Jason Galanis Sentenced To More Than 11 Years In Prison For Securities Fraud

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JASON GALANIS was sentenced today to 135 months in prison for manipulating the market for Gerova Financial Group, Ltd. (“Gerova”), a publicly traded company listed on the New York Stock Exchange, and to defrauding the shareholders of that company. JASON GALANIS was also sentenced for defrauding the clients of an investment advisory firm. JASON GALANIS pled guilty on July 21, 2016, to two counts of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of securities fraud and one count of investment adviser fraud. GALANIS was sentenced today by United States District Judge P. Kevin Castel.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As he previously admitted in his guilty plea, Jason Galanis swindled the shareholders and clients of Gerova Financial and Tag Virgin Islands out of tens of millions of dollars in a massive fraud scheme. Today, he was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his participation in these fraud schemes.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment filed against JASON GALANIS and his co-conspirators and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

The Gerova Scheme

From 2009 to 2011, JASON GALANIS, along with his co-conspirators John Galanis, Gary Hirst, Derek Galanis, Ymer Shahini, and Gavin Hamels, engaged in a scheme to defraud the shareholders of Gerova and the investing public by effecting securities transactions in Gerova stock for the purpose of conferring millions of dollars of undisclosed remuneration on JASON GALANIS and his co-conspirators, without adequate disclosure of JASON GALANIS’s role in directing the transactions or the benefits received by JASON GALANIS and his co-conspirators.

As a part of the scheme to defraud, JASON GALANIS obtained sufficient control over Gerova to be able to cause Gerova to enter into transactions of his design, and for his benefit, including the issuance of Gerova stock. JASON GALANIS obtained this control without causing himself to be identified as an officer or director of Gerova in order to appear to abide by an SEC-imposed bar that forbade him from holding such positions at publicly traded companies. Among other means and methods, JASON GALANIS, with the assistance of Hirst, caused over five million shares of Gerova stock, which represented nearly half the company’s public float and which were intended for JASON GALANIS’s ultimate benefit, to be issued to and held in the name of Ymer Shahini, who knowingly served as a foreign nominee for JASON GALANIS. JASON GALANIS, John Galanis, Derek Galanis, Hirst, and Shahini understood that the purpose of the stock grant to Shahini was to disguise JASON GALANIS’s ownership interest in the stock, and to evade the SEC’s regulations for issuing unregistered shares of stock.

At the same time, and as a further part of the scheme to defraud, JASON GALANIS’s co-conspirators, with his knowledge and approval, opened and managed brokerage accounts in the name of Shahini (the “Shahini Accounts”), effected the sale of Gerova stock from the Shahini Accounts, and received and concealed the proceeds, knowing that this activity was designed to conceal from the investing public JASON GALANIS’s ownership of and control over the Gerova stock.

JASON GALANIS, among others, also fraudulently induced investment advisers, including Gavin Hamels, to purchase shares of Gerova stock in the investment advisers’ client accounts by offering compensation and/or other benefits to the respective investment adviser. By causing the purchase of Gerova stock at the time, quantity, and/or price of their choosing, JASON GALANIS and others were able to, among other things, effectuate the sale of large quantities of Gerova stock from the Shahini Accounts that JASON GALANIS controlled while artificially maintaining the price of Gerova stock through coordinated match trading. Such coordinated trading served to manipulate the market for Gerova stock and deceive the investing public. As a result, JASON GALANIS and his co-conspirators reaped nearly $20 million in profits.

The Scheme to Defraud Clients of TAG Virgin Islands, Inc.

From 2007 to 2010, JASON GALANIS, along with an investment adviser named James Tagliaferri, participated in a scheme to defraud the clients of Tagliaferri’s investment advisory firm, which was called TAG Virgin Islands, Inc. (“TAG”). Often in exchange for compensation from JASON GALANIS, Tagliaferri caused TAG’s clients to invest in notes issued by entities associated with JASON GALANIS.

