Brooklyn Tax Preparer Pleads Guilty to Criminal Tax Fraud For Stealing Sales Tax Payments From Clients

 

The Five Pillars Financial Services, LTD, pays $191,000 in restitution and is barred from providing tax preparation services in New York State

 The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, along with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, today announced that Yehad Abdelaziz and his corporation The Five Pillars Financial Services, LTD, pleaded guilty to criminal tax fraud.

 

A Tax Department investigation determined that between March 2015 and August 2017 Abdelaziz received money from business owners and filed sales tax returns on their behalf. However, he underreported sales or reported zero gross sales and instead pocketed the sales tax payments his clients entrusted him to remit on their behalf.

 

“We will continue to aggressively pursue unscrupulous tax preparers who betray the trust of clients and deprive communities and the state of revenue needed for vital services,” said New York State Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Michael Schmidt.

 

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Tax preparers who cheat don’t only shortchange their clients, but effectively steal from all of us. They must be held accountable and pay restitution to victims. My Office will continue to work with our partners to prosecute tax fraud and other forms of larceny schemes.”

 

Abdelaziz and The Five Pillars Financial Services, LTD, paid more than $191,000 in restitution. The payment includes the forfeiture of more than $6,700 that was seized as part of a search warrant executed by the Tax Department. Both Abdelaziz and his corporation are also prohibited from providing tax preparation services of any kind for one year.

 

Report fraud   You can report tax evasion and fraud online at the Tax Department's website or by phone at 518-457-0578. The information is kept confidential. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.

New York State Reminds Snowmobilers to Ride Safely

 

Sledders Reminded To Use COVID-19 Safety Measures at Trailheads, During Breaks

 At the start of snowmobiling season, New York State urges riders to keep safety in mind, both when operating and during any breaks with fellow riders.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, snowmobile safety courses continue to be offered. Successful completion of this course, results in the issuance of a NYS Snowmobile Safety Certificate.

This certificate is required for youth between ages 10 and 18 to operate a snowmobile, but all riders can benefit from taking a course that provides fundamental information which all should possess to ensure the safety of both rider and other trail users.

State Park Police, State Troopers, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and local enforcement agencies enforce State Laws on snowmobile trails, including instances of unsafe or reckless operation, speed limits including the state’s maximum speed of 55 MPH, and operating while intoxicated.

Those rules apply on all local and club trails, as well as the 10,500-mile Statewide Trail System, which traverses 45 counties and includes lands under the jurisdiction of state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Canal Corporation, local governments, and many private landowners.

State Parks is anticipating an increase in snowmobile trail use this season. Outdoor recreational equipment sales have increased during the pandemic, snowmobile registrations in New York are running ahead of last year’s figures and the current closure of the U.S.-Canadian border will prevent New Yorkers from going to that country for snowmobiling.

“We want to remind snowmobilers, especially those that may be new to the sport, of safe operating practices, and that reckless operation, speeding and operating while impaired or intoxicated present significant and serious risks to all trail users, and rules will be strictly enforced by law enforcement” said State Park Police Chief Mark Van Wie. “While outside riding is a safe activity during this pandemic, COVID-19 safety protocols should be followed at trailheads and during breaks This would include maintaining a safe social distance of at least six feet and the wearing of face masks. Also, snowmobilers should not be sharing gear or other items.”

State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen said, “We encourage snowmobile enthusiasts to take advantage of the beautiful trails in our great state, but we want to make certain the first priority is safety. Remember, there is no excuse for operating any motorized vehicle or device while impaired, whether it be a vehicle, snowmobile, boat or ATV.   By making responsible and safe choices, New Yorkers can do their part to keep our trails safe and enjoyable for all.” 

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Year after year, snowmobiling continues to be one of New York State’s most popular winter activities and we encourage outdoor enthusiasts to check out the abundant trails available close to home. In addition to the usual precautions for riding safely and following the rules, I join State Parks in reminding all people to wear masks, socially distance, and observe the other important guidelines to stop the spread of COVID-19.”

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) reminds New Yorkers to register their snowmobiles before hitting the trails. Snowmobile registrations must be renewed annually and may be renewed online on the DMV website.

"This is perfect weather to enjoy snowmobiling in New York and I urge riders to ride responsibly," said DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder. "We remind New Yorkers that they are legally required to wear a helmet and to never operate a snowmobile while impaired. Be safe and enjoy the ride."

Under COVID-19 guidance provided by the state Health Department, individuals must wear face coverings when they are in a public and are within six feet of distance from other individuals; in a situation or setting where they are unable to maintain six feet of distance from other individuals; or in a public or private transportation carrier or for-hire vehicle.

