Saturday, August 14, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 14, 2021

 

46,441 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours 

13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19. 

"The Delta variant is a very serious threat, especially for people who are still unvaccinated," Governor Cuomo said. "We've made great progress considering where we were when COVID first ambushed our state, but if we want to defeat this virus, it is imperative that every New Yorker takes the vaccine. Every shot in the arm brings us closer to victory, so if you haven't yet, I urge you to come to one of our many sites and get vaccinated - for your own safety and for everyone you love."   

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 152,641
  • Total Positive - 4,474
  • Percent Positive - 2.93%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.09%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,654 (+93)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 295
  • Patients in ICU - 347 (+49)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 132 (+10)
  • Total Discharges - 188,748 (+205)
  • Deaths - 13
  • Total Deaths - 43,229
  • Total vaccine doses administered - 22,858,154
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 46,441
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 309,661
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 74.4%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 68.1%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.7%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 62.5%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.8%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 65.0%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 58.2%

High-Ranking Member Of MS-13 Sentenced To More Than 9 Years In Prison For Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

 

Prior to His Arrest, Jaime Santana, a/k/a “Smiley,” Was the Highest Ranking Non-Incarcerated Member of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13 in the U.S.

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAIME SANTANA, a/k/a “Smiley,” a high-ranking member of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick to 110 months in prison.  SANTANA previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy, and participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. 

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jaime Santana, a leader of the L.A. Program of MS-13, trafficked in weapons and cocaine and helped plan a cross-border methamphetamine distribution network.  Santana was also party to an extortion in which he and others threatened to murder the victim.  Thanks to our partners at HSI and the NYPD, Santana was arrested, convicted, and has now been sentenced to prison for his crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

SANTANA is a member of MS-13, a transnational racketeering enterprise that operates throughout North and Central America, including in El Salvador, Mexico, New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of MS-13 committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

MS-13 is organized into chapters called “cliques.”  Groups of cliques, in turn, are aligned as “programs.”  Each program is governed by a group of senior gang leaders known as the “table.”  SANTANA is a high-ranking member of the table of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13.

In July and September 2019, SANTANA sold a 9mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, boxes of ammunition, and cocaine to individuals working at the direction of law enforcement.

Furthermore, in the summer and fall of 2019, SANTANA was involved, with other high-ranking members of MS-13, in planning for the establishment of a methamphetamine distribution network that started in Mexico and operated throughout the United States, including North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Tennessee.

In addition, in September 2019, SANTANA and other senior members of MS-13 conspired to extort another gang member, who was told that he either had to repay money or be “green lit” (i.e., killed) for introducing a “bad connection” who supplied poor quality narcotics to the gang.           

In addition to the prison term, Judge Broderick sentenced SANTANA, 41, of Galatin, Tennessee, to five years of supervised release.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES STATEN ISLAND FERRY SERVICE FULLY RESTORED ON MONDAY

 

As ridership climbs, 24/7 half-hour departures return

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Borough President James Oddo announced today that the full restoration of round-the-clock 30-minute Staten Island Ferry service is to take effect as scheduled on Monday, August 16, 2021. In 2019, the free Staten Island Ferry moved 70,000 passengers on weekdays and 22 million people a year. 
 
“The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No matter when you go to work, visit family and friends, or enjoy a night out in the greatest city in the world, you deserve fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service. That’s what we’re proud to deliver today.”
 
“Staten Islanders depend on the ferry for free and reliable service to Manhattan, and the return of full overnight service will make these two boroughs accessible for every New Yorker who calls them home,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I’m grateful to every elected official, advocate, and City worker who made this restoration possible, and I look forward to full service starting on Monday.”
 
“I am pleased that full overnight service will return to the Staten Island Ferry on Monday, all thanks to the Mayor’s and Borough President’s commitment to getting us back to normal," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Staten Islanders and their elected officials have made it very clear how frequent service is critical to their quality of life -- and we are once again happy to oblige in bringing back service every half hour on one of New York City’s great commutes.” 
 
“Local Law 88 of 2013 lives! Years ago when in the City Council I fought hard to get this legislation enacted to compel increased Staten Island Ferry service. To his credit, early in his tenure Mayor de Blasio knew providing this level of service was the right thing and he fully funded it," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. "Staten Island lived up to its responsibility during the economic difficulties brought upon by Covid and we accepted the reduction in service. But as the Mayor has made clear, we are in a 'Recovery for all' and that means helping all those essential workers and Staten Islanders who work outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. Local Law 88 of 2013 and 24/7/365 half hour service lives!"
 
