Belmont Ciccarone Park Christmas Tree Lighting

Hundreds of people from the Belmont area of the Bronx came to Ciccarone Park Saturday evening for the Annual Christmas Tree lighting, Toy Giveaway, and visit from Santa Claus. It rained all day, but stopped just as the event began. anta arrived, toys were given out along with some delicious local bakery cookies and hot cocoa. 

People started to leave as the rain began to come down once again and the Ciccarone Park Belmont Christmas Tree was lit. It is a beautiful tall tree that can be seen throughout the park and from outside the park. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus pose with these children.

More children wanted their photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Some bigger girls wanted their photo with Santa.

This woman wanted her little baby to get a photo with Santa.

You can see there were plenty of toys to give away.

This woman has her childs toy.

This was the unlight Ciccarone Park Belmont Christmas Tree.

The lighted Ciccarone Park Belmont Christmas Tree.

Union County Man Admits Committing Multiple Armed Robberies and Weapons Offenses Across Northern New Jersey

 

 A Union County, New Jersey, man admitted participating in a conspiracy to commit multiple armed robberies from August 2018 to February 2019, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Jaime Fontanez, 45, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stanley R. Chesler on Nov. 30, 2022, to eight counts of an indictment charging him with one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, five substantive counts of Hobbs Act robbery, and two counts of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From August 2018 through February 2019, Fontanez conspired with a number of other individuals to commit 13 armed robberies in Bronx and New York counties in New York and Union, Middlesex, and Essex counties in New Jersey. The conspirators targeted convenience and liquor stores. After entering the business, one of the conspirators pointed a firearm at the store clerk while another conspirator went behind the counter to steal money from the cash register. On one occasion, one of the conspirators discharged a firearm into the liquor store.

The Hobbs Act charges each carry a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison. The brandishing of a firearm during a crime of violence carries a maximum potential penalty of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years in prison, which must run consecutively to any other prison term. Each count also carries a potential $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for April 26,2023.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents with the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea. He also thanked the Elizabeth Police Department, the Rahway Police Department, the Woodbridge Police Department, the Bloomfield Police Department, the Linden Police Department, the Kenilworth Police Department, the Union Police Department, and the New Jersey States Police for their assistance.

Corporate Insider Sentenced to 10 Years' Imprisonment for Conspiring with Long Island Boiler Room to Pump and Dump Stock on Unsuspecting Elderly Investors

 

Illegal Stock Promotion and Manipulation Scheme Cost Victims Millions of Dollars

 In federal court in Central Islip, Jeffrey Chartier, a former registered broker who participated in a criminal conspiracy to promote and manipulate the price of shares in publicly traded companies, was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 10 years’ imprisonment for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, securities fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering conspiracy, and money laundering.  The Court also ordered Chartier to pay $1,022,398.89 in forfeiture and $6,083,603.45 in restitution.  Chartier and co-defendant Lawrence Isen were convicted of the charges by a federal jury in March 2020 following a six-week trial.  Isen is awaiting sentencing.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), New York Field Office, announced the sentence.

“Jeffrey Chartier and his confederates lined their pockets with the lifetime savings of hard-working citizens they victimized all around the country,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This sentences should serve as a reminder to so-called white-collar criminals that this Office will hold them accountable for their selfish actions and the devastation they inflict upon the lives and families of others.”

Mr. Peace also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, for its hard work and dedication in leading the investigation, and expressed his appreciation to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc., Criminal Prosecution Assistance Group (FINRA CPAG), for their cooperation and assistance.

From 2014 to 2016, Isen, Chartier and others working with a Melville, New York-based boiler room artificially inflated the price and trading volume of stock in struggling companies with poor prospects, and off-loaded it onto unsuspecting victims who were often elderly and vulnerable. 

The evidence at trial proved that from approximately 2014 to 2016, Chartier paid the boiler room to illegally prop up the stock price of National Waste Management Holdings, Inc., trading under the ticker symbol NWMH, and CES Synergies, Inc., trading under ticker symbol CESX, through manipulative trading, and also to dump his own NWMH and CESX shares on innocent investors through illegal matched trades.  NWMH and CESX were previously profitable private companies that were each run by individuals seeking to retire.  Chartier persuaded them to pay him in large blocks of stock to take their companies public on promises that doing so would sustain the companies for the future.  Instead, Chartier hired the boiler room, which fraudulently inflated these companies’ share prices using high-pressure sales tactics, and then dumped his own shares through matched trades, which caused the companies’ stock prices to plummet. As part of the sentencing, the Court ordered the repatriation of Chartier’s remaining shares in NWMH and CESX.

