MINNESOTA MADNESS: Minnesota Board of Pardons Unanimously Pardons Criminal Illegal Alien Convicted of Three Assaults

 

The board’s pardon removed his qualifying convictions that made him removable from the U.S.

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after the Minnesota Board of Pardons’ unanimous decision to pardon a criminal illegal alien from Laos who was convicted of three assaults, criminal convictions that made this illegal alien lose his green card and removable from the U.S.

At Xayasounethone Chandee, an illegal alien from Laos, was convicted of assault in 1992. An Immigration Judge issued Chandee a final order of removal in 1995. Chandee was convicted again in 2008 on two felony counts of aggravated assault – weapon.

Now, the Minnesota Board of Pardons’ decision could thwart his removal from the United States.

“The Minnesota Board of Pardons’ unanimous decision pardoning an illegal alien convicted of three violent assaults is absolute INSANITY,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “At Chandee lost his green card following his convictions for aggravated assault with a weapon. Following his criminal convictions, he was placed in removal proceedings and issued a final order of removal by a judge. Minnesota's sanctuary politicians' pardon took away this violent thug’s qualifying convictions that made him removable from the U.S.”

Chandee entered the country as a Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) when he was a minor.

It is a privilege to be granted a visa or green card to live in the United States of America. When you break our laws, that privilege should be revoked, and you should not be in this country.

DISH Wireless LLC to Pay More than $17M to Resolve False Claims Act and Administrative Allegations Related to FCC’s Broadband Benefits Programs

 

DISH Wireless LLC (DISH), located in Englewood, Colorado, has agreed to pay $17,280,240 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act (FCA), common law, and the Communications Act of 1934 relating to claims to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Emergency Broadband Benefits Program (EBBP) and its successor program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

“The Justice Department will take action where companies and individuals knowingly violate the rules of federal programs and receive federal funds to which they are not entitled,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates our continuing commitment to ensure integrity in the FCC’s programs.”

“DISH and its employees fraudulently signed up ineligible applicants to receive federal monies,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine F. Pirro for the District of Columbia. “By doing so DISH received payments which they were not entitled. This is a shameful act on the part of a large corporation that is rightfully required to pay $17 million.”

“DISH continued seeking FCC program funds for months after its executives learned about its agents’ enrollment fraud and after an FCC OIG advisory warning. FCC OIG is committed to holding accountable bad actors who misuse taxpayers funds,” said FCC Inspector General Fara Damelin.  “We appreciate the dedication and outstanding work of our investigative team, our FCC colleagues, and our law enforcement partners, who together strengthen the integrity of FCC programs and ensure participating providers serve intended recipients.”

The EBBP, created by Congress during the COVID-19 Pandemic pursuant to the Consolidated Appropriations Act, provided $3.2 billion in 2021 to assist low-income consumers with discounted broadband services and devices. The follow-on ACP provided an additional $14 billion for the same services between 2022 and 2024. For both programs, consumers could be eligible for discounted broadband services if they met certain income thresholds or participated in one of a number of specified federal, state, or Tribal assistance programs, including but not limited to Medicaid, SNAP (i.e., Food Stamp Program), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the National School Lunch Program.

DISH, a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation, provides wireless telecommunication services to consumers in the United States through Boost Mobile, a division of DISH. Between May 2021 and February 2022, DISH enrolled more than 130,000 subscribers into EBBP and ACP based on their participation in the free school breakfast and lunch program in which all students who attend a high-poverty school become eligible for these services, known as Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools. For each of these subscribers, DISH received up to $50 per month during EBBP and $30 per month under ACP.

The settlement resolves allegations that DISH received monthly federal payments from EBBP and ACP that it was not entitled to receive because certain CEP subscribers enrolled by DISH agents were ineligible.

The United States alleges DISH engaged in the following FCA covered conduct: (1) DISH submitted claims to the EBBP and ACP from May 12, 2021 through Feb. 28, 2022 for discounted broadband services and devices for subscribers who did not qualify for the programs; (2) DISH failed to implement effective policies and procedures to ensure the eligibility of those subscribers; (3) DISH failed to adequately screen, train, or supervise third-party sales agents by failing to ensure each third-party agent was properly registered in the Universal Service Administrative Company’s  Representative Accountability Database; (4) DISH internal sales employees in Texas, Florida, New York, and West Virginia trained and directed third-party sales agents to submit inaccurate customer applications with incorrect school information; and (5) these third-party sales agents submitted false or incomplete information to the FCC’s National Verifier which was used to determine participant eligibility for the EBBP and ACP. As a result,  DISH enrolled more than 16,000 households on the basis of purported school attendance at a CEP school more than 25 miles from the household address without any verified school attendance, enrolled 130 households on the basis of a purported dependent over the age of 21 attending a CEP school, and for some CEP schools, DISH enrolled more households into EBBP than the actual student enrollment at the CEP school. Moreover, after learning of problems with the company’s CEP enrollments, DISH corporate executives failed to take corrective action from September 2021 through April 2022.  