The new service schedule’s additional trips will all originate from both St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Ferry Terminals, starting with the first restored trip at 11:30 p.m. from St. George on August 15. The remaining 13 restored trips will depart St. George at 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and then 11:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on weekends. Each of these trips has a return run, one half hour later, out of Whitehall Terminal for a total of 28 runs.
 
DOT has hired and trained new personnel required for these additional trips since the restoration was announced in June.
 
On Staten Island, riders can get to the St. George Terminal using the following MTA/NYCT bus lines: S40 Howland Hook; S42 Clyde Place; S44 Staten Island Mall; S46 West Shore Plaza; S48 Mariners Harbor; S51 Grant City; S52 S.I. Univ. Hospital; S61 Staten Island Mall; S62 Travis; S66 Port Richmond; S74 Tottenville; S76 Oakwood Beach; S78 Tottenville; S81 Grant City (Limited); S84 Tottenville (Limited); S86 Oakwood Beach (Limited); S90 Howland Hook (Limited); S91 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S92 Travis (Limited); S94 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S96 Mariners Harbor (Limited); and S98 Mariners Harbor (Limited).
 
In Manhattan, riders can get to the Whitehall Terminal using the M5, M15, M15SBS, M20 bus service lines, and the R train to Whitehall Street Station, the 1 train to South Ferry Station, the 4 and 5 train to Bowling Green Station, and the J and Z train to Broad Street Station.
 
Cars, motorcycles and trucks are no longer allowed on the ferries. Travel time between Whitehall and Saint George terminals and vice versa is approximately 25 minutes. For more information visit nyc.gov/siferry, and for updates, please check nyc.gov/dot or contact 311.
 
“I’m thrilled that we can get back some normalcy in our commuting life. Many Staten Islanders are some of our most dedicated public servants, and with that comes untraditional hours. I hope this brings them a great sense of relief,” said Senator Diane Savino.
 

Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Enacting the "Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act"

 

Legislation Allows for the State to Finance the Acquisition and/or Conversion of Distressed Hotels and Commercial Office Properties by Nonprofit Organizations to Increase Affordable Housing


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.5257C/A.6593B), enacting the "Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Act," which provides a mechanism for the state to finance the acquisition and/or conversion of distressed hotels and/or commercial office properties by the appropriate nonprofit organizations for the purpose of maintaining or increasing affordable housing

"Putting empty buildings together with those in need of housing is common sense - there's no better way to revamp unused structures than to turn them into thriving, safe, comfortable homes," Governor Cuomo said. "Providing affordable housing to communities not only serves those living in the homes, but the communities around them. We look forward to all that HONDA will do to serve the people of New York and I am proud to sign it into law."

Housing created through HONDA will provide affordable permanent housing that meets safety, habitability and quality standards while also providing inhabitants access to supportive services.

Attorney General James Statement on Earthquake in Haiti

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement on the earthquake in Haiti: 

“The situation unfolding in Haiti right now is devastating and deeply concerning. Over the past few weeks, the Haitian people have endured so much pain and suffering, and today, they have been rocked by yet another disaster. We must do all we can to support the Haitian people both in the immediate aftermath of this earthquake and in the months to come. My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and our Haitian communities here in New York.”

144 Days and Counting - Segregation is alive and well under Mayor de Blasio

 


As your mayor I want to dispel those rumors that the Department of Education is promoting segregation. It is just a coincidence that the lowest performing schools in New York City are those with Black and Brown students in the Bronx public schools. 


I also want to dispel the rumor that our homecoming events are also a form of segregation. One must have a valid vaccination card showing at least one vaccination shot was administered, or proof that one can not take the vaccine, and has a 72 hour letter stating that they are negative for the virus. 


It is not my fault that the Black and Brown communities, especially in the Bronx have the lowest vaccination rate in the city. It is the fault of the outgoing governor who did not give the city adequate supplies of vaccine for the outer boroughs, especially the Bronx. 


If elected governor I vow to return the name Tapan Zee to the bridge now named the Mario Cuomo Bridge.  

