Saturday, April 20, 2024

Housing Lottery Launches For 1014 Ogden Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 


The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1014 Ogden Avenue, a four-story mixed-use building in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Boaz M. Golani Architect and developed by Leo Brody of ZLB, the structure yields 17 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 16 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $105,223 to $165,230.
 



Residences come with name-brand kitchen countertops and finishes, air conditioning, hardwood floors, smart controls for heating and cooling, and energy-efficient appliances. Tenants are responsible for electricity which includes stove, hot water, and heat.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are six studios with a monthly rent of $3,069 for incomes ranging from $105,223 to $146,900; and 10 one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,253 for incomes ranging from $111,532 to $165,230.



Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Earth Day Networking Breakfast - CANCELLED


The Bronx Chamber of Commerce would like to notify you that the Earth Day Networking Breakfast scheduled for Monday, April 22nd, 2024, has been canceled.


You are more than welcome to join us at any of our other events at the link below.


Bronx Chamber Calendar of Events
Become a Bronx Chamber Member Today - Click Here

Boilermakers Recruit Apprentices

 

Logo

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 will conduct a recruitment from May 21, 2024 through May 20, 2025 for five Boilermaker (Construction) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced.

Please note, the five openings listed for Boilermaker apprentices represent the total number for three recruitment regions – the New York City, Long Island, and Hudson Valley regions of the state.

Applications can be obtained and completed online anytime during the recruitment period at www.boilermakersapprenticeship.comAll applications must be received no later than May 20, 2025.

The Committee requires that applicants:

  • Must be at least 18 years old. Proof of age will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
  • Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Proof will be required after selection or at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
  • Must attest in writing that they are physically able to perform the work of a Boilermaker (Construction), which may include:
    • Working an 8-hour day while continually on feet.
    • Lifting and carrying weights in excess of 95 pounds for extended periods.
    • Working in extended periods of extreme weather conditions and temperatures.
    • Working in restricted or confined spaces.
    • Working at heights of 20 feet or more on scaffolds or platforms.
    • Working in ditches or trenches up to 20 feet deep.
    • Working in nuclear facilities.
    • Working in hazardous conditions.
  • Must have reliable transportation to and from remote worksites and required classes at the approved school.
  • Must pass a drug and alcohol test, at the expense of the sponsor, within 48 hours of signing the apprenticeship agreement.

For further information, applicants should contact JATC for Boilermakers Northeastern Area, Local Union #5, Zone #5 at (516) 326-2500. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence For Man Who Bit, Kicked And Spit On Five NYPD Officers

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the sentencing of ROBERTO SESSOMS, 31, for biting, kicking and spitting on five NYPD officers after being arrested during a gathering in Union Square organized by a popular streamer. SESSOMS was sentenced to 2-to-4 years in state prison. He previously pleaded guilty to four counts of Attempted Assault in the Second Degree on March 20, 2024.

“Attacking police officers is unequivocally intolerable and unacceptable. Officers at the scene of this incident were already dealing with a chaotic situation where thousands were arrested, and then had to experience the despicable actions by this defendant. I thank the members of the NYPD who do so much to keep New Yorkers safe, and we will continue to pursue accountability against those who attempt to harm our officers in uniform,” said District Attorney Bragg.  

According to court documents and statements made on the record, on August 3, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m., police officers arrested SESSOMS for disorderly conduct and put him on an MTA bus to be transported to the local precinct.

While on the bus, SESSOMS bit two officers in the leg so hard that they bled. SESSOMS then kicked another officer in the stomach, causing him to fall backwards into the bus railing and almost fall off the bus, injuring his back.

SESSOMS then kicked a fourth officer in the face. He bit two fingers of a fifth officer, causing bleeding.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Diane Eze, under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Elizabeth Clerkin and Philip Gary (Deputy Bureau Chiefs of Trial Bureau 30), Erin Tierney (Chief of Trial Bureau 30), and Executive Assistant D.A. Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division).

D.A. Bragg thanked Sergeant Alexander Bustamante.

