Swiss Businessman Extradited to the United States Pleads Guilty to International Securities Fraud Scheme

 

A Swiss executive pleaded guilty today to participating in a multimillion-dollar securities fraud scheme after living abroad as a fugitive for nearly 11 years.

According to court documents, Martin Schlaepfer, 67, a Swiss national, identified himself to victims as the Chief Executive Officer of Malom Group AG, a purported Swiss investment company. Beginning as early as October 2009, Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators located in Switzerland and Las Vegas, Nevada, orchestrated a scheme in which they promoted investments that they knew to be fictitious. Schlaepfer and his co-conspirators told victims that, for an up-front payment, Malom would provide access to lucrative investment opportunities and substantial cash loans. To effectuate this scheme, the co-conspirators provided victims with fabricated bank documents purporting to show that Malom held hundreds of millions of dollars in overseas bank accounts. When victims wired their money into an escrow account controlled by the co-conspirators, the money was released and disbursed to, among others, Schlaepfer for his own personal use. As a result of the scheme, victims were defrauded of approximately $6 million.

Schlaepfer was indicted in December 2013. He was arrested in Italy in September 2024, pursuant to an Interpol Red Notice, and extradited to the United States in July 2025. Three of Schlaepfer’s co-conspirators, Anthony Brandel, James Warras and Sean Finn, were found guilty of conspiracy and multiple counts of wire fraud and securities fraud following separate jury trials in 2015 and 2020 and each sentenced to 87 months in prison. A fourth defendant, Joseph Micelli, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and securities fraud in 2015 and was sentenced to 60 months in prison. A fifth defendant, Hans-Jurg Lips, remains at large outside the United States. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Schlaepfer pleaded guilty to securities fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 9. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

The FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office is investigating the case.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE ONE-HOUSE STATE BUDGET RESOLUTIONS

 

"As we work across city government to address the budget emergency left by the last administration, I’m grateful that state legislative leaders are proposing revenue raising and cost shifting measures to help fill the gap. Modest increases in the corporate and mansion tax rates and reductions in the pass-through entity tax credit would make a significant impact on the current shortfall and better prepare us for the future. Increased funding to support class size mandates will ensure our students receive the personalized attention they need. I implore the governor to add her support to these proposals. 

"I also commend the Speaker and Majority Leader for including long-delayed funding that New York City needs to implement Raise the Age-related programming – money that was promised but never provided. To date, less than a third of the designated funds have been allocated, and New York City hasn’t received a dollar. This is a vital investment in the success of our young people and safety of our communities.

"I continue to believe that the most effective means of not only meeting this moment, but enabling transformational initiatives for the long term, is to raise income taxes on the ultra wealthy in our city – a small percentage increase for a tiny percentage of residents will empower us to stabilize our own financial situation and secure services for New Yorkers who feel anything but stable in this affordability crisis. We owe it to working families to keep up this fight for economic justice."

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR ZOHRAN KWAME MAMDANI ON ONE-HOUSE BUDGET RESOLUTIONS

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani released the following statement in response to the One-House Budget Resolutions: 

 

“The legislature and I agree: we cannot bridge this budget deficit on the backs of working-class New Yorkers. I’m grateful that the Assembly and Senate One-House Budgets recognize the scale of the fiscal crisis facing New York City. I want to thank Speaker Heastie, Leader Stewart-Cousins and the Assembly and Senate Democratic conferences for having taken meaningful steps toward closing the deficit we inherited, including by asking more from the wealthiest New Yorkers and by creating a fairer balance in the city's fiscal relationship with the state.

 

“I’m also grateful to the legislature for extending the fare free bus pilot program in both One-Houses; as one in five New Yorkers struggle to pay for public transportation, it is essential we take bold action and build a transit system all New Yorkers can afford.

 

“The State’s support has also been integral to advancing universal child care, and I deeply appreciate Governor Hochul and the State legislature’s partnership to that end. However, we would not have been able to launch 2-K or begin to fix the issues plaguing 3-K without mayoral control. Mayoral control is key to delivering our affordability agenda, and I look forward to continuing to work with leaders in Albany to secure its extension.

 

“New York City is the economic engine of our state — restoring our city's fiscal health is an investment in the state’s economic wellbeing. I am encouraged and heartened by the relationship that we have built with Governor Hochul and the State legislature, and I look forward to continuing to review their proposals and build upon the work we have done together throughout this budget process.”  

ICE Asks Local Authorities in Florida Not to Release Criminal Illegal Alien Who is Charged with Aggravated Manslaughter for Death of 3-Year-Old Nephew

 

The child’s injuries included at least 17 strikes to the head, extensive bruising, intentional burns, a broken collarbone, a transected pancreas from blunt trauma, and several broken ribs

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged an immigration detainer against Samuel Antonio Maldonado-Erazo, a 28-year-old criminal illegal alien from Honduras accused of savagely beating and ultimately killing his three-year-old nephew who was a U.S. citizen on March 4.