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: NYC HOMECOMING WEEK KICKS OFF WITH OVER 100 ARTS & CULTURE, ENTERTAINMENT, AND COMMUNITY EVENTS IN ALL FIVE BOROUGHS, AUGUST 14-22


EDITOR'S NOTE:

This proves by mandating a person must have a vaccination that segregation is alive and well under Mayor Bill de Blasio. It is the Black and Brown people who have the lowest vaccination rates in the city. 

In accordance with City of New York requirements:

       Attendees who are age 12 or over must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter an NYC Homecoming Week Concert or Film Screening. Proof of vaccination includes at least one dose of a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or World Health Organization (WHO) approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac.

       Unvaccinated minors under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a vaccinated adult to enter an NYC Homecoming Week Concert or Film Screening. The vaccinated adult must present proof of at least one dose of a Food and Drug Administration or World Health Organization approved COVID-19 vaccine. These are Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca/Oxford, Sinopharm or Sinovac. Unvaccinated minors under the age of 12 must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test:

PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS STATEMENT ON THE EARTHQUAKE IN HAITI

 

"The people of Haiti, who have already suffered so much pain and trauma in the last weeks, months and years, are once again reeling in the wake of a devastating natural disaster. My appreciation and respect for the Haitian people and culture runs as deep as the diaspora's roots here in New York City. I offer my prayers for peace and comfort to the families of those who have lost their lives, and to everyone in Les Cayes, in Jeremie, on the island and throughout the diaspora still waiting for information on their loved ones as so many lives and livelihoods have been destroyed.

"Together with our prayers, we must provide sustained support. In the past, people  and nations have rushed to Haiti's aid in the immediate moment of crisis, when the headlines are fresh and the cameras are present, only to abandon them in the aftermath and invite future crises. Just five weeks ago the President of Haiti was assassinated, and while that upheaval is ongoing, the world's attention has not been. This cycle cannot continue. We must come together today, yes, but stay together through recovery and rebuilding. L'Union fait la force." 

Friday, August 13, 2021

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 13, 2021

 

55,347 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday


 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combatting COVID-19.

"COVID-19 and its Delta variant are still a threat to New Yorkers and people around the globe, and the clear path forward is vaccinating as many people as we possibly can," Governor Cuomo said. "The vaccine is safe and effective, and taking it is absolutely free to everyone who's eligible. I urge all New Yorkers who can take the vaccine to get their shots right away—this is how we protect ourselves, our families and our communities and defeat this terrible virus for good."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

  • Test Results Reported - 147,718
  • Total Positive - 4,591
  • Percent Positive - 3.11%
  • 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.10%
  • Patient Hospitalization - 1,561 (+113)
  • Patients Newly Admitted - 279
  • Patients in ICU - 298 (+9)
  • Patients in ICU with Intubation - 122 (+4)
  • Total Discharges - 188,543 (+187)
  • Deaths - 13
  • Total Deaths - 43,216
  • Total vaccine doses administered - 22,811,713
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 55,347
  • Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 313,019
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 74.3%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 68.0%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.1%
  • Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.6%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 62.4%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.7%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 64.8%
  • Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 58.1%

CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Issues Warning to New Yorkers About Scam Targeting Employees During Pandemic

 

“Boss Scam” Targets Employees With Texts and Emails From
Fraudsters Posing as Employers Asking for Gift Cards

With More Employees Working Remotely Due to COVID-19 Safety Measures, AG James Offers New Yorkers Tips to Protect Themselves 

 Ilan Graff, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced today the guilty plea of JEFFREY HASTINGS, the former chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration Holdings, Inc. (“SAEX” or the “Company”), a publicly traded seismic data company based in Houston, Texas, for his role in a scheme to fraudulently and materially inflate the publicly reported revenue of SAEX by tens of millions of dollars, in 2015 and 2016, and also for misappropriating millions of dollars from the Company.  HASTINGS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud offenses.

