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Thursday, July 22, 2021
Nos Quedamos - Stage Garden Rumba at Brook Park Community Garden - July 24, 2021 ~ 3-6pm
4 Men Charged With Trafficking Nearly 5 Tons Of Cocaine Hidden In Furniture
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), John B. DeVito, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), Philip R. Bartlett, Inspector-in-Charge of the New York Office of the United States Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Kevin P. Bruen, Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced today the unsealing of a superseding indictment in Manhattan federal court charging PEDRO GUZMAN MARTINEZ, a/k/a “Peter,” ABEL MONTILLA, a/k/a “Coche Bomba,” JORGE MIRANDA-SANG, a/k/a “Chinito,” and LUIS GOMEZ ORTIZ, a/k/a “Kiké,” with participating in a drug trafficking organization that shipped approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to the continental United States, including to New York, Massachusetts, Florida, and Connecticut, for sale and distribution over a period of approximately 10 months. GUZMAN MARTINEZ and MIRANDA-SANG were arrested this morning in Puerto Rico and are expected to be presented before a magistrate judge in the District of Puerto Rico later today. GOMEZ ORTIZ was arrested this morning in Florida and is expected to be presented before a magistrate judge in the Middle District of Florida later today. MONTILLA was arrested this morning in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is expected to be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the Southern District of New York later today. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge P. Kevin Castel.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “These defendants allegedly hid nearly five tons of cocaine in furniture so they could ship it from Puerto Rico to New York City and elsewhere. As alleged, for a time, the defendants were able to hide their cocaine, but they were unable to hide the scheme from our law enforcement partners. We will continue to focus on prosecuting large-scale traffickers of illegal drugs.”
DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan said: “Traffickers have always found new and innovative methods of smuggling drugs into the United States. In this case, they allegedly concealed cocaine into hollowed out furniture. This nearly three-year investigation has dismantled an international drug trafficking organization that allegedly has been shipping thousands of kilograms of cocaine, ultimately destined for our communities. I applaud our law enforcement partners from the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, the ATF and the USPIS for their efforts in bringing this organization to justice.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito said: “The defendants are alleged to run a drug trafficking organization which conspired to flood our streets with unprecedented levels of illegal narcotics. Thankfully, through the diligent efforts of our law enforcement partners, their alleged operation has been disrupted and dismantled successfully. ATF is committed to the fight against the illegal drug trade and will stand shoulder to shoulder with all of our local, state and federal partners to see that these organizations are eradicated from our communities. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office for their leadership during this investigation.”
USPIS Inspector-in-Charge Philip R. Bartlett: said: “Winning the battle against illicit drugs is a top priority for the Postal Inspection Service and our law enforcement partners. Our objectives are to rid society of illicit drug trafficking and the associated violence, and most importantly, provide a safe environment for the American public.”
Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today’s charges demonstrate that the investigative efforts of New York City law enforcement are far-reaching, precisely-focused, and patient. As long as individuals – wherever they are based – are involved in illegal narcotics trafficking, the NYPD and our partners will relentlessly work to stop the spread of illegal narcotics on our streets. I commend our colleagues at the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, and our law enforcement partners at the DEA, ATF and USPIS for their dedication and hard work to bring these individuals to justice.”
State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said: “These arrests are the result of a sustained investigation into a narcotics trafficking organization that was allegedly shipping large quantities of cocaine into the United States, including New York. I want to thank our members and our law enforcement partners for their work on this case and their commitment to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our country.”
According to the allegations contained in a Superseding Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and other filings in the case[1]:
Between at least September 2018 and June 2019, GUZMAN MARTINEZ, MONTILLA, MIRANDA-SANG, and GOMEZ ORTIZ were members of a drug trafficking organization (“DTO”) who conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms and more of cocaine.
The defendants operated the drug trafficking scheme by arranging for the shipment of approximately 70 large parcels from Puerto Rico to the continental United States. The cocaine was concealed in custom tables and other furniture, and the packages containing the cocaine were represented to be furniture on shipping documentation, but the hollowed-out furniture in fact concealed hundred-kilogram quantities of cocaine. In total, the trafficking organization shipped approximately 4,500 kilograms of cocaine, worth approximately $144 million on the street.
