Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul

"I am deeply disturbed by the 5th Circuit's ruling last night in Louisiana v. FDA. The science is clear: Mifepristone is a safe and effective form of abortion medication, and the court's decision to restrict access will only serve to make women and the providers they rely on less safe. Here in New York, I have consistently stood up to protect access to medications like mifepristone and misoprostol, stepped up when the federal government stripped funding from Planned Parenthood to ensure New Yorkers could continue to access the care they need, and signed legislation to defend New York doctors who prescribe abortion medication by telehealth to patients who live in states that ban abortion. At a time when reproductive freedoms are under attack across our country, New York will continue to be a safe harbor for anyone providing or receiving this vital care."

 

 

Fast-Track Payment Program Increases Payment Cap to $5,000 After Successful First Year

Comptroller DiNapoli announced this week that he is returning even more lost money to New Yorkers through his fast-track program by raising the payment cap from $250 to up to $5,000. “After a successful first year, we are increasing the threshold up to $5,000,” DiNapoli said. “In these challenging economic times, every little bit helps as the cost of gas, groceries and everyday essentials rise.”

Learn More

Check for Unclaimed Funds

Lost Money Returned to Non-Profit Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors

Comptroller DiNapoli recently returned over $2,000 in unclaimed funds to My Sisters' Place, a Westchester-based organization that supports survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. It’s a powerful reminder that non-profits and individuals alike should check for unclaimed funds—you never know what resources might be waiting to be put back to work for your community.

Watch Returning Lost Money to My Sisters' Place

Department of Health Makes Progress Addressing

New York’s High Maternal Mortality Rates

Comptroller DiNapoli released a follow-up to his 2024 audit, which found that maternal mortality and morbidity rates in New York State had not decreased since the Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcomes was established in 2018, and that the NYS Department of Health (DOH) needed to do more to ensure that these rates decline and disparities are addressed. His follow-up report found that DOH made progress addressing the issues the initial audit found.

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This Week in Pictures

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• NYS expands expedited unclaimed funds program, raising payments up to $5,000
• Local sales tax collections in New York up 5.1% in first quarter of 2026
• State parks booming statewide – and the Finger Lakes are part of the surge

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

DEC ANNOUNCES NEW HUNTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PROGRAM

 

Awards Available for 24 Game Species Hunted or Trapped In New York State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced DEC’s new Hunter Achievement Awards (HAA) program to recognize hunters and trappers who legally harvest game species, acknowledging their success and encouraging participation in hunting for conservation. 

“New York offers diverse and high-quality hunting and trapping opportunities,” said Commissioner Lefton. “These awards highlight not only the harvest, but also the commitment of hunters and trappers to conservation of natural resources across New York.” 

Like DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries' highly popular Angler Achievement Awards, members of the hunting and trapping community can collect commemorative species-specific stickers to celebrate their annual game harvest accomplishments. The HAA program celebrates individuals who demonstrate skill, dedication, and a passion for hunting and trapping New York’s diverse array of game species. Awards are available for 24 game species that can be hunted or trapped in New York, including wild turkey. 

The HAA full entry rules and submission form can be found on DEC’s Hunter Achievement Awards webpage. Entry forms must be received within 30 days of the season closing. Only legal harvests will be considered for award, and applicants must report their deer, bear, and turkey harvests prior to submitting their entry for those species. Entries may be disqualified based on incorrect species identification, improper game or firearm handling, evidence of illegal hunting methods, or failure to report harvest. 

Each hunter or trapper will be limited to one sticker per species per season, and all submissions must include at least one photograph of the hunter with their harvest. Photograph(s) should be respectful of the animal and any implement in the photo should be pointed in a safe direction. Hunters and trappers have the option to allow DEC to use their photograph(s) for promotional purposes or to opt out of future use of the photograph(s).