When obligations owed by entities associated with JASON GALANIS became due, Tagliaferri used client funds to purchase either notes issued by other entities associated with JASON GALANIS or publicly traded shares held by such entities. The funds generated were then used to pay the original obligations owed to other TAG clients. Through these securities trades, funds in client accounts of one set of TAG investors were used to pay obligations owed to a different set of TAG investors by entities associated with JASON GALANIS.

In addition to the prison term, GALANIS, 46, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $37,591,681.10, as well as his interests in properties in New York and Los Angeles. Judge Castel will set a restitution amount at a future proceeding.

JASON GALANIS’s co-defendant Jared Galanis, who pled guilty to misprision of a felony in connection with the Gerova scheme, was sentenced to a term of 150 days in prison on January 11, 2017. John Galanis and Derek Galanis, each of whom pled guilty to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and securities fraud in connection with the Gerova scheme, are scheduled to be sentenced on February 16, 2017. Gary Hirst, who was found guilty after trial of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and wire fraud, is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2017.

Defendant Ymer Shahini remains a fugitive. The allegations contained in the Indictment as to Shahini are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Mr. Bharara praised the work of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and thanked the SEC.

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 visit www.StopFraud.gov.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Blais, Aimee Hector, and Rebecca Mermelstein are in charge of the prosecution.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Federal Civil Rights Charges Against Correction Officer In Sexual Assault Of Inmate At Bedford Hills Correctional Facility For Women

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Anthony J. Annucci, Acting Commissioner of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging a former New York State Correction Officer in the sexual assault of a female inmate (“Victim-1”) at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility for Women (the “Bedford Facility”). JEFFREY GREEN, then a correction officer at the Bedford Facility, was charged with assaulting and forcing himself upon Victim-1 by licking, biting, kissing, fondling, groping, and restraining her against her will, in violation of her civil rights under the United States Constitution. GREEN was arrested today on charges contained in a Criminal Complaint and is expected to be presented in federal court later today.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Jeffrey Green, a former New York State correction officer at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility, entered a prison cell, pushed a defenseless female inmate against a wall, and sexually assaulted her. Green’s alleged predatory conduct not only betrayed his duty as an officer to protect those under his charge, but violated our Constitution. The protections of our Constitution do not end at our prisons’ walls, and when inmates’ civil rights are violated, as they allegedly were here, we will act.”

DOCCS Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci said: “DOCCS has zero tolerance for any criminal activity involving staff or inmates within our facilities. This latest arrest highlights the successful investigation by the Department’s Office of Special Investigations, Westchester County District Attorney and the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District, all cooperating in this pursuit of justice.”

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

The Bedford Facility is a jail complex located in Bedford Hills, in Westchester County, New York, maintained by the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. At the time of the assault, Victim-1 was an inmate incarcerated at the Bedford Facility.

In the late evening hours of March 10, 2016, GREEN unlocked and opened the cell of Victim-1, and entered her cell unaccompanied by any other correction officer or other Bedford Facility staff. GREEN then grabbed Victim-1 by her arms, held her with her back against the wall of her cell, and began to lick, kiss, and bite her neck area, and to fondle her chest. After Victim-1 pushed GREEN away, he grabbed her, pushed her up against the wall of her cell, and again forced himself on her. GREEN then pulled up the shirt and bra of Victim-1 and bit, licked, and kissed her neck, chest, and breast and nipple areas, and fondled Victim-1’s groin area. The assault stopped only when GREEN was interrupted by the arrival of another correction officer knocking on a door to be admitted into the unit, upon which GREEN immediately departed Victim-1’s cell.

Victim-1 reported the assault the following morning, and a medical examination produced samples taken from Victim-1’s neck, left breast, and right breast that gave positive results with a presumptive test for saliva. A swab from Victim-1’s left breast generated a single-source male profile. Surveillance video and audio recordings from the Bedford Facility show GREEN entering Victim-1’s cell without any other correction officer the evening of March 10 and also audibly saying at one point “[y]ou ready [unintelligible] me my blow job?”

 

JEFFREY GREEN, 48, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalty is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Office of Special Investigations and the Criminal Investigators at the United States Attorney’s Office.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Public Corruption Units. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alex Rossmiller and Ellen Blain are in charge of the prosecution.

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

 

---

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Emergency Medical Technician For The Fire Department Of The City Of New York Arrested For Possessing And Receiving Child Pornography

Alfred Pabon Used Online Messaging Service to Obtain and Distribute Child Pornography

  Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the arrest of ALFRED PABON, an Emergency Medical Technician with the Fire Department of the City of New York, stemming from his possession and receipt, as well as distribution of child pornography. PABON was arrested today and presented in Manhattan federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Gabriel W. Gorenstein.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, Alfred Pabon frequented online chat groups for the explicit purpose of finding children and child pornography. In one his chats, Pabon allegedly expressed interest in taking a trip to Mexico in search of ‘something teenish.’ Thanks to the work of Homeland Security Investigations, Pabon’s alleged predatory search for children and child pornography has been brought to an end.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez said: “Using online chat groups to post photos and videos of children being sexually exploited is a sickening crime made even more disturbing when it is committed by an individual who holds the public's trust as a member of the FDNY. Every day HSI agents stationed around the country, use innovative techniques to search the internet and chat rooms to bring these pedophiles to justice and keep our children safe.”

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

From in or about November 2015, up to and including at least in or about January 2017, ALFRED PABON, an Emergency Medical Technician for the Fire Department of the City of New York, posted images and videos containing child pornography in chat groups of an online messaging application. The chat groups were used almost exclusively to trade child pornography, discuss child pornography, and/or discuss engaging in sexual activity with minors. In or about December 2015, PABON exchanged private messages through the online messaging application with an undercover HSI Special Agent (“UC-1”). Through these exchanges, PABON, using a particular account username (the “Pabon Account”) indicated to UC-1 that he was interested in a trip to Mexico and was looking for “something teenish.” PABON posted an image of two girls, who appear to be prepubescent minors, posing nude on a bed as an example of the type of girls in whom he was interested. In August 2016, a second undercover HSI Special Agent (“UC-2”) observed additional postings by PABON in another online chat room, at least one of which appeared to include an image of child pornography. UC-2 later used a link that PABON had posted to download approximately 33 videos, most of which contained child pornography.

PABON was arrested at his residence in the Bronx, New York. On the morning of his arrest, he admitted to law enforcement that he was the user of the Pabon Account and had used that account to copy and forward images and videos containing child pornography as recently as within the last month.

ALFRED PABON, 49, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of distribution and receipt of child pornography, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of possession of child pornography, 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.

Any individuals who believe they have information concerning ALFRED PABON that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI at its toll-free hotline: 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.

Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of HSI in this investigation. He added that the investigation is continuing.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lara Pomerantz is in charge of the prosecution.

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

[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.

Bronx Man Sentenced To 25 Years In Prison For Production Of Child Pornography

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KELVIN ACOSTA was sentenced to 300 months in prison and supervised release for 10 years for producing child pornography. ACOSTA pled guilty on September 26, 2016, before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty, who also imposed today’s sentence. In imposing sentence, the Court characterized the defendant’s misconduct as the “most deplorable, depraved act that I can imagine.”

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara stated: “For years, Kelvin Acosta preyed on our community’s youth by tricking them into supplying personal information, using that information to hack their email accounts, and then extorting them into producing child pornography for him. Today, he has been sentenced to federal prison for his predatory criminal behavior.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:

From at least December 2013 through November 2015, KELVIN ACOSTA engaged in a pattern of “sextortion” by hacking into email accounts belonging to teenage girls and extorting them into producing child pornography for him. ACOSTA did so by messaging the girls on Facebook and tricking them into revealing personal information, which he exploited to hack their email accounts. ACOSTA then told his minor victims that he had hacked their email accounts and found compromising material (sex videos and/or nude photographs), which he threatened to send their family, friends, and schools – unless they created child pornography for him via video chat and/or paid him money.