High-Ranking MS-13 Leader Arraigned on Terrorism Indictment

 

Defendant Directed MS-13’s Transnational Criminal Operations and Coordinated Criminal Activity in the United States

Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, also known as “Lucky de Park View” and “Lacky de Park View,” a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arraigned at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, New York by United States Magistrate Judge Steven L. Tiscione.  Jandres-Parada and 13 other high-ranking MS-13 leaders were indicted in December 2020 on terrorism offenses relating to their direction of the transnational criminal organization’s criminal activities in the United States, El Salvador, Mexico and elsewhere over the past two decades.  Specifically, Jandres-Parada is charged with conspiracy to provide and conceal material support to terrorists, conspiracy to commit acts of terrorism transcending national boundaries, conspiracy to finance terrorism and narco-terrorism conspiracy.  For more than three years, Jandres-Parada was a fugitive, but he was arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) earlier this month and made an initial appearance in federal court in the Southern District of California, where he was ordered to be transferred in custody to the Eastern District of New York.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY); Mehtab Syed, Acting Assistant Director-in-Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office; and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, HSI’s New York Field Office announced Jandres-Parada’s arrest and arraignment.

“As alleged, Jandres-Parada, a high-ranking leader in MS-13, engaged in drug trafficking, public and private displays of violence, and terrorism — all in pursuit of power for the organization,” said United States Attorney Peace.   “This arrest is a monumental achievement for our Office and international partners, highlighting our dedication to dismantling MS-13 and their reign of terror wherever they hide.”

Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office and Criminal Investigative Division’s Safe Streets Gang Unit, and HSI’s National Gangs and Violent Crime Unit and New York Field Office for spearheading the MS-13 leadership investigations.  Additionally, he thanked the FBI Legal Attachés in Mexico City and San Salvador, FBI and HSI’s San Diego Field Offices, HSI Attaché Mexico City and Assistant Attaché Tijuana, USMS Legal Attaché in Mexico City and the United States Customs and Border Protection Officers at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for the critical support provided in connection with the arrest, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Marshals Service for the Southern District of California for coordinating the defendant’s initial appearance in San Diego.  Mr. Peace also thanked the numerous Department of Justice components that contributed to this indictment, including the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Executive Office.

“The arrest of Jandres Parada demonstrates the FBI's commitment to protecting the American public by proactively targeting MS-13's highest ranking leaders in order to dismantle this transnational criminal organization, which is among the most violent in the world," said Mehtab Syed, the Acting Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office.  "This collaborative effort among many agencies spanned coast to coast and led to this successful capture.”

“Fredy Ivan Jandres-Parada, (a/k/a “Lucky”) has been a fugitive on HSI's Most Wanted list since 2021.  As one of the founding members of the MS-13 street gang, Jandres-Parada is alleged to be responsible for ordering acts of violence against gang rivals, law enforcement, and civilians alike.  However, Jandres-Parada’s reign of violence came to an end when he was arrested in a joint operation by HSI and FBI,” said HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo.  “With the apprehension of one of HSI’s most wanted, I commend HSI New York, our Long Island Division, and our law enforcement partners for their steadfast commitment and resolve to securing justice for the countless victims whom have been impacted by MS-13’s violence.”

As set forth in the indictment and related court filings, Jandres-Parada and his co-defendants are part of MS-13’s command and control structure, consisting of the Ranfla NacionalRanfla en Las Calles, and Ranfla en Los Penales. They play significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations in El Salvador, Mexico, the United States, and throughout the world.  In total, 27 of the highest-ranking leaders of MS-13 have been charged in the Eastern District of New York in this indictment and the related indictment of United States v. Arevalo-Chavez, et al.

As further alleged, in approximately 2002, Jandres-Parada, his co-defendants, and other MS-13 leaders began establishing a highly-organized, hierarchical command and control structure as a means to effectuate their decisions and enforce their orders, even while in prison.  They directed acts of violence and murder in El Salvador, the United States and elsewhere, established military-style training camps for MS-13 members and obtained military weapons such as rifles, handguns, grenades, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and rocket launchers.  Further, beginning in approximately 2012, Jandres-Parada and other members of the Ranfla Nacional negotiated with officials from the government of El Salvador (GOES) to obtain benefits and concessions from the government.  In order to extort those benefits and concessions, MS-13 engaged in public displays of violence to threaten and intimidate civilian populations, target GOES law enforcement and military officials, and manipulate the electoral process in El Salvador.

