The NYPD Announces Street Closures and Expected Traffic Delays, Saturday, April 23rd and Sunday April 24th

 

Saturday, April 23rd, 2022

CAR FREE EARTH DAY
Manhattan/Bronx/ Brooklyn/Queens/Staten Island:
Manhattan Portion: At the Discretion of NYPD

• Broadway between East 17th Street and West 42nd Street
• 5th Avenue between 24th Street and 26th Street
• St.Nicholas Avenue between 181st Street and 190th Street
• Dyckman Avenue between Seaman Avenue and DyckmanMarina
• Avenue B between East 6th Street and East 14TH Street

Miscellaneous:

• 25th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 39th Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 185th Street between St Nicholas Avenue and Wadsworth Avenue
• 186th Street between St Nicholas Avenue and Wadsworth Avenue
• 8th Street between Avenue Band Avenue C

Bronx Portion:

• Mosholu Parkway between Van Cortlandt Avenue East and Bainbridge Avenue
• 3rd Avenue between 148th Street and 149th Street

Miscellaneous:

• East 148th Street between Willis Avenue and Bergen Avenue
• East Mosholu Parkway South between East 203rd Street and East 204th Street

Brooklyn Portion:

• Tompkins Avenue between Gates Avenue and Halsey Street

Miscellaneous:

• Jefferson Avenue between Tompkins Avenue and Marcy Avenue

Queens Portion:

• 34th Avenue between 69th Street and 94th Street

Miscellaneous:

• 79th Street between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard

Staten Island Portion:

• Minthorne Street between Bay Street and Victory Boulevard

Closure: At the Discretion of NYPD

SIKH DAY & PERSIAN DAY PARADE AND FESTIVAL

Manhattan: At the Discretion of NYPD
Formation:

• 36th Street to 38th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue

Route:

• Madison Avenue between 38th Street and 27th Street

Dispersal:

• 27th Street between 5th Avenue and Park Avenue South

Festival:

• Madison Avenue between 24th Street and 26th Street
• 26th Street between Madison Avenue and Park Avenue

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

FALUN GONG RALLY

Queens: 1200

Formation:

• 38th Avenue between Prince Street and Main Street

Route:

• Main Street between 38th Avenue and Sanford Avenue

Dispersal:

• Sanford Avenue between Main Street and Kissena Boulevard
• Kissena Boulevard between Sanford Avenue and 41st Avenue

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

JOHN A CORTESE WAY

Brooklyn: 1100
Location:

• Troy Avenue and Flatbush Avenue

Closure: None

REV DANILO LACHAPEL WAY

Bronx: 1100

Location:

• Tinton Avenue and East 156th Street

Closure: None

BISHOP CM SWEET DADDY GRACE LANE

Manhattan: 1200

Location:

• West 124th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard

Closure: None

MICHAEL PRINCE WAY

Bronx: 1200

Location:

• Ampere Avenue and Ohm Avenue

Closure: None

---

Sunday, April 24th, 2022

911 MEMORIAL 5K RUN WALK AND COMMUNITY DAY

Manhattan: At the discretion of NYPD

Formation:

• Brookfield Place

Route:

• Battery Park City Greenway
• Greenwich Street between Battery Place and Morris Street
• Trinity Place between Morris Street and Edgar Street
• Edgar Street between Trinity Place and Greenwich Street
• Greenwich Street between Edgar Street and Liberty Street
• River Terrace between Murray Street and Chambers Street
• Chambers Street between River Terrace and West Street
• Battery Place between Little West Street and Greenwich Street
• South End Avenue between Liberty Street and Albany Street

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

CONTI’S PASTRY SHOPPE BOULEVARD

Bronx: 1200

Location:

• Morris Park and Barnes Avenue

Closure: None

NYC RUNS BROOKLYN MARATHON AND HALF MARATHON

Brooklyn: At the discretion of NYPD

Locations:

• McCarren Park
• Driggs Avenue between Manhattan Avenue and Lorimer Street
• Manhattan Avenue between Driggs Avenue and Commercial Street
• Commercial Street between Manhattan Avenue and Franklin Street
• Franklin Street between Commercial Street and N 15th Street
• N 15th Street between Franklin Street and Wythe Street
• Wythe Street between N 15th Street and N 12th Street
• N 12th Street between Wythe Street and Kent Avenue
• Kent Avenue between N 12th Street and Williamsburg St West
• Williamsburg St West between Kent Avenue and Flushing Avenue
• Flushing Avenue between Williamsburg St West and Navy Street
• Navy Street between Flushing Avenue and York Street
• York Street between Navy Street and Bridge Street
• Bridge Street between York Street and Front Street
• Front Street between Bridge Street and Jay Street
• Jay Street between Front Street and John Street
• John Street between Jay Street and Pearl Street
• Pearl Street between John Street and Plymouth Street
• Plymouth Street between Pearl Street and Main Street
• Main Street between Plymouth Street and Water Street
• Water Street between Main Street and Old Fulton Street
• Old Fulton Street Street between Water Street and Cadman Plaza West
• Cadman Plaza West between Old Fulton Street and Court Street
• Court Street between Cadman Plaza West and Joralemon Street
• Joralemon Street between Court Street and Fulton Street
• Fulton Street between Joralemon Street and Flatbush Avenue
• Flatbush Avenue between Fulton Street and Grand Army Plaza
• Eastern Parkway between Grand Army Plaza and Brooklyn Avenue
• Grand Army Plaza
• Prospect Park
• Flatbush Avenue between Grand Army Plaza and Ocean Avenue
• Ocean Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and Parkside Avenue
• Parkside Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Park Circle
• Park Circle
• Fort Hamilton Parkway between Park Circle and Prospect Expressway
• Prospect Expressway
• Ocean Parkway between Prospect Expressway and Quentin Road

Miscellaneous:

• Lorimer Street between Bedford Avenue and Baynard Street
• Bedford Avenue between North 11th Street and Lorimer Street
• Driggs Avenue between North 11th Street and Lorimer Street
• Baynard Street between North 12th Street and Lorimer Street
• Union Avenue between Driggs Avenue and North 12th Street

Closure: At the discretion of NYPD

Two Georgia Residents Charged With Conspiring To Traffic Firearms

 

A Third Co-Conspirator Shot And Critically Wounded an FBI Task Force Officer After Law Enforcement Attempted To Interdict

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Police Commissioner John Mueller, Yonkers Police Department, announced charges today against BRYCE MARTIN and XAVIER SIMMS for conspiring to traffic firearms from Georgia to New York. The defendants traveled together with a third co-conspirator who opened fire on a FBI Federal Task Force Officer after law enforcement attempted to interdict in Yonkers, New York on April 20, 2022.  The defendants were presented in White Plains federal court before United States Magistrate Andrew E. Krause.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Gun crime is plaguing our communities, and the actions of the criminals using them are putting lives in danger. Our law enforcement partners are out doing all they can to get illegal weapons and ‘ghost guns’ off the streets before more people get killed. The violence has to stop, and we have to hold accountable those who are breaking the law.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As we allege today, Mr. Martin and Mr. Simms conspired to illegally traffic firearms, and, when law enforcement attempted to intervene, one of their co-conspirators shot and critically wounded one of our task force officers. Subsequent investigation resulted in the recovery of several firearms, including a "ghost gun," an untraceable type of weapon that continues to pose a significant threat in our communities. We are grateful for the survival of our partner, and our thoughts remain with him and his loved ones as he continues to recover from his injuries.”

Commissioner Mueller said: “The Yonkers Police and our fantastic federal, state and local partners will never stop from providing a safe and secure environment for our beloved residents. What took place in this incident is yet another example of the hard work and commitment to mission and heroism. These efforts occur each and every day and will continue for as long as is needed to make our communities safe.”

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

On April 20, 2022, members of the FBI Westchester Safe Streets Task Force and the Yonkers Police Department were investigating illegal firearms activity in the vicinity of Elm and Linden streets in Yonkers, New York.  During the course of their investigation, they attempted to interdict members of the conspiracy, including Bryce MARTIN and Xavier SIMMS.  A third co-conspirator (“CC-1”) shot and critically wounded an FBI Task Force Officer, at close range, after law enforcement approached members of the conspiracy, including MARTIN and SIMMS. 

Law enforcement recovered at least four firearms from members of the conspiracy, including a “Ghost Gun”—a type of firearm that is designed to evade law enforcement detection.  Later investigation revealed that SIMMS and MARTIN traveled together with CC-1 from Georgia with several firearms to sell.  Evidence recovered from their cellphones showed that SIMMS and MARTIN both had access to specialized firearms, including machinegun-style weapons. 

MARTIN, 23, of Hampton, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.

SIMMS, 22, of Covington, Georgia, is charged with one count of conspiring to traffic firearms, which carries a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the Yonkers Police Department. 

The charges contained in the Complaint 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 Indictment and Complaint and the descriptions of the Complaint set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces $232 Million in Additional Food Assistance for April

 

All SNAP Households to Receive the Maximum Level of Food Benefits This Month

More than $696 Million in Supplemental Benefits Distributed Since January

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that all New Yorkers enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will receive the maximum allowable level of food benefits for April. All households participating in SNAP — including those already at the maximum level of benefits — will receive a supplemental allotment this month, which will result in New York State's economy receiving roughly $232 million in federal funding.

"The heart-wrenching prospect of food insecurity is one that no New Yorker should ever have to face," Governor Hochul said. "By providing the maximum level of food benefits to those in need, we can help struggling households make ends meet and keep food on the table as we continue our economic recovery from the COVID-19 crisis."

SNAP households in all counties outside of New York City should see these extra benefits post by Friday, April 22. Those SNAP households in the five-county New York City region should see their benefits post by Friday, April 29.

The emergency assistance supplement is provided to all households, including those that ordinarily receive the maximum allowable benefit per month on SNAP—a federally funded program overseen by the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. Those households already near or at the maximum benefit level—$835 for a household of four—will receive a supplemental payment of at least $95.

OTDA began issuing the emergency supplemental benefits in April 2020 to those SNAP households receiving less than the maximum monthly benefit amount. When New York State's emergency declaration expired in June 2021, the agency successfully worked with the federal government to secure the maximum allotment for all SNAP households until the expiration of the federal declaration, which is now expected to be extended into June.

SNAP benefits also play an important role in New York's economic recovery, injecting more than $696 million into the state's economy so far this year. Every federal dollar invested by SNAP generates up to $1.54 in economic activity, according to a federal study quantifying the impact of SNAP on the U.S. economy.

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Daniel W. Tietz said, "These supplemental benefits have played a tremendous role in helping New Yorkers avoid the food insecurity exacerbated by the global pandemic. In addition to assisting households in need, this funding is providing a welcome boost for local retailers and giving strength to our state's economy as a whole."

As with the prior months, the payments will be delivered directly to recipients' existing Electronic Benefit Transfer accounts and can be accessed with their existing EBT cards. Like regular SNAP benefits, the supplemental benefits can be used to purchase food at authorized retail food stores. Any unused SNAP benefits will automatically carry over to the following month.

New Yorkers continue to rely heavily on SNAP, with more than 1.6 million households throughout the state enrolled in the program in February. More than 2.8 million New Yorkers received benefits in February, the most since June 2021.

Find more information on the emergency supplemental SNAP benefits, including answers to frequently asked questions, here. New Yorkers can check their eligibility for SNAP and apply online by visiting mybenefits.ny.gov.

SUOZZI AND WILLIAMS CALL FOR STATEWIDE DEBATES Gubernatorial Candidates Challenge Hochul to Participate in “Competition of Ideas”

 

Democratic candidates for Governor Congressman Tom Suozzi and NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams sent a joint letter to broadcast television stations across the state encouraging them to hold televised debates ahead of the June 28th Democratic primary. Both candidates challenge Governor Kathy Hochul to participate in the debates with them. 

“Our state is at a crossroads with an important primary election coming up in just nine weeks,” said Suozzi and Williams in the letter. “These are unprecedented times for New Yorkers and voters need and deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates in a transparent manner.”

Currently, Suozzi and Williams have confirmed their participation in two scheduled debates, including the recently announced June 16th debate hosted by NBC 4 New York/WNBC, Telemundo and the Albany Times Union. Hochul’s campaign has said she is “weighing whether to participate in the debate.”

There have been numerous virtual candidate forums that have been held by Democratic clubs, civic clubs and advocacy groups, since January. Suozzi and Williams have participated in nearly all, while Hochul has not participated in any of them, sending her former Lieutenant Governor instead.

“Democracy is about a competition of ideas,” stated Suozzi and Williams in their letter. “With no shortage of challenges facing New York, we believe that news organizations play an integral role in facilitating a rigorous discussion of the issues that voters expect of those entrusted to serve the public.”

Both candidates have pledged that they will debate anywhere at any time and believe it is incumbent upon good government groups and the media to not allow Hochul to duck debates when there is so much at stake in these elections. Suozzi and Williams both say they would like a minimum of six debates across the state as early as the beginning of May.

The Suozzi and Williams letter is below and can be downloaded here.

 

Our state is at a crossroads with an important primary election coming up in just nine weeks. These are unprecedented times for New Yorkers and voters need and deserve the opportunity to hear directly from all candidates in a transparent manner.

 

As two candidates who are running for governor, we are writing to request a series of public debates across New York State ahead of the Democratic primary on Tuesday, June 28.

 

To ensure that these debates occur, we encourage, and would gladly accept, an invitation from your news station to host an in-person televised debate in the coming weeks. Of course, we believe that every candidate who is running for governor and has secured their position on the ballot be afforded the opportunity to participate so that voters are informed before making their voices heard at the ballot box.

 

Democracy is about a competition of ideas. With no shortage of challenges facing New York, we believe that news organizations play an integral role in facilitating a rigorous discussion of the issues that voters expect of those entrusted to serve the public.

 

We welcome the opportunity to speak with you further to discuss preparations in advance so that all candidates can coordinate their schedules accordingly.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tom Suozzi     

Congressman (NY-3)                                            

Democratic candidate for Governor                      

Jumaane Williams

New York City Public Advocate

Democratic candidate for Governor

MAYOR ADAMS LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE GREEN BUILDINGS, ESTABLISH NYC AS NATIONAL LEADER IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

 

Launched on Earth Day, ‘Building Action NYC’ Will Support Buildings in Making Energy Upgrades — Making Buildings More Resilient, Creating Thousands of Green Jobs, and Supporting Long-Term Development of Green Workforce

 

With Nearly 10,000 Buildings Already Aided Through ‘NYC Accelerator,’ Building Owners, Property Managers, and Developers Can Access Free Support to Reduce Carbon Emissions, Lower Costs, and Comply With Local Laws

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today launched ‘Building Action NYC,’ a new citywide campaign to promote steps to make New York City’s buildings greener and more resilient while fostering a healthier future for the city and New Yorkers. The city’s more than one million buildings — covering more than five billion square feet — constitute the largest source of the city’s carbon emissions, contributing almost 70 percent of the city’s total emissions. The work to limit building emissions will be a critical component of the city’s work towards reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.

 

“We must become a carbon-neutral city, but we can only do that if we decarbonize our buildings, and we are going to ‘Get Stuff Done’ and make it happen,” said Mayor Adams. “Buildings are the largest emitters of carbon, so we are investing in bringing renewable energy to them and making New York City a national leader in green buildings — creating tens of thousands of jobs for New Yorkers and delivering environmental justice for our city.”

 

“Local Law 97 is called the Climate Mobilization Act for a reason: Tackling climate change and protecting New York will require all of us to get moving. For building owners and managers, that means improving energy efficiency, and New York City, in partnership with New York state, offers lots of ways to help,” said Rohit T. Aggarwala, New York City Chief Climate Officer; and commissioner, Department of Environmental Protection. “While energy efficiency may seem difficult at first, the success of the Fairview Co-op in Forest Hills demonstrates that all buildings can make progress if they put in just a bit of effort and realize long-term savings.”

 

“Ensuring that our buildings don’t contribute to our climate challenges isn’t just about reducing their carbon emissions,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, executive director, Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice. “It’s about cleaning the air that we breathe, making our city more livable, reducing pollutants in our neighborhoods, creating green jobs for New Yorkers, and making the spaces where we live, work, and play healthier and more resilient. ‘Building Action NYC’ will connect directly with our frontline communities — educating and empowering New Yorkers to help us shape the city we need and deserve.”

 

“The ‘NYC Accelerator’ is key to helping building owners lower their emissions and helping New York City reach our goal of carbon neutrality by 2050,” said New York City Department of Buildings Acting Commissioner Constadino “Gus” Sirakis, P.E. “Our city has made significant strides to push forward building decarbonization in the last few years — work that is critical to protecting the lives of our fellow New Yorkers. The ‘Building Action NYC’ campaign builds on this work by educating building owners on the significant resources available to them to secure a greener future for all of us.”

 

Over the next month, New Yorkers will see the ‘Building Action NYC’ campaign throughout the city. The campaign will:

• Raise awareness about ‘NYC Accelerator,’ resources for building decision-makers, and a pledge for any New Yorker to “adopt a building” to facilitate making building upgrades;
• Showcase how this work supports environmental justice communities​and affordable housing; and
• Educate New Yorkers on the need for decarbonization, the benefits to buildings and residents, and the health of our city. ​

 

New Yorkers will find campaign messaging on storefront windows, broadcast radio, Google and web advertisements, and YouTube and video advertisements, as well as on social media.

 

Fairview Owners Corporation — the cooperative residence in Forest Hills, Queens that was the site of today’s announcement — is one of nearly 10,000 buildings that have benefited from ‘NYC Accelerator’ assistance to make energy upgrades, repair damaged solar panels, and access incentive programs and financing, all of which will help the building comply with Local Law 97. The significant flood damage that the Fairview suffered during Hurricane Ida in 2021 underscored the need for upgrades at that site and at buildings across the city.

 

Local Law 97 — which is part of the historic Climate Mobilization Act passed by the New York City Council in 2019 — is one of the most ambitious mandates for emission reductions in the nation. Under this groundbreaking legislation, most buildings over 25,000 square feet will be required to comply with greenhouse gas emissions limits by 2024, with stricter limits coming into effect in 2030.

 

More information on ‘NYC Accelerator’ is available online.

 

“We are excited about the launch of the ‘Building Action NYC’ campaign and the critical support the ‘NYC Accelerator’ provides to decarbonize buildings like the Fairview Co-op in Forest Hills, highlighting how PACE financing and technical support can improve living spaces through energy savings and efficiency to provide greater comfort,” said Doreen M. Harris, president and CEO, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. “With these essential resources, Mayor Adams’ office is providing connections for consumers, businesses, and industry partners to reduce emissions and help frontline communities limit the impact of climate change.”

 

“Buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in New York state and are at the forefront of our efforts to reduce emissions and create opportunities for New Yorkers,” said Basil Seggos, commissioner, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and co-chair, State Climate Action Council. “Building decarbonization will help to improve the health and lives of people across the state, particularly in disadvantaged communities, and ensure environmental justice is part of our nation-leading environmental efforts under the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul to improve quality of life and protect our planet for generations to come. On Earth Day, and every day, we’re pleased to work with our partners, including Mayor Eric Adams, Chief Climate Officer Rit Aggarwala, and the entire New York City team, to take climate action and protect our communities and residents now and in the future.”

 

“Our city needs to deploy all tools in its toolbox to effectively implement our landmark Climate Mobilization Act,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “The ‘NYC Accelerator’ is an important resource that provides building owners with free access to technical assistance for identifying retrofit strategies and financial incentives for their building to be compliant with Local Law 97 and meeting our ambitious emissions reduction goals.”

Permits Filed For 130 Beach 120th Street In Rockaway Park, Queens

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This will be another test of placing an eight story building in a residential area much like the Foodtown Proposal for Community Board 10 in the Bronx.

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 130 Beach 120th Street in Rockaway Park, Queens. Located between Rockaway Beach Boulevard and the ocean promenade, the lot is within walking distance of the Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street subway station, serviced by the A train. Dennis Druzhinsky under the 130 Beach 120 Rockaway LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 80-foot-tall development will yield 33,834 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 40 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 845 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and 12 enclosed parking spaces.

Michael Muroff Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Physician Indicted in $10 Million Telemedicine Health Care Fraud Scheme

 

 An indictment was unsealed today in federal court in Brooklyn charging Elemer Raffai, an orthopedic surgeon, with health care fraud in connection with a $10 million scheme involving the submission of false and fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicare Part D plans. Raffai was arrested today and will make his initial court appearance this afternoon in United States District Court for the Northern District of New York.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations (HHS-OIG); and Janeen DiGuiseppi, Special Agent-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albany Field Office (FBI), announced the arrest and indictment.

“In exchange for kickbacks from telemedicine companies, Dr. Raffai allegedly submitted millions of dollars in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare on behalf of beneficiaries without even examining them or based on conversations on the phone that lasted less than three minutes,” stated United States Attorney Peace. “Dishonest doctors who think Medicare is a cash cow and connect with telemedicine companies to brazenly steal from this vital taxpayer-funded program, will find themselves arrested, prosecuted and their scheme disconnected.”

“These allegations describe a physician who is more motivated by personal enrichment than his duty to provide appropriate and necessary care to his patients,” stated HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Lampert. “Dr. Raffai is accused not only of disregarding proper patient care, but also of pilfering funds from a program upon which millions of citizens depend for health services. Our agency and law enforcement partners are dedicated to tracking down individuals who commit health care offenses, and their involvement in a fraud network does not insulate them from our pursuit.”

“Healthcare fraud is a serious crime that impacts every American. Dr. Raffai cheated the system for his own personal gain in the amount of $10 million. Like many others who commit healthcare fraud, Dr. Raffai’s crimes contribute to the rising cost of health care for everyone. The FBI, along with our partners, will continue to investigate healthcare fraud to ensure these individuals who willingly defraud the American people are brought to justice,” stated FBI Special Agent-in-Charge DiGuiseppi.

According to the indictment, Dr. Raffai purported to practice telemedicine with the AffordADoc Network and other telemedicine companies that paid the defendant for each consultation with a beneficiary. Between July 2016 and June 2017, Dr. Raffai allegedly participated in a health care fraud scheme in which he signed prescriptions and order forms via purported telemedicine services for durable medical equipment (DME), including orthotic braces, that were not medically necessary. Dr. Raffai caused the submission of these claims based solely on a short telephone conversation for beneficiaries he had not physically examined and evaluated, and that were induced, in part, by the payments of bribes and kickbacks. Dr. Raffai was paid by telemedicine companies approximately $25 or $30 per patient consultation. The indictment further alleges that Dr. Raffai, together with others, submitted or caused the submission of approximately $10 million in false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for DME on behalf of beneficiaries who were residents of the Eastern District of New York, and Medicare paid more than $4 million on those claims.

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Dr. Raffai faces up to 10 years in prison.

The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force under the supervision by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section. Trial Attorneys Andrew Estes and Kelly M. Lyons of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are in charge of the prosecution.

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS MARGARET ANADU CHAIR OF NYCEDC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Margaret Anadu as chair of the board of directors of the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC). Anadu is a national leader in identifying financially sound investments that provide resources for and support the growth of underserved communities.

 

In her role, Anadu will lead the organization’s 27-member board, which helps to guide NYCEDC’s agenda as the city’s primary economic development vehicle. NYCEDC leverages the city’s assets to create good jobs and drive growth, helping to build a more equitable inclusive economy as the city recovers from the pandemic.

 

“With her investing expertise and her deep commitment to underserved communities, Margaret Anadu is the right person to ensure the city’s economic development work is building a more prosperous, more equitable, and more inclusive city,” said Mayor Adams. “Bringing back our city’s economy is an urgent priority for this administration, but we must think bigger and do better than trying to bring back a pre-pandemic city. I look forward to working with Margaret and the rest of our NYCEDC leadership to build the stronger, fairer city New Yorkers deserve.”

 

“Margaret Anadu is one of the preeminent leaders in New York City on financing, structuring, and mission-driven investment,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “In joining our team as chair of the Economic Development Corporation, she will apply these skills and her years of experience to an essential task — charting a course for an accelerated and inclusive recovery that lifts all New Yorkers.”

 

“I am deeply humbled to serve as the chairwoman of the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s board of directors,” said Margaret Anadu, incoming chair, board of directors, NYCEDC. “Mayor Adams has a fearless vision to ensure the city’s economic recovery not only rapidly accelerates but also reaches and uplifts all New Yorkers, and I have directly witnessed EDC’s central role in driving that inclusive growth. In this incredibly important time, I am energized by the opportunity to volunteer my time and effort to build a stronger, more equitable, and more resilient future for this great city that we all love.”

 

“Margaret Anadu is uniquely qualified to serve as EDC board chair, as we work to both revitalize and build a more inclusive economy,” said NYCEDC President and CEO Andrew Kimball. “The EDC team is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Margaret and benefit from her experience and leadership.”

 

About Margaret Anadu

 

Margaret Anadu has devoted her career to investing that simultaneously drives strong financial returns and demonstrable positive impact on underserved individuals, families, and communities. She is widely recognized as one of the foremost experts on equitable access to capital, having invested over $10 billion across hundreds of transactions throughout the United States, and was named one of the most influential figures in U.S. commercial real estate by Commercial Observer. Margaret is a trusted advisor to many senior government officials at the federal, state, and local levels on utilizing private capital to create more equitable communities. As an experienced investor and thought leader on public-private partnerships, Margaret is often asked to share her views, including appearances on CNN, Bloomberg, CNBC, and Yahoo Finance. She was named to “40 Under 40” lists by Fortune, Black Enterprise, and Crain’s.

Until recently, Margaret was a partner at Goldman Sachs, where she was the global head of sustainability and impact for asset management and chair of the Urban Investment Group (UIG), the first impact investing platform at a major U.S. financial institution and Goldman Sachs’ primary impact investing platform. Under her leadership, UIG’s portfolio primarily comprised of real estate, with a focus on workforce, affordable, and mixed-income housing, but also included investments in community facilities, educational space, industrial facilities, green infrastructure, student loans, small businesses, and minority-owned financial institutions. Margaret ultimately grew the business to $3 billion of equity and debt commitments annually.

As a leader with a clear understanding of the role market-based capital plays in addressing society’s greatest challenges, Margaret was the chief architect of the One Million Black Women investment strategy — Goldman Sachs’ $10 billion capital commitment to narrow opportunity gaps for Black women in the United States and, by extension, their families and broader communities. In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she led the firm’s $2 billion relief effort for small businesses.

Margaret serves on the boards of the Center for an Urban Future, the Low Income Investment Fund, Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, New York Public Radio, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and the Africa Center.

Born in Houston, Texas, Margaret is a graduate of Harvard College and lives in Brooklyn with her husband and two children.