The United States further alleges that DISH engaged in the following common law covered conduct: (1) submitting claims for more than 66,000 subscribers who did not identify a school-aged student as part of their applications; and (2) enrolling more than 2,400 subscribers using duplicate beneficiaries as the basis for their eligibility.

The Civil Settlement also resolves an administrative order by the Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC against DISH for similar allegations. See In the Matter of Request for Review of the Decision of the Universal Service Administrator by DISH Wireless LLC, et al., WC Docket Nos. 21-450, 20-445, Order, DA 25-72 (released Jan. 17, 2025).

This year the Administration launched the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division to enhance the Administration’s war on fraud, waste, and abuse in federal programs. When unscrupulous actors exploit these programs for their own financial gain, they defraud the government, harm the people these programs are designed to aid and protect, and undermine American businesses that play by the rules. The Civil Division’s FCA enforcement plays a critical role in combatting such fraudulent schemes, recovering billions of dollars for the American taxpayers, and holding wrongdoers accountable. FCA matters will continue to be on the forefront of the battle against fraud, and the Civil Division’s FCA work will support and advance the mission of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud and the National Fraud Enforcement Division.

The civil False Claims Act resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, with assistance from the FCC’s Office of the Inspector General and the FCC’s Office of General Counsel.

The civil False Claims Act investigation was handled by Trial Attorney Jennifer Chorpening, Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Johnson for the District of Columbia, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Hair for the District of Columbia.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of civil liability.

Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking After Possessing 86 Pounds of 100% Pure Meth and 4,700 Carfentanil Pills

Jose Tobias Jimenez-Martinez, 36, a Mexican national residing in Madera, pleaded guilty today to trafficking large amounts of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant, and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob Beris announced.

According to court documents, on March 4, 2025, police officers searched Jimenez’s Madera apartment and seized 39.28 kilograms (86.5 pounds) of actual “ice” methamphetamine with a 100% purity. Jimenez later admitted to transporting the methamphetamine from San Diego and was planning to distribute it in Reno, Nevada. The methamphetamine was packaged in 90 plastic bags of different sizes. Officers also seized approximately 4,700 counterfeit M30 pills that tested positive for carfentanil. According to the DEA, carfentanil is a synthetic opioid estimated to be 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Madera Police Department; the Fresno High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), which is composed of personnel from the California Department of Justice, the Fresno Police Department, the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; the Madera County Narcotics Enforcement Team (MADNET); the Madera County District Attorney’s Office; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody S. Chapple is prosecuting the case.

Jimenez is scheduled to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Kirk E. Sherriff on July 27, 2026. Jimenez faces a minimum statutory penalty of 10 years, a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

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, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. 

Partnerships for Parks - Green Workshops and Grant Awards

 

American elm street tree on 55th Ave. in Elmhurst, Queens. Photo courtesy of NYC Parks.

Greening Elmhurst: Tree Planting Demonstration

Do you love our city’s street trees? Are you interested in learning how to plant them? Join our hands-on workshop to plant young trees along a block in Elmhurst, Queens. Genevieve Moralez, Greening Central Queens stewardship coordinator at NYC Parks, along with other Parks team members, will demonstrate planting, mulching, and watering. You will then work in small groups to plant trees. During this workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded community members and leave equipped with the ability to care for local street trees. Coffee, water, and light snacks will be provided.

This workshop is hosted in collaboration with NYC Parks’ Stewarding Canopy and Community in Central Queens (SCCCQ) project. Questions? Reach out to academy@cityparksfoundation.org.

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
S. Railroad Ave and Cornish Ave
Queens, NY 11373

NYC Green Fund Grassroots grantee Stewards of Ewen Park in the Bronx, 2024.

Spring 2026 NYC Green Fund Grassroots Grantees Announced

We’re thrilled to announce we've awarded $397,000 in grants to 60 community groups across our city through the NYC Green Fund Grassroots grant program! With New York City in a budget crisis, the Green Fund is more important than ever to support the care of local green spaces, many in underserved neighborhoods more vulnerable to environmental harms.