Additionally, as alleged, the Ranfla Nacional directed the expansion of MS-13 activities around the world, including the United States and Mexico, where Jandres-Parada and other high-ranking leaders were sent to organize operations, make connections to obtain narcotics and firearms from Mexican drug cartels such as the Zetas, Gulf Cartel, Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) and Sinaloa Cartel, and engage in human trafficking and smuggling. The Ranfla Nacional also directed MS-13’s large membership in the United States to engage in criminal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion to raise money to support MS-13’s terrorist activities in El Salvador and elsewhere.  Jandres-Parada, who previously resided in the Los Angeles area before being deported to El Salvador, played a key role coordinating communication and criminal activity between the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13 leaders in the United States, Mexico and elsewhere.

Finally, the Ranfla Nacional and MS-13’s transnational leadership structure is alleged to have directed members in the United States to commit acts of violence to further its goals and implement rules enabling MS-13 to entrench itself in parts of the United States, including within the Eastern District of New York where, under the defendants’ leadership and rules, MS-13 has committed murders, attempted murders, assaults, kidnappings, drug trafficking, extortion of individuals and businesses, and obstruction of justice, and has sent dues and the proceeds of criminal activity by wire transfer to MS-13 leaders in El Salvador.  For example, this Office's Long Island Criminal Division has prosecuted hundreds of MS-13 leaders, members and associates for carrying out more than 70 murders in the Eastern District of New York between 2009 and the present.

One of Jandres-Parada’s co-defendants, Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, also known as “El Grenas de Stoners” and “Oso de Stoners,” and two related defendants from the Arevalo-Chavez indictment, Jorge Alexander De La Cruz, also known as “Cruger de Peatonales,” and Francisco Javier Roman-Bardales, also known as “Veterano de Tribus,” remain at large.  Members of the public with information concerning their whereabouts are strongly encouraged to contact the FBI’s toll-free MS-13 tip line, 1-866-STP-MS13 (1-866-787-6713), or HSI’s tip line at (866) 347-2423 or https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-for.  Together, FBI and HSI have offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the fugitives. 

These charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  If convicted, Jandres-Parada faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

This case was brought by Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV), which was created to combat MS-13, led by Assistant United States Attorney John J. Durham of the EDNY, and comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of New York; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division.  Additionally, the FBI; HSI; the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the USMS; the U.S. Bureau of Prisons; and the United States Agency for International Development, Office of Inspector General have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.

Governor Hochul Unveils New Initiatives to Shut Down Illicit Cannabis Operations and Protect Legal Marketplace in FY25 Budget Agreement

Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams hold a padlock

Budget Agreement Authorizes Padlocking of Illicit Storefronts by OCM and Localities

Elevates Penalties Against Landlords Who Fail to Take Action Against Violating Tenants

Empowers Local Governments, Including New York City, to Act Under State Enforcement Provisions

Governor Kathy Hochul unveiled new initiatives to shut down illicit cannabis operations and protect the legal marketplace as part of the FY25 Enacted Budget. The plan provides the Office of Cannabis Management and local municipalities with new authority to take action against illicit storefronts and those who enable them. The initiatives are the strongest set of policies enacted thus far to tackle the illicit cannabis marketplace.

"Unlicensed dispensaries have littered New York neighborhoods, blatantly circumventing our laws and selling potentially dangerous products,” Governor Hochul said. “Enough is enough. I promised to protect our communities and hard-working, legal cannabis licensees by expediting the closure of illicit storefronts. I’m proud to stand up and say we got it done.”

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “New Yorkers are fed up with illegal smoke shops and their unlawful business practices, but our administration worked hard to make our voices heard in Albany, and working with Governor Hochul and our state partners, we are proud to say we got it done. New York City will finally be able to use the full force of the law to inspect, enforce, and shut down illegal dispensaries. These measures, combined with our already robust enforcement efforts, will help keep the playing field level and push back against the quality-of-life issues that have resulted from the proliferation of illegal smoke shops. We will continue to work with our partners in Albany to give aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those who have been justice-involved, a chance to succeed.”


Padlocking Illicit Storefronts

The FY25 Budget delivers on Governor Hochul’s committed to give broad padlocking authority to the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM). OCM will be authorized to padlock businesses immediately following an inspection if they are selling illicit cannabis and pose an imminent threat to health and safety for the following reasons:

  • Sales to minors
  • Unlicensed processing of cannabis
  • Violent conduct
  • Presence of unlawful firearms
  • Proximity to schools, houses of worship or public youth facilities
  • Products leading to illness or hospitalization
  • Products not tested or labeled according to NY Law

Additionally, authorities from counties and cities, including New York City, will be authorized to padlock unlicensed businesses.