On March 29, 2016, ACOSTA was arrested in the Bronx. On that day, ACOSTA admitted that, for years, he had hacked and extorted girls and women, aged 13 to 25; he had exploited about 40 to 50 accounts of minors that had nude photographs or sex videos, which he viewed; he had about 10 to 20 minors produce child pornography for him; and he had extorted at least three victims – including at least one minor – into bringing him money.

ACOSTA, 27, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty on September 26, 2016, to one count of sexual exploitation of a child, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a), (e), and 2.

Mr. Bharara praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department, and thanked the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for its valuable cooperation in this matter.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictment Of 11 Individuals In Alleged Criminal Network That Stole High-End Motorcycles For Shipment To Dominican Republic

Nine Individuals Charged With Possessing Stolen Motor Vehicles Throughout New York City; Two Additional Defendants Charged With Trafficking Heroin

    Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today the unsealing of two indictments charging 11 for participation in a criminal network which operated out of New York, Queens, and Bronx counties.  The indictments, unsealed in Bronx Supreme Court, came as a result of a two-year investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the New York Police Department’s Auto Crime Division involving the dismantling of high-end motorcycles for shipment to the Dominican Republic.  The investigation was dubbed “Operation Steal Horses” after police were tipped off to the stolen motorcycle thefts being committed by a group of individuals referred to as a “Steal Crew” by investigators.

“Whether you are stealing high-end motorcycles or dealing drugs, we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. My office will not allow New York to become a hotbed for international crime,” said Attorney General 

Schneiderman. 

“I commend NYPD Auto Crime Division and our partners with the Attorney General’s Office whose investigation led to the arrest of eleven individuals involved in this high end motorcycle theft ring,” said NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill.

Members of the “Steal Crew”  allegedly worked by canvassing the city for in demand motorcycles, such as Ducatis, which they would break the steering columns of and then lift off of the street and into a van for transport. Defendants would dismantle the motorcycles into parts and package them for shipment.

According to the 121 count indictment, the “Steal Crew” operated by using multiple individuals who brought different skills to the theft operation, including: a “steal man,” who specialized in breaking the locking mechanisms on motorcycles; a “lifter” who loaded the heavy motorcycles into a van; a “driver,” who provided the empty cargo-sized van to transport multiple motorcycles; and a  “salesman,” who facilitated the quick transfer of the stolen motorcycle into buyers’ hands and who collected the profits.

The auto-theft indictment, unsealed today, names the following individuals: 

1. Juana Galarza of Bronx County, New York
2. Pablo Nunez, of Bronx County, New York
3. Brandon Williams, of Bronx County, New York
4. Luis Vargas, of Bronx County, New York
5. Carlos Valverde, of Bronx County, New York
6. Jean Herrera, of New York County, New York
7. Christian Perez, of Bronx County, New York
8. Richard Lovell, of Easton, Pennsylvania
9. Steven Reese, of Brooklyn, New York

Each of the 9 individuals named above has been charged with various Criminal Possession of Stolen Property Charges, as well as Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, for conspiring to steal and/or possess 32 stolen motorcycles and one Dodge Charger, which in total valued well over $100,000. 

The long-term investigation involved renting a storage facility unit, and outfitting it with covert cameras to capture the defendants’ illicit activities.  Law enforcement also utilized street-side covert cameras, confidential informants, and infiltrated undercover officers into the ring to establish how the organization functioned.

A separate drug indictment, also unsealed today, was filed against Juan Galarza, and two other individuals, Jeremey Collazo of Bronx County, New York, and Jhon Vasquez Ramos, of New York County, New York, for their alleged roles in selling Class A felony narcotic weight heroin in New York and Bronx Counties.  Class A-I narcotic charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment for first-time offenders.

The arraignments of the defendants in custody will occur this afternoon in Bronx Supreme Court.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

A.G. Schneiderman Issues Urgent Fraud Alert On “ICE” Immigration Scams

Alert Follows New Reports Of Fraudsters Posing As ‘ICE’ Agents, Threatening To Detain Immigrants Unless They Pay Up

Schneiderman: ICE Agents Will Never Ask For Money

  New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman issued an urgent fraud alert, warning immigrant communities of potential scams in light of recent reports that fraudsters have been posing as Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents scams and demanding money in order to avoid deportation. The Attorney General’s office has received an increased number of reported scams along these lines following the ICE deportation raids that have taken place over the last few days.

“It is unconscionable for scam artists to prey on heightened fear in our immigrant communities by pretending to be ICE officers and demanding that families pay up in order to avoid deportation,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “I urge communities to protect themselves by learning about these potential scams – and contacting my office if they suspect fraud. We will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal and bring to justice those who commit fraud against our immigrant communities.”

The Attorney General’s office has received a number of reports of unsolicited calls or in-person inquiries from fake immigration officials. For example, one immigrant living in Queens was approached by four men dressed as ICE agents. The purported ICE "agents" told the man that he was going to be detained unless he gave them all of his money.

To report potential fraud or other issues regarding immigration services, contact the Attorney General’s Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline at (866) 390-2992 or email Civil.Rights@ag.NY.gov. The Attorney General’s office will never ask for your immigration status or share immigration information with federal authorities if you contact the Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline.

Attorney General Schneiderman also reminded immigrant communities of the New York resources available to those seeking immigration and naturalization-related support. Managed by Catholic Charities Community Services, the New Americans hotline is a toll-free, multi-lingual hotline that provides live assistance in receiving immigration and naturalization information and referrals, regardless of citizenship or documented status. All calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous. Call 1-800-566-7636 (toll-free) anytime between 9:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Friday.

Attorney General Schneiderman reminds New Yorkers of these common forms of immigration fraud:

Being Approached by Fake ICE Agents. Official Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will never ask you for money or threaten detainment or deportation if you do not pay them. ICE agents also do not have the authority to enter your household without a warrant signed by a judge.

Unsolicited Calls From Fake Officials: One of the most common immigration services scams are unsolicited calls or text messages from someone claiming to be a government official or law enforcement officer that make threats such as deportation. Often times the number on caller ID may look like a legitimate government number. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will never request payment over the phone, so immigrants should be wary of scammers that ask for any sensitive or personal information, demand payment and threaten deportation if you do not comply.

Notario Fraud: In many Latin American countries a “notario” refers to someone who has the authority to render legal services. Unscrupulous “notaries” who are not attorneys often rely on this misunderstanding to exploit immigrants. They charge immigrants excessive application fees without ever submitting applications to the immigration authorities or may induce deportation by submitting applications for relief for which the immigrant is not eligible for or did not request.

Misrepresenting Legal Credentials: Individuals may falsely claim to be attorneys or wrongly suggest that they are able to appear before the immigration agencies or court. They take advantage of immigrants who will unknowingly pay exorbitant fees for their services. By misrepresenting their qualifications, these individuals can have a detrimental impact on the immigrants with whom they work. For example, immigrants who take advice from and work with these individuals may waive their right to obtain legal residency, be unnecessarily deported, or become subject to civil and/or criminal liability for the filing of false claims.

Fraudulent Promises to Expedite Process: This type of fraud concerns individuals who contend that they know employees at immigration offices who can expedite the processing of their clients applications. Accordingly, they request high fees for this special service, but fail to provide it.

Misinformation Fraud: Under this type of fraud, a provider will typically provide inaccurate or false information to the immigrant concerning his or her eligibility for an adjustment of status under a particular law. In these cases, the immigrant is usually not aware that they have been a victim of fraud until they receive a letter of ineligibility from immigration authorities. The provider knows the immigrant is not entitled to relief, or ineligible, but will file the application with immigration authorities regardless.

Immigration Affinity Fraud: Some providers target immigrants belonging to their same ethnic or racial group. Accordingly, they seek to gain advantage over other providers by claiming to identify with the ethnic, racial, national origin or community-based affiliations of the immigrant group.

Unauthorized Practice of the Law: Individuals may not be licensed to practice law but present themselves as attorneys or immigration law experts capable of providing legal advice and services.