The evidence at trial showed that Isen colluded with crooked investors, both in the United States and overseas, to dump large volumes of shares in Hydrocarb Energy Corp., trading under the ticker symbol HECC, and Intelligent Content Enterprises, Inc. trading under the ticker symbol ICEIF, on the victims.  He did so by, among other things, connecting the investors with the boiler room; negotiating the terms of the arrangements between them; and managing the relationships between them.  Isen assisted the boiler room in its illegal cold call campaigns that used lies and high-pressure sales tactics to lure victims, by, among other things, transferring money and stock required by the boiler room for the campaigns; working with the boiler room to fill the duped victims’ orders with Isen’s crooked investors’ stock; and creating fraudulent stock purchase agreements, consulting agreements and invoices to cover up the illegal conduct. 

The government has calculated that the conspiracy’s market manipulation fraudulently inflated the stock price of HECC, ICIEF, NWMH and CESX and one other company by more than $147 million.  All 16 defendants charged in this case have been convicted. 

Defendant Convicted of Bribing New York City Correction Officers to Smuggle Contraband into Rikers Island Jail

 

James Albert Sold Smuggled Narcotics to Other Inmates at the George R. Vierno Center

 A federal jury in Brooklyn convicted James Albert of conspiracy to violate the Travel Act and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances while he was incarcerated at the George R. Vierno Center at Rikers Island (GRVC) as part of a scheme to bribe correction officers to smuggle illegal drugs and other contraband into the jail for sale to other inmates.  The verdict followed a four-day trial before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.  When sentenced, Albert faces a maximum of 15 years in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict.

“This verdict holds the defendant accountable for conspiring with corrupt correction officers to facilitate his lucrative drug-selling business from which he generated tens of thousands of dollars from his Rikers Island jail cell.  Such lawless conduct by the defendant and his co-conspirators undermines the orderly running of the institution and endangers the safety of other incarcerated individuals and Department of Correction personnel,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “This Office will continue working with our federal and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the flow of illegal narcotics and other contraband into correctional facilities.”

Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their outstanding investigative work on the case.

As proven at trial, while he was incarcerated at GRVC between February and June 2019, Albert orchestrated a scheme to bribe at least two officers to bring marijuana, suboxone strips, and other contraband into GRVC for sale and distribution to other inmates.  Albert also enlisted his wife, co-defendant Celena Burgess, to receive money from inmates and pay thousands of dollars in bribes to the correction officers on the defendant’s behalf using the electronic money-transfer platform Cash App. 

The government’s evidence included testimony from Patrick Legerme, a former New York City Correction Officer who accepted bribes from Albert to smuggle marijuana into the jail and described how he smuggled drugs into the jail.  Legerme pleaded guilty to conspiring to accept bribes and is awaiting sentencing.  The government’s evidence also included testimony from Burgess that she managed the Cash App transactions for the defendant and received payments from other inmates for the items that Albert had sold them.  Burgess testified as part of a deferred prosecution agreement with the government.  In addition to financial and phone records and expert testimony, the jury heard recorded telephone calls in which inmates used coded language in their conversations.  For example, “Oakland Raider jerseys” referred to marijuana, “oranges” was code for suboxone strips, and “Pink Panties” referred to a correction officer.

NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announces New Executive Designations

 

A Robust Leadership Corps Heading Into 2023

Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell today announced the appointment of several NYPD commanders to new leadership positions within the Department’s executive team, including naming Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey the Chief of Department. The  Commissioner has also begun the first of a number of planned moves to consolidate and streamline the organizational structure of bureaus within the Department to achieve maximum efficiency and an effective use of resources. The designations come as Commissioner Sewell continues driving her vision for the sustained success of the department’s overall operations and public safety mission into a new year.

For Chief Maddrey, a 31-year veteran of the NYPD, his promotion to Chief of Department makes him the agency’s highest-ranking uniformed officer and the four-star leader charged with overseeing the Department’s crime-fighting strategies and implementing its operational plans.

Other commanders taking on new assignments as three-star chiefs include Chief Thomas P. Galati, who will serve in the newly created position of Chief of Intelligence and Counterterrorism from his previous position as Chief of the Intelligence Bureau. Assistant Chief Wilson Aramboles will serve asthe Acting Chief of Special Operations after his service as head of the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit. Assistant Chief Miguel A. Iglesias will serve as Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau from his previous position as an executive in the Detective Bureau. Assistant Chief Michael M. Kemper will serve as Acting Chief of Transit from his previous positon heading Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. Assistant Chief Martine N. Materasso will serve as Acting Chief of the Housing Bureau after her years of service as the Chief of Counterterrorism, and Deputy Chief John Chell, who will serve as Chief of Patrol from his previous position as Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau.