Ilan Graff, Attorney for the United States, said: “As he acknowledged in court today, Jeffrey Hastings schemed to inflate his company’s revenue, making it appear more profitable than it was.  Hastings then stole money from the company for his own use.  Hastings now awaits sentencing for his admitted fraud and deception.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, the Superseding Indictment, and the Complaint filed in this case, and statements made during the plea proceeding:           

At all times relevant to the Information until August 2016, HASTINGS was the executive chairman of the board of directors of SAEX (the “Board”).  After August 2016, HASTINGS served as both the chairman of the Board and the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of SAEX until he separated from the company in August 2019.  SAEX was a publicly traded seismic data acquisition company headquartered in Houston, Texas, that traded under the symbol “SAEX” on the NASDAQ.  In May 2020, SAEX was delisted from the NASDAQ and, in December 2020, was taken private.  SAEX provided land- and marine-based seismic acquisition services, including program design, planning and permitting, camp services, survey, drilling, recording, and processing.  Seismic data is used by oil and gas companies to identify and analyze drilling prospects and maximize successful drilling.

From February 2015 through May 2019HASTINGS, together with Brent Whiteley, the then chief financial officer and general counsel of SAEX, Michael Scott, the then executive vice president of operations at SAEX, and “CC-1,” the founder and at various times president, CEO, and chief operating officer of SAEX, devised and carried out a scheme to defraud SAEX’s shareholders, bondholders, and the investing public by artificially and materially inflating SAEX’s reported revenue by making it appear that Alaskan Seismic Ventures, LLC (“ASV”) was an independent and reliable source of tens of millions of dollars of revenue.

In February 2015, HASTINGS and Whiteley discussed finding a way for SAEX to take advantage of certain tax credits offered by the State of Alaska to seismic data library companies, to offset the costs of exploring for oil and gas in Alaska (the “Alaska Tax Credits”).  The Board of SAEX was opposed to operating its own data library company because of concerns about the ability to ensure payment to SAEX, including through the monetization of Alaska Tax Credits, among other reasons.  To avoid the appearance that SAEX was operating a data library company that licensed data to third parties, HASTINGS and Whiteley set up ASV, to purport to operate as an independent customer purchasing seismic data from SAEX and licensing it to third parties.  HASTINGS recruited an acquaintance to serve as the owner and sole employee of ASV.  In truth and in fact, and as hidden from investors, ASV was not independent and could not pay SAEX for its seismic data.

After setting up ASV, HASTINGS and Whiteley created and caused to be created a number of shell companies (the “Shell Companies”) for the purpose of secretly transferring funds from SAEX into ASV.  One of the Shell Companies, Global Equipment Solutions (“Global Equipment”), was purportedly an equipment rental company from which SAEX rented seismic acquisition equipment.  In truth and in fact, and as HASTINGS and his co-conspirators well knew, SAEX did not rent any equipment from Global Equipment and did not owe Global Equipment any money.  The co-conspirators took steps to make the payments from SAEX to Global Equipment appear legitimate to others at SAEX.  For example, Whiteley drafted a lease agreement between SAEX and Global Equipment, and Scott caused fake purchase orders to be created that purported to show expenses incurred by SAEX as a result of renting equipment from Global Equipment.

By the end of 2015, SAEX had recorded on its books approximately $12 million in payables to Global Equipment.  HASTINGS and his co-conspirators ultimately routed approximately $5.8 million of SAEX’s funds through Global Equipment and the other Shell Companies to ASV.  That money then went from ASV back to SAEX to pay outstanding receivables.  The fact that these funds belonged to and originated with SAEX was not disclosed to investors.  HASTINGS and his co-conspirators referred to this portion of the scheme as “round-tripping.”  In addition, HASTINGS and Whiteley then misappropriated more than $5 million of the funds that SAEX transferred to Global Equipment for their own use, including making payments to Scott and CC-1, among others.   

HASTINGS, 63, of Anchorage, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false statements in annual and quarterly SEC reports, and to make false statements to SAEX’s auditors, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

HASTINGS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on November 15, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. 

Whiteley and Scott have already pled guilty and await sentencing before Judge Woods.

Mr. Graff praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant, for its assistance in the investigation.



Former CEO Of Publicly Traded Houston Company Pleads Guilty To Accounting Fraud Scheme

 

Defendant Also Misappropriated More Than $5 Million From the Company

 Ilan Graff, Attorney for the United States, Acting under Authority Conferred by 28 U.S.C. § 515, announced today the guilty plea of JEFFREY HASTINGS, the former chief executive officer and chairman of the board of directors of SAExploration Holdings, Inc. (“SAEX” or the “Company”), a publicly traded seismic data company based in Houston, Texas, for his role in a scheme to fraudulently and materially inflate the publicly reported revenue of SAEX by tens of millions of dollars, in 2015 and 2016, and also for misappropriating millions of dollars from the Company.  HASTINGS pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods to conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud offenses.