This round of NYC Green Fund Grassroots awardees will receive grants of $1,000 to $30,000 to tackle growing environmental crises such as pollution, flooding, and extreme heat with innovative, community-led solutions.

Some highlights from the coming season:

• We Are Southern Brooklyn, Inc. will engage young people through environmental stewardship including a public awareness campaign creating stencil art near storm drains with messages like: Don’t Dump, This Drains into the Creek!

• Earth Stewards NYC in Brooklyn will improve stormwater management systems in and around Canarsie Park through routine tree care, rain garden installation, and trail maintenance.

• Bee U NYC will continue the Urban Beekeeping Fellowship for ages 16-24, expanding from Brooklyn into the Bronx.

• Ujamaa Garden in the Bronx will finish the multi-year transformation of an abandoned lot into a thriving community space for local mothers and children to grow their own food.

• Forgotten Foods on Staten Island will train youth aged 15-24 in urban agriculture and community organizing to lead stewardship programs at community gardens and NYCHA campuses.

• Kew Kids Kindness Krew in Queens will host open skate days and rollerblading lessons as well as stewardship activities at Forest Park. 

• Green Oasis Community Garden in Manhattan will host monthly woodworking and clothes repair workshops and create a new artist-in-residency program at the garden.

For more information about the awardees, click here.

Partnerships for Parks is a joint program of City Parks Foundation and NYC Parks that supports and champions a growing network of leaders caring and advocating for neighborhood parks and green spaces. We equip people and organizations with the skills and tools needed to ensure these spaces are dynamic community assets.

D.A. Bragg Announces Prison Sentence Of Kamal Semrade For Subway Shoving On The Upper East Side

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the prison sentence of KAMAL SEMRADE, 42, to 20 years in state prison for pushing a woman into a departing train at the Lexington Avenue and 63rd Street station in May 2023, leaving her paralyzed from the shoulders down. On March 9, 2026, a New York State Supreme Court jury convicted SEMRADE of one count each of Attempted Murder in the Second Degree and Assault in the First Degree.

“Kamal Semarde violently pushed a woman into a moving train, uprooting her life and leaving her with catastrophic, permanent injuries, including paralysis,” said District Attorney Bragg. “After the attack, Semrade callously fled, leaving the victim helpless on the platform. While nothing can undo the profound harm caused, I hope this sentence brings a measure of justice as the victim continues her recovery and works to rebuild her life.”

As proven at trial, on May 21, 2023, SEMRADE boarded the same train as the 35-year-old woman, who was commuting to work, at the Roosevelt Avenue stop in Queens. He then got off at the same subway stop as her at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue before the unprovoked attack. At approximately 6:05 a.m., SEMRADE walked right behind the woman, who was adjacent to the train, then to her left side. He used both his hands to shove the woman by the head and neck, with all his force, into the moving subway car, which was accelerating to leave the station.

The victim’s face and head hit the train and she was flung back onto the platform, fracturing her spine. Following spinal surgery, the victim remains paralyzed from the shoulders down.

Immediately after the attack, SEMRADE travelled down the stairs to another platform and eventually fled the station. Upon returning to his shelter in Queens later that evening, SEMRADE placed the clothing he was wearing out for laundry service. He was identified by shelter employees based on an NYPD CrimeStoppers post and arrested two days after the attack.

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD, particularly the Detective Eric Close (Manhattan Transit Squad); Sergeant Thomas Gerding of the 32nd Precinct (formerly of the Manhattan Transit Squad; Officer George Cintron (Transit Division District 1); and Detective Michael Rivera of the 40th Precinct Detective Squad (formerly Transit Division District 1). He also thanked the two Good Samaritans, who stayed and helped the victim until officers arrived.

TEENAGER INDICTED FOR MURDER OF 15-YEAR JADEN PIERRE IN ROY WILKINS PARK

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that two defendants have been indicted on charges related to the shooting death and assault of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre during a large gathering of teens in Roy Wilkins Park last month. A group of teenagers allegedly set upon Jaden and beat him before one teen took out a gun and shot him in the chest.

Alleged shooter, 18-year-old Zahir Davis, was indicted on charges of murder in the second degree, gang assault in the first degree and weapon possession. A 16-year-old defendant was apprehended and arraigned on charges of attempted gang assault in the first degree and assault in the third degree in connection with the assault of Jaden before the shooting.

