Yonkers Man Sentenced To 35 Years For March 2011 Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DARNELL KIDD, a/k/a “Black,” a/k/a “Donney,” a/k/a “Donney Black,” was sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of Jonathan Johnson, 21, on March 18, 2011, in White Plains, New York.  On November 16, 2022, KIDD was convicted of one count of murder through the use of a firearm, following a jury trial before U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román, who imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “This lengthy investigation is yet another example of this Office’s commitment to prosecuting those who perpetuate gun violence and rob residents of New York of their peace and safety.  We will continue our all-hands-on-deck approach with our law enforcement partners to identify and punish those who commit violent and brutal gun offenses.”

According to the evidence at trial and statements made in public court proceedings and filings:

On March 18, 2011, DARNELL KIDD and his co-defendant MARCUS CHAMBERS murdered Jonathan Johnson by shooting him during an armed robbery for marijuana in White Plains.  In advance of the robbery, CHAMBERS arranged by phone to purchase three ounces of marijuana from Johnson.  Intending to instead rob Johnson, CHAMBERS and KIDD met with Johnson in or near Johnson’s car, which was parked on a suburban street in White Plains.  During the course of the robbery, KIDD drew a loaded gun and fired it, killing Johnson.  KIDD and CHAMBERS then fled from the scene of the murder.   

In addition to his prison term, KIDD, 31, of Yonkers, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the White Plains Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Westchester Safe Streets Task Force, which comprises Special Agents and Task Force Officers from the FBI, United States Probation Office, New York State Police, New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, Westchester County Department of Public Safety, Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, New York City Police Department, Yonkers Police Department, Mount Vernon Police Department, Peekskill Police Department, Greenburgh Police Department, New Rochelle Police Department, White Plains Police Department, Clarkstown Police Department, and Ramapo Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office for its assistance in this matter.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Brush Fires Across the State

 

State Has Deployed Resources to Respond to Fires in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie and Otsego Counties

Annual Prohibition on Residential Brush Burning in Effect to Prevent Wildfires

 Governor Kathy Hochul provided an update on brush fires burning across New York. The Governor has deployed a multi-agency response in collaboration with local first responders and continues to provide resources and respond to fires in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie and Ostego counties, among several other communities.

"Given the dry and warm conditions over the past few days, we have seen an increase in wildfires in multiple counties and are responding quickly," Governor Hochul said. "I encourage all New Yorkers to stay vigilant and thank all our first responders, partner agencies, and neighbors who are working to contain these fires and protect our communities."

Dry weather and lack of green vegetation resulted in dangerous conditions that fuel wildfires. In the last week alone, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers, New York State Police Aviation, local fire departments and trained volunteers responded to nearly 20 wildfires that burned more than 400 acres in communities across the state. Video footage available here: Richmondville Fire; Blooming Grove Fire; Shinhollow Fire.

Officials from the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' (DHSES) Office of Emergency Management and Office of Fire Prevention and Control remain on the ground in Rockland, Orange, Schoharie, and Otsego counties to support response and resource coordination, including the deployment of generators to support operations in Orange County. Additionally, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control has opened the State Fire Operations Center and activated the state's Fire Mutual Aid Plan. This will allow for the delivery of additional firefighting resources from communities statewide upon request.

Rockland County – Haverstraw Beach and Hook Mountain

The initial fires were divided across three areas: Conger, Stony Point, and next to the railroad. The Conger Fire is under control and assets are being released, but hot spots remain. Westchester County helicopter continues to drop water on it. Stony Point Fire is nearly out and responders continue to hit remaining hot spots. Fires along the railroad are out. The area will be reassessed tomorrow morning. The structures that were reportedly on fire were a residence, a shed, and fencing. Train traffic still stopped.

