CONSUMER ALERT: Attorney General James Urges New Yorkers to Follow E-Bike Safety Tips and Help Prevent Battery Fires

 

E-Bike, E-Scooter, and Hoverboard Batteries May Cause Fires or Explosions if Handled Improperly

New York Attorney General Letitia James today warned New Yorkers of the potential dangers caused by electrical bike (e-bike) batteries and offered tips on how to safely handle them. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) generated an informational flyer about e-bike safety tips, which is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole. Most e-bikes, as well as e-scooters and hoverboards, use powerful lithium-ion batteries that store more energy and are more likely to catch fire than a typical battery. In 2021, e-bike and e-scooter batteries tragically led to 79 injuries and four deaths in New York City. If the proper precautions are taken when buying, maintaining, storing, charging, and disposing of these batteries, accidents can be avoided.

“E-bikes are a valuable resource for many hard-working New Yorkers, but they can carry safety risks if not used properly,” said Attorney General James. “That is exactly why it is so important that they are used carefully. While it can be tempting to search for deals or overlook problems, no convenience is worth your safety or your life. Taking all proper precautions can protect yourself, your family, your property, and everyone around you.”

Attorney General James recommends consumers take the following steps when using e-bikes:

1 - Buy your e-bike and battery from a trusted manufacturer. 

2 - Maintain your battery by carefully checking it from time to time.

3 - Store your battery in a safe place.

4 - Charge your battery using only the cord and power adapter provided by the manufacturer.

5 - Dispose your battery at a battery-recycling location.

• Note: Putting batteries in the trash or recycling them at home is both unsafe and illegal. Visit gov/batteries to find places that can safely dispose of them.

For more information about e-bike safety tips, please visit the informational flyer provided in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Bengali, and Haitian Creole by OAG.

Bronx Community Board 11 - 9/30 Shredding Event

 

DEC ANNOUNCES START OF SEVERAL HUNTING SEASONS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

 

Youth Big Game Hunt is Oct. 8-10 Weekend

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the beginning of several hunting seasons in New York, including bowhunting for bear and deer in the Northern and Southern zones and the start of small game hunting seasons statewide.

 

“This is an exciting time of year for hunters who now have an opportunity to head afield and experience the tremendous hunting opportunities here in New York for both big and small game,” Commissioner Seggos said. “In addition, the late summer weather, fall foliage, and extended hunting hours combine to create outstanding conditions for new and experienced hunters who enjoy the sport.”

 

Bowhunting Seasons for Deer and Bear in Northern and Southern Zones

 

Bowhunting seasons for deer begin on Sept. 27 in the Northern Zone and Oct. 1 in the Southern Zone. Bowhunting season for bear in the Northern Zone began on Sept. 17.

Crossbow season is open to bowhunters during the last 10 days of the Northern Zone bow season (Oct. 12-21); and the last 14 days of the Southern Zone bow season (Nov. 5-18). This season is open to bowhunters who possess a muzzleloader privilege and a crossbow qualifications certificate, as required by law. Visit the Crossbow Hunting webpage on DEC's website for details.

Additionally, DEC reminds hunters that the application deadline for Deer Management Permits (DMPs) is Oct. 1. Hunters should be prepared with the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they intend to hunt prior to applying. DEC’s DMP Availability and Probability of Selection webpage has more information regarding DMP availability and chances of being selected in each WMU.

Youth Big Game Hunt

New York's annual Youth Big Game Hunt occurs on Oct. 8-10, for 12- to 15-year-old hunters. This Youth Big Game Hunt takes place throughout the state, except in Suffolk and Westchester counties and bowhunting-only areas. Following legislation passed in 2021, 12- and 13-year-old hunters may hunt deer with a firearm during the youth hunt and other firearms seasons in upstate counties that have passed a local law allowing their participation. Currently, the list of counties that have passed such a local law includes all counties north of Westchester County, with the exception of Erie and Rockland counties. During this special opportunity, licensed 12- to 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game while accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter. All eligible junior hunters may take one deer of either sex and 14- and 15-year-olds may also take one bear. During the youth hunt, antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, DMP, or a Deer Management Assistance Program tag. Antlered deer may only be tagged with the regular season tag. Though junior hunters may have multiple deer tags, they may only take one deer with a firearm during the Youth Big Game Hunt.

Additional rules that apply to junior hunters and their adult mentors can be found on pages 36 and 37 of the Hunting and Trapping Guide or on the Junior Hunter Mentoring Program webpage.

Small Game Hunting Seasons

 

Most small game hunting seasons open Oct. 1, across New York State. Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York's small game species are available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from a license-issuing agent or on DEC's website.

 

Ruffed Grouse Hunting

Ruffed grouse hunting season runs from Oct. 1 through the last day of February in most parts of the state. In Northern New York, the season opened on Sept. 20, and runs through the last day of February. In New York City and Long Island, the season is closed.

Ruffed grouse hunters in the Northern Zone are reminded to positively identify the species of grouse before shooting. The Northern Zone, specifically Wildlife Management Units 5C, 5F, 6F, and 6J, is also home to the spruce grouse, a State-endangered species that is illegal to hunt. Loss of a single spruce grouse, particularly a female, could be a significant setback for a small local population. For tips on how to discern the two species, view the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or the Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information page on DEC's website.