In addition to expanding padlocking authority, the Budget establishes a misdemeanor penalty for damaging or removing a padlock. This addresses previous limitations that beleaguered padlocking efforts statewide.

If a business is found to not meet the standards of imminent harm required for padlocking, OCM will issue a notice of violation and an order to cease unlicensed activity. These stores will be padlocked upon reinspection if unlicensed sales activity is still ongoing. If the store has approval from a State agency to sell alcoholic beverages, lottery tickets, or tobacco and vaping products, OCM will send a notice to the relevant State licensing agencies to inform of a violation under the cannabis law, and the business will be warned they are at risk of losing their licenses. OCM will immediately padlock a business following a reinspection if the unlicensed activity is continuing, even absent imminent threat. For all hearings, OCM, upon request must provide a hearing within 3 days, and a decision within 4 days after that. Should include that for consistency with the other parts.

Actions Against Landlords Who Fail to Cooperate With Cannabis Law

Under the FY25 Budget, Governor Hochul is cracking down on landlords who turn a blind eye to the illegal activity under their purview. If landlords fail to bring forth eviction proceedings against tenants in violation of the cannabis law, they will be held to strict penalties including:

  • A $50,000 fine for any landlord notified of the violation within New York City
  • Five times the rent from the time the landlord was notified of the violation outside of New York City

The FY25 Budget also lowers the standard of proof required to evict a tenant in violation of cannabis law. Landlords will now only have to prove that a business is “customarily or habitually” engaged in selling cannabis without a license, rather than “solely or primarily” doing so.

Expanding Local Authority

Counties and cities, including New York City, will be able to adopt laws related to regulating unlicensed cannabis businesses. The local laws must ensure consistent enforcement by requiring the establishment of procedures to conduct inspections, hearings, and emergency padlocking of businesses that mirror the State’s processes.

Localities outside of New York City must designate a point of contact to coordinate with and report on enforcement activities with OCM, and they must require hearings in city or county courts within three days and decisions in four days following the hearing for locations that were padlocked at first inspection due to imminent harm.

Local governments will now be able to initiate emergency proceedings against both unlicensed businesses and landlords. This allows localities to establish their own orders to cease unlicensed activity (upon 10-days' notice to OCM), and they may collect penalties through those proceedings.

Creating a Statewide Enforcement Task Force

Governor Hochul is launching a statewide task force to carry out civil enforcement to close illegal stores. By going after suppliers and taking on the pipeline of illegal cannabis these stores rely on, New York is taking on the root causes of the issue. And through fostering collaborations on this issue between State Police and local law enforcement, the state will be equipped to tackle the full scope of illegal cannabis activity.

Granting New York City Immediate Enforcement Powers

The New York City Administrative Code will be amended, allowing the City to act under the law immediately. This amendment will allow the City to inspect, issue violations, and seize cannabis and padlock stores. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office will be designated as the lead under the law and can deputize other personnel to assist in enforcement.

New York City will be able to conduct administrative hearings within five days of execution of an emergency padlock order and will provide a decision within four days after the hearing. The legislation allows the New York City Council to amend the law at a later date.

Attorney General James Announces Sentencing of Bronx Man Convicted of Rape and Child Sex Trafficking

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencing of Paul Alexander, 60, of the Bronx, a Level 3 Sex Offender, for sex trafficking children in 2020 and committing rape in 2016. The prosecution was the result of a joint investigation between the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Human Trafficking Squad that began in June 2020 and ended with Alexander’s arrest in December 2020. Investigators found that Alexander trafficked six children in New York City and solicited an undercover officer for sex with a 12-year-old victim and a 14-year-old victim. 

“Paul Alexander’s sickening crimes caused the children he exploited to suffer untold trauma and pain,” said Attorney General James. “While nothing can truly erase the damage he caused, our investigation put a stop to his abuse and today’s sentencing will ensure he faces justice. My office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to stop child sex trafficking and ensure justice for the victims of these crimes. I want to thank the NYPD for their partnership in this investigation.” 