GUZMAN MARTINEZ was responsible for delivering the packaged cargo (containing hollowed-out furniture filled with cocaine) to co-conspirators whom GUZMAN MARTINEZ hired to facilitate the shipping logistics using a false company name.
MIRANDA-SANG and GOMEZ ORTIZ identified and hired individuals in the continental United States to receive and sign for DTO shipments, to unpack and distribute the cocaine to other DTO members as directed, and to dispose of the packaging materials to evade detection by law enforcement.
MONTILLA was a Massachusetts-based coordinator of cocaine deliveries who traveled to many delivery locations and coordinated the delivery of cocaine shipments with package recipients. At least a dozen packages were sent to addresses affiliated with MONTILLA.
MONTILLA, 48, of Springfield, Massachusetts, and GUZMAN MARTINEZ, 47, MIRANDA-SANG, 42, and GOMEZ ORTIZ, 29, all of Puerto Rico, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The statutory maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, ATF, USPIS, NYPD, and NYSP in this investigation.
The charges contained in the Superseding Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Superseding Indictment and the description of the Superseding Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.
Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Raising the Age of Consent for Marriages to 18
Legislation Builds Upon 2017 Child Marriage Ban the Governor Signed into Law
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today signed legislation (S.3086/A.3891) raising the age of consent to be married in New York State to 18. This new measure builds upon legislation eliminating child marriage that the Governor signed in 2017 by removing the ability for 17-year-olds to be married with parental and judicial consent.
"This administration fought hard to successfully end child marriage in New York and I'm proud to sign this legislation to strengthen our laws and further protect vulnerable children from exploitation," Governor Cuomo said. "Children should be allowed to live their childhood and I thank the many legislators and advocates who worked diligently to advance this measure and further prevent forced marriages in this state."
This legislation takes effect 30 days after becoming law and will apply to licenses issued after that date and marriages that had not been solemnized prior to that date.
Senator Julia Salazar said, "Regardless of maturity level, minors lack sufficient legal rights and autonomy that they need to protect them if they enter a marriage contract before becoming adults. The vast majority of minors who enter a marriage are teenage girls, and getting married before adulthood often has devastating consequences for them. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill to finally prohibit child marriage without exceptions in New York, and commend the continued work of Unchained At Last in advocating to prohibit child marriage nationwide."
Assembly Member Phil Ramos said, "The cruel and callous practice of child marriage has traumatized too many children to count. Nalia's Law, which will raise the age of consent for marriage to 18 and prohibit marriage if either person is underage, is named after one brave survivor of forced child marriage who I was lucky enough to meet. With the passage of this crucial legislation, minors in New York will be further protected from this predatory practice, and we can prevent stories like Nalia's from repeating themselves."
Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr - 2021 Summer Concert Series Sunday July 25th
Join Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Sunday, July 25, 2021 for the Summer Concert Series at Orchard Beach! 1 PM - 5 PM with Son Del Monte and Rey De La Paz
Leader Of Manhattan Drug Trafficking Organization Convicted Of Narcotics Offenses
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDDIE COTTO, a/k/a “Eddie Diamond,” was found guilty yesterday in Manhattan federal court following a week-long jury trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff. COTTO is scheduled to appear for sentencing before Judge Rakoff on November 3, 2021.
U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As a unanimous jury swiftly determined, Eddie Cotto peddled poison in a public housing building for over a year, disrupting the lives of New Yorkers. Cotto’s distribution of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl and his callous disregard for its consequences have resulted in today’s conviction.”
As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and other evidence presented at trial:
EDDIE COTTO was the leader of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that operated in New York, New York, and controlled drug sales of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl in and around a New York City Housing Authority building at 1760 Lexington Avenue (the “Building”). COTTO supervised and coordinated the supply of narcotics to his co-defendants, and stored the DTO’s narcotics in the locked janitorial closets of the Building. COTTO acted as the gatekeeper of the Building generally from the safety of a Winnebago that COTTO parked in the vicinity of the Building. From the early morning hours, COTTO would direct his co-defendants, generally via walkie-talkie, to serve customers whom COTTO was sending to the Building to complete narcotics transactions.
