Four Additional Oath Keepers Sentenced for Seditious Conspiracy Related to U.S. Capitol Breach

 

Four members of the Oath Keepers were sentenced this week on seditious conspiracy and other charges for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Their actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Roberto Minuta, 39, of Prosper, Texas, was sentenced June 1 to 54 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

Edward Vallejo, 64, of Phoenix, Arizona, was sentenced on June 1 to 36 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release, including the first 12 months to be served on home confinement.

David Moerschel, 45, of Punta Gorda, Florida, was sentenced on June 2 to 36 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

Joseph Hackett, 53, of Sarasota, Florida, was sentenced on June 2 to 42 months in prison followed by 36 months of supervised release.

The four defendants were found guilty of seditious conspiracy, conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, obstruction of an official proceeding and conspiracy to prevent Members of Congress from discharging their official duties on Jan. 23, following a seven-week trial. Hackett was also found guilty of destruction of evidence.

According to the evidence, in the months leading up to Jan. 6, the defendants and their co-conspirators plotted to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power, including by amassing an armed “quick reaction force” on the outskirts of the District of Columbia. Beginning in late December 2020, via encrypted and private communications applications, the defendants and various co-conspirators coordinated and planned to travel to Washington, D.C., on or around Jan. 6, 2021, the date of the certification of the electoral college vote. The defendants made plans to bring weapons to the area to support the operation. The co-conspirators then traveled across the country to the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area in early January 2021, with paramilitary gear and supplies including firearms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, and radio equipment.

The defendants conspired through a variety of manners and means, including: organizing into teams that were prepared and willing to use force and to transport firearms and ammunition into Washington, D.C.; recruiting members and affiliates to participate in the conspiracy; organizing trainings to teach and learn paramilitary combat tactics; bringing and contributing paramilitary gear, weapons, and supplies – including knives, camouflaged combat uniforms, tactical vests with plates, helmets, eye protection and radio equipment – to the Capitol grounds; breaching and attempting to take control of the Capitol grounds and building on Jan. 6, 2021, in an effort to prevent, hinder and delay the certification of the electoral college vote; using force against law enforcement officers while inside the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021; continuing to plot, after Jan. 6, 2021, to oppose by force the lawful transfer of presidential power and using websites, social media, text messaging and encrypted messaging applications to communicate with co-conspirators and others.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Justice Department’s National Security and Criminal Divisions. Valuable assistance was provided by numerous U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s New York, Dallas, Tampa and Phoenix Field Offices. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the U.S. Secret Service.

In the 28 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,000 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 320 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

Summer is quickly approaching and there are many activities for families across the district to take advantage of. This month, District 13 will host two concerts in honor of NY Music Month, including a children’s music in Morris Park and a concert featuring Brenda K. Starr, in Ferry Point Park. This is a wonderful opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the summer weather. For more information, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13.’

In this week’s email, you will find information about the NYC Department of Transportation’s upcoming workshops for “Reimagining the Cross Bronx,” the MTA Mobile Sales Van, and more. For those interested in learning about upcoming events, please scroll to ‘What’s Happening in District 13’ and ‘Save The Date.’ 

To contact our office for additional information or concerns, please call us at  (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Wishing you all a safe and joyous weekend.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez.

Mark Your Calendars! Movies Under The Stars Returns

On Friday, June 23 at the Pelham Bay Park North Picnic Area, we will have a special presentation of Dr. Strange and the Multiverse of Madness. Enjoy a night out with the family for a movie under the stars (don’t forget to bring a blanket or a chair!). We recommend arriving at 7:30 PM, giving you plenty of time to prepare for the film to begin at dusk. As a reminder, all movie nights are free and open to the public and include free popcorn. If you have questions, please call our office at 718-931-1721 or email District13@council.nyc.gov.