Attorney General Schneiderman provided these key tips to avoid getting scammed:

• Only work with a licensed lawyer or an authorized provider.
• Never sign blank applications or documents you do not understand.
• Do not make payments over the phone or via email.

Last month, anticipating changes to federal immigration enforcement, Attorney General Schneiderman provided local law enforcement agencies with legal guidance to protect their immigrant communities and improve public safety by becoming “sanctuary” jurisdictions.

Additional resources can be found on the Attorney General’s website, including Know Your Rights: Immigration Services Fraud and Don’t Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud brochure. All authorized attorneys will be registered with the New York State Court. To verify an attorney, see here.  

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS in the BRONX

ATTRACT NEW BUSINESS in The BRONX Promote your company and Salute the distinguished Honorees at the Bronx version of the Academy Awards at the BRONX BUSINESS AWARDS 2017 Gala Celebration scheduled for Thursday, March 9, 2017 5:30 - 10:30 pm at the elegant Marina del Rey Caterers, 1 Marina Drive, Bronx, NY 10465. Please forward advertising copy as soon as possible and no later than February 16, 2017. Preliminary list of advertisers include: Apple Bank At&T External Affairs Bay Plaza Community Center, LLC Berkley College Country Bank Entergy Ensign Engineering Flushing Bank Grassi & Cp. Green Street Solar Health and Hospital Corp. INDA Madison Square Garden Metro Optics Eyewear ResCare, Inc. Ridgewood Savings Bank RiteCheck Cashing Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point The New York Yankees The Woodlawn Cemetery  I hope you plan on attending 2017 Gala! Take Advantage of the Early Reservation Discount for paid reservations before February 24, 2017.  Excitement for this fabulous event continues to grow each day.   The distinguished honorees are:   John Catsimatidis, Red Apple Group DEVELOPER OF THE YEAR AWARD   Ensign Engineering MWBE COMPANY OF THE YEAR AWARD   The Woodlawn Cemetery NON-PROFIT OF THE YEAR AWARD Ridgewood Savings Bank INSTITUTIONAL MEMBER OF THE YEAR Montefiore Medical Center HEALTH PROVIDER OF THE YEAR   Metro Optics MADE IN THE BRONX AWARD OF THE YEAR To make reservations, advertise and or sponsor, click on the following link: 2017 Gala RSVP form   Members are encouraged to donate their promotional items to the Gift Bag given to each guest. For more information contact Phil Cardone at (718) 828-3900 or email: Events@BronxChamber.org   The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential, professional and successful organizations and voice for businesses in Bronx County. Professionals and companies are drawn to the successful companies and active members affiliated with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Membership includes businesses ranging from large corporations, Cultural Institutions, Universities and Colleges, Hospitals and Medical Centers, non-profits, and mid-sized to small companies.     Nunzio Del Greco President and CEO Bronx Chamber of Commerce "The Network For Business Success" 1200 Waters Place, Suite 106 Bronx, NY 10461 718-828-3900 Nunzio@bronxchamber.org   "You never know where your next big deal is going to come from"!

Bronx Chamber of Commerce Black Heritage Celebration Luncheon to honor six distinguished individuals for their contributions to our borough

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - BEST OF THE BRONX 2017 GOLF OUTING AWARDS NOMINATIONS REQUESTED

 

 

BEST OF THE BRONX 

2017 GOLF OUTING AWARDS 

NOMINATIONS REQUESTED

 

Members and Friends of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce are requested to nominate professionals to receive Special Recognition and Distinguished Awards at the BEST OF THE BRONX 2017 GOLF OUTING in following categories:

• Businessman of the Year
• Businesswoman of the Year 
• Best of The Bronx Award of the Year 

To process your nominations, please forward name, contact information and biography up to 150 words for each nominee before February 24, 2017.  

The BEST OF THE BRONX 2017 GOLF OUTING Awards will be presented on Monday, May 22, 2017, 11:00 am - 8:00 pm at Trump Links at Ferry Point Park 

 

Please forward your nominations to Nunzio Del Greco, President and CEO via email:Nunzio@BronxChamber.org

 

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is one of the most influential, professional and successful organizations and voice for businesses in Bronx County. Professionals and companies are drawn to the successful companies and active members affiliated with The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Membership includes businesses ranging from large corporations, Cultural Institutions, Universities and Colleges, Hospitals and Medical Centers, non-profits, and mid-sized to small companies.

    

Nunzio Del Greco

President and CEO
Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network For Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461
718-828-3900
Nunzio@bronxchamber.org

 

"You never know where your next big deal is going to come from"!

What You Should Know By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz - Alerting the Public

You should know that our community is being afflicted by some serious public health threats. 

  

It has come to my attention from the media that people in Bronx County are dying and becoming very sick because of a deadly bacterial infection that is being spread by rats. 

  

It has also come to my attention that the water our children are drinking in some of our public schools may be contaminated with toxic levels of lead. 

  

Enclosed is an open letter that I have sent to the Commissioner Basil Seggos of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. 

  

Also enclosed is a letter to parents that was sent by the New York City Department of Education regarding one of the effected schools. 

  

Ladies and gentlemen, these kinds of public health threats are always happening in minority communities. Our people are suffering and dying. Why are we the last to know? 

  

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

OPEN LETTER TO NYS DEC COMMISSIONER BASIL SEGGOS 

February 15, 2017 

Commissioner Basil Seggos New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 

625 Broadway, 14th Floor 

Albany, NY 12233-1010 

Dear Commissioner Seggos: 

This is a most urgent request for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to review and intervene in the situation involving toxic levels of lead in the water supply of certain New York City Department of Education schools. 

My office continues to receive complaints from frightened parents because there are school buildings in the New York City Department of Education that have been found to have dangerously elevated levels of lead in their schools water system. A copy of one such letter is included. 

Instances of elevated lead levels in school water supply is being made known on an ad hoc basis which gives no assurance to parents of school aged children. 

As has been the case in Flint Michigan, until sources of elevated lead in water supplies has been round and eliminated, alternatives such as bottled water, water coolers and filters are needed as a immediate relief. 

New York State must focus on water testing, lead testing for children, and long-term solutions, including follow-up care for affected residents. 

It is essential for your agency to investigate the method that leads to detectable presence and discovery of elevated lead in school water supply, is it leaching for unused, older pipes? If there a common mechanism for how it is being released into the water supply, how can parents and school officials prepare for this? 

While we can all hope that New York City Department of Education will cooperate with your agency’s intervention, the time has passed for letting New York City Department of Education take care of this problem entirely on its own. 

Please help now! 

Sincerely, 

Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz.

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Tribute to Frank Sinatra - clarifiction

  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center is having its 12^th Annual Winter fund raising event, a tribute to Frank Sinatra, on Sunday February 26, 2017. This will be a three-part event. In addition to entertainment, there will be a 'Do It your way' raffle and a Chinese buffet with dessert. It will be held at Vladeck Hall, 74 Van Cortlandt Park South, Bronx, NY 10463.

The doors will open at 11 AM. Free admission - purchase any of the more than 60 raffles. (You don’t have to be present to win.)

At 12 noon, you need to have a ticket, $40 (or $35 if purchased before February 21^st.) These tickets will only be available until we run out of room. The ticket will include a delicious kosher Chinese lunch, fabulous entertainment, dessert and drinks.

At one o’clock the phenomenal Steven Maglio will thrill you with songs for Sinatra lovers. Not hungry? You have an option of just seeing the show and staying for dessert for $20. (There is no early bird rate for this.)  Following the entertainment, there will be dessert, last call for raffles and door prize and raffle drawing.

Advance raffle ticket sales are available who cannot make it the 26^th. Catalog and order forms are available at the VCJC office.

To purchase tickets, get a raffle catalog, or for more information, call 718-884-6105 or visit the VCJC office at 3880 Sedgwick Ave, Bronx, NY 10463, 9 AM to 5 AM Monday to Thursday or 9 AM to 1 PM Friday.