District Attorney Katz said: “The events in a residential park that day grabbed the attention of this City. As alleged, a 15-year-old teen who was ganged up on by multiple teenagers while others watched and took video, was then shot and killed by 18-year-old Zahir Davis. Davis shot and killed Jaden Pierre directly after the 16-year-old – indicted but unnamed because of his age – acting with others repeatedly punched, kicked and berated him. That 16-year-old was arraigned today on attempted gang assault in the first degree and his bail was set at $750,000. Jaden Pierre, the victim, was unarmed and allegedly did not fight back. We are actively investigating and searching for the other aggressors.”

The 16-year-old defendant, of Brooklyn, was arraigned on the indictment charging him with attempted gang assault in the first degree and assault in the third degree. Queens Supreme Court Justice Bruna DiBiase ordered him to return to court June 4. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.

Davis, 18, of Springfield Gardens, was charged in an indictment with two counts of murder in the second degree, gang assault in the first degree and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Supreme Court on May 20. If convicted, the defendant faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on April 16, at approximately 6:15 p.m., a large group of teenagers gathered in Roy Wilkins Park in St. Albans for a water gun fight advertised on social media.

During the gathering a group of boys, including the 16-year-old defendant, attacked Jaden and punched and kicked him repeatedly with several other attackers. Jaden was dragged to the ground and returned to his feet with his back against a fence. The 16-year-old allegedly punched Jaden again in the face.

Davis, who was holding a backpack and standing next to the 16-year-old, allegedly pulled out a silver firearm from his bag and shot Jaden in the upper chest.

Jaden fell to the ground and was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

Davis then fled to the island of Jamaica after the shooting and returned to the United States on April 24. He was apprehended by members of the NYPD’s 113th Precinct at JFK Airport upon his return.

The 16-year-old defendant, the subject of an arrest warrant on the indictment, surrendered today to members of the 113 Detective Squad.

The investigation into other participants in the gang assault remains ongoing.

**Criminal complaints and indictments are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DURING NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, DEC LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS NAVIGATOR PROGRAM

 

Provides Free Cost-Cutting and Sustainability Advice to Small Businesses

Advances Governor Hochul’s Affordability Agenda by Helping Small Businesses Reduce Costs 

In recognition of National Small Business Week, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced the launch of the Sustainable Business Navigator program to provide free advice to small businesses so they can cut costs while also helping the environment. Small businesses participating in the Sustainable Business Navigator program receive free one-hour consultations with DEC sustainability experts on ways to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and take additional steps to reduce their environmental footprint and operating costs. The program focuses on low-cost, high-impact actions that small businesses can take along with providing referrals to project funding sources and additional resources. For example, switching to LED light bulbs can reduce lighting related energy costs by up to 90%. 

“I encourage all New York State small businesses to participate in Sustainable Business Navigator consultations and partner with DEC in helping cut energy and other operational costs, reduce waste, and protect our environment,” Commissioner Lefton said. “There are so many ways that businesses can find value in operating more sustainably, and this new program is a great starting point for businesses ready to take the next step towards more affordable and sustainable practices that benefit their bottom lines, New York’s natural resources, and our communities.” 

The Sustainable Business Navigator is open to all businesses in New York State with 100 or fewer employees. Small businesses interested in participating in the program can fill out a registration form on DEC’s website. 

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "At Empire State Development, we know that when small businesses succeed, New York succeeds. DEC's Sustainable Business Navigator gives small business owners free, practical guidance to cut costs and operate more efficiently — a benefit to the entrepreneurs who employ nearly half of New York's private sector workforce. Sustainability and affordability go hand in hand, and we applaud DEC for giving small businesses a powerful new tool to strengthen their bottom lines and their communities." 

DEC’s Consultations are focused on providing businesses with information tailored to their specific needs on ways that they can reduce costs, such as:

• Becoming more energy efficient,
• Reducing water use,
• Reducing waste generation; and
• Proper inventory management. 

In addition, the program can cover ways to learn where to find technical assistance and funding for future projects. DEC experts will also provide guidance to help market a business’s sustainability achievements to strengthen relationships with existing customers and attract new ones.   

Consultations can take place in person at the business or virtually.  

Small businesses make up 98% of New York State businesses and employ 40% of New York’s private sector workforce. DEC’s new program builds on other State actions to support small businesses.   

Small businesses and organizations providing services to them can sign up to learn more about DEC’s program during an informational webinar taking place on Wednesday, May 20 at 11 a.m.  

More information about the program is available on DEC’s website.