Snowmobile safety courses remain available, with limited class size under state Health Department safety guidance. A listing of available classes can be found online at https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles/safety-courses.aspx

Recommendations for safe riding include:

• Prior to starting your ride, check over the snowmobile to make sure it is in good working order and carry emergency supplies.
• Always wear a DOT- or SNELL-approved helmet and make sure to wear the proper snowmobile gear including bibs, jackets, boots, and gloves.
• Always ride with a buddy or at least one other person.
• Ride responsibly and within your abilities.
• Always ride to the right side of the trail especially at hill crests and curves.
• Operate at a speed which is safe and prudent for the given conditions.
• Respect landowners, obey posted signs, and stay on the marked trail.
• Frozen bodies of water are not designated trails. If planning to ride on ice, proceed with caution and be aware of potential hazards under the snow. Consider wearing a snowmobile suit with flotation built-in and carry a set of ice picks as a precaution.
• Never drink alcohol or use drugs and ride.

For more information on snowmobiling in New York, visit https://parks.ny.gov/recreation/snowmobiles.

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, which were visited by a record 77 million people in 2019. A recent university study found that spending by State Parks and its visitors supports $5 billion in output and sales, 54,000 private-sector jobs and more than $2.8 billion in additional state GDP. For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Vision Center on Lydig Avenue and PPNA Team up to Hand out 700 Toys

Saturday Santa Claus came to Vision Center at 735 Lydig Avenue along with Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Open Hand Association Inc Founder Aleksander Nilaj, and members of the Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association to join with Vision Center employees to give out the 700 toys and gifts that were bought for the PPNA and Vision Center Annual Christmas toy giveaway.

As they passed by on the heavily traveled street those with children received a free gift, toy or book, and had the option of their child(children) take a photo with Santa Claus. There were smiles under the face masks of those who received and those who gave out the gifts, toys, or books.

Above - Some of the toys on Display to be given away.

Below - Santa stands watch over the giveaway by his new Elfs.

Above - Santa with PPNA President Blitzer, Councilman Gjonaj, Open Hands Founder Nilaj, a mother and her child. 

Below - Santa with PPNA officers Edith Blitzer, Steve Glosser, and Jacklyn Lutnick,         

Above and Below - Santa takes photos with the children.

Some children wanted their photo taken with Councilman Gjonaj.

Councilman Mark Gjonaj Toy Giveaways and COVID-19 Testing Dates and Sites

 

Governor Cuomo Signs Executive Order to Better Support Seniors and Assist the Restaurant Industry Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

 

Safe Renewal and Registration for Real Property Tax Benefits

Sales Tax Deadline for Restaurants Extended Until March 2021

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced he has signed an Executive Order providing additional support for two of the groups hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic - vulnerable homeowners and the restaurant industry. Under Executive Order 202.83, local governments can continue to provide property tax exemptions for low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities who own property through 2021 by lifting an in-person renewal requirement which would put vulnerable New Yorkers at risk of infection from COVID. Additionally, the sales tax deadline for restaurants in orange zones which have been required to suspend indoor dining will be extended until March.

"COVID has tested our collective strength and put a strain on finances for so many New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "We're taking measures that will provide much needed tax relief for some of those hardest hit by this pandemic - New Yorkers over 65 and our restaurant industry. With the finish line in sight, we will continue to support New Yorkers wherever possible and fight to get the federal government to deliver real relief for those who are struggling."

Thousands of low-income senior citizens and persons with disabilities rely on property tax exemptions annually to remain in their homes. To claim or renew benefits, eligible seniors and disabled New Yorkers typically line up at town halls across the state to file the required documentation. This raises obvious concerns amid the COVID-19 public health emergency as those eligible to receive these benefits are among those most susceptible to the virus. This modification will decrease density in assessor's offices to limit the spread of COVID and ensure critical tax relief.

Under the Governor's Executive Order, local governments can automatically renew 2021 benefits for all property owners who received the benefit in 2020 unless the locality has reason to believe an individual has changed their primary address, added another owner to the deed, transferred the property to a new owner, or passed away.

In addition to the flexibility provided for these benefits, the Governor's Executive Order provides a three-month extension to the deadline for restaurants in orange zones, including New York City, to turn over sales taxes to the state. Restaurants in impacted areas were required to suspend indoor dining temporarily. Extending the sales tax deadline for payment of taxes due on December 21 to March 2021 will ease tax burdens for restaurants and bars in communities where COVID-19 metrics necessitated additional restrictions. This action also provides a degree of temporary relief as New York continues to fight to ensure the federal government provides real fiscal relief for these small businesses. Affected restaurants should follow guidance from the Tax Department to request this relief.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR INTENTIONALLY SETTING RIVERDALE APARTMENT BUILDING ON FIRE

 

Fire Left Three People With Lung Damage, One of Them Was Also Burned

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on first-degree Arson and additional charges, for intentionally setting an apartment building ablaze in the Riverdale section of the Bronx, critically injuring three people. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly started a fire in a five-story building he lived in, not caring about the danger to dozens of his neighbors. Three people sustained injuries and were in the hospital on a ventilator because of smoke inhalation. One of them required skin grafts. The victims are still suffering terrible physical and emotional pain because of the defendant’s alleged barbaric actions.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Albert Blease, 48, of 215 West 242nd Street, was arraigned today on first, second and third-degree Arson, six counts of first-degree Assault, six counts of second-degree Assault, second and third-degree Criminal Mischief, first and second degree Reckless Endangerment, and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Efrain Alvarado. The defendant was released and is due back in court on March 18, 2021.

 According to the investigation, at approximately 9:00 a.m. on March 6, 2020 at 215 West 242nd Street, the defendant, who lived on the first floor, set gasoline cans on fire in his apartment. First responders nearby were alerted and saw Blease’s apartment on fire and went inside. They observed Blease with a machete and two gas cans in the doorway.

 The fire traveled to the apartment located above the defendant’s home, injuring Damarys Molina, 59, and Carlos Matias 37. Molina sustained lung damage and burn injuries. She received three skin grafts and was on a ventilator for a month. Blease’s next door neighbor, Joshua Pizarro, 31, who went back into the building to alert neighbors about the flames and urged them to run to safety, was also injured. Pizarro and Matias were put on a ventilator after sustaining lung damage due to smoke inhalation.
 

 District Attorney Clark thanked Emergency Services Unit Detectives Justin Hoff and Jason Egnaczyk, who responded to the scene, and NYPD Detective Robert Bourne of the Arson and Explosion Squad.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

 

Suspect Taken in For Alleged Possession of a Gun in 49th Precinct

Six 49th Precinct police cars converged on the corner of Williamsbridge Road and Pelham Parkway South around a gray Infiniti with New Jersey plates. The driver of the Infinity was taken into custody and the car taken to the 49th precinct. 

So why was the driver taken into custody, and why were there six police cars that responded? 

In the photo above police officers from the 49th Precinct at 3:05 PM appear to have the driver outside the car in handcuffs, while two other police officers appear to be talking to someone inside the car. A young lady then steps out pf the car, but is not arrested. As the police are taking the driver away I ask her what happened. The unidentified young lady says a car was following them, the driver called the police to say that the driver of the infinity had a gun, and the police stopped the car and took him into custody. A police officer then told the young lady that since she could not drive the car that it would be driven to the 49th Precinct by a police officer. The young lady was also asked to go to the precinct house.  

Wearing my NYPD issued Media Identification I asked one of the two sergeants who was on the scene why the driver was being taken into custody, but received no answer from him. At 4:30 PM I called the 49th Precinct and was told by the person who answered the phone they knew nothing about what I was talking about. I asked to speak to the officer in charge, and was told there was no one in charge at the precinct. 

I then called downtown to the DCPI unit. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information (DCPI) who works with the media. I said who I was, what I saw, and asked why was the driver taken into custody and the car impounded? I was told nothing came into the DCPI unit, and to call back later. 

At 7:30 PM, four and a half hours after the incident I repeated my question, wanting to know what happened for this story. Once again I was told the DCPI unit had nothing on this., so I decided to write this story without any information from the 49th Precinct or the DCPI unit of the NYPD, and just what I saw, heard, and was told by what appeared to be the passenger of the car where the driver was taken into custody, and the car impounded at the 49th Precinct house.

Above - The unidentified young lady is out of the car and standing between the two police officer.

Below - The driver of the Infiniti with New Jersey plates is handcuffed and about to be placed in a police car. One police officer by the young lady turns to see what I am doing.

The driver of the Infiniti is now being led to a police car to be brought to the 49th Precinct. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND CHANCELLOR CARRANZA ANNOUNCE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR ADMISSIONS PROCESS

 

Middle school screens will be paused and geographic priorities for high schools will be removed  

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza today announced changes to the middle and high school admissions process for NYC Department of Education (DOE) public schools beginning this winter for the 2021-22 school year. As the City charts its path forward with its COVID-19 response, these changes will result in a fairer process for all New York City families.   

"The COVID-19 crisis has exposed longstanding inequities in our City's public schools," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Now, as we rebuild our city, we are expanding opportunities for all public-school students and doubling down on our mission to provide a quality education for all, regardless of a child's zip code.”  

  

“It is my responsibility to deliver the highest-quality education possible to each child, so that they are prepared for a successful, productive life, and empowered with the skills they need to chase their dreams and lead us all forward,” said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. “This year, we have faced the unknown together, and as we look ahead, we know that opening up more of our schools to more of our students will make our system stronger and more equitable for all.” 

  

Today’s announcements build on existing steps the administration has taken to advance diversity and equity in admissions decisions and expand opportunity for all students They include: 

 

Middle School 

A pause on use of all screens for middle school admissions for this year, meaning that students applying to middle school will not be selected based on previously used screening criteria. 196 middle schools use screens—metrics by which applicants are sorted and selected—for admissions decisions. These screens can include grades, student interviews, school-based assessments, behavioral evaluations, standardized test scores, and attendance. Instead, students will rank their choices on their middle school application as they always have; for schools with more applications than seats available for their sixth-grade class, students will be chosen through a lottery-based system.   

 

The DOE will evaluate this one-year pause on middle school screens in the enrollment cycle for the 2022-23 school year, depending on the availability of data for next year’s applicants and the outcomes of this new approach. A district priority will remain in place for middle schools that currently have it, as many families across the city have indicated they want their young children to go to a school close to their residence. Schools and districts that have priorities in place for students from historically underserved communities, those will remain in effect also. 

 

Students and families can start applying to middle school the week of January 11, 2021, and the deadline to apply will be the week of February 8, 2021. 

 

High School  

District priorities for high school admissions will be permanently eliminated this year, and all other geographic priorities will be eliminated next year. This phase out over two years will start with 48 high schools that use district priorities in this first year. Approximately 250 total high schools have some type of district or geographic priority in place, such as borough-based priority, limiting opportunity for hard-working students to attend some of our most in-demand schools based on where they live. This will expand opportunity and increase choice for all rising high school students. 

 

Academic screens may remain in place at high schools that currently use screens and wish to continue to use them. If a student lists a screened school on their high school application, a combination of 2018-2019 state tests, the previous years’ grades, and/or school-established criteria. Schools will be required to publicly publish their rubric criteria on MySchools and the ranking process will be centralized to ensure equity and transparency. 

 

Screened schools have the option of not using screens this year if they wish, and are encouraged  to make a concerted effort towards greater equity in their processes, either by electing to remove additional screens now or implementing a Diversity in Admissions priority. Approximately 100 NYC public schools currently prioritize targeted groups of students including, but not limited to, low-income students, English Language Learners, and students in temporary housing -- we invite more schools to expand access to students of all backgrounds.  

 

The high school application will open the week of January 18, 2021, and the deadline to apply is the week of February 22, 2021. 

 

District Diversity Plans 

The DOE will support five additional districts in joining districts 9, 13, 16, 28, and 31and secure a grant to develop a community-led District Diversity Plan to foster greater integration in their classrooms. Including districts 1, 3, and 15 who have also launched community driven plans to increase diversity in their schools, this will bring a total of 13 districts actively developing or managing diversity plans. Over the next four years, diversity planning will be expanded to all 32 community school districts, which will help our schools and classrooms become more inclusive for all and center community voice in developing a path forward.  

 

SHSAT and Arts Auditions 

The City is required by State law to administer the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). Beginning Monday, December 21, 2020, students can register to test for admission to the Specialized High Schools.  

 

The logistics involved in proctoring the exam are being altered to ensure the health and safety of staff and students. The SHSAT registration will close on January 15th, 2021. The exam will now be administered in students’ own middle schools to reduce travel and mixing of different cohorts of children.  

 

The SHSAT will be administered beginning in late January. Families can complete their application via the MySchools portal, by calling P311, or through a virtual Family Welcome Center. 

 

Arts high schools will move to a virtual audition system that will allow students to submit their audition online. Students will only need to create one audition that can be submitted for all schools that require it. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

A one year pilot plan will not work, because once a student is in a school all of their siblings are allowed entry to the same school. There is no plan on how students will get to school if they have to travel, because sixth grade students are given bus service to and from school if they live beyond a certain distance from the school. There is also no plan for a student to go to school in other boroughs, which I would suggest to Bronx parents since Bronx public schools lag far behind the other four boroughs in student performance. Then there is the question of remedial programs to students who may come from poor performing schools to schools those that are higher performing.