“This strong team of law enforcement leaders will propel us forward in our everlasting work to keep our communities safe and never waver in our fight against crime,” said Commissioner Sewell. “These executives are among the city’s most dedicated public servants – who have always put New Yorkers and this City first. I look forward to seeing them put their skills and knowledge to work in these key operational assignments as we embark on a new year together and build on the momentum we have gained in bettering our Department and serving the citizens of our city.”

Chief Maddrey, who joined the NYPD in 1991, is a child of New York, a beneficiary of its public schools, and a policing manager who has amassed a portfolio of diverse leadership positions in his career. He cultivated lasting grassroots connections with the community in his years as borough commander in northern Brooklyn and later assumed leadership of the Department’s Community Affairs Bureau at a pivotal moment during the NYPD’s efforts to deepen its ties with all New Yorkers.

Chief Maddrey said he is eager in his new role as the Chief of Department to carry forth with Police Commissioner Sewell’s vision for fair and effective policing in the 21st Century. 

“The time is now, in this new year, in the second year of this stellar administration, to keep our eye on the ball – and I pledge to listen intently to the voices of all New Yorkers as we pull together to ensure public safety for all,” said Chief Maddrey. “I am confident that the women and men of the NYPD will continue their forward progress in 2023 in building a foundation for the safest, most prosperous city possible. Their resolve offers hope for even greater achievements ahead and inspires all of us onward in our solemn mission to always achieve truth and justice.”

In addition to Chiefs Maddrey, Galati, Aramboles, Iglesias, Kemper, Materasso, and Chell, Commissioner Sewell has filled out her team with a cadre of experienced NYPD leaders who bring integrity, creativity, and years of accumulated wisdom and experience into their new assignments.

Assistant Chief Galen D. Frierson will serve as the uniformed Chief of the Support Services Bureau from his previous position as Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North.

Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison will serve as Commanding Officer of the newly restructured Counterterrorism Division. She previously served as Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North.

Deputy Chief Edward Winski will serve as Executive Officer in the Department’s Risk Management Bureau. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Candidate Assessment Division.

Deputy Chief Carlos Valdez, will serve as Commanding Officer of the Emergency Service Unit. He previously served as the Executive Officer of Operations in Patrol Borough Queens North.

Deputy Chief Charles McEvoy, will serve as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. He formerly served as the Commanding Officer of Chief of Department’s office.

Deputy Chief Scott M. Henderson is ascending within Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, to the position of Commanding Officer, from his previous position as that patrol borough’s Executive Officer.

Deputy Chief Christine Bastedenbeck will serve as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North after having served as the Executive Officer of the Transit Bureau.

Deputy Chief John B. Hart will serve as Commanding Officer of the newly formed Intelligence Division. He previously served as the Executive Officer of the former Intelligence Bureau.

Deputy Chief Benjamin Gurley will serve as the new Executive Officer for Chief Maddrey in the Chief of Department’s Office. Chief Gurley formerly served as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau.

Inspector Tanya Kinsella will serve as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau after having served as the Commanding Officer of the 120th Precinct on Staten Island.

Inspector Janice L. Holmes will serve as the Executive Officer of the newly formed Intelligence Division. She previously served in the position of Commanding Officer of the Detective Bureau’s Real Time Crime Center.

Inspector Robert Rios will serve as Executive Officer of the newly formed Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau. He formerly served as the Executive Officer of the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Governor Hochul Highlights Continued Success of "Operation Hardhat" Enforcement Initiative to Protect Workers in Highway Work Zones

 With 3,062 Traffic Violations Issued Across New York State in State Work Zones, Governor Reminds Motorists to Slow Down When Encountering Work Zones on Highways

Initiative Between State and Local Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority Aims to Keep Highway Workers Safe

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies issued a record 3,062 tickets from April 1 to November 17 of this year as part of Operation Hardhat. Through the ongoing initiative, state and local law enforcement entities have worked with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering construction, maintenance, and emergency operations along state highways. This year's Operation Hardhat ticketed violations total eclipses last year's total of 2,336 tickets.

"Our highway maintenance workers put their safety on the line every day to keep New Yorkers moving," Governor Hochul said. "Thank you to our partners in law enforcement for their ongoing commitment to protect our highway workers through 'Operation Hardhat' and urge motorists across the state to obey the rules in a work zone. It's not a suggestion - it's the law - and here in New York we have zero tolerance for negligent behavior that endangers our highway work crews."

The 3,062 tickets issued during Operation Hardhat this year included the following violations:

• Speeding - 1,209
• Cell Phone - 426
• Seatbelt - 297
• Failure to Move Over - 124
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device - 15
• Unsafe Lane Change - 9
• Failure to Obey Flagger - 4
• Other Violations - 978

Other violations may include but are not limited to tickets issued for cracked windshield, headlight, inspection, exhaust, and unlicensed operation.