DEC encourages ruffed grouse hunters to take part in the grouse hunting log program and submit feathers from harvested birds to assess recruitment (number of young produced per adult female grouse) for different parts of the state. Interested hunters should visit the DEC website.

Pheasant Hunting

The pheasant hunting season begins:

• 1, in northern and eastern portions of New York
• 15, in central and western portions of the state; and
• 1, on Long Island.

Since 2007, DEC offers a special youth-only season to provide junior hunters the opportunity to hunt pheasants during the weekend prior to the regular pheasant hunting season. In western New York, the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Oct. 8 and 9. In northern and eastern New York, the youth pheasant hunt weekend is Sept. 24 and 25, and on Long Island, it is Oct. 29 and 30. Both the junior hunter and their adult mentor must have a hunting license. Only the junior hunter can carry a firearm and harvest birds on these dates. More information on pheasant hunting in New York can be found on DEC’s website.

DEC will release approximately 30,000 adult pheasants on lands open to public hunting for the upcoming fall pheasant hunting season. Many of these release sites are privately owned or managed by non-DEC governmental agencies (e.g., New York City Department of Environmental Protection, counties, or towns). Hunters are asked to be respectful of any special rules, as the pheasant propagation system relies on these outside entities to provide hunters with opportunities close to home. New for 2022, DEC developed an interactive map detailing state and private land release sites for pheasants. The interactive mapper provides significantly more information on stocking sites, including the number of birds released, the approximate last stocking date for each property, and any access restrictions.

Squirrel, Rabbit, and Hare Hunting

Opportunities to pursue squirrels and rabbits can be found throughout the state, including on many public lands. Squirrel seasons started Sept. 1 in upstate New York, and begins Nov. 1 on Long Island. Rabbit hunting begins on Oct. 1 in upstate New York, and on Nov. 1 on Long Island. With ample opportunities and mild weather, squirrel, and rabbit hunting are great ways to introduce novices to hunting.

Snowshoe hare (or varying hare) season starts Oct. 1 in the Northern Zone. Hare hunters in the Southern Zone, where the season starts in late fall or early winter, are encouraged to report their observations to DEC through the DEC website.

Rabbit hunters should be aware of rabbit hemorrhagic virus 2 (RHDV2), a deadly virus affecting domestic and wild rabbits. Since it was first found in the United States in 2020, RHDV2 was documented in 26 states, including in domestic rabbits in New York. To learn more about the disease and see how you can help prevent the introduction of RHDV2 to New York’s wild rabbit and hare populations, see DEC’s website.

Wild Turkey Hunting

Wild turkeys can be found throughout the state but reach their highest densities in landscapes that have a mix of forests, old fields, and farmlands. Wild turkeys are less vulnerable to harvest in areas with abundant food (e.g., hard and soft mast), because they don't have to roam far and wide foraging, so scouting before the season is important. Season dates for fall 2022:

• 1 - 14, in the Northern Zone
• 15 - 28, in the Southern Zone
• 19 - Dec. 2 in Suffolk County, Long Island

The statewide season bag limit is one bird of either sex. Hunting hours are sunrise to sunset.

Furbearer Hunting

With 16 species of furbearers living in New York, furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities are abundant. Coyote hunting season begins Oct. 1 across much of the state, and hunting seasons for other furbearers such as bobcat, raccoon, and fox begin on Oct. 25. Season dates and zone boundaries for all furbearers can be found on DEC's website and in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide. Last week, DEC confirmed an animal taken by a hunter in Cherry Valley, Otsego County, during the 2021 coyote hunting season was a wolf. For information about differentiating a coyote from a wolf, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/45559.html.

Duck Hunting

New York offers vast waterfowl hunting opportunities as hunters may harvest more than 30 species of waterfowl. New York has five waterfowl zones and nine Canada goose zones that help to maximize hunting opportunity across diverse habitats. Most waterfowl zones also have special hunting days for youth and members of the military (both active duty and veterans) that often begin prior to the regular hunting season, giving these hunters the opportunity to hunt with less competition and hunting pressure.

Opening dates for the Regular Duck Seasons:

• Northeast Zone: Oct. 1
• Lake Champlain Zone: Oct. 15
• Western and Southeast zones: Oct. 15
• Long Island Zone: Nov. 19

For more on waterfowl hunting season dates and bag limits, visit the Waterfowl Seasons page on DEC's website.

Citizen Science

Citizen science efforts such as the Grouse and Woodcock Hunting Log, Ruffed Grouse Parts Collection, and the Bowhunter Sighting Log provide hunters the opportunity to partner with DEC to monitor game species. To learn more about how to participate in these efforts, visit the DEC website.

DEC Encourages Hunter Safety

While statistics show hunting in New York is safer than ever, mistakes are made every year. DEC believes every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable, and Commissioner Seggos encourages hunters to use common sense this season and to remember what they learned in their DEC Hunter Education Course.