Man from the Republic of Congo Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Selling Fentanyl That Caused an Overdose Death in Idaho

 

Boniface Binene, "Bones", 25, a citizen of the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for distributing fentany; to another person that resulted in death.

According to court records, Binene pleaded guilty to the offense on November 19, 2025. Binene admitted to selling a tenth of a gram of fentanyl powder to Andrew (Connor) Doyle, on May 3, 2024, in Meridian, Idaho. Mr. Doyle, age 31, of Boise, Idaho, used the fentanyl powder and died in his parked vehicle in front of Binene’s residence. The Ada County Coroner’s Office preformed an autopsy and determined the victim died from acute fentanyl intoxication. The victim’s mother, Kari Bryant, spoke at the sentencing hearing and advised the Court that the victim was participating actively in drug treatment and had 355 days clean, but had recently relapsed. She advised the Court that she is committed to raising awareness about the devastating impact “this weapon of mass destruction called fentanyl” has on families.

Chief U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also ordered Binene serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Binene was ordered to pay $1,773.08 in restitution for the family’s funeral expenses. Because Binene was convicted of a crime which resulted in the death of the victim, Binene will likely be deported after serving his prison sentence.

U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Meridian Police Department, Caldwell Police Department, and the Ada County Coroner’s Office, which led to the charges.

ICE Asks Sanctuary Wisconsin Politicians to Not Release Illegal Alien From Jail Arrested for Sexually Assaulting Elderly Patients at Assisted Living Facility

 

Dane County, Wisconsin sanctuary politicians refuse to cooperate with ICE and choose to RELEASE criminals back into Wisconsin communities

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer asking sanctuary politicians in Wisconsin to not release an illegal alien from jail who is charged with sexual assault of an elderly victim.

On April 27, 2026, ICE lodged a detainer requesting that officials in Dane County, Wisconsin not release Julio Cesar Morales Jarquin, an illegal alien from Nicaragua, who is currently facing TWO counts of second-degree sexual assault – elderly victim.

Julio Cesar Morales Jarquin

According to local reports, police arrested Morales Jarquin after an investigation into reports that an employee at an assisted living facility had assaulted elderly vulnerable residents.

Dane County is a sanctuary jurisdiction that refuses to honor ICE detainers. Sometimes they give ICE a mere 30 minutes to pick up a criminal illegal alien in their custody.

Response from Dane County sanctuary politicians on previous ICE detainers

“This illegal alien is charged with two counts of sexual assault of an elderly victim at an assisted living facility,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “This dirtbag was released into the country by the Biden Administration. DHS is calling on sanctuary politicians in Dane County, Wisconsin to NOT release this criminal from jail back onto the streets to commit more crimes. We need Wisconsin sanctuary politicians to cooperate with us to remove criminals from our country.”

Morales Jarquin was released into the United States in 2023 under the Biden administration’s humanitarian parole program for Nicaragua. After the Trump administration terminated this parole program in April of 2025, Morales Jarquin remained in the United States illegally.

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Mayor Mamdani Joins Bergen Bike Bus to Announce Safety Improvements for Families Biking to School in Brooklyn

City to develop street redesign featuring “bike boulevard” along Bergen Street and Dean Street 

Photo Credit: NYC DOT

On National Bike and Roll to School Day, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT) Commissioner Mike Flynn rode with students and families from the Bergen Bike Bus to announce plans for a street safety redesign along the Bergen and Dean Street corridors from Court Street to East New York Avenue in Brooklyn.

The 10-mile east-west routes are key cycling corridors and home to the city’s most popular “bike bus,” a weekly caravan of parents and students traveling to school together.

The redesign will include a bike boulevard, a street design that prioritizes cyclists and pedestrians while maintaining local vehicle access. These corridors are designed to reduce traffic, calm speeds and create safer, more comfortable routes for riders of all ages.

“Bike boulevards give families the peace of mind they need to start the day right: by enjoying a safe, easy ride to school,” said Mayor Mamdani. “From protected bike lanes to safer crossings, these redesigns make our streets work for people and encourage our youngest neighbors to grow into lifelong riders. It was such a joy to ride with the families of the Bergen Bike Bus, who have for years strapped on their helmets and pulled out their bikes to show the need for better cycling infrastructure. Now, we’re building a city that meets that vision.”