Orange County - Blooming Grove and Deer Park

There are two fires in Orange County. The fire in Blooming Grove is slow moving and has burned approximately 85 acres with 65 percent contained. State agencies are on site and first responders are aiming to have the fire 100 percent contained by end of operations today. Eighteen fire departments are responding from within the county and four out-of-county fire departments are assisting. Round Hill Elementary School was closed today as a precaution due to smoke conditions.

The fire in Deer Park has burned approximately 150 acres and is currently 75 percent contained. Four local fire departments in the county are assisting as well as one from Pennsylvania. First responders expect to have the fire fully contained by tomorrow afternoon, depending on the weather.

Schoharie and Otsego County - Richmondville

The Richmondville fire is contained. The Incident Command Post closed at 6 p.m. tonight and State Forest Rangers will continue to patrol the fire to ensure it stays contained and mop up hot spots. Trains are still required to travel between 10 to 15 miles per hour out of an abundance of caution to prevent sparking additional fires.

Ontario County - Springwater

The Springwater fire at Old South Bald Hill Road has burned 50 acres. Local officials have this fire 98 percent contained.

New Yorkers are reminded that the annual statewide ban prohibiting residential brush burning lasts through May 14. Open burning of debris is the single-largest cause of spring wildfires in the state. DEC enforces the annual brush burning ban to prevent wildfires and protect communities during heightened conditions for wildfires. For more information, go here. The Fire Danger Map for the 2023 fire season can be found on DEC's website and is updated with the latest fire conditions.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC's elite crews of Forest Rangers and trained volunteers are responding to wildfires across the state, and with our local firefighters, are putting themselves in harm's way to protect our homes and natural resources. New York State thanks everyone responding, particularly the volunteers, for their hard work. This weekend and every day through May 14, I implore all New Yorkers to respect the prohibition on brush burning and help keep our first responders and communities safe."

Two Men Sentenced To 30 And 46 Months In Prison For Scheme To Defraud New York City Program For Homeless Veterans

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JEROME WEAH was sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 46 months in prison for engaging in a scheme to defraud a program of the New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”), which provides cash assistance to homeless veterans of the United States armed services (“Veterans”) seeking permanent housing.  Another defendant, RUDEAN WEIR, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 30, 2023, for his participation in the scheme.  The sentences were imposed by United States District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Rudean Weir and Jerome Weah stole approximately $5.4 million from a New York City program intended to benefit U.S. veterans seeking permanent housing.  These sentences should send a message that individuals who abuse Government programs to enrich themselves at the expense of taxpayers will face serious consequences.”

As alleged in the Complaint, Informations, and other documents in the public record, as well as statements made in public court proceedings:

From at least October 2020 through at least May 2022, RUDEAN WEIR and JEROME WEAH submitted more than 340 fraudulent applications seeking cash assistance pursuant to the Enhanced One Shot Deal (“EOSD”) program administered by the HRA.  The EOSD is an emergency assistance program pursuant to which HRA makes a one-time cash assistance payment to qualifying individuals.  EOSD payments are often used to help individuals move out of homeless shelters and/or other temporary housing into permanent housing.  EOSD payments may be used to cover certain costs associated with the move to permanent housing, including rent, moving expenses, security deposits, broker’s fees, and payments for furniture and other household items.  The HRA also offers and administers services and programs for Veterans, sometimes referred to as “Veteran’s Initiatives.”  In connection with these services, the HRA has a designated group responsible for receiving and reviewing EOSD requests made on behalf of homeless Veterans seeking permanent housing.

Between October 2020 and May 2022, the HRA received at least 340 EOSD applications which claimed that the applicants were homeless Veterans who had entered into a lease agreement with a particular landlord (“Landlord-1”).  Each of these applications (the “Landlord-1 EOSD Applications”) claimed that a particular company provided broker’s services in connection with the lease agreement (“Broker Company-1”).  HRA paid approximately $5.4 million in EOSD payments and broker’s fees pursuant to the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications.

The Landlord-1 EOSD Applications were fraudulent.  Landlord-1 and the Veterans did not, in fact, enter into the lease agreements submitted to HRA in connection with the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications, and Broker Company-1 did not provide real estate brokerage services to either Landlord-1 and/or the Veterans.  The Veterans identified in the Landlord-1 EOSD Applications were not homeless and typically did not live in New York City.  The Landlord-1 EOSD Applications, therefore, contained fake documentation and information and fraudulently induced HRA into making EOSD payments.

In addition to the prison terms, both WEIR, 38, of Atlanta, Georgia, and WEAH, 47, of Trenton, New Jersey, were sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,388,769.60.  WEIR was ordered to forfeit $3,779,489.00, including his interest in two bank accounts and six real estate properties.  WEAH was ordered to forfeit $2,179,922.60, including his interest in two bank accounts and one real estate property.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Department of Investigation.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York City Department of Social Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General for their assistance.

Permits Filed For 1288 Southern Boulevard In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story mixed-use building at 1288 Southern Boulevard in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Jennings Street and Freeman Street, the interior lot is steps from the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Abdul Kayum is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 75-foot-tall development will yield 19,781 square feet, with 19,113 square feet designated for residential space and 668 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 28 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 682 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar, a 39-foot-long rear yard, four open parking spaces, and four enclosed parking spaces.

Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News

 

New York State Ranks 30^th in States’ Balance of Payments with Washington

The surge in federal spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic significantly improved New York’s per capita ranking in the federal balance of payments from 49^th in 2019 to 30^th in Federal Fiscal Year 2021, according to a report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The report found that for the second year in a row all states had a positive balance of payments thanks to emergency federal relief aid.

“New York’s per capita ranking jumped because of pandemic funding for fiscal recovery, economic support, Medicaid and vaccine manufacturing contracts,” said State Comptroller DiNapoli. “This significant improvement reflects short-term measures, however, not enduring policy changes. As the temporary aid winds down, the underlying trends are likely to return, with New York reverting to getting far less from Washington than it sends.”  

Read the Report

Value of IDA Projects Grew 10% in 2021 to $126 Billion

New York’s 107 local Industrial Development Authorities (IDAs) reported 4,324 active projects with an aggregate value of $126 billion in 2021, a 10.4%, or $11.9 billion, increase compared to 2020, according to a report released by State Comptroller DiNapoli. The number of IDA projects increased by 1.5%.

School & Municipal Audits

Village of Stamford – Claims Audit
Village of Stamford – Pool Capital Project Planning and Monitoring
Village of Waverly – Parks and Recreation Department Financial Activities
Wyandanch Union Free School District – Budget Review

ALSO IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

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• Report: Federal pandemic aid sent more money back to New York
  
  
• State comptroller: OPWDD failed to provide timely pandemic-era guidance
  
  

• New Yorkers with disabilities face persistent challenge, audit finds
  

• DiNapoli: Value of IDA projects grew 10% in 2021 to $126 billion
  

• New York Common Commits $1.3 Billion to Sustainable Program

Tweet of the Week
Tom DiNapoli @NYSComptroller

In Wake of Attacks on Reproductive Health Care, Governor Hochul Vows to Fight to Protect Abortion Rights

 

Governor Joins with Attorney General James, Senator Gillibrand, and Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins to Fight Back Against Attacks on Fundamental Reproductive Rights

State Stockpiling 150,000 Doses of Misoprostol, Working to Further Protect Access to Medication Abortion

 In the wake of multiple attacks on abortion access — including a federal court ruling in Texas restricting access to abortion medication and Florida’s passage of a 6-week abortion ban — Governor Kathy Hochul today joined with Attorney General Letitia James, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, and other legislative and advocate leaders to vow to continue fighting to protect abortion rights.

"This has been a dark week for women across the country," Governor Hochul said. "While anti-choice extremists believe that they should decide what is best for your own health, I will never stop fighting back – standing shoulder to shoulder with our federal, state and local partners -- to ensure that abortion remains safe, legal and accessible in our state. For anyone who needs access to reproductive health care, New York will always welcome you with open arms.”