“Our dedicated NYPD investigators and law enforcement partners at the Attorney General’s OCTF share an unwavering commitment to protecting survivors of child sex trafficking, one of the most heinous crimes in our society,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “We will continue to ensure that anyone who profits from the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable young people is swiftly brought to justice.”

Using covert recording devices, social media, and undercover operations, the investigative team found that Alexander trafficked children for sex in Manhattan, Queens, and the Bronx. During a 2020 meeting between Alexander and an undercover police officer, Alexander charged the officer a total of $300 for sexual intercourse with a 12-year-old victim and a 14-year-old victim, supplied the officer with condoms, and encouraged him to use alcohol and marijuana to make the young victims more cooperative. 

Last month, Alexander pled guilty to one count of Sex Trafficking of a Child (a Class B violent felony) and one count of Rape in the Second Degree (a Class D violent felony). He was sentenced as a second felony offender to eight years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Attorney General James urges anyone who may be a victim of trafficking or who knows someone who may be a victim to call the NYPD’s Trafficking Hotline at 646-610-7272.

Attorney General James thanks the NYPD’s Human Trafficking Squad for their partnership in this investigation, and the victims and their families for coming forward. Attorney General James also thanks the Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark for her office’s assistance in this investigation and prosecution.

The NYPD investigation was directed by Detectives Antonio Pagan and Liam O’Hara, under the supervision of Lieutenant Amy Capogna, who oversees the NYPD’s Human Trafficking Squad. Captain Thomas Milano is the Executive Officer and Chief Carlos Ortiz is the Commanding Officer of the Special Victims Division. 

Dark Web Vendor Sentenced for Distributing Narcotics and Ordered to Forfeit $150M

 

An Indian national was sentenced to five years in prison for selling controlled substances on dark web marketplaces and ordered to forfeit approximately $150 million.

According to court documents and in statements made in court, Banmeet Singh, 40, of Haldwani, India, created vendor marketing sites on dark web marketplaces, such as Silk Road, Alpha Bay, Hansa, and others, to sell controlled substances, including fentanyl, LSD, ecstasy, Xanax, ketamine, and tramadol. Customers paid with cryptocurrency for drugs ordered from Singh using the vendor sites. Singh then personally shipped or arranged the shipment of the drugs from Europe to the United States through U.S. mail or other shipping services.

From at least mid-2012 through July 2017, Singh controlled at least eight distribution cells within the United States, including cells located in Ohio, Florida, North Carolina, Maryland, New York, North Dakota, and Washington, among other locations. Individuals in these distribution cells received drug shipments and then re-packaged and re-shipped the drugs to locations in all 50 states, Canada, England, Ireland, Jamaica, Scotland, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Over the course of the conspiracy, the Singh drug organization moved hundreds of kilograms of controlled substances throughout the United States and established a multimillion-dollar drug enterprise that laundered millions of dollars of drug proceeds into cryptocurrency accounts, which ultimately became worth approximately $150 million.

Singh was arrested in April 2019 in London at the request of the United States and subsequently extradited to the United States in March 2023. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 26 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker for the Southern District of Ohio; Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); Acting Special Agent in Charge Karen Wingerd of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Cincinnati Field Office; Acting Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; and Postal Inspector in Charge Lesley Allison of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) made the announcement.

The DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, and the Upper Arlington and Columbus, Ohio, Police Departments investigated the case. The United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecution Service, and Central Authority provided significant assistance.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrest and extradition of Singh from the United Kingdom.

Pharmacy Owner Sentenced To Four Years In Prison For Health Care Fraud

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NERIK ILYAYEV was sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in a multimillion-dollar health care fraud scheme that targeted the Medicare and Medicaid programs and private insurance companies.  ILYAYEV owned and operated two different pharmacies and submitted millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to the government health care programs and private insurers.  ILYAYEV previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud before U.S. District Judge Gregory H. Woods, who imposed today’s sentence.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Nerik Ilyayev took advantage of our nation’s health care system, which provides payments for critical medications for low-income HIV patients.  He paid illegal kickbacks to these patients to use their billing information and took millions of dollars in reimbursements from the Medicare and Medicaid program for medications that he did not actually dispense.  This prosecution and this sentence are part of our Office’s ongoing work in combating fraud in the health care system and ensuring that public resources are spent on patients who need them, rather than being fraudulently stolen by criminal actors.”    