“Streets that are the envy of the world are safe for people of all ages and abilities. Biking is a healthy and fun way for children to get exercise, and with the right street design, more students can feel safe and empowered to bike to school without the requirement of a large caravan of parents to protect them,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Flynn. “We are so grateful for the parents, volunteers and caregivers of the Bergen Bike Bus and look forward to developing safer Bergen and Dean streets that will benefit all New Yorkers using these corridors each day.”

“On this National Bike & Roll to School Day we, the Bergen Bike Bus, are overjoyed by Mayor Mamdani’s announcement. Thank you to the City leaders for hearing our weekly pleas, for riding along with us and for working to give kids the recognition they deserve as citizens and street users of NYC,” said the Bergen Bike Bus. “Biking to school is an active and fun way to start the day. Biking to school can be safe not just on a bike bus, but every day. Bergen is a bike route in name, and now DOT can begin to transform it into a true Bike Boulevard, where kids, parents and all road users feel comfortable and safe. Thank you to the kids, families and team of volunteer marshals who bring joy to Brooklyn every week and who demonstrate that biking to school benefits everyone, and thank you to the City leaders for supporting this version of free buses!”

Bike boulevards vary by neighborhood and may include protected bike lanes, sidewalk extensions, medians, traffic-calming measures and pedestrian improvements. Protected bike lanes have been shown to reduce deaths and serious injuries for all road users by 18.1% and for pedestrians by 29.2%.

The project will be implemented in phases. The City plans to release a design proposal later this year, with the first phase targeted for installation in 2027. NYC DOT has also launched a new online feedback portal to begin public engagement.

The redesign will be coordinated with several ongoing planning efforts, including the Atlantic Avenue Mixed Use Plan (AAMUP), the Flatbush Avenue busway, the Grand Army Plaza-Prospect Heights Public Realm Plan and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s (MTA) Brooklyn Bus Network Redesign.

The announcement is part of the Mamdani administration’s initiatives during National Bike Month. Earlier this week, NYC DOT launched a feedback portal for the City’s secure bike parking program and released the 2026 Bike Map.

Two U.S. Nationals Sentenced for Facilitating Fraudulent Remote Information Technology Worker Schemes to Generate Revenue for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea

These Represent the 7th and 8th Sentences of U.S.-Based “Laptop Farmers” Secured in last 5 Months as part of Ongoing Efforts to Disrupt North Korea’s Illicit Revenue Generation 

The Justice Department today announced the sentencings in separate cases of two U.S. nationals, Matthew Issac Knoot, of Nashville, Tennessee, and Erick Ntekereze Prince, of New York, for their roles in facilitating Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) remote information technology (IT) workers. Knoot was sentenced to 18 months in prison and Prince was sentenced to 18 months in prison. Both men received and hosted laptop computers at their residences that victim U.S. companies shipped to IT workers they had hired and who the victim companies believed were located at the defendants’ residences.

Knoot and Prince also installed remote desktop applications on laptops that enabled their co-conspirators to work from locations overseas while appearing to the victim companies to be working from the defendants’ residences. In total, the defendants’ separate fraudulent schemes generated more than $1.2 million in revenue for the DPRK and impacted nearly 70 victim companies in the United States.

“These sentences hold accountable U.S nationals who enabled North Korea’s illicit efforts to infiltrate U.S. networks and profit on the back of U.S. companies,” said Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg. “These defendants helped North Korean ‘IT workers’ masquerade as legitimate employees, compromising U.S. corporate networks and helping generate revenue for a heavily sanctioned and rogue regime. The National Security Division will continue to pursue those who, through deception and cyber-enabled fraud, threaten our national security.”

“These kind of foreign-based attacks on American businesses will not be tolerated and those involved will be held accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Braden H. Boucek for the Middle District of Tennessee. “This case demonstrates our coordinated effort with federal law enforcement to protect businesses in Tennessee and across the country.”

“This scheme shows how national security threats now enter through ordinary business systems,” said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. “These defendants helped North Korean IT workers pose as legitimate employees, gain access to American companies, and generate money for a sanctioned regime. These were not paperwork violations. They were deliberate acts that exposed U.S. businesses, compromised trust, and supported one of the world’s most dangerous adversaries. These sentences send a clear message: if you help foreign actors infiltrate American companies for profit, you will face federal prison and lose the money you made.”

“The FBI and our partners will continue to disrupt North Korea’s ability to circumvent sanctions and fund its totalitarian regime,” said Assistant Director Brett Leatherman of the FBI’s Cyber Division. “These cases should leave no doubt that Americans who choose to facilitate these schemes will be identified and held accountable. Hosting laptops for DPRK IT workers is a federal crime which directly impacts our national security, and these sentences should serve as a warning to anyone considering it.”