The three-year-old child’s injuries were consistent with sustained abuse. According to local reports, Maldonado-Erazo brought the child to work with him and ignored signs that the little boy was in extreme distress. Escambia County Sheriff Chip Simmons said the child’s injuries included at least 17 strikes to the head, extensive bruising, intentional burns, a broken collarbone, a transected pancreas from blunt trauma, and several broken ribs — one of which was completely detached from his spine. The child died at the hospital after someone called 911 to report that he was in cardiac arrest.

“This crime is absolutely sickening and underscores the importance of local authorities working with ICE to remove dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “The Biden administration should have never RELEASED this monster into our communities.”

ICE lodged a detainer for Maldonado-Erazo on March 5 following his arrest to request local authorities notify ICE before his release. He illegally entered the U.S. in August 2021 and was immediately removed. In November 2021, he illegally re-entered the U.S., a felony, and was released into the country under the Biden administration’s catch-and-release policies. In May 2023, he was issued a final order of removal from an immigration judge.

Governor Hochul Directs Flags to Half-Staff to Honor Former New York City Councilmember Ronnie Eldridge

Flags To Be Flown at Half-Staff Across New York State on Wednesday, March 11

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff on Wednesday, March 11 in honor of political strategist and former New York City Councilmember Ronnie Eldridge.

“I was proud to have known Ronnie Eldridge — a dedicated public servant, a fierce advocate for the voiceless, and a trailblazer for women in politics,” Governor Hochul said. “I am forever grateful for her service and influence, and send my heartfelt condolences to those whose lives she touched. May her memory be a blessing.”

Renovations Underway on Castle Hill Library in Castle Hill, The Bronx

 

Castle Hill Library. Rendering courtesy of Abruzzo Bodziak Architects.

Work is underway on the modernization of the Castle Hill Library, a one-story building at 947 Castle Hill Avenue in Castle Hill, The Bronx. Designed by Abruzzo Bodziak Architects LLC and managed by the NYC Department of Design and Construction, the $17 million project will overhaul the structure’s interiors and replace its red brick façade with a modern envelope. The property is located by the corner of Bruckner Boulevard and Castle Hill Avenue.

Wooden fencing surrounds the building as crews work to gut the building. The project began in the first week of December 2025.

Castle Hill Library. Photos by Michael Young.

The above main rendering previews a light-gray brick facade featuring alternating horizontal and vertical bond patterns in series of interlocking trapezoidal segments. A floor-to-ceiling window will sit at the center of the ground floor, surrounded by signage.

Below is an interior rendering of the adult reading room.

The adult reading room at Castle Hill Library. Rendering courtesy of Abruzzo Bodziak Architects.

The following Google Street View image shows the former look of the building.

The renovation will also involve the replacement of the roof assembly to prevent water infiltration, along with the installation of new heating and cooling systems. The building will receive increased power to support the growing high-tech needs of the community.

The modernized facility will feature dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, a larger community room, and an accessible entry and bathrooms.

The nearest subway from the site is the 6 train at the elevated Castle Hill Avenue station to the north along Westchester Avenue.

The overhaul of Castle Hill Library is planned to be completed in the summer of 2027.

MAYOR MAMDANI ANNOUNCES MAJOR 3-K EXPANSION, ADDING MORE THAN 1,000 NEW SEATS

New seats in 56 ZIP codes will make 3-K truly universal   

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced on Staten Island a major expansion of 3-K across all five boroughs. The City will add more than 1,000 new seats in 56 ZIP codes – moving New York closer to making 3-K truly universal for the first time.   

  

Beginning this September, families in five ZIP codes in the Bronx, six on Staten Island, eight in Brooklyn, 16 in Manhattan and 21 in Queens will see expanded 3-K access, delivering on the Mamdani Administration’s commitment to fix and strengthen the program.   

  

“For too long, families were promised universal 3-K but offered seats miles away — forcing them to pay out of pocket for child care or leave the city,” said Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. “Today we’re making a new commitment: government can deliver real relief from the affordability crisis. By making 3-K truly universal, we’re building a city where every New Yorker can afford to raise a family.”  

  

“New York's families thrive when our kids are supported and families aren't burdened by the costs of childcare. I'm proud to partner with Mayor Mamdani to expand 3-K to more families across all five boroughs, building on our progress to deliver universal childcare and build a more affordable New York for all,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. 

   

“Expanding access to 3-K means giving more of our youngest New Yorkers the strong start they deserve,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “Adding seats in communities where demand is growing helps more families access high-quality early childhood education that supports children’s learning, development and long-term success. This expansion reflects our commitment to meeting families where they are and ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning.”  