Haffen Park Pool Complex Renovations Begin in Baychester, The Bronx

 

NYC Parks has begun a $13.4 million reconstruction of the Haffen Park Pool Complex at 1810 Burke Avenue in Baychester, The Bronx. Funded by the NYC Mayor’s Office and a DASNY grant through the NY SWIMS initiative, the project will overhaul the public pool complex with upgraded infrastructure, rebuilt bathhouse facilities, and ADA-accessible public spaces. Haffen Park is bounded by Burke Avenue to the north, Hammersley Avenue to the south, Ely Avenue to the east, and Gunther Avenue to the west.

Opened in 1972, Haffen Pool includes an intermediate-size pool and wading pool and serves an average of 18,000 swimmers each summer. The reconstruction marks the first major capital project at the complex since it opened, and is part of the city’s broader $1 billion investment in pool infrastructure through 2029.

Planned work includes reconstruction of the bathhouse interiors, locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, lighting, pool deck, and filtration system. The project will also add a new ADA-accessible public entrance, accessible routes throughout the complex, a ramp and staircase to the wading pool area, new landscaping, concrete seat walls with companion seating, and restored 1964 World’s Fair benches.

The nearest subway from the park is the 5 train at the Baychester Avenue and Gun Hill Road stations.

Glen Head Doctor and His Son Charged with Illegally Selling Prescriptions for Controlled Substances

 

Eric Taubman allegedly sent names and medication requests to his father, Richard Taubman, who allegedly wrote prescriptions for those individuals without performing medical examinations

Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam and Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Glen Head doctor and his son were charged with allegedly selling dozens of prescriptions for opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines without a legitimate medical purpose.

Richard, 71, and Eric Taubman, 33, were arraigned today before Judge William Bodkin on charges of 20 counts of Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance or of a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner or Pharmacist (a C felony); three counts of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance or of a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner or Pharmacist (a D felony); and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony). 

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court on May 7, 2026. If convicted, the defendants face up to 5-1/2 years in prison. 

“This arraignment of Doctor Richard Taubman and his son, Eric, for their alleged scheme to unlawfully distribute controlled substance prescriptions, placing profits above public health, is not only reckless and dangerous, but unconscionable” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Medical professionals are entrusted with protecting patients’ lives, not destroying them by exploiting them to addiction and harm. This type of behavior will never be tolerated. I commend the work of our DEA Long Island SPEAR team alongside the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, for pursuing those who drive and profit from the ongoing opioid crisis.”

“Richard Taubman, and his son, Eric Taubman, allegedly operated a family-run distribution hub for controlled substances,” said DA Donnelly. “By allegedly treating high-potency opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines like casual favors for friends, these defendants demonstrated an unsettling disregard for the realities of the ongoing substance abuse crisis and betrayed the community’s trust. I want to thank the DEA for their tireless work in our joint investigation to shutter this operation. My office is committed to holding accountable any individual who chooses profit over the health and safety of others.”

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, in July 2022, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) tipline received several reports from pharmacist employees working at Queens pharmacies. 

These callers expressed concern regarding a suspicious number of opiate prescriptions and controlled substances written by Richard Taubman, a retired Great Neck obstetrician and gynecologist who returned to practice at a non-surgical weight loss center in Islandia, Suffolk County, in early 2022.

Following a preliminary investigation, Richard Taubman was stripped of his ability to prescribe controlled substances in August 2022.

The DEA and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office subsequently conducted an extensive, multi-year joint investigation that included multiple interviews, pharmacy record requests, and other evidence. 

This investigation revealed that between April 5, 2022, and June 29, 2022, Richard Taubman allegedly wrote dozens of prescriptions for controlled substances for multiple individuals without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of his practice. 

His son, Eric Taubman, allegedly acted as an intermediary by providing Richard Taubman with the personal information and medication requests of his friends and acquaintances.

According to the investigation, Richard Taubman allegedly issued those prescriptions without conducting medical evaluations and submitted them electronically from his home in Glen Head to various pharmacies throughout Queens.