Southern District of Florida: U.S. v. Erick Ntekereze Prince

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Darrin P. Gayles for the Southern District of Florida sentenced Prince to 18 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Prince was also ordered to forfeit $89,000, which is the amount the DPRK IT workers paid him for his assistance with the scheme.

According to court documents, Prince enabled at least three DPRK IT workers to obtain remote employment at U.S. companies from approximately June 2020 through August 2024. In furtherance of the scheme, Prince used his company Taggcar Inc. to fraudulently supply “certified” IT workers to victim U.S. companies, knowing that the IT workers were located outside the United States and using false and stolen identities to gain employment. In addition, Prince hosted victim U.S. company-provided laptops at New York residences and installed remote access software on those laptops without authorization so that the DPRK IT workers could create the false appearance that they were remote working from Prince’s residence.

On Jan. 21, 2025, Prince, U.S. national Emanuel Ashtor, Mexican national Pedro Ernesto Alonso de los Reyes, and North Korean nationals Jin Sung-il and Pak Jin-Song were charged by indictment alleging their participation in a criminal scheme that obtained work for North Korean IT workers from more than 64 U.S. companies. The victim companies paid the DPRK IT workers associated in this case more than $943,069 in salary payments, the vast majority of which were sent to the IT workers overseas. Prince’s and his conspirators’ actions also caused the victim companies more than $1 million in costs associated with auditing and remediating their devices, systems, and networks. Ashtor is awaiting trial, de los Reyes is in custody in The Netherlands awaiting extradition, and the Sung-il and Jin-Song are fugitives.

The FBI Miami Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Cronin for the Southern District of Florida and Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of NSD’s National Security Cyber Section prosecuted the case.

Today’s announcement represents the Department’s latest actions to combat North Korean IT worker schemes as part of a joint NSD and FBI Cyber and Counterintelligence Divisions effort, the DPRK RevGen: Domestic Enabler Initiative. This effort prioritizes targeting and disrupting the DPRK’s illicit revenue generation schemes and its U.S.-based enablers. The Department previously announced other actions pursuant to the initiative, including in January 2025, June 2025, November 2025, and April 2026.

As described in Public Service Announcements published in May 2024, January 2025, and July 2025, North Korean remote IT workers posing as legitimate remote IT workers have committed data extortion and exfiltrated the proprietary and sensitive data from U.S. companies. DPRK IT worker schemes typically involve the use of stolen identities, alias emails, social media, online cross-border payment platforms, and online job site accounts, as well as false websites, proxy computers, and witting and unwitting third parties located in the U.S. and elsewhere.  North Korean IT workers leverage these third parties, which include U.S.-based individuals, to gain fraudulent employment and access to U.S. company networks to generate this revenue.

Other public advisories about the threats, red flag indicators, and potential mitigation measures for these schemes include a May 2022 advisory released by the FBI, Department of the Treasury, and Department of State; a July 2023 advisory from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence; and guidance issued in October 2023 by the United States and the Republic of Korea (South Korea). As described the May 2022 advisory, North Korean IT workers have been known individually to earn up to $300,000 annually, generating hundreds of millions of dollars collectively each year, on behalf of designated entities, such as the North Korean Ministry of Defense and others directly involved in the DPRK’s weapons programs.

The U.S. Department of State has offered potential rewards for up to $5 million in support of international efforts to disrupt the DPRK’s illicit financial activities, including for cybercrimes, money laundering, and sanctions evasion.

Middle District of Tennessee: U.S. v. Matthew Isaac Knoot

On May 1, the U.S. District Court Judge Eli Richardson for the Middle District of Tennessee sentenced Knoot to 18 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release. Knoot was also ordered to pay $15,100 in restitution to the victim companies, and to forfeit an additional $15,100, which is the amount the DPRK IT workers paid him for his assistance with the scheme.

According to court documents, Knoot ran a laptop farm from his Nashville residences between approximately July 2022 and August 2023. The victim companies shipped laptops addressed to “Andrew M.” to Knoot’s residences. Following receipt of the laptops, and without authorization, Knoot logged on to the laptops, downloaded and installed unauthorized remote desktop applications, and accessed the victim companies’ networks. The remote desktop applications enabled a North Korean IT worker to work from locations in China, while appearing to the victim companies that “Andrew M.” was working from Knoot’s residences in Nashville.