Since the United States Supreme Court issued the Dobbs decision last year, stripping away reproductive rights from millions, Governor Hochul has led the fight to ensure accessibility for all who seek abortion care. In addition to creating a nation-leading $35 million fund to support abortion care, Governor Hochul worked with the Legislature to pass six new nation-leading laws to protect and support providers and patients.

Governor Hochul earlier this week announced that the State will stockpile the abortion medication Misoprostol as part of ongoing efforts to protect access to abortion. At the Governor's direction, the New York State Department of Health will immediately begin purchasing Misoprostol in order to stockpile 150,000 doses, a five-year supply, in order to meet anticipated needs. Governor Hochul also announced that if the abortion medication Mifepristone is taken off the market, the State will commit up to an additional $20 million to providers to support access to other methods of care.

To further safeguard access to abortion medication, Governor Hochul is also working with the Legislature on new legislation to require private insurers to cover Misoprostol when it's prescribed off-label for abortion and to ensure that no provider is charged increased medical malpractice coverage rates or loses coverage due to prescribing Misoprostol off-label.

In addition to stockpiling abortion medication, Governor Hochul has also proposed several actions to protect access to abortion care and support abortion providers as part of her proposed FY 2024 Executive Budget, including expanding abortion access on SUNY and CUNY campuses.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, Grant Opportunities, & More

(Friday) Extra, Extra Click here for this week's video: Hunts Point Produce Market Investment & the Federal Farm Bill Grand Opening of KPOT Mott Haven Highlights Walking Tour Legislative & Advocacy Updates NYS Budget Update Member Spotlight AARP Free Shredding Event, Friday, May 5, 2023 | Bronx, NY: 11am - 2pm Upcoming Events From Seed to Mainstream: Impact of Cannabis on Health, Business, and the Economy, 4/20/2023 at 5:00pm

INVESTING IN HUNTS POINT & ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Hunts Point Produce Market, small businesses, and the NYS Bodega Association to advocate for sustainable funding in the federal farm bill. As federal lawmakers rework the U.S.’ Farm Bill, a package of legislation passed quinquennially, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is hoping to not only include a health initiative that increases access to healthy foods for food deserts like the South Bronx, but boost annual and mandatory funding of that program to $50 million by 2028. The Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI) Reauthorization Act has made it into the past two farm bills in 2014 and 2018, but funding from the initiative has always been discretionary. Despite the Bronx having longstanding issues with food insecurity, the borough has never received funding from HFFI. Gillibrand, who has served as New York’s junior senator since 2009, told the Bronx Times that by making funding mandatory and boosting annual funding from $25 million to $50 million, it can give bodegas in the supermarket-thin Bronx, an opportunity to be a healthy food source. HFFI funds, through loans and grant financing, are meant to entice grocery stores and other fresh food retailers to provide options for underserved urban, suburban and rural areas.

CELEBRATING KPOT BAY PLAZA NEW MEMBER, NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined Councilmember Kevin Riley and community leaders for the grand opening of KPot Korean Barbeque in the Mall at Bay Plaza, 200 Baychester Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10475, right across Olive Garden on the second floor of the Bay Plaza Mall. KPOT, is a unique, hands-on all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian hot pot with Korean BBQ flavors – but modernized with a full bar and a nightlife-like atmosphere.  KPOT is a new member of the Bronx Chamber of Commerce and has received support from the Chamber's Small Business Resource Network, a comprehensive approach to strengthening New York City’s economy and assisting small businesses. The Network was built to support small business resiliency by offering personalized guidance as you open and reopen. ​ Launched in response to the crisis facing many of the city’s 230,000+ small businesses in the wake of COVID-19, we’ve assembled an extraordinary collaboration of New Yorkers who are committed to small business recovery in our communities.