Eric Taubman was allegedly paid by the individuals for the illegitimate prescriptions.

During this three-month period, Richard Taubman allegedly prescribed hundreds of pills to numerous individuals. These prescriptions consisted of oxycodone-acetaminophen (commonly known as Percocet), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall), and alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax).

The investigation also revealed that some individuals allegedly kept the prescriptions for personal use, sold the pills for profit, or traded the controlled substances for cash and drugs, such as marijuana. 

Richard and Eric Taubman surrendered to NCDA detective investigators on April 30, 2026. 

NCDA thanks the DEA and the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement for their partnership in this investigation. 

The case is being prosecuted by Pharmaceutical Diversion and Cyber Crimes Unit Chief Heather Kalachman of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. The defendants are represented by Vincent Bianco, Esq.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. 

ICE Arrests Violent Illegal Alien Sex Offender After Governor Pritzker and Illinois Sanctuary Politicians Released Him From Jail Into the Community

 

Erik Giovanni-Quiroa was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago arrested a criminal illegal alien who was released by Illinois sanctuary politicians despite charges for child sex abuse.

Erik Giovanni-Quiroa, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, has a criminal history that includes a conviction in 2011 for aggravated battery with a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and a conviction in 2025 for aggravated sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison. ICE lodged a detainer with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), but Governor J.B. Pritzker and his fellow Illinois sanctuary politicians refused to cooperate with ICE and RELEASED this pedophile from jail into the community.

On April 22, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted vehicle stop and arrested him at large in the community. Giovanni-Quiroa again endangered the public by refusing to stop when given lawful commands and attempting to flee in his vehicle. Officers eventually safely arrested him, and he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive full due process.

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“It is shameful that Governor Pritzker and his Illinois sanctuary politicians chose to RELEASE a pedophile from jail back into our communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “ICE law enforcement arrested this pedophile who sexually abused a 5-year-old child. Governor Pritzker must end this insanity and stop releasing pedophiles into our communities. Sanctuary politicians protect criminal illegal aliens and allow them to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims.” 

Giovanni-Quiroa illegally entered the country in 2002.

In December 2025, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a letter to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul calling on him to put the safety of Americans first and honor ICE arrest detainers of the more than 4,000 criminal illegal aliens in the state’s custody, including murderers, sexual predators, and those convicted of or charged with weapons offenses.

When sanctuary politicians ignore ICE detainers, they are protecting criminal illegal aliens at the expense of American citizens. These are criminals with prior convictions for rape, murder, drug trafficking and other dangerous crimes, and instead of holding them for ICE, sanctuary politicians release them back into our communities. 

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Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on April 28, 2026 following a motor vehicle collision involving an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens County on April 25, 2026.

At approximately 8:46 p.m. on April 25, an off-duty NYPD officer was driving in his personal vehicle on 32nd Avenue in Queens County. As the officer turned left onto 92nd Street, he struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead three days later on April 28.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.   

Two Individuals and a Corporation Charged with Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air Act and Illegally Emitting Pollutants in Puerto Rico

A federal grand jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico, returned an indictment charging Ramon Plaza-Gregory, Ileana Cortes-Gonzalez, and Mo-Na-Co Biomedical & Environmental Corp. (Monaco) with five violations of the Clean Air Act as well as conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. The charges relate to emissions from Monaco’s commercial incinerator in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, which is owned by Plaza-Gregory and operated by both Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez.

According to the indictment, Monaco was permitted to incinerate pathological waste, subject to limitations on the type of materials that could be burned and the amount of emissions that could be released. Starting in August of 2021, Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez burned unpermitted materials, used malfunctioning equipment, and exceeded emissions limitations. After an inspector from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told the defendants of the violations, Plaza-Gregory began operating Monaco’s incinerator on weekends and holidays. The defendants continued to operate the incinerator illegally and emissions excesses were documented again in July 2024. In September 2024, Monaco’s emissions permit expired and was not renewed, yet the Defendants continued to operate the incinerator on weekends and cause emissions up until at least April of 2026.