Violations by region were distributed as follows:

• Long Island - 458
• Poughkeepsie/Hudson Valley - 442
• Thruway - 381
• Syracuse/Central New York - 348
• Utica/Mohawk Valley - 337
• Albany/Capital Region - 288
• Binghamton/Southern Tier - 229
• Rochester/Finger Lakes - 172
• Hornell/Western Southern Tier - 156
• Watertown/North Country - 145
• Buffalo/Western New York - 106

Under Operation Hardhat, members of state and local law enforcement agencies patrol Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority work zones to enforce work zone speed limits and ensure that motorists are obeying flagging personnel. Police officers are present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to identify motorists who are distracted by electronic devices while driving, disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone or violate the state's Move Over Law, which applies to both emergency and maintenance vehicles.

This effort is further highlighted every year during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration since 2000 and which took place this year from April 11 to 15.

At the 2021 Great New York State Fair, Governor Hochul, DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, and Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll unveiled a Highway Workers Memorial to honor transportation workers who lost their lives on the job. This permanent exhibit is located just outside the midway entrance at the fairgrounds, serving as a reminder of the individuals whose necessary but dangerous work resulted in the ultimate sacrifice.

In September, the Thruway Authority, along with Sally Deming and loved ones, dedicated and unveiled a new memorial honoring the life of Ron Deming, a 20-year veteran of the Thruway's Herkimer Maintenance Section. Deming was fatally struck on October 28, 2016 by a vehicle while assisting in the recovery of a passenger car along the shoulder of the Thruway (I-90) in Herkimer County. Since her husband's death, Sally has appeared in Thruway PSAs, at numerous Thruway work zone safety events, and at the unveiling of the Highway Workers Memorial at the State Fair.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVIDES TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

 

Discover What to Look for When Reviewing Return and Refund Policies

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez, “Avoid Surprises and Know the Policy Before You Buy”

Laws Protect Consumers so They can Make Informed Decisions During Holiday Shopping

 As part of its five-part consumer alert holiday series, the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection reminds shoppers of New York State laws that protect consumers so they can make informed decisions about holiday purchases. To avoid surprises, DCP recommends that consumers carefully review and understand what to look for when reviewing return and refund policies.

“Experts are predicting a strong holiday spending season despite recent economic challenges and as a result, we’re expecting more consumer activity this holiday season,” said New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez. “To avoid any surprises, I urge New Yorkers to pay attention to policies surrounding returns and refunds to be sure you are comfortable with the terms and know the policy before you buy.”

Around the holidays, gift givers and receivers often change their minds. According to the National Retail Federation, retail returns increased significantly last year (16.6% in 2021 versus 10.6% in 2020) and this year they’re expecting more. To help navigate the busy shopping season, DCP offers the following tips:

• Pay Attention to Return Policies: New York State law requires that retailers post their return and refund policies conspicuously to inform consumers before the transaction is completed. Retailers must provide a written copy of the store’s return policies when requested.

New York State Law does not require retailers to accept returns, however, they must post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale advising that no returns will be accepted.

If the retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date, with proof of purchase, and provide a refund in the form —cash or a credit — of the consumer’s preference

• Understand the Refund Terms: For retailers that allow returns, New York State law does not require refunds to be given in any specific manner. However, it does require the form of the refund —cash, credit, or exchange — be clearly disclosed in advance of purchase. Retailers must also disclose any fees associated with the return. If no fee is listed, shoppers should inquire whether the store imposes a re-stocking fee for returned merchandise and determine prior to purchase if the item can be returned for a refund or only store credit.

• Retain Any Proof of Purchase: Consumers should retain receipts in the event a product needs to be returned, and when purchasing gifts, ask if a gift receipt is available.

Consumers having trouble obtaining a store refund are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer

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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Happy December! This year has flown by and we have accomplished so much together. Just last week, our community celebrated Thanksgiving with their families and friends, both far and near. It’s always a magical experience when everyone comes together and talk about what they are grateful for or to spend time with loved ones.

In the days leading to Thanksgiving, I worked alongside our local community centers, Bronx House and the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, and several partners to bring Thanksgiving dinner to homes across our district. No one should ever have to go without food during the holidays, and partners like ours help to narrow the food insecurity gap. Through their generosity, we were able to help hundreds of families and seniors this holiday season. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, contact my office, and a Constituent Services Liaison will be happy to assist you.

As the winter holidays quickly approach, I ask you to reflect this season. When we reflect on our actions and thoughts, we are reminded that we are one of the billions of people in this world, and those around us help diversify our communities and the world. Whether it is a religious holiday, cultural custom, or personal situation, empathy is fundamental. You may learn something new or help someone in the process.

If you have general questions or inquiries, please call my office at (718) 931-1721 and leave a message or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov; if you have an emergency, please call #911.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez