim Entity-1”) that its funds would be placed by the Hedge Fund with a highly successful group of portfolio managers, and provided performance information for these portfolio managers. In truth and in fact, SIMMONS solicited those investment funds from Victim Entity-1 for the purpose of repaying an earlier investor in the Hedge Fund that had demanded the return of its investment. Most of Victim Entity-1’s funds were, within minutes of their receipt by the Hedge Fund, wired to the earlier investor. The following day, $50,000 was wired by the Hedge Fund to an account controlled by SIMMONS. In a later consensually recorded conversation with a cooperating witness (the “CW”), SIMMONS expressed concern that Victim Entity-1 would contact the portfolio managers with whom it believed its funds were invested and learn that “there’s no . . . money.”

MELI also solicited at least three investors in a separate business run by MELI by falsely representing that he had entered into an agreement with the producer of the Show under which MELI would purchase a large number of tickets to the Show and then resell those tickets at a profit. MELI promised these investors a share in these profits. In truth and in fact, MELI had not entered into an agreement to purchase tickets to the Show but rather diverted investor money to his own personal use, including spending more than $200,000 at a luxury car dealership, and used investor monies to repay earlier investors in both his own Ponzi-like ticket resale scheme and the Hedge Fund. In later consensually recorded conversations with the CW, MELI discussed his “fraudulent ticket deal” and described playing a “shell game” with investor monies.

SIMMONS, 48, of Wilton, Connecticut, and MELI, 42, of Manhattan, were arrested this morning. SIMMONS is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, one count of securities fraud, and one count of wire fraud. MELI is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, one count of securities fraud, and two counts of wire fraud. The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The securities fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense. The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Kim praised the work of the FBI and thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance. He added that the investigation is continuing.

The charges were brought in connection with the President’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force. The task force was established to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices, and state and local partners, it is the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets; and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Since fiscal year 2009, the Justice Department has filed over 18,000 financial fraud cases against more than 25,000 defendants. For more information on the task force, please visitwww.StopFraud.gov.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisha J. Kobre is in charge of the prosecution.

The allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant ispresumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 

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[1] 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.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER REGARDING REFUGEES AND IMMIGRATION

  “As an American and the grandson of immigrants I am profoundly saddened by the President’s Executive Order on immigration issued today. The United States has been a beacon of hope to the world. We are a country founded on the belief of religious pluralism and equality. Today the President sent a shamefully different message. He has temporarily suspended nearly all refugee admissions, indefinitely banned refugee admissions from Syria, and imposed a 90-day ban on all immigration from a number of Muslim-majority countries. These policies do not reflect the values of the United States or of New York City. We must continue to embrace refugees in need who are victims of terror, not terrorists. We must protect and celebrate religious pluralism. In this great city of immigrants we will remain true to our values and always welcome all who yearn to breathe free.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO SIGNS LEGISLATION EASING RESTRICTIONS ON THE SALE OF PLANTS AND FLOWERS DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR

Also signs legislation reauthorizing the City of New York’s tax lien sale program for four years

    Mayor Bill de Blasio has signed two pieces of legislation – Intro. 1061, in relation to the sale of plants and flowers during the Asian Lunar New Year, and Intro. 1385-A in relation to the sale of tax liens.

“For many Asian cultures, flowers and plants for the Lunar New Year symbolize good luck and good fortune. With this bill, New Yorkers celebrating the holiday will have greater access to the distribution and purchase of flowers and plants to fully embrace Lunar New Year,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I would like to thank the bill’s sponsor, Council Member Margaret Chin. I also would like to thank Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the rest of the City Council for passing this legislation.”

The first bill, Intro. 1061, mandates that on Asian Lunar New Year and the week before, people may sell flowers or plants without acquiring a vending license. This bill allows New Yorkers who celebrate Lunar New Year to carry on with this tradition without fear of penalty.

“Too many members of our community have faced the threat of large fines, and even arrest, for the ‘crime’ of selling flowers in the days leading up to Asian Lunar New Year. This legislation will correct this injustice, and ensure that vendors selling flowers during the Asian Lunar New Year season will be able to do so without fear of enforcement agents. I thank the Mayor for signing this legislation, and for acknowledging the specific enforcement concerns of our community,” said Council Member Margaret S. Chin.

The second bill, Intro 1385-A, reauthorizes the City of New York’s tax lien sale program for four years. This bill will allow more flexibility for payment plans, giving struggling homeowners a greater opportunity to pay back taxes and keep their homes.

Jacques Jiha, Commissioner of the Department of Finance, said, “We are very committed to making sure that we provide important information and vital resources to homeowners to ensure that they stay in their homes. This legislation is important to advancing such efforts.

News from State Senator Jeff Klein

Dear Neighbor:

As this year’s legislative session moves along, I continue to make progress pushing our legislative agenda and bringing awareness to the issues that we all care about to get real results for hard-working New Yorkers.

As part of our Changing New York policy agenda I am calling for needed funding for immigrants facing deportation, our senior citizens facing the increasingly burdensome costs of homeownership and home health aides who still don’t make enough to pay their bills.

The deplorable conditions children and families currently endure within New York City’s temporary homeless shelter system continues to be a serious problem and I have released an investigative report documenting the extent of it and have proposed a comprehensive solution to finally tackle this epidemic.

Recently, I had the distinct honor of commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on his 88th birthday while speaking at the House of Justice alongside Reverend Al Sharpton and the National Action Network and subsequently on the State Senate floor. It was truly a fitting occasion to continue the fight to Raise the Age of criminal responsibility in memory of Dr. King and his fight for social justice.

As always, should you have any questions or concerns on all matters of importance, please feel free to contact my office at (718) 822-2049. My staff and I are here to help you and are happy to offer any assistance that we can.

Sincerely,

Senator Jeff Klein

John Cerini for NYC Council - Campaign Announcement

John Cerini to Announce Candidacy for City Council District 13

   Local small business owner, John Cerini, will announce his candidacy for New York City Council during the Bronx GOP’s field office grand opening/open house this Saturday, January 28 at 3:00PM at 3029 Middletown Road in Pelham Bay.  Members of the local media are cordially invited to cover the announcement.

Cerini, owner of the well-known business “Bronx Tax Man,” a family business serving the Bronx for 30 years, decided to enter the race after recently engaging in local community activism.  John has been a vocal opponent of the East Tremont Avenue “road diet” that took away a lane of traffic on each side of the vital roadway, causing needless traffic and longer commutes for residents.

Some other recent community involvement highlights by Cerini include founding the Throggs Neck Merchants Association, which is considered one of the best run in New York City.  John was also appointed to the New York State Insurance Department’s Special Panel for Homeowner’s Insurance by Senator Jeff Klein, which was considered by many a nod of gratitude and an acknowledgement of excellent service for John’s advocacy on behalf of City Island and Throggs Neck homeowners who were facing difficult business relations with their homeowner and flood insurance carriers.

A lifelong resident of Throggs Neck, John and his high school sweetheart turned wife, Grace, decided to stay in The Bronx to raise their four children in the only community they ever called home and loved.

John recently made the following comments during a small gathering of Bronx Republicans:

“One of the many factors for deciding to enter this race is to make sure our Southeast Bronx neighborhoods remain a place my children will want to remain to raise my future grandchildren.”

“Therefore, fighting over-development will be one of my main campaign platform.  Those of us who have lived in the area for decades have seen firsthand the damage done by unscrupulous real estate developers.  Many local and city wide elected officials have not done enough to prevent the developers from over developing our area. Variances must be stopped from being the norm.”

“That is why we have seen so many single family lots turn into multifamily eyesores, why our streets are clogged with traffic and why our local police are stretched thin.  I will never put our community second.  Our residents and families deserve the best.” 

New from - Congressman Eliot L. Engel

Rep. Engel Receives ‘A’ Grade From National Education Association

Says he will continue to stand up for public schools and oppose new administration’s voucher programs

 Congressman Eliot L. Engel received an “A” on the National Education Association’s (NEA) legislative report card for the 114^th Congress.

The report card, which can be found here, evaluates Members of Congress based on their votes on issues of importance to the NEA. In the 114^th Congress, those issues included reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, preserving the Affordable Care Act and protecting DREAMers.

“I am tremendously pleased to have earned an ‘A’ from the NEA,” Engel said. “As a former teacher and union member, I share the NEA’s commitment to high-quality public education, strong labor protections, affordable health care coverage, and LGBTQ rights. Given the new administration’s nominee for Secretary of Education, it is more important than ever to stand up for the indispensable federal programs that serve our students and to speak out against ill-advised proposals, such as school vouchers. We ought to support our public school students– not shift valuable resources away from already cash-strapped public classrooms.

“As a Member of Congress, I will continue to work to promote these values and make these issues a priority during the 115^th Congress.”

ENGEL MARKS INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY, RENEWS CALLS TO FIGHT HATRED

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and co-chair of the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating anti-Semitism, today issued the following statement marking International Holocaust Remembrance Day:

“On this International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I remember the 11 million people—including six million Jews—who perished in one of humanity’s darkest chapters. In honor of those murdered, we must reassert our commitment to speak out against hatred—in all its heinous forms—in addition to any efforts to deny the Holocaust and rewrite history.  

“Combating the same racism and hatred that led to Holocaust must remain an international priority—in our country and around the world—as we continue to reinforce the words of ‘never again’ with international action. We look to Shoah survivors and those who resisted these crimes against humanity to inspire our struggle against bigotry. Because this hatred knows no borders, we must be united worldwide to ensure violence and hatred cannot prevail.”

ENGEL STATEMENT ON REFUGEE EXECUTIVE ORDER

Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today made the following statement:

“This is a profoundly dark day for our country.

“In 1939, when Jewish refugees aboard the ship St. Louis could look ashore and see the lights of Miami, they thought the United States would be their salvation. But the power of fear and cowardice prevailed, sending those poor souls back across the ocean, many to their deaths. That moment is a stain on our country's history, and one that ran contrary to America's best values and traditions.

“Today, fear and cowardice are winning again. President Trump is slamming the door on the world's most desperate refugees, whose eyes are gazing upon our shores today, seeking the promise of America that has illuminated the world for more than two centuries.  He's building a wall and banning a religion, actions that won't keep us any safer, but will send a message that if you aren't a certain color, or don't speak a certain language or worship a certain way, you don't have a place in America. He's turning America's back on children who made a dangerous journey to escape violence and poverty, telling the huddled masses to find refuge elsewhere.

“In our best moments, America has been synonymous with freedom, hope, justice, and opportunity. That's not the America the world sees today.

“When Ronald Reagan likened America to a shining city upon a hill, he envisioned a place ‘teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.’ Our beacon shines dimmer today, and I fear we've lost our way. We need to get off this dangerous course and restore the values that make us who we are as a nation.”

NYC LEADERS URGE RESISTANCE TO PRESIDENT TRUMP’S IMMIGRATION PLANS

  Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and Congressman Adriano Espaillat, along with elected officials and immigration advocates from across the city, co-hosted a press conference to speak out against and resist President Donald Trump’s newly announced executive orders on immigration, including his proposal to build a wall along the Mexican border and his threat to revoke funding for “sanctuary cities” like New York.

Borough President Diaz and Rep. Espaillat were joined at the event by Congressman Jose Serrano, Assembly Members Marcos Crespo and Luis Sepulveda, and City Council Member Rafael Salamanca.
"As leaders of the state, the city and this county, we are united because no other borough, no other county in the state of New York will suffer more from these cuts than the borough of The Bronx," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. "There are a lot of people out there who sympathize with what President Donald Trump is doing. To those individuals, I say your support is misguided, because those cuts will also have a negative impact on your lives as well. Cuts to education, cuts to transportation, cuts to health care, all of these things, this will hurt all of us."
"They are fast-tracking hateful and fearful propaganda,” said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. "We will fight tooth and nail, because this policy is un-American. And, if necessary, we will go to the courts if we have to, we will go to the streets if we have to. This is a democracy, this is not a vigilante society that you see in Hollywood films." 

"Instead of building housing, instead of providing funds to improve the city, we will end up building a wall that we do not need," said Congressman Jose Serrano. “The greatest country on Earth, the greatest democracy on earth should never be seen as one that builds up a wall."

“This president is pandering and he is not addressing the issue,” said New York State Assembly Member Marcos Crespo. “These orders, they are not about protecting Americans from those who are criminals. This is about legalizing profiling, this is about going after a community that has helped rebuild our economy. Look at who is creating jobs, look at who is creating businesses. It is hard-working immigrants who have done that."

"I dare President Trump to withhold funds from sanctuary cities,” said New York State Assembly Member Luis R. Sepúlveda. “I want his supporters to see the devastating impact this will have on the most vulnerable people in this country. What he is doing is inhumane, and I will fight until my dying breath and do everything that I can do to prevent this Muslim registry, this wall, and the mass deportation of people in this country."

Assemblymember Michael Blake - Only 4 Days Left in Open Enrollment for the Affordable Care Act

There are only 4 days left to enroll in health care coverage for 2017! This year, more than 8 out of 10 people who enroll through HealthCare.gov will qualify for financial help on quality coverage, lowering most people’s monthly premiums to $50 - $100.

Visit HealthCare.gov and submit a 2017 application to see if you, too, qualify for monthly savings.

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Three Individuals Arrested And Charged For Drug-Related Murder In The Bronx

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today charges against three individuals, SEAN PETER, a/k/a “Huggie,” JASON CAMPBELL, a/k/a “Holiday,” a/k/a “Fish,” and STEVEN SYDER, a/k/a “Esteban,” in connection with the drug-related murder of 19-year-old Brian Gray in the Bronx on October 2, 2012. PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER were arrested today and will be presented before Magistrate Judge James C. Francis IV. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Naomi Reice Buchwald.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “The defendants are charged with shooting and killing a young man on the streets of the Bronx to further their alleged narcotics business. Drug-related violence threatens the safety and security of all New Yorkers, and we will continue to make our streets and neighborhoods safe. We commend our partners at the FBI and NYPD for the exemplary work that led to the charges brought today.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated: “Drug dealers use violence and intimidation to assert their dominance over others they see as potential rivals in their territory. That violence often results in someone being shot and killed, and the community more fearful that the violence won’t stop. The FBI/NYPD Violent Crimes Task Force works day after day to prevent these criminals from returning to the streets, and to stop the cycle of crime.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill stated: “I commend the efforts of the detectives and prosecutors whose hard work resulted in the arrest of three defendants, charged in this homicide. The NYPD will continue to target those who mar our communities with drugs and violence, ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

In 2012, PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. On October 2, 2012, PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER participated in the killing of Brian Gray by shooting him in furtherance of that marijuana distribution conspiracy. The murder took place in the vicinity of 3309 Barker Avenue in the Bronx, New York.

Count One charges PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

Count Two charges PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER with using a firearm to murder Gray in connection with the marijuana distribution conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of death, or life in prison.

Count Three charges PETER, CAMPBELL, and SYDER with brandishing and discharging a firearm in connection with the marijuana distribution conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court.

PETER, 33, CAMPBELL, 30, and SYDER, 33, are all of the Bronx, New York.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Joint Bank Robbery/Violent Crimes Task Force. He also thanked the Teaneck, New Jersey, Police Department for all of their assistance and support in the ongoing investigation.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Sagar K. Ravi, Michael Gerber, and Hadassa Waxman are in charge of the prosecution.

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

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[1] 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 described should be treated as an allegation.