COTTO, 61, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of narcotics conspiracy in violation of 21 U.S.C § 846 and four counts of narcotics distribution in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C). COTTO faces a mandatory minimum term of five years’ imprisonment and a total maximum sentence for all counts of conviction of 120 years in prison.
Other members of the conspiracy in this case who have been sentenced include SAMMY MCCOY, 64, of New York, New York, who was sentenced to 98 months in prison on May 19, 2019, ERVIN ORTIZ, 62, of New York, New York, who was sentenced to 66 months in prison on May 20, 2021, and JJIMMY RIVAS, 28, of New York, New York, who was sentenced to 24 months in prison on October 11, 2019. MCCOY and RIVAS were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero and ORTIZ was sentenced by Judge Rakoff.
Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department.
MAYOR DE BLASIO ATENDS THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR A NEW LAB AT THE BRONX SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
MAYOR DE BLASIO AtTENDS THE GROUNDBREAKING FOR A NEW LAB AT THE BRONX SCHOOL OF SCIENCE
By Robert Press
Wednesday afternoon Alumni from the Bronx High School of Science gathered to break ground for a new part of the school that would house a new science lab. This new science lab area would be available to all Bronx high school students however, and not just those who attend the Bronx High School of Science. Bronx public Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter said that, when she spoke. She added that this will level the playing field a little for those students who may not have a science lab in their schools.
Mayor Bill de Blasio was introduced by Principal Rachel Hoyle to say a few words, and he thanked Bronx Science Alumni Stanley Mann, the Bronx Science Alumni Foundation, Fund for Public Schools, and the Doe fund for Public school, in helping make this new science lab area a possibility. The School Construction Authority will build the new building.
Mayor de Blasio went on to say a few things about the amazing people in the world who went to New York City public schools, but his bias against Bronx Science High School was evident, when the mayor said that he was a Brooklynite, and that his son went to Brooklyn Tech High School. Stuyvesant High school makes up the original specialized high schools in the city which students must take an exam to be admitted to.
On hand for the groundbreaking were several Bronx elected officials who graduated from Bronx Science High School, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, his son Councilman Eric Dinowitz, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assemblyman Kenny Burgos, and Queens State Senator and former New York City Comptroller John Liu. Also many other Bronx Science Alumni were in attendance.
Principal Hoyle introduces Mayor Bill de Blasio as he arrives.
As Mayor de Blasio arrives, you can see the green construction fence behind him.
After speaking to the audience the mayor spoke personally to Alumni Stanley Mann thanking him for his donation, as Principal Hoyle watches.
It was then on to the groundbreaking with Public Schools Chancellor Meisha Porter, and Principal Hoyle.
(L-R) Chancellor Meisha Porter, an unidentified Alumni, Assemblyman Kenny Burgos is behind the women without a helmet, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Alumni Stanley Mann, Mayor Bill De Blasio, State Senator John Liu, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Councilman Eric Dinowitz, School staff, and Principal Hoyle ready to toss the ceremonial shovel of dirt.
Two different views of what the new Science Lab building will look like.
Affordable Housing Units Still Available At 2692 Creston Avenue In Fordham
The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2692 Creston Avenue, an eight-story residential building in Fordham, The Bronx. Designed by Gerald J. Caliendo, the structure yields 19,111 square feet and 16 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are four units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $63,429 to $167,570.
2692 Creston Avenue in Fordham.
Amenities include bike storage lockers, a recreation room, and a shared laundry room. Units include name-brand appliances and finishes, air conditioning, high-speed internet, energy-efficient appliances, and a patio or balcony.
At 130 percent of the AMI, there are two one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,850 for incomes ranging from $63,429 to $139,620 and two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,200 for incomes ranging from $75,429 to $167,570.
Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 10, 2021.