“The Clean Air Act is a foundational piece of American environmental law, and when its clear guidelines are disregarded, we are committed to enforcing it,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) “Commonsense enforcement actions will help keep our communities healthy.”

“Ensuring that all residents of Puerto Rico enjoy a healthy environment free of hazardous waste and other pollutants is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our federal and local partners,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to protecting our communities from environmental and health hazards.”

“Environmental crimes are not abstract or victimless crimes — they impact the health, safety, and quality of life of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris for the FBI's San Juan Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate these violations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

“Monaco knowingly violated its Clean Air Act permit first by burning biomedical waste, and, once its permit lapsed completely, also continuing to burn pathological waste like animal carcasses. There is no telling what harmful pollution was emitted from improper and incomplete incineration,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Jeffrey A. Hall. “The company president deliberately concealed these violations by failing to record basic information about what was being burned, by not even maintaining a functioning temperature gauge, and by operating on weekends and holidays. Environmental protection depends on companies attempting to comply with the law in good faith, and these knowing and repeated violations and intentional evasion of Clean Air Act requirements justify criminal penalties.”

The Clean Air Act is the country’s primary tool to fight air pollution in an effort “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health.” In order to do so, polluting facilities are required to operate pursuant to permits that set limits on what, and how much, pollution can be emitted.

Both Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hector Ramos-Vega of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for their respective initial appearances. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each charge. Monaco faces a maximum penalty of $500,000 in fines per charge.

The case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI’s Aguadilla Resident Agency which participate in the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico.

Report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations at epa.gov/tips. You can provide tips anonymously if you do not want to identify yourself.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  

Governor Hochul Announces Targeted Enforcement to Crack Down on Ghost Cars

New York State Police are Partnering With State and Local Agencies To Increase Patrols, Detect Fraudulent License Plates and Target Aggressive Drivers Violating the Move Over Law

Operation Plate Check Enforcement Detail From Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9 

Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Police and other state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Thruway Authority, are partnering with local law enforcement to crack down on license plate fraud and dangerous driving behavior. The week-long Operation Plate Check enforcement detail starts on Saturday, May 2 and continues through Saturday, May 9.

“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “This enforcement period is about safety and ensuring that those who are using our highways, bridges and tunnels are paying their fair share.”

Over the last few years, law enforcement has noted an increase in the use of fictitious license plates and fraudulent temporary paper tags by drivers who purposefully cover, obstruct and deface license plates to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers and tolls.

During this year’s enforcement period, State Police will add extra patrols focused on identifying fraudulent license plates, and targeting aggressive drivers, and those violating the state’s Move Over Law. Troopers also will collaborate on joint license plate enforcement details with DMV and other state and local law enforcement partners.

During last year’s enforcement operation State Police issued 3,308 tickets forlicense plate violations, which was a 250 percent increase compared to 945 tickets issued in 2024. Tickets issued for suspended registrations increased by 57 percent,with 83 issued in 2025 compared to 53 issued in 2024.

In addition to tickets issued, the 2025 “Operation Plate Check” resulted in the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles.

Any motorists with peeling and damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website for detailed instructions on replacement plates.

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on April 11, 2026 in the confines of Transit District 4 the Midtown South Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 11, 2026, in the confines of Transit District 4 in the Midtown South Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident. 

You can find the video here 

DHS Suspends Former South Florida Congresswoman, Associates After Indictment Alleging $5.7 Million Disaster Fraud

 

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, DHS and FEMA are working with federal, state and local law enforcement to investigate fraud and hold offenders accountable.