Parks Foundation - Summer Activity Calendar

City Parks Foundation has announced that online registration is now available for this summer’s sports programs! We are excited for this incredible program to be back in the district this year; anyone interested in Senior Fitness (Tennis and Yoga) or Youth Track and Field is encouraged to register. This year’s program will be at Pelham Bay Park (Middletown Road and Stadium Avenue). For more information or to register, follow the links below.

How to Register

• Youth Summer Track Program

• Senior Fitness - Yoga

• Senior Fitness - Tennis

Transportation Advisory

MTA UPDATES

Due to station improvements, the MTA has announced a 24/7 bypass of the Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station on Pelham Bay Park-bound 6 trains, beginning Monday, June 12 at 5 AM through mid-July. Customers are advised to use the nearby Zerega Avenue or Middletown Road stations.

Travel Alternatives

• For service to Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station, take the 6 to Middletown Road and transfer to a Manhattan-bound 6.

• For service from Westchester Square/E Tremont Avenue station, take the 6 to Zerega Avenue and transfer to a Pelham Bay Park-bound 6.

Hutchinson River Parkway Closure

The NYC Ferry has announced that a temporary Ferry Point Park parking-lot shuttle will be in service to transport riders from the parking lot to the landing. This temporary shuttle will continue to operate during scheduled weekday morning and evening hours while the NYC Ferry Shuttle is repaired.

Regularly scheduled Ferry Point Park parking-lot shuttle hours are:

• Monday to Friday from 5 AM to 10 AM

• Monday to Friday from 3 PM to the final NYC Ferry arrival/departure

Construction & Repair Advisories

Closure of Entrance Ramp

The New York State Department of Transportation has announced an entrance ramp closure from eastbound Pelham Parkway to northbound Bruckner Expressway (I-95) until Thursday, June 29 at 5 PM. Motorists wanting access to the northbound Bruckner Expressway are advised to follow the posted detour signs on Pelham Parkway. This closure is necessary to facilitate work to enhance safety and mobility on the northbound Bruckner Expressway and northbound Hutchinson River Parkway in the Bronx.

Westchester Avenue Bridge

The NYC Department of Transportation Division of Bridges has announced it will remove temporary support structures (put in place to support the NYCT structure during the bridge girders replacement) on Westchester Avenue Bridge between Waters Place and Ericson Place weeknights through Friday, June 16, from 9 PM to 6 AM. 

Bringing the MTA to You!

You asked, and we listened! The MTA Mobile Sales Van will be at 3033 Middletown Road from 1 PM to 3 PM on the fourth Friday of each month. This is a great opportunity to ask questions about your MetroCard, apply for a reduced fare rate, replace an expired or damaged card, and more.

The New York City Department of Corrections - Corrections Officer Exam is now open! If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, this is a great opportunity. Corrections Officers help foster a supportive environment while providing people in their care with pathways to successfully return to their communities. For more information, click ‘Register'.’

Register

Permits Filed For 1435 East Gun Hill Road In Baychester, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a five-story residential building at 1435 East Gun Hill Road in Baychester, The Bronx. Located between Adee Avenue and Knapp Street, the lot is a short walk to the Gun Hill Road subway station, serviced by the 5 train. Brian O’Donovan of Excel Wood Holdings LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 50-foot-tall development will yield a total 18,151 square feet. The building will have 20 residences, however it is unclear on the average unit size and whether the units will be rentals or condos. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, a 45-foot-long rear yard, and ten open parking spaces.

Anthony Somefun 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.

Permits Filed For 1952 Anthony Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 1952 Anthony Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located between East Burnside Avenue and East 178th Street, the lot is within walking distance of the Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. David Goldberger is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 35,548 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 45 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 789 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have four open parking spaces and 19 enclosed parking spaces.

Nikolai Katz Architect 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.