  

The Mamdani Administration will add 3-K seats in more than half of the City’s 32 school districts this fall, including:  

Bronx (Districts 8 & 11):   

•   10461 — Westchester Square, Pelham Bay, Morris Park  

•    10462 — Parkchester, Morris Park, Pelham Parkway, Little Yemen  

•    10465 — Country Club, Edgewater Park, Throgs Neck  

•    10469 — Eastchester  

•    10475 — Co-op City  

Staten Island (District 31):   

•    10302 — Port Richmond  

•    10306 — New Dorp, Bay Terrace, Richmond, Lighthouse Hill, Midland Beach, New Dorp Beach, Oakwood  

•    10307 — Tottenville  

•    10308 — Great Kills  

•    10309 — Charleston, Prince’s Bay, Pleasant Plains, Rossville, Woodrow  

•   10312 — Rossville, Eltingville, Woodrow, Arden Heights, Annadale, Aspen Knolls, Village Greens, Eltingville, Prince’s Bay    

Brooklyn (Districts 13, 14, 15, 20 & 21)  

•    11201 — DUMBO, Downtown Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Vinegar Hill  

•    11214 — Bath Beach, Gravesend, Bensonhurst  

•    11217 — Boerum Hill, Park Slope, Prospect Heights  

•    11218 — Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park  

•    11222 — Greenpoint  

•    11229 — Sheepshead Bay, Homecrest, Madison, Midwood, Gerritsen Beach  

•    11234 — Bergen Beach, Georgetown, Canarsie, Flatlands, Marine Park, Mill Basin  

•    11238 — Prospect Heights, Crown Heights, Clinton Hill  

Manhattan (Districts 2, 3 & 6):  

•   10003 — Gramercy, Bowery, Ukrainian Village, NoHo, East Village, Union Square  

•    10010 — Gramercy, Flatiron, Kips Bay  

•    10011 — Chelsea, West Village  

•    10012 — Greenwich Village, SoHo  

•    10014 — Greenwich Village, West Village  

•    10017 — Midtown East  

•    10018 — Midtown West  

•    10021 — Upper East Side, Lenox Hill  

•    10022 — Midtown East  

•    10024 — Upper West Side  

•   10025 — Upper West Side, Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights  

•    10036 — Midtown West, Hell’s Kitchen  

•    10040 — Inwood, Fort George, Washington Heights  

•    10044 — Roosevelt Island  

•    10065 — Lenox Hill, Upper East Side  

•    10128 — Upper East Side, Yorkville  

Queens (Districts 24, 25, 26, 27, 28 & 30):   

•    11004 — Glen Oaks, Floral Park  

•    11105 — Ditmars-Steinway, Astoria  

•    11109 — Long Island City  

•    11356 — College Point  

•    11363 — Little Neck, Douglaston  

•    11365 — Fresh Meadows, Auburndale, Utopia  

•    11368 — Corona, Willets Point  

•    11370 — Jackson Heights, Astoria Heights, East Elmhurst  

•    11372 — Jackson Heights  

•    11375 — Forest Hills  

•    11378 — Maspeth  

•    11379 — Middle Village  

•    11385 — Ridgewood, Glendale  

•    11418 — Richmond Hill  

•    11420 — Ozone Park  

•    11423 — Hollis  

•    11426 — Bellerose, Bellerose Manor  

•    11432 — Jamaica  

•    11433 — Jamaica  

•    11436 — Jamaica, Ozone Park  

•    11691 — Far Rockaway, Edgemere, Bayswater  

  

These 56 ZIP codes were selected based on historical enrollment patterns, early application data and potential provider capacity.  

  

Families who have already applied to 3-K do not need to take any action at this time. As new programs are confirmed and added to MySchools, NYC Public Schools will notify families in those communities. Families may update their applications to include newly available programs until April 24, 2026.  

  

First announced on the eighth day of the Administration in partnership with Governor Kathy Hochul, the expansion is part of the Mamdani Administration’s aggressive push to deliver universal child care. Building on the City’s recent Request for Information (RFI), which is bringing new providers into the City’s child care network for the first time in five years, both new and existing providers will open additional 3-K seats in these 56 ZIP codes.   

  

As the City expands 3-K options, increasing services and program availability for children with disabilities where there is unmet need will be a priority.  

  

Today’s announcement follows the City’s recent launch of the four areas of the city that will receive the first 2,000 2-K seats. That program will grow to 12,000 across all five boroughs next year and reach full universality within the next four years.   

ICE Arrests Criminal Illegal Alien who Voted in Seven Federal Elections Since 2008

 

Congress must pass the SAVE America Act immediately to secure our elections

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), arrested Mahady Sacko, a criminal illegal alien from Mauritania, charged for voter fraud in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Sacko has been illegally voting in this country since 2008. He entered the U.S. near Miami, Florida and an Immigration Judge ordered him removed. Sacko exhausted all appeals, and the Board of Immigration Appeals upheld his removal on November 14, 2002—over two decades ago.