Ilan Graff, Attorney for the United States, said: “As he acknowledged in court today, Jeffrey Hastings schemed to inflate his company’s revenue, making it appear more profitable than it was.  Hastings then stole money from the company for his own use.  Hastings now awaits sentencing for his admitted fraud and deception.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, the Superseding Indictment, and the Complaint filed in this case, and statements made during the plea proceeding:           

At all times relevant to the Information until August 2016, HASTINGS was the executive chairman of the board of directors of SAEX (the “Board”).  After August 2016, HASTINGS served as both the chairman of the Board and the chief executive officer (“CEO”) of SAEX until he separated from the company in August 2019.  SAEX was a publicly traded seismic data acquisition company headquartered in Houston, Texas, that traded under the symbol “SAEX” on the NASDAQ.  In May 2020, SAEX was delisted from the NASDAQ and, in December 2020, was taken private.  SAEX provided land- and marine-based seismic acquisition services, including program design, planning and permitting, camp services, survey, drilling, recording, and processing.  Seismic data is used by oil and gas companies to identify and analyze drilling prospects and maximize successful drilling.

From February 2015 through May 2019HASTINGS, together with Brent Whiteley, the then chief financial officer and general counsel of SAEX, Michael Scott, the then executive vice president of operations at SAEX, and “CC-1,” the founder and at various times president, CEO, and chief operating officer of SAEX, devised and carried out a scheme to defraud SAEX’s shareholders, bondholders, and the investing public by artificially and materially inflating SAEX’s reported revenue by making it appear that Alaskan Seismic Ventures, LLC (“ASV”) was an independent and reliable source of tens of millions of dollars of revenue.

In February 2015, HASTINGS and Whiteley discussed finding a way for SAEX to take advantage of certain tax credits offered by the State of Alaska to seismic data library companies, to offset the costs of exploring for oil and gas in Alaska (the “Alaska Tax Credits”).  The Board of SAEX was opposed to operating its own data library company because of concerns about the ability to ensure payment to SAEX, including through the monetization of Alaska Tax Credits, among other reasons.  To avoid the appearance that SAEX was operating a data library company that licensed data to third parties, HASTINGS and Whiteley set up ASV, to purport to operate as an independent customer purchasing seismic data from SAEX and licensing it to third parties.  HASTINGS recruited an acquaintance to serve as the owner and sole employee of ASV.  In truth and in fact, and as hidden from investors, ASV was not independent and could not pay SAEX for its seismic data.

After setting up ASV, HASTINGS and Whiteley created and caused to be created a number of shell companies (the “Shell Companies”) for the purpose of secretly transferring funds from SAEX into ASV.  One of the Shell Companies, Global Equipment Solutions (“Global Equipment”), was purportedly an equipment rental company from which SAEX rented seismic acquisition equipment.  In truth and in fact, and as HASTINGS and his co-conspirators well knew, SAEX did not rent any equipment from Global Equipment and did not owe Global Equipment any money.  The co-conspirators took steps to make the payments from SAEX to Global Equipment appear legitimate to others at SAEX.  For example, Whiteley drafted a lease agreement between SAEX and Global Equipment, and Scott caused fake purchase orders to be created that purported to show expenses incurred by SAEX as a result of renting equipment from Global Equipment.

By the end of 2015, SAEX had recorded on its books approximately $12 million in payables to Global Equipment.  HASTINGS and his co-conspirators ultimately routed approximately $5.8 million of SAEX’s funds through Global Equipment and the other Shell Companies to ASV.  That money then went from ASV back to SAEX to pay outstanding receivables.  The fact that these funds belonged to and originated with SAEX was not disclosed to investors.  HASTINGS and his co-conspirators referred to this portion of the scheme as “round-tripping.”  In addition, HASTINGS and Whiteley then misappropriated more than $5 million of the funds that SAEX transferred to Global Equipment for their own use, including making payments to Scott and CC-1, among others.   

HASTINGS, 63, of Anchorage, Alaska, and British Columbia, Canada, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, to make false statements in annual and quarterly SEC reports, and to make false statements to SAEX’s auditors, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  The maximum potential penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

HASTINGS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on November 15, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. 

Whiteley and Scott have already pled guilty and await sentencing before Judge Woods.