On Aug. 7, 2024, Knoot was charged by indictment alleging his participation in a criminal scheme that obtained work for North Korean IT workers from at least four U.S. companies. The victim companies paid the DPRK IT workers associated with Knoot’s laptop farm more than $250,000 for their work between approximately July 2022 and August 2023. Most, if not all, of this sum was falsely reported to the IRS and Social Security Administration in the name of the actual U.S. person, Andrew M., whose identity the conspirators had stolen. Knoot’s and his conspirators’ actions also caused the victim companies more than $500,000 in costs associated with auditing and remediating their devices, systems, and networks. Knoot and the DPRK IT workers conspired to receive payments from the victim companies and transfer those funds to Knoot and to accounts outside of the United States, including accounts associated with North Korean and Chinese individuals. Knoot’s role in this scheme ended when the FBI executed a court-authorized search of his home on Aug. 8, 2023, after which Knoot made multiple false and misleading statements and destroyed evidence to obstruct the investigation.

The FBI Nashville Field Office investigated the case. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh Kurtzman for the Middle District of Tennessee and Trial Attorney Gregory J. Nicosia Jr. of the National Security Division (NSD)’s National Security Cyber Section prosecuted the case, with significant assistance from Paralegal Specialist Shelby Duty.

Attorney General James Stops Forged Temporary License Plate Scheme Operating in Brooklyn

Tyheem Evans Used Instagram to Sell Forged Temporary License Plates to Customers in New York and Nationwide

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the arrest and sentencing of Tyheem Evans, 28, of Brooklyn, for selling more than 50 forged temporary license plates to customers throughout New York and in other states. An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) found that Evans used Instagram to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates to customers, claiming these plates were valid in every state. Evans’ scheme lasted over a year and defrauded at least 52 customers across multiple states. Evans pleaded guilty today in Kings County Criminal Court to one felony count for creating and selling forged license plates.

“Tyheem Evans defrauded drivers and the DMV with a petty scheme to line his own pockets while making our roads less safe,” said Attorney General James. “I thank our partners in law enforcement and the DMV for their invaluable assistance in this case and their work ensuring all those who violate the law are held accountable. I encourage all New Yorkers seeking license plates to follow the legal process and register with the DMV.”

“This defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for using social media to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates for a fee to more than four dozen customers,” said DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata. “Forged temporary license plates undercut safety on our roads by creating ‘ghost cars’ that render drivers untraceable and can also disguise other offenses such as the failure to properly register a car with the Department of Motor Vehicles. I thank the New York State Attorney General’s Office and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles for their partnership on this investigation and their commitment to protecting drivers from the serious impact of fraud.”

“I want to commend the work of our DMV investigators and the collaboration with the Attorney General’s office and other law enforcement to bring this dangerous scheme to a halt,” said DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “It has been a top priority of Governor Hochul’s administration to crack down on efforts to stop those who would use fake plates to get out of paying their fair share for registering vehicles or for the tolls that go to cover the cost of maintaining New York’s roads, not to mention those who have made use of fake plates in the process of committing a crime. We will find you and you will be held responsible for your actions.”

The investigation revealed that between April 2022 and September 2023, Evans used an Instagram page he controlled, @DMVTemps, to advertise and sell 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day temporary license plates, which he claimed were valid in any state. Evans charged up to $210 per license plate and sold more than 50 forged temporary license plates for states including California, Georgia, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, Texas, and Virginia, among others.

Fraudulent temporary license plates create “ghost cars” that can evade tolls and tickets and render a driver untraceable in the event of a crash or a crime. These plates also obscure the fact that a car has not been lawfully registered with the DMV and may not be fully insured.

Evans utilized direct messaging on Instagram to collect information from customers on their cars, including make, model, year, color, and VIN. He then directed customers to send money to him via Zelle. Once Evans received the funds, he used his personal email account to send the forged temporary license plates as PDF attachments to his customers. 

Evans pleaded guilty today before Judge Jane Tully to one count of Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the Second Degree (a class D felony). Evans was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge and 100 hours of community service.

The OAG thanks the DOI and DMV for their partnership in the investigation and prosecution of this case. 

The investigation was handled by DOI Deputy Inspector General Jordan Buff with DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for the New York City Department of Transportation, under the supervision of Inspector General Kathryn Spota, Associate Commissioner Robert Galindo, Acting Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Audrey Feldman, and Deputy Commissioner of Strategic Initiatives Christopher Ryan, with assistance from DOI’s NYPD Detective Squad. DMV Senior Investigator Carina Bonora also assisted in the investigation.