SOUTH BRONX - MOTT HAVEN SPOTLIGHT

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce joined HR&A Advisors, Great Performances, Brookfield, The Dream School, Mott Haven Historic Districts, community leaders and businesses, and 28 analysts and planners for a walking tour and small business panel highlighting the needs and progress of the area. The team explored the recent developments that have taken place in the South Bronx to discuss what the effects mean for this quickly evolving part of NYC. The Dream charter network, the site’s reuse, and the building’s architectural design are also fascinating. HR&A, focuses on equitable, resilient, and dynamic communities through strategy development and implementation planning in NYC and beyond. The visit should prompt interesting discussion and debate about how cities can grow and evolve without sacrificing local culture and displacing the preexisting residents and businesses. Special thank you to our host, Great Performances and Mae, Mae Cafe! More info? AvenueNYC@bronxchamber.org

LEGISLATIVE & ADVOCACY UPDATES

NYS FY24 Budget - New York state lawmakers passed another weeklong extension for the state's budget today to ensure state operations run undisrupted and workers get paid as budget negotiations continue. State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli highlighted the need for lawmakers to push the deadline yet again when he sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday urging her to take action to ensure 83,000 state workers get paid in time for the next payroll cycle. State lawmakers will not be paid themselves until a budget is passed. With a second extension, the Legislature would have through April 17 to either pass a budget or extend the process again.

New Trash Set-Out Times Begin April 1 - Effective April 1, 2023, businesses that place waste at the curb* for collection have two setout options: If using a container with a secure lid, a business should place waste at the curb 1 hour before closing, or If putting bags directly on the curb, place waste out after 8:00 PM.   *This does not apply to businesses that have waste collected from a loading dock or other off-street location.   Send your questions to commercialprograms@dsny.nyc.gov. DSNY’s Commercial Engagement Team will provide additional free resources including information on the rules, educational site visits, trainings, and webinars.

UPCOMING EVENTS

April 19 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm, Building Your Business Reach Customers Online with Google Webinar, virtual, This webinar will provide guidance for businesses interested in applying for loans and grants. In addition to providing an overview of available financing options, we will share tips to consider before taking on debt, an overview of documents commonly required to apply for a loan, and a summary of other loans and grants that are currently available for NYC businesses. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here. April 20 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm, From Seed to Mainstream: Impact of Cannabis on our Health, Businesses, and Economy Networking, in-person, Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, NYC Department of Small Business Services, the NYS Latino Cannabis Association, and a line up of experts in the field as we discuss cannabis and its impact on our health, businesses, and economy. The evening includes a fireside chat, networking, bites, and cocktails. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here. April 24 from 3:00pm to 5:00pm, Volunteer Day of Action - Jerome Avenue, in-person, Meeting Location: 1377 Jerome Avenue Bronx, NY.  Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce, Councilmember Althea Stevens, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts & community leaders for a Day of Action and Community Clean Streets including: Tree Bed Stewardship, paint light poles / streetscape maintenance and litter and graffiti removal. This event is sponsored by the Office of Councilmember Althea Stevens and supported with volunteers from Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here April 28 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, Developing a Marketing Strategy for Your Business, virtual, The goal of this course is to help entrepreneurs at any stage build a foundational marketing strategy that will inform every marketing tactic they use. Reserve Your Spot - Click Here June 20 at 7:30am, Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament, Trump Links at Ferry Point, 500 Hutchinson River Parkway Bronx, NY.  Over 200 notable thought partners, colleagues in business, and influential New Yorkers will tee off for the 2023 Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament at Trump Golf Links at Ferry Point. The 2023 Tournament features two (2) tee times, breakfast, lunch, cocktails, and the 2023 Awards Dinner honoring NYC Housing, Preservation, and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrion, Jr. To purchase foursomes or to sponsor, Click HERE

For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

Bronx Chamber of Commerce | 1200 Waters Place, Suite 106, Bronx, NY 10461