Consistent with this commitment, the DHS Office of the General Counsel and the FEMA Office of Chief Counsel have indefinitely suspended former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of South Florida, her brother Edwin Cherfilus and multiple associates and affiliated entities following a federal indictment alleging they misappropriated approximately $5.7 million in disaster funds and used the proceeds for personal enrichment and illegal campaign contributions.

In this case, FEMA provided disaster funding to the State of Florida through the Public Assistance program to support the state-led COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

“Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick abused Americans’ trust in the most egregious way possible. She manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to funnel over $5 million dollars of FEMA relief funds to her and her family members,” said James Percival, DHS General Counsel. “This is outright fraud. That’s exactly what a federal grand jury and the U.S. House of Representatives found. I am proud that my office is taking the first step to ensure she is held accountable and American taxpayers’ money is protected from further misuse.”

These actions are in alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, which directs federal agencies to combat fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs, restore integrity to taxpayer-funded safety‑net programs and ensure that benefits go only to eligible Americans.

The overpayment and subsequent misuse of funds were identified through a combination of state-level reconciliation, FEMA’s closeout process, and a federal investigation led by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Public Integrity Unit. FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer and Public Assistance program staff worked closely with the DOJ to explain FEMA’s funding processes to help trace the flow of funds and support the government’s efforts to protect taxpayers.

Members of the public who suspect disaster fraud related to FEMA programs are encouraged to report by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. Timely reporting helps protect disaster survivors, strengthens program integrity and supports the administration’s efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Newburgh Man Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Receipt And Distribution Of Child Pornography, And Extortionate Interstate Communications

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that CARSEN MANSFIELD was sentenced to six years in prison by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel for receipt and distribution of child pornography and extortionate interstate communications.  MANSFIELD previously pled guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child sex abuse material and one count of extortionate interstate communications. 

“Carsen Mansfield didn’t just traffic in sexually explicit images and videos of children—he threatened them to create more,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “In a city where kids are online every day, that kind of conduct is especially dangerous, and we will go after anyone who uses the internet to prey on them.  New Yorkers want their children protected from this heinous conduct and we’re listening.” 

According to the Information, plea agreement, other public court filings, and statements made in court:

On August 1, 2024, MANSFIELD, while in Newburgh, New York, communicated with an individual (“Individual-1”) on X (then Twitter).  MANSFIELD used the X username “expogirlsss.”  MANSFIELD and Individual-1 discussed exchanging sexually explicit content with each other.  The defendant said, “[b]et and is there anything you’d like to trade in return? Or just take a look?”  Individual-1 replied, “just take a look and if I like I’ll maybee trade.”  The defendant replied, “[o]kay, I’ll send some tonight.”       

MANSFIELD then sent Individual-1 approximately 2 videos. One of the videos is of a topless woman on her knees with a penis in her mouth (“Adult-1”).  MANSFIELD described Adult-1 as his “sister.”[1]

Individual-1 then messaged MANSFIELD, “u expose ppl?” MANSFIELD replied, “[y]eah I do, but upon request.”  MANSFIELD then sent Individual-1 approximately 7 additional videos and 5 images, one of which was a sexually explicit video of a minor, Minor Victim-1, fully naked and masturbating (“Video-1”).  MANSFIELD then messaged Individual-1, “[u] got anything for me or nah? I was really hoping for at least a lil sum.”  MANSFIELD had originally received the video of Minor Victim-1 on SnapChat from Minor Victim-1.  Minor Victim-1 confirmed that MANSFIELD shared the video without her consent.

On or about August 4, 2024, MANSFIELD, while in Newburgh, New York, communicated with Minor Victim-2, who was located in Michigan, on Discord.  MANSFIELD used the Discord username “nonme45.#0.”  The defendant sent Minor Victim-2 a series of sexually explicit photographs (the “Minor Victim-2 Photos”).   At the time that the Minor Victim-2 Photos were taken, Minor Victim-2 was 14 years old.

After sending Minor Victim-2 the Minor Victim-2 Photos, MANSFIELD then demanded that Minor Victim-2 send him additional sexually explicit material.  MANSFIELD threatened that if Minor Victim-2 did not send him additional content, then he would release nude photos of Minor Vicitm-2.  MANSFIELD stated, “[w]ell I have these pictures and if you don’t send me more I’m going to send them to your friends and family.”  He added, “[y]our my slut now [and] failure to make me happy will end up exposed to your friends and family.”  Minor Victim-2 told MANSFIELD that she was not going to send him pictures and asked him to delete them.  MANSFIELD replied that he was “gonna pay you to make some stuff for me while I had these pics,” and “[b]ut if you don’t wanna do stuff I’ll just post everything it’s fine.”  Minor Victim-2 asked MANSFIELD why he was threatening her.  MANSFIELD replied, “I love power, and tbh most of the time I do this to sisters of people to get videos of them sucking off their brothers but you are an exception.”

In addition to the prison term, MANSFIELD, 24, of Newburgh, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.           

Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, Detroit Field Office, as well as the Town of Newburgh Police Department.       

[1] Adult-1, who is not MANSFIELD’s sister, confirmed that MANSFIELD shared the video without her consent.

Pensacola Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Fentanyl and Marijuana

 

Kamron Jasmane Fountain, 22, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on three counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Fountain appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 8:30 am in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

If convicted, Fountain faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each drug distribution count and at least 10 years and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana count.           

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. 

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Colombian Transnational Robbery Crew Member Sentenced to 57 Months

 

The last member of a transnational Colombian robbery crew in Miami was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for his role in a series of robberies of and thefts from jewelry couriers that targeted high-end retailers and resulted in losses exceeding $5 million. Leroy Ortega, also known as “el Enano,” 43, of Miami, was the last of 11 defendants to be sentenced as part of a series of indictments targeting a South American theft group operating in the Southern District of Florida.

The 11 defendants were each convicted as part of Operation Boujee Bandits, an investigation of a Colombian South American theft group targeting jewelry salespersons in South Florida and elsewhere. The investigation resulted in three indictments and an information that charged robberies and money laundering activity from September 2019 to July 2021.

According to court documents, Ortega was part of a group that forcefully took jewelry and other property from victims they believed were in the business of buying and selling jewelry throughout South Florida. To commit the robberies, defendants rented vehicles using false identification documents to follow jewelry salespersons from the International Jewelry Exchanges or the Seybold Jewelry Building. They would then rob victims of the jewelry that they were transporting, sometimes brandishing a knife-like weapon to ensure victims’ compliance.

Ortega admitted that he committed two robberies. On Oct. 16, 2019, Ortega and his co-defendants identified a person they believed was carrying a case of jewelry. In fact, the victim was not a jewelry courier but rather a professional photographer who had been photographing jewelry. Following the victim to a shopping center, co-defendant Allan Lucas, 33, of Miami, pushed the photographer and Ortega grabbed the photographer’s case, which contained photography equipment and a computer. The photographer chased Ortega and Lucas to their get-away car. When the photographer tried to open the car door to get his case back, Ortega reversed the car, causing injury as the photographer was thrown to the ground.

Then, on Nov. 7, 2019, Ortega and his co-conspirators, including defendants Andres Barahona Poveda, 51, a national of Colombia, and Edwin Castillo, 45, of Pembroke Pines, robbed a jewelry salesman of approximately $125,000 of assorted jewelry. Ortega and his co-conspirators followed the salesman to his business in Miami Beach. As the salesman sat in the vehicle, Ortega approached and smashed the salesman’s windows while another co-conspirator took the salesman’s backpack containing the jewelry. When the salesman tried to exit the vehicle, Ortega held the salesman’s door shut trapping him inside the vehicle. To conduct the robbery, defendant Carlos Morales, 47, of Miami rented a vehicle using a fraudulent Venezuelan driver’s license.

Ortega pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and two counts of Hobbs Act robbery.

Defendants convicted under this operation, in addition to Ortega, include:

• Allan Lucas, 34, of California, who was sentenced to 168 months in prison;
• Diana Grisales Basto, 41, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 97 months in prison;
• Carlos Morales, 48, of Florida, who was sentenced to 60 months in prison;
• Giovanni Cardenas, also known as “El Mono,” 40, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 110 months in prison;
• Andres Barahona Poveda, 51, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison;
• Edwin Castillo, 45, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 108 months in prison;
• Demian Gonzalez Contreras, 30, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 74 months in prison;
• Victor Fabian Valenzuela, 39, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison;
• Hernando Rodriguez Mahecha, also known as “Nando,” 42, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 60 months in prison; and
• Mark Simon, 57, of New York, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa Field Office is leading the investigation of the case with valuable assistance from the FBI Miami Field Office, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, Tampa Police Department, Boca Raton Police Department, Palm Beach Sherriff’s Office, Boynton Beach Police Department, Fort Pierce Police Department, and the Jewelry Security Alliance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided significant assistance.

Attorney General James Announces Shutdown of Opioid Manufacturer Purdue Pharma

 

Sackler Family’s Company Dissolved, Replaced by New Public Benefit Corporation Dedicated to Public Health and Ending Opioid Crisis

Under Strict Oversight, New Corporation Will Use Revenue to Fund Opioid Abatement Efforts

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that opioid manufacturer Purdue Pharma (Purdue) has shut down and ceased operations as part of a bankruptcy plan secured by Attorney General James, a bipartisan coalition of 54 other attorneys general, and other stakeholders. A new public benefit corporation, Knoa Pharma, LLC (Knoa Pharma), will begin operating in its place today and will be overseen by independent directors and trustees who have no association with Purdue. Knoa Pharma will be entirely owned by the Knoa Foundation, a newly established nonprofit. All members of the Sackler family, who fueled the opioid crisis through their ownership and operation of Purdue, are barred from selling opioids in the United States and will not have any involvement in the new company. Knoa Pharma will manufacture medications, including opioid products, safely and responsibly to address public health needs. It will be subject to strict oversight by an independent monitor and will be barred from lobbying and advertising its opioid products. After operating expenses, Knoa Pharma’s excess revenue will be dispersed to state, local, and tribal governments and to the Knoa Foundation in support of opioid abatement.

“Under the Sacklers’ control, Purdue developed, manufactured, and then misleadingly marketed its deadly opioids, destroying lives and communities across the country,” said Attorney General James. “This company that put profits over people for decades is now shut down forever. In its place, Knoa Pharma will provide resources to communities to combat the opioid crisis. While nothing will ever fully repair the damage done and lives lost to the opioid crisis, ending Purdue’s operations is an important step towards justice.”

The end of Purdue is part of a $7.4 billion settlement with members of the Sackler family secured by Attorney General James and a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general and other parties. In the first payment, Purdue will pay approximately $900 million and the Sacklers will pay $1.5 billion. The Sacklers will then pay $500 million in May of 2027, an additional $500 million in May of 2028, and $400 million in May of 2029. The settlement will deliver funding directly to communities across the country over the next 15 years to support opioid addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery programs and ends the Sacklers’ control of Purdue. On April 28, Purdue was sentenced in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey on criminal charges for its role in fueling the opioid crisis.

Beginning today, Knoa Pharma will take over operations of Purdue’s assets. The company will be overseen by a board of trustees that includes leaders in public health, drug policy, and philanthropy, and a board of directors that includes experts in pharmaceuticals, corporate governance, and compliance. Knoa Pharma will be barred from marketing its opioid products, lobbying, and using opioid sales metrics for compensation by a court-ordered injunction. Former Montana Attorney General and Governor Steve Bullock will continue to serve as an independent monitor of the company, ensuring it complies with the court’s injunction.