Mahady Sacko

Sacko’s paper registration to vote in Pennsylvania, 2006

Sacko’s paper registration in Pennsylvania falsely certifying he is a U.S. citizen, 2020

“This criminal illegal alien committed a felony by voting in federal elections dating back to 2008. Illegal aliens should NOT be electing American leaders,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Our elections belong to American citizens, not foreign citizens. Congress must pass the SAVE America Act immediately to secure our elections.”

DHS is dedicated to preserving and protecting the integrity of American elections as fair and honest elections, unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion as fundamental to maintaining our constitutional republic.

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

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on March 5, 2026 following an encounter with members of the Buffalo Police Department (BPD) in Buffalo, Erie County.

At 10:55 p.m. on March 5, BPD officers reported to a residence on Minnesota Street in Buffalo in response to a 911 call. At 10:58 p.m., the officers forced entry into a bedroom of the residence and encountered a man who was allegedly holding a knife in each hand. The man allegedly ran toward an officer, holding the knives, and ignored commands to drop them. At least one officer deployed a Taser at the man. The man allegedly still held the knives when one officer discharged their service weapon, striking him. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives from the scene.  

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.    

DEC Announces 2026 Exam Dates for Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog Licenses

 

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the upcoming dates of examinations for individuals seeking licenses for falconry, wildlife rehabilitation, and leashed tracking dog handling. To provide enhanced access, DEC is offering these examinations online.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to enhance the customer experience, DEC is proud to offer these examinations online and free of charge,” DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Natural Resources Katharine Petronis said. “This process makes it easier for individuals to meet examination requirements, apply for a license, and interact with wildlife safely and responsibly.”   

The 2 hour exam can be completed any time between 7 am and 11 pm on the assigned date.  

2026 Falconry, Wildlife Rehabilitator, and Leashed Tracking Dog   License Examination Schedule
Exam Date:	Exam Times:	Registration Must Be Received by:
March 20, 2026	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	March 19, 2026
June 5, 2026*	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	June 4, 2026
August 7, 2026*	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	August 6, 2026
October 9, 2026*	7:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.	October 8, 2026

*Please note: Registration for the June, August, and October exams will open the week following the previous exam date.

To register, visit the DEC Special Licenses Unit Exams Registration website.  

Individuals can apply for more than one license. For each exam, applicants will receive an email acknowledging registration with a one-time link to access the specific exam on the specified exam date. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive information on applying for the license, including an application form. Please do not send the application or license fee prior to passing the exam. 

Apprentice Falconry License 

Birds of prey are protected species and cannot be possessed without a license or other authorization from DEC. Falconry has a rich history and tradition throughout the world and requires a significant commitment of time and effort. Apprentices are limited to possessing one bird, either an American Kestrel or a Red-tailed Hawk. To qualify for the Apprentice Falconry License, applicants must:  

• score 80% or higher on the written exam,  
• be at least 14 years of age,  
• possess a valid New York State hunting license,  
• maintain DEC-approved facilities for housing falconry raptors, and 
• be a resident of New York State.

A falconry study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Falconry License” webpage. The cost of a five-year falconry license is $40.

Wildlife Rehabilitator License 

Wildlife rehabilitators provide for the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wild animals for the purpose of returning rehabilitated animals to the wild. Prospective applicants are encouraged to gain experience by serving as an assistant to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. To qualify for the Wildlife Rehabilitator License, applicants must: 

• score 80% or higher on the written exam,  
• be at least 16 years of age, 
• be interviewed by DEC regional wildlife staff, and 
• be a resident of New York State.

A wildlife rehabilitator study guide and examination manual are available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Wildlife Rehabilitator License” webpage. There is no cost for the five-year wildlife rehabilitator license.  

Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License 

Leashed tracking dog handlers use their dogs to track and recover dead, wounded, or injured big game. Leashed tracking dog handlers provide a valuable service in aiding hunters in locating wounded big game that otherwise may go unrecovered. To qualify for a Leashed Tracking Dog Handler License, applicants must: 

• score 80% or higher on the written exam, and 
• possess a valid New York State hunting license.

A leashed tracking dog handler study guide is available from DEC at no cost on the DEC “Leashed Tracking Dog License” webpage. While the exam is free, first-time license applicants have a non-refundable $25 license application fee. The five-year leashed tracking dog handler license is $50.

For questions or assistance, contact DEC’s Special Licenses Unit:

DEC Special Licenses Unit  

625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4752  

Phone: 518-402-8985; Fax: 518-402-8925  

Email: SpecialLicenses@dec.ny.gov