Mr. Graff praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He also thanked the Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed a civil enforcement action against the defendant, for its assistance in the investigation.

ALLEGED GANG MEMBER INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN SHOOTING THAT WOUNDED MAN AND SENTTWO CHILDREN RUNNING FOR THEIR LIVES

 

Incident Captured on Video; Girl Shielded Younger Brother with Her Body

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that an alleged gang member from Manhattan has been indicted on Attempted Murder, Assault, Reckless Endangerment and additional charges for shooting a Bronx man at close range near two young children on a Mount Eden street in broad daylight. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “A 13-year-old girl and her five-year-old brother were on their way to a store when the defendant, an alleged gang member, allegedly fired a dozen shots at a Bronx man,striking him three times. As bullets flew, the brave girl grabbed her younger brother and shielded him, while other bystanders on the street ran for cover. By the grace of God everyone survived. The resilient children have been getting assistance and services since the incident happened, and we hope they will recover from this terrible near-death experience. We will not allow gun violence to continue to plague our streets and threaten the safety of our children.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Michael Lopez, 27, of 1430 Amsterdam Avenue, Manhattan, was arraigned today on three counts of Attempted Murder in the seconddegree, two counts of first-degree Assault, two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, four counts of second-degree Assault, first and second-degree Reckless Endangerment, third and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Possession of a Firearm, three counts of third-degree Assault, three counts of second-degree Menacing, Possession of Ammunition and three counts of second-degree Harassment before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant was remanded and is due back in court on November 12.

 According to the investigation, on the afternoon of June 17, 2021 near 1551 Sheridan Avenue, the defendant got off a scooter and chased a 24-year-old man, allegedly a gang member, up the block, firingmultiple shots at him. His target ran into a 13-year-old girl and her five-yearold brother, knocking themto the ground. The girl shielded her brother as the defendant continued to fire shots at his target. The defendant then fled the scene. The man was struck once in the back and once in each leg and was taken to a local hospital. He is currently unable to walk and is undergoing long-term care. The children, and other innocent bystanders who were in the vicinity when the shooting happened, were not injured. 

The defendant allegedly fired at least 12 shots during the incident. The shooting was captured on video. Lopez was arrested on June 25, 2021.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Curtis Cato of the 44th Precinct for his work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Team AOC Contributes to Strong Census Count in The Bronx, Queens

 


ICYMI: Team AOC Contributes to Strong Census Count in Bronx, Queens

  In case you missed it, figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau yesterday showed a stronger than expected Census count in both The Bronx and Queens.  Among large counties, Queens exceeded the Bureau’s estimates more so than any other – overperforming expectations by 8 percent. The Bronx overperformed estimates by 5 percent.  Last year, Team AOC launched a seven-figure effort to encourage residents to complete the Census. In addition to funding multilingual mailers and advertisements in a district where well over 200 languages are spoken, the campaign’s organizing team mobilized volunteers for nearly 1,800 events to help 3,800 residents complete their Census. Overall, this helped direct an estimated $53 million in federal resources to the district, in addition to saving New York a congressional seat. 
 
“Thank you to all the organizers and advocates across the city who worked tirelessly on our Census efforts last year. Local community organizers put in a ton of work in getting their communities accurately counted, “said Rep. Ocasio-Cortez in a tweet, where she also praised New York City for its Census effort.  
 
ICYMI: Ocasio-Cortez Pushes for Census Participation: 
“When we do not know that families exist, which is what happens when we get an undercount of the Census, we can’t fund schools, we can’t fund infrastructure, we don’t know where to put hospitals, and this results in the situation that we have in Corona, which is one of the most overcrowded school districts in the city,” Ocasio-Cortez said.

“Our strategy is all about building trust in the community before the enumerators even come to your door,” Ocasio-Cortez told THE CITY. That trust is crucial in a district where 47% of residents are foreign born, and fear of taking part in an official government count is expected to be widespread. “There’s been an increased use of one’s immigration status as a form of intimidation,” she said.

“My district, which is overwhelmingly working-class and one of the most diverse in the country, is also one of the districts hardest hit by the virus,” Ocasio-Cortez wrote. “This crisis has only underscored the need for an accurate count - so that resources can be appropriately and quickly distributed in an emergency. However, as things currently stand, those districts hit the hardest by COVID-19, those districts which already suffer greatest from structural racism and inequity, stand to be the most undercounted,” she added.

In the ad, Ocasio-Cortez reminds New York City residents that the census is for everyone to fill out regardless of immigration status and that the information provided to the U.S. Census Bureau is protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone, including law enforcement agencies. "The census only comes once in every 10 years, and 2020 is our chance to get it right," Ocasio-Cortez says at the end of the PSA.

"If our kids aren't counted and our families aren't counted, then our schools aren't going to get the teachers that they need,” Ocasio-Cortez said at the event. “Our infrastructure is not going to get the investment that it requires, including our transit infrastructure, our bridges, our roads, our hospitals. So we have to make sure that our response is completely overwhelming, that every single person is counted and that everyone gets the resources that they need."


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz 18 District, Bronx Kathy Hochul "The Accidental Governor"

 

 You should know that in March 2008 I was in Albany, NY when we received news of the then-Governor Eliot Spitzer's prostitution scandal.  

As you well know; Spitzer was forced to resign and the Hon. David Paterson, who until then served as lieutenant governor, made history by being the first African-American governor in New York State.  

It is important for you to know that from the moment Lieutenant Governor David Paterson, stepped into his role as Governor he was stamped with the seal being called "The Accidental Governor". The news media, the written and televised press, commentators, writers, and the mainstream media in general, never  took the glove off Governor David Paterson's face, always calling him "The Accidental Governor."   

I don't know if it was because he was the first African American governor, a minority, a male, or because he is legally blind.  All I know is that he was constantly belittled when he was continuously identified as “The Accidental Governor." 

It is important for you to note that today the Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, as David Paterson will make history as the first female governor of the State, for which we are proud and congratulate her. Nonetheless, there is a big difference in that  no one has referred to her as "The Accidental Governor."

The same reporters, the same commentators, the same news programs, and all those who disparaged and mocked Paterson by calling him "The Accidental Governor” not once have bestowed the same title of the “Accidental Governor” to Kathy Hochul. Why is that?
 
Kathy Hochul will be governed under the same circumstances as David Paterson. Neither of them was elected by the people.  Both became governors of this great state because the actual governor was forced to resign due to scandal.   It just so happens that both were in the right place at the right time.  
 
Why then the different treatment?  Kathy Hochul is being treated with silk gloves and with the utmost respect, while David Paterson was treated as nothing more than "The Accidental Governor”.   Why is it?
 
To all those people who sealed Paterson as "The Accidental Governor” I encourage you to use the same measure that you used back then when referring to Governor David Paterson, it’s only fair.

I'm Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is What You Should Know.

New Census Data Reveals Large Population Gains Across New York City

 

Population in New York City reached 8.8 million in 2020, an increase of 629,000 since 2010, according to new data released by The Census Bureau. The 2020 census was the 24th count and the first time that households could respond to the census online, a change many are touting led to more accurate data.

In Manhattan, population increased by 108,378, a 6.8 percent change to 1,694,251 in 2020. In The Bronx, population increased by 87,546, a 6.3 percent change to 1,472,654. In Brooklyn, population increased by 231,374, a 9.2 percent change to 2,736,074, the largest growth across the five boroughs. Queens population numbers has the second largest increase, a 7.8 percent change, or 174,742 to 2,405,464. Staten Island had the smallest increase in the boroughs, a 5.8 percent change, or 27,017 to 495,747.

In New York state, population numbers grew 4.2 percent over the past ten years, or 823,147 for a total 20,201,249. Census numbers also tallied 8,488,066 housing units in the state, with Kings County leading in housing units, a 7.7 percent increase, or 77,361, to 1,077,654 in 2020. Brooklyn also has a 6.3 percent housing unit vacancy rate.

Manhattan saw the largest housing unit vacancy rate of the boroughs, 10.5 percent over the last decade, as housing units grew 7.9 percent to 913,926 in 2020. Bronx County had the smallest housing unit vacancy rate of 4.5 percent, as well as a 6.9 percent change in housing units. Queens’s housing unit vacancy rate is 5.5 percent after housing units grew by 7.3 percent to 896,333. Housing vacancy rate in Staten Island is 5.7 percent, which also saw a four percent increase in housing units to 183,692.


Representative Adriano Espaillat to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Drive as District Families and Students Return Back to School


Special Guest, New York City Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter


Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson Vaccines Available. No Appointment Needed.