Wednesday, July 21, 2021
Manhattan Businessman Charged In Manhattan Federal Court For Fraudulently Obtaining Government Procurement Contract
Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William W. Richards, Special Agent in Charge of the United States Air Force Office of Procurement Fraud Investigations, Joint Base Andrews, announced today that RAYMOND WHITE, a/k/a “John Raymond Anthony White,” a/k/a “Raymond Alexander White,” was arrested by agents from the Air Force Office of Special Investigations and the Army Major Procurement Fraud Unit this morning at his residence in New York, New York. WHITE is charged by complaint with submitting false information regarding WHITE’s general contractor business’s finances and prior performance of contracts in order to obtain a contract to build a munitions load crew training facility at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, and submitting false information to the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) in order to induce the SBA to guarantee 80% of the performance and payment bonds issued in connection with the contract. The contract was worth in excess of $4.8 million.
Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As alleged, Raymond White lied and provided false documentation and credentials to the military and the Small Business Administration in procuring a multimillion-dollar contract he was not qualified to fulfill. Among other fabrications, White allegedly provided a report from an independent accounting firm that appears not to exist. White also allegedly provided as a reference the owner of a prior $9 million contracting project, but both the owner and the prior project appear to have been made up out of whole cloth. As alleged, Raymond White’s actual specialty appears to be the construction of fantastical falsehoods.”
Office of Procurement Fraud Investigations Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards said: “The Office Procurement Fraud Investigations, along with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners, will work tirelessly to combat fraud threatening the Department of the Air Force.”
According to the allegations in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
Beginning on or about May 12, 2019, through at least in or about September 2020, WHITE, president and chief executive officer of a construction management and general contractor company (the “Contractor), submitted a bid to the District of Columbia Army National Guard (“DCARNG”) on a contract (the “Contract”) to build a munitions load crew training facility at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Between September 21, 2019, and September 30, 2019, in response to a pre-award questionnaire sent by the contract specialist, WHITE emailed several documents, including an “Independent Accountants’ Report,” a “Construction Contractor Experience Data,” and a “Firm Dossier” to the contract specialist for the DCARNG. The contract was awarded to September 30, 2019, to the Contractor for $4,801,000. These documents contained false financial reports regarding the Contractor’s finances, false information regarding past performance of contracts by the Contractor, and false information regarding members of the management team for the Contractor. The contract was terminated on or about September 16, 2020, for providing false information to the DCARNG, and no construction work had been performed yet on the site.
As required by federal law, WHITE was required to obtain performance and payment bonds provided by an insurer (generally referred to in the business as a surety) for the Contract. On or about October 23, 2019, the Contractor received a performance and payment bond from a bond insurance company (the “Surety”), and the Surety required that the Contractor obtain a guarantee of the bond from the United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”), so that in the event of default on the bond, the Surety would be reimbursed 80%-90% of any loss incurred by the SBA. In or around October 2019, WHITE emailed the SBA bond guarantee application materials to a surety bond broker to submit to the SBA. The application materials included, among other documents, financial statements and a statement of personal history for WHITE. These documents contained fictitious financial reports regarding the Contractor’s finances and false information regarding past contracts performed by the Contractor. WHITE also falsely represented in the Statement of Personal History that he never had been convicted of any criminal offense, when WHITE was previously convicted on April 21, 2011, in the Southern District of New York of mail fraud (18 USC § 1341), major fraud against the United States (18 USC § 1031), false statements (18 USC § 1001(a)), and tampering with a witness (18 USC § 1512(b)(3)). WHITE also listed his name as “Raymond Alexander White” and provided a social security number and date of birth different from those listed in his Bureau of Prisons records. On or about October 31, 2019, the Contractor obtained a guarantee from the SBA of 80% of the payment and performance bond. As a result of Contract termination, the SBA has fulfilled three claims that the Surety has submitted to the SBA pursuant to the guarantee provided by the SBA to the bonds issued by the Surety, totaling $242,827.53 as of January 26, 2021.
WHITE, 56, of New York, New York, is charged with one count of major fraud against the United States, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in the prison, and two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.
Ms. Strauss praised the work of the Air Force Office of Procurement Fraud Investigations and the Army Major Procurement Fraud Unit in this investigation.
The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendants charged in the Complaint.