DEC Announces New York's 10th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week Begins June 5

 

ISAW Kicks Off with Webinar Highlighting New York's Invasive Species Network

The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) today announced the State's 10th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week (ISAW) begins Monday, June 5. Free events and invasive species challenges are offered from June 5 through 11 across the state and online, including daily webinars at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

"Invasive Species Awareness Week is an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to learn about invasive species and the comprehensive efforts underway thanks to investments by Governor Kathy Hochul to combat the threats these pests pose to our environment, agriculture, public health, and economy," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "We encourage New Yorkers to join our experts and partners this week to learn how to help combat harmful invasives."

"Communities across New York State have been instrumental in our efforts to combat the harmful invasive species that have a costly impact on our agricultural industries, environment, and economy," said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. "Invasive Species Awareness Week gives all New Yorkers, including farmers and members of our agricultural community, a great opportunity to learn more about how they can play a part in protecting our natural resources. I encourage everyone to join some of the ISAW activities to learn how to spot, identify, and protect against these harmful species, and safeguard our environment."

Invasive species are plants, animals, insects, and pathogens not native to an area that cause harm to the environment, agriculture, economy, or public health. New York is particularly vulnerable to these pests due to its role as a center for international trade and travel.

DEC leads a comprehensive program to research, manage, and combat the effects of invasive species statewide. This includes tackling aquatic invasive species like hydrilla, round goby, and northern snakehead; tracking and managing forest pests such as southern pine beetle, beech leaf disease, and hemlock wooly adelgid; operating a giant hogweed control program that works to eradicate this large, caustic plant; and managing eight New York State Partnerships for Regional Invasive Species Management that address invasive species issues regionally. DEC also works with numerous partners to educate the public about how to protect lands, waters, and forests from invasive species. ISAW is an important way to encourage working together to spread the word, not the species.  

AGM works to control and eradicate various invasive species, such as spotted lanternfly, European cherry fruit fly, and Asian longhorned beetle, which can harm New York’s agricultural crops, particularly grapes, hops, and fruit trees. Staff conduct annual surveys for each of these pests, and inspect the state’s nearly 9,000 greenhouses, retail markets, and nursery growers and dealers for compliance with invasive plant regulations. Horticultural inspectors also monitor for invasive pests and diseases, such as European pepper moth and boxwood blight that are harmful to New York’s lands. Learn more about the invasive species that are a concern for New York agriculture at https://agriculture.ny.gov/plant-industry/plant-health.

Scheduled events include:

• Webinars on a variety of topics including "Community Science for Kids,” "Photography for Invasive Species,” and "Pathways of Invasive Species: Understanding How Invasive Species Spread and How to Stop Them in Their Tracks.”
• Guided hikes and paddles to learn how to identify and remove invasive species.
• Screenings of Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species.
• Anyone interested in participating in an ISAW event, including the daily webinars, is encouraged to visit the New York Invasive Species Awareness Week Events webpageto find a complete list of offerings in their area.

Everyone can make a difference in the fight against invasives by helping to locate and map infestations, using only local firewood, properly cleaning watercraft before and after boating, cleaning dirt off boots after hiking, or removing invasive species from the yard. To learn more about invasive species and how to get involved, visit DEC's website.

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Designating June as Gun Violence Awareness Month

 

State Landmarks to be Illuminated Orange June 2 to Mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day

Read Proclamation Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating June as Gun Violence Awareness Month and directed State landmarks to be illuminated orange this evening, June 2, to mark National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

“Every instance of gun violence ricochets beyond the intended target, inflicting pain and trauma on victims, friends, families, neighbors, bystanders, and entire communities,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud to designate June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in New York as we continue working to provide our law enforcement partners with tools they need to get guns off the streets and keep our communities safe.”

As part of the FY 2024 Budget, Governor Hochul secured a comprehensive funding plan to address gun violence and create a safer state that recognizes the importance of a multifaceted approach improving public safety. This evening, June 2, the Governor has directed that the following State landmarks be illuminated orange to mark the start of Wear Orange Weekend, which is coordinated annually by Everytown for Gun Safety.

• One World Trade Center
• Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• State Education Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR – East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal

Founding Member Of New York’s Largest Latin Kings Set Sentenced To 27 Years In Prison

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that DIEGO MATEO, a/k/a “Casa,” was sentenced to 27 years in prison in connection with his participation in the Black Mob set of the Latin Kings and their distribution of narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.  MATEO pled guilty on February 23, 2022, before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, who imposed this sentence. 

According to public filings and statements made in court:

The Black Mob is a New York-based set, or “tribe,” of the nationwide Latin Kings gang.  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 the Black Mob committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including heroin, fentanyl, and crack; committed robberies; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

MATEO was the highest-ranking member of the Black Mob.  He founded the gang in 2002 and then grew the Black Mob into the largest Latin Kings set in the New York area with a power base built on massive amounts of drug trafficking and a reputation for violence.  Prior to the instant prosecution, the Black Mob had approximately 300 members.  The fear and power wielded by the Black Mob amplified MATEO’s own personal reputation, making him, at one point, the highest-ranking Latin King in the entire East Coast.  As the leader of the Black Mob, MATEO oversaw the Black Mob’s operations and also ordered and participated in acts of violence and narcotics trafficking.  This violence included multiple arsons and a November 18, 2012, shooting at a gang rival’s funeral that was ordered by MATEO.  Three of the deceased’s family members were shot.

In December 2019, 17 members and associates of the Black Mob were charged with racketeering offenses, narcotics conspiracy, and firearms offenses.  In April 2021, seven additional members and associates of the gang were charged, including MATEO.  The defendants in this case have included the entire senior leadership of the gang and its most violent members.  In addition to today’s sentencing of MATEO, the sentences of the Black Mob leadership have included CARMELO VELEZ (228 months in prison), CHRISTOPHER RODRIGUEZ (210 months in prison), ANGEL LOPEZ (240 months in prison), LUIS SEPULVEDA (180 months in prison), EMMANUEL BONAFE (216 months in prison), MARK WOODS (228 months in prison), WILLIAM GONZALEZ (204 months in prison), ALBERTO BORGES (204 months in prison), RICARDO RICUARTE (168 months in prison), JUAN HERNANDEZ (192 months in prison), RAUL CUELLO (168 months in prison), and PAUL CUELLO (168 months in prison).

MATEO pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics.  In connection with his guilty plea, MATEO further stipulated to his involvement in multiple acts of violence: the November 18, 2012, shooting at a gang rival’s funeral and a 2016 arson of a commercial wedding venue in Connecticut.

In addition to the prison term, MATEO, 46, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department. 

Attorney General James Secures $102.5 Million Multistate Agreement with Maker of Opioid Addiction Treatment Drug for Illegal Monopolistic Tactics

 

Agreement Continues AG James’ Efforts to Combat the Opioid Crisis

New York Attorney General Letitia James, together with 41 other attorneys general, reached a $102.5 million settlement with Indivior Inc. (Indivior), the manufacturer of an opioid addiction treatment drug, for monopolistic practices that suppressed the market for generic versions of the drug, Suboxone. The agreement, which was submitted to the court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for approval, requires Indivior to pay the states $102.5 million, of which New York will receive approximately $5.7 million. Indivior is also required to inform the states of all Citizen Petitions it submits to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and provide notice about new products and/or a change in corporate control to help ensure that Indivior doesn’t repeat their monopolistic actions. 

“As the opioid crisis was raging across the country, Indivior selfishly maneuvered to keep less expensive versions of a lifesaving drug out of the hands of millions of Americans,” said Attorney General James. “Indivior’s drug was supposed to help many, but its monopolistic practices helped fuel the opioid epidemic and impede efforts to confront it. This agreement continues our efforts to address the opioid crisis and hold all the companies that contributed to this crisis accountable.”

This agreement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the other states against Indivior for anticompetitive practices. The 2016 lawsuit alleged that Indivior used illegal means to switch patients from Suboxone tablets to its new, patented Suboxone film while attempting to destroy the market for tablets, in order to preserve its drug monopoly.

Suboxone is used to treat people addicted to opioids and is intended to prevent abuse. Suboxone tablets were first approved for sale in the U.S. in 2002. Although Suboxone tablets lacked any patent protection, the FDA designated Suboxone as an “orphan drug,” meaning that it could have no competitors for seven years, because the company was not expected to recoup its research and development costs. Because Indivior’s exclusive right to sell and market the drug in tablet form was set to expire in 2009, Indivior sought to prevent lower cost generic competition and maintain its monopoly by engaging in a range of anticompetitive conduct from 2008 until generic entry occurred in 2013.

First, to thwart the entry of a generic version of Suboxone, Indivior informed the FDA in 2007 that it planned to introduce a new version of Suboxone that was a sublingual film, or a dissolvable oral strip. Because the new version of Suboxone would not be the pharmaceutical equivalent of the original tablet form, pharmacists would not be able to substitute a generic manufacturer’s tablet version for the film version. To persuade the FDA to approve Suboxone film, Indivior claimed that the tablet version — which Indivior itself had marketed in the U.S. for nearly ten years — was unsafe because it presented a high exposure risk to children. The FDA approved Indivior’s patented film version of Suboxone in August 2010.

In early 2012, the FDA ordered Indivior and potential generic manufacturers of the tablet version to participate in a shared Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy to reduce the risk of pediatric exposure to the tablets, but Indivior did not cooperate in this process. Instead, in September 2012, it filed a Citizen’s Petition with the FDA requesting that the agency withhold approval of the tablet version — which Indivior had itself been marketing since 2002 — unless generic manufacturers could satisfy certain procedures to minimize pediatric exposure risks. This petition was ultimately rejected by the FDA, but by the time generics were finally able to enter the market, Indivior had pulled its tablet version from the market and converted the vast majority of the market to the film version for which there was no generic substitute.

This agreement requires Indivior to pay $102.5 million to the states, an estimated $5.7 million will be earmarked for New York. The agreement continues Attorney General James’ efforts to combat the opioid crisis and keep New Yorkers safe. In March 2019, Attorney General James filed a historic lawsuit to hold various opioid manufacturers and distributors responsible for their roles in the crisis. Attorney General James has recovered more than $2.6 billion to support New York opioid abatement, treatment, and prevention efforts from companies including Teva Pharmaceuticals, Mallinckrodt, Allergan, Endo, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and Amerisource Bergen. Attorney General James has also led multistate coalitions in reaching settlements for billions of dollars with CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart for their role in failing to properly regulate opioid prescriptions. Additionally, Attorney General James has also cracked down on dozens of drug trafficking rings, taken action against drug peddlers, and removed dangerous drugs out of New York communities.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: Get your money back!

 

$1.5 Million in Lost Money Returned Everyday The New York State Office of the Comptroller continues its initiative to help New Yorkers get back their lost money. With $1.5 million returned every day, the State Comptroller’s Office holds over 49 million unclaimed funds accounts valued at $18.4 billion as of May. State Comptroller staff will be attending community events and hosting workshops throughout the state to provide information and assistance on unclaimed funds, including free one-on-one sessions where individuals can receive help searching for their unclaimed funds and filing claims. "My office holds billions of dollars in unclaimed funds, and we want to make sure that every New Yorker has the opportunity to access their rightful money," said New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "Our team is committed to providing the resources and support necessary to help individuals get back their lost money. New Yorkers can access an online database administered by the State Comptroller's Office to see if they have any unclaimed funds waiting for them. These funds, which total billions of dollars, originate from various sources such as utility deposits, trust funds, old bank accounts, uncashed checks, old investment accounts, insurance claims, stocks, and other inactive accounts that have remained dormant for several years. The Comptroller's Office can trace lost money from accounts that date back several decades. Background on Unclaimed Funds Search for Unclaimed Funds