Vaccine Drive

Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) will host a 

community vaccination clinic on Friday, August 13th 

starting at 10:00 a.m. (EDT) at the PS 52 located at 

650 Academy Street, New York, NY  10034.


Rep. Espaillat continues his push to increase vaccinations 

throughout New York's 13th congressional district, 

which was among the hardest hit communities at the 

start of the pandemic. During the vaccination clinic, Rep. 

Espaillat will be joined by New York City Schools 

Chancellor Meisha Porter, who will greet residents and 

discuss concerns as area students prepare to return to school 

in the coming weeks. 


Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines will be available. 

No appointment is needed.


WHO: Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

             New York City Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter


WHAT: Vaccination Clinic for NY-13 Residents


WHEN: Friday, August 13th, 2021 from 10:00 a.m - 7:00pm 


WHERE: PS 52

                    650 Academy Street

                    New York, NY  10034


PUBLIC NOTICE: All events hosted by my office 

require masks. - No exceptions.


145 Days and Counting

 


Hmm, let me think about that one since it is going to be 95 degrees or hotter, and I have to worry about our crumbling infrastructure, well at least for another 145 days. I cut short my vacation due to the hot weather, but it should break over the weekend. Just remember this day when there is a foot of snow on the ground and its 10 degrees outside, and inside most NYCHA buildings. I should be gone by then and Mayor Adams will have to worry about that and how to clean the streets of the snow. You really can't think Curtis Swila has a chance here in New York City while the city's population increased by almost 700,000 mostly immigrants in the last ten years as the white folk moved out in droves, with the exception of Manhattan. 


Well let me get back to my strategy about next year governor' race, I mean my vacation.

Thursday, August 12, 2021

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPLAUDS ADDITIONAL “KEY TO NYC” EARLY ADOPTERS

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Segregation is alive and growing in New York City. See below from Mayor Bill de Blasio.



 Mayor Bill de Blasio today applauded more than 20 additional New York City businesses for requiring proof of vaccination for entry. The vaccine requirements, first unveiled by the City of New York as the “Key to NYC” program in early August, officially take effect during the week of August 16th for indoor dining, entertainment, and fitness facilities across the five boroughs. 

“More and more businesses have already adopted our Key to NYC requirements - and are becoming public health heroes in the process,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I thank each and every one of them for doing their part to keep New York City safe. My message to New Yorkers is clear: if you want to enjoy everything New York City has to offer, get vaccinated today.”

 

Additional businesses already adopting vaccine requirements include:

 

·         Anfora

·         Arlene's Grocery

·         Blink Fitness

·         Brandy's Piano Bar

·         Equinox Fitness Clubs

·         Ethyl's Food and Alcohol

·         Fairfax

·         Iconoclast Fitness

·         Jeffrey’s Grocery

·         Jolene

·         Joseph Leonard

·         Los Arrieros

·         Oak and Iron

·         Resilient Fitness

·         Sagaponack

·         Solas Bar

·         SoulCycle

·         Stand Up NY

·         Sugar Monk

·         Tacombi

·         The Graham

·         The Three Diamond Door

 

Today’s list adds to the more than 30 businesses announced as early adopters yesterday:

 

·         Amor Y Amargo

·         Avant Garden

·         Bossa Nova Civic Club

·         Cadence

·         City Winery

·         Dame

·         Death & Co

·         Dirt Candy

·         Etérea

·         Felix Storch

·         Forsythia

·         Gertie

·         Ilili

·         Jeju Noodle

·         Ladybird

·         Leland

·         Leyenda

·         Llama San

·         Nowadays

·         Proletariat

·         PUBLIC Hotel

·         Related

·         RXR Realty

·         Soda Club

·         Tannat

·         The Bell House

·         The Durst Organization

·         The Pedal House

·         The Queensboro

·         Union Hall

·         Unter

·         Yellow Rose­

 

The City has embarked on a listening tour to gather feedback across industries and incorporate businesses’ needs into the final guidance. The City will also launch a multi-language ad campaign for consumers and business owners to spread awareness about the program.

 

Acceptable proof of vaccination includes at least three options: a CDC-issued vaccination card, the New York State Excelsior Pass, and the NYC COVID Safe App, which allows those vaccinated out of New York State to show proof of their status. More details on requirements will be announced next week..