According to the Complaint, Information, court filings, and statements made in public court proceedings:

From approximately February 2021 through March 2022, ILYAYEV owned and operated a pharmacy in Manhattan (“Pharmacy-1”).  ILYAYEV used Pharmacy-1 to pay illegal kickbacks to low-income HIV patients to recruit them to fill prescriptions for expensive HIV medications at Pharmacy-1.  ILYAYEV did not actually obtain or provide HIV medications to these illegally recruited patients, but instead bought unopened bottles of pills back from the patients at a small fraction of their true value so he could re-use the same pills over and over again.  ILYAYEV, on behalf of Pharmacy-1, then submitted fraudulent insurance claims to Medicare and Medicaid to cover the cost of the HIV medications he claimed to be dispensing.  In order to conceal his role in the fraud scheme, ILYAYEV used the identity of another person (“Individual-1”) and pretended to be Individual-1 to own and operate Pharmacy-1.  Medicare and Medicaid collectively paid approximately $5.2 million in fraudulent claims for HIV medications to Pharmacy-1.      

After shutting down Pharmacy-1, ILYAYEV took control of another pharmacy in Queens, New York (“Pharmacy-2”).  Again, to conceal his role in the fraud, ILYAYEV used the identity of another person and pretended to be this individual to own and operate Pharmacy-2.  Pharmacy-2 submitted fraudulent insurance claims to no-fault automobile insurance providers.  Pharmacy-2 defrauded the no-fault automobile insurance providers of approximately $1.2 million.  In addition, Pharmacy-2 unlawfully sold pharmaceuticals to other pharmacies that ILYAYEV had obtained from illegitimate sources.       

In addition to the prison term, ILYAYEV, 36, of Queens, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution and forfeit more than $6 million.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General.  Mr. Williams also thanked the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor for their assistance in the investigation.

Bronx Metro-North Update #2, April 2024

 

Monthly Bronx Metro-North Neighborhood Plan Update April 2024

Public Hearing at the Bronx Borough President's Office

On April 16th, the Bronx Borough President hosted a public hearing for the Bronx Metro-North Neighborhood Plan. Testimony provided at this hearing (as well as those submitted online) will be taken into consideration leading up to the Bronx BP's vote.

Still want to submit your testimony?

Written Testimony Submission is Open through April 19th

The Bronx Borough President's office will be accepting written testimony until Friday, April 19th. Please send your written testimony to publictestimony@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

Are you looking for another way to get involved? 


Friday, April 19, 2024

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Bronx Business News You Can Use

 

Upcoming Events, Legislative News, 
Grant Opportunities, & More
(Friday) Extra, Extra
  • MOCS Bronx Business Mixer at Hostos Community College
  • Conversations & Presentations Celebrating You & Your Small Business with TD Bank
  • State of the Borough Event

Legislative Updates
  • NYS Introduces Street Vending Legislation

Upcoming Events (details below)
  • Proposed Changes to NYC Vending Webinar 4.24.2024
  • Bi-Annual All-Member Meeting - 4.25.2024
  • BXCC Workforce Expo - 5.16.2024 Save the Date
  • Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament - 6.18.2024
Friday Extra 4 19 2024
JOSEPH P. KELLEHER MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT
Tee off with the Bronx Chamber!

Joseph P. Kelleher Memorial Golf Tournament

June 18, 2024
Bally's Golf Links at Ferry Point

Join the Chamber for a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition as we honor Mark Stagg of Stagg Group Development! CLICK HERE for more information about the Tournament and to register.

A variety of Sponsorship Opportunities are available - contact Dolores@bronxchamber.org to secure your package. Sincere thanks to our sponsors to date: Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, DJ Ambulette Services, Monroe College, and BronxCare Health System.
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES NEW INITIATIVES TO CRACK DOWN ON RETAIL THEFT AND PROTECT FRONTLINE WORKERS
Governor Kathy Hochul announced new initiatives to crack down on organized retail theft and protect frontline retail workers that are included in the FY25 State Budget agreement.

This comprehensive approach puts more power in the hands of law enforcement, prosecutors, and business owners – targeting every area of vulnerability. Governor Hochul’s announcement came on the heels of an agreement on the FY25 State Budget, which makes historic investments in public safety and builds on three years of progress driving down crime statewide.

For more information, Click Here 
MOCS BRONX BUSINESS MIXER AT HOSTOS COMMUNITY COLLEGE
The Bronx Chamber team joined the Mayor's Office of Contract Services (MOCS) Tuesday for their Bronx Business Mixer at Hostos Community College.
This event is part of the Mayor's "MOCS In Your Neighborhood" citywide initiative. The goal is to meet businesses where they are, connect M/WBE's and non-profits to city contracting opportunities, and provide PASSPort supports.
TD BANK HOSTS CONVERSATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS EVENT CELEBRATING SMALL BUSINESS
The Bronx Chamber team joined TD Bank for their Conversations and Presentations Event at 1 Vanderbilt.

During this event, business owners heard from experts on how to manage their business cash flow, how to spot and handle fraud situations, and how to better manage their business finances.
STATE OF THE BOROUGH ADDRESS
On Thursday, Bronx Borough President, Vanessa L. Gibson held her second annual State of the Borough address at Cardinal Hayes High School.

During the evening, Borough President Gibson outlining the accomplishments of her administration during 2023 and unveiling her agenda for 2024 "The Bronx is the Blueprint.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Community Clean Streets Day of Action - Bruckner Blvd

April 20th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

In preparation for Earth Day, join community partners in Mott Haven as we sweep, paint, trim, remove graffiti, and wake up the ground for the Spring.
City Wide Storefront Businesses: Proposed Changes To NYC Vending

April 24th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm
Virtual


Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for a policy briefing on proposed street vendor legislation.
Be an active voice shaping the future of New York’s small businesses.

Join the Bronx Chamber of Commerce for our First Bi-Annual All-Member Meeting

April 25th from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on Zoom

*This is a Bronx Chamber Members Only Event*

During this webinar, members will:
  • Learn about your exclusive Member Benefits, including participation in Chamber Governance
  • Meet the Staff and the Board of Directors
  • Get a refresher on the Chamber's Advocacy work - your voice in Bronx government, specifically business legislation - and much more!

Members: Got a burning question for us to answer during the webinar? Click here to submit

Not a Chamber Member? Click here to join
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!
FUNDING, CAREER DEVELOPMENT & OTHER RESOURCES
NYC Funds Finder

NYC's Department of Small Business Services (SBS) and Next Street announced the launch of a new platform connecting small businesses with trusted resources they need to open, grow, and maintain their business. The user-friendly platform – NYC Funds Finder is where small businesses can review funding options, including loans and grants, and request free 1-on-1 financing assistance from the SBS team. 

NYC Funds Finder is a partnership between SBS and Next Street and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. Next Street Scale, the platform that powers NYC Funds Finder, was created to address the hurdles that small businesses, especially those run by women and minorities, face in accessing the resources required to grow their business and build wealth. 
M/WBE Certification
Unlocking Opportunities

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with NYC SBS to help guide you through the application process of getting certified as a Minority/Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE).

This certification program, offered by NYC Small Business Services, is a critical initiative aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in government contracting and procurement processes. The program seeks to create opportunities for businesses owned and operated by minority individuals and women, ensuring they have fair access to government contracts and economic opportunities, opens your business up to increased opportunities from New York City agencies, free advertising in the NYC Online Directory of Certified Businesses, mentorship programs and workshops, networking events, and more.

The City has committed to awarding $16 billion in contracts to M/WBE certified organizations over the next decade--don’t miss out!

Are you eligible? (Qualification checklist below)

  • Business is legally authorized to transact business in New York City

  • Business has been in operation for at least one year

  • Business is more than 51% minority and/or woman owned

If you are interested in applying, or for more information on M/WBE certification, contact Chanel Perez at Programs@bronxchamber.org
THE CHAMBER'S LEGISLATIVE COMMITMENT
A digital refresh to welcome Spring!

Check out the Bronx Chamber's updated website for the latest in news, policy updates, events, resources and more.

To visit our website, Click Here
MEMBER EVENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
Presented by The Bronx Chamber of Commerce with support from Verizon with the help of Verizon's Digital Inclusion program, The Bronx Chamber of Commerce is offering a series of webinars aimed at helping small businesses maximize the potential of digital tools and literacy for business growth. Starting with the first of "The Three Ps of Marketing"

Dates and Times are as follows:

Wednesday, May 15th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 5th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm
Wednesday, June 12th, 2024
11:00 am to 12:00 pm

All Virtual

For more information or to register, Click Here