For more information contact --

Jack Spiegel

Cell- 646-296-1737

Email- jspiegel831@yahoo.com

NYC ACS RELEASES 2016 YEAR-END FOSTER CARE STRATEGIC BLUEPRINT STATUS REPORT

This past year, ACS increased the number of children adopted by 5% and the number of children exiting foster care to kinship guardianship by 25%

   The New York City Administration for Children’s Services today announced the release of the 2016 Year-End Foster Care Strategic Blueprint Status Report.  This year-end report highlights the significant progress that ACS made to improve case practice and outcomes for children and families in the foster care system.

The Foster Care Blueprint identifies ACS’ key priorities and strategies pertaining to family reunification, kinship placement, adoption, and supporting older youth. This focus— combined with an unprecedented investment by the de Blasio administration of $122 million in new funding to strengthen child welfare— is yielding promising results.

“We know that children fare best when raised in families,”said Administration for Children’s Services Deputy Commissioner for Family Permanency Services Julie Farber. “This past year, more than 2,500 children in foster care were reunified with their families of origin, and 1,052 New York City kids were adopted. Furthermore, the number of kids placed permanently with relatives has increased 25%. Our comprehensive strategies are producing results for kids and families.”

The improvements highlighted in the report are, among them:

·         Significant Increases in Adoption and Kinship Guardianship: From FY2015 to FY2016, ACS and its foster care providers increased the number of children achieving permanency through kinship guardianship (KinGAP) by 25% and adoption by 5%, even as the overall numbers of children in foster care continued to decline.

 

·         Safe Reunification with Family: 2,500 children were reunified with their families of origin in FY2016; and the proportion of children who re-entered foster care post-reunification  decreased  from FY2015 to FY2016. 

 

·         Declining Foster Care Census: Fewer than 10,000 children are in foster care due to better child protective investigations, more preventive services and improvements in foster care case practice.

 

·         Historically Low Foster Care Caseloads: Foster care caseworker caseloads are at an historic low, averaging 10-12 children per worker.

 

·         Cutting Edge Training: The new ACS Workforce Institute has trained more than 5,000 ACS child protection and provider agency foster care and preventive services staff a new Open Adoption initiative engaged more than 600 foster care agency staff, legal advocates and the courts; and a new training on Family Time was provided to more than 1,450 foster care agency staff. 

 

·         Evidence-Based Services: ACS is scaling the evidence-based initiatives that were launched in 2015. Foster care agencies are using a nationally recognized screening tool to assess trauma, and proven interventions are being delivered to help children, parents, and families cope with trauma. 

 

·         Increased ACS Support to Strengthen Foster Care Agency Case Practice: ACS has an intensive provider oversight system that includes but is not limited to monthly safety checks; monthly and quarterly reports on numerous key safety, permanency and well-being indicators; statistically representative intensive case reviews; annual scorecards; and corrective action plans. In 2015 and 2016, ACS implemented new quality improvement strategies, increased case consultation resources for foster care agencies and added a new ACS unit providing technical assistance to foster care agencies on best practices, business process improvements and performance management strategies. 

 

·         Better Pathways to Adulthood for Youth in Foster Care: ACS partnered with the City University of New York, the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, the Workplace Center at Columbia University School of Social Work, among others, and launched multiple initiatives to improve education and employment outcomes for youth in foster care.  More than 400 youth in foster care are attending college. 

To read the entire 2016 Year-End Foster Care Strategic Blueprint Status Report, please visit: www.nyc.gov/acs/fostercareblueprint. 

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care and education services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services, and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. In early care and education, ACS coordinates and funds programs and vouchers for close to 100,000 children eligible for subsidized care.

For more information, please visit www.nyc.gov/acs

EDITOR'S NOTE:

While the above is good news, it is quite clear that for children already in families who are in dangerous situations ACS has failed many as we see in the headlines and on television stories of deaths and abuse of children under ACS watch.