Firearms safety:

• Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
  

Wearing blaze orange or pink is required for hunting big game with firearms. In addition, DEC encourages small game hunters to wear blaze orange or blaze pink. Wearing orange or pink prevents other hunters from mistaking a person for an animal or shooting in a hunter's direction. Hunters wearing blaze orange are seven times less likely to be shot.

Owners are encouraged to dress their dogs in blaze orange or pink or another bright color. For more information about requirements for hunting with dogs, go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/27801.html

For more information and other important safety tips, please visit DEC's website and watch videos about hunter safety. For more information about getting outdoors safely and responsibly, visit DEC's Website.

Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws

Hunting continues to be allowed on DEC lands where previously permitted. DEC Wildlife Management Areas and State Forests remain open to hunting, as are many areas of the Forest Preserve, including Wilderness and Wild Forest areas. Please visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7844.html for additional information on State lands open for hunting.

See DEC’s Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws and additional detail and further guidance, Questions and Answers Regarding Impacts to Hunting and Hunting-Related Activities from Recent Changes to New York State Firearm Laws, on DEC’s hunting website at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/hunting.html.

More information about gun safety in New York State can be found at https://gunsafety.ny.gov/.

WILLIAMS ADVOCATES FOR HIS BILL TO BAN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT IN NYC AT CITY COUNCIL HEARING

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams, prime sponsor of the landmark legislation to ban solitary confinement in New York City, spoke in support of both his bill and protecting the safety of people on both sides of the bars at the City Council hearing of the Committee on Criminal Justice Wednesday. He also pushed back against misinformation and misconceptions about the legislation. This hearing comes as the crisis on Rikers Island continues, with sixteen incarcerated people losing their lives already this year, including two reported within the last week.

Solitary confinement is defined by the United Nations as torture, yet it is still commonly used in jails in New York City. Intro 549 from the Public Advocate would finally create a concrete, enforceable ban on solitary in city jails - not just in name but in practice - while also allowing for separation and de-escalation when necessary for safety. The bill provides due process and parameters for separation and restrictive housing without enabling the deeply damaging effects of isolation.

Public Advocate Williams said of solitary, "It is cruel. It is inhumane. It can ruin people’s lives, and too many do not survive it. Many try to mask the practice of isolation with euphemistic names like punitive segregation, but there is no difference–it is solitary confinement. Prolonged isolation that looks like, feels like and acts like solitary confinement—is solitary confinement. Physical isolation coupled with the lack of meaningful social interaction causes or exacerbates trauma, as well as other mental health issues. Solitary confinement does not only impact the individual; entire communities mourn the losses of their parents, siblings, children, and friends... No one leaves solitary confinement whole."

Under this legislation, the DOC shall not place an incarcerated individual in a cell, other than at night for sleep, for more than eight hours in any 24-hour period, or during the day for more than two hours in any 24-hour period, unless such confinement is necessary to de-escalate immediate conflict that has caused injury or poses an immediate danger to a person’s safety. The bill is co-prime sponsored by Council Member Carlina Rivera and supported by Speaker Adrienne Adams and a veto-proof majority of Council Members. 

Intro 549 has been widely misunderstood and mischaracterized. As the Public Advocate noted in his statement, "To be clear, this bill ends the harmful practices of solitary confinement, but does not ban separation when it is necessary to protect incarcerated individuals and staff. If an incident of violence occurs, staff will still be able to immediately separate a person while they begin the process of assigning them to restrictive housing, if necessary. While there will be new procedures in place to ensure that we are not isolating individuals, a person who poses a specific and imminent safety risk will not be immediately returned to the general population to await their hearing. Once again, DOC can separate these individuals prior to their due process hearing, but they can no longer hold people in prolonged isolation. This bill outlines a simple procedure: separate, deescalate, and investigate."

Prior to his prepared remarks, the Public Advocate addressed the controversy around the legislation, saying “To the corrections officers, I see you. I know that there is real harm being done to you. And there's real cause for concern, which is why you are here. I have heard of officers who have had heart attacks while on the job, officers who have committed suicide, I know that female officers who have been sexually assaulted on a regular basis, and while there’s misinformation being sent around about my bill, I know that the harm is real, and I want to make sure I lift that up. I think it’s important to remember that on both sides of those bars, most of those folks look like me - primarily Black and Brown people, and they generally come from the same communities. With just a few differences of circumstances, their roles could be reversed. It’s important to point out because I know the job is tough, and I know, I don’t work there on a regular basis, and I understand that there has to be accountability. I want it always, when an officer harms someone who is incarcerated, and when someone incarcerated harms an officer."

He continued, "There has to be accountability and a way to keep people safe, but I want to be clear. That cannot be based in torture, and that is all that this bill is saying. We have to find a way where we’re producing safety for everyone who’s on that island, an island that is not safe, to be produced. But I want you to know that I see you, and I hear you, and I know that the pain is very real. I also want to make sure it’s clear that this bill will not solve the problem on Rikers Island. I want to be clear about that. It is dealing with one particular issue that is also very real, and that is the torture of people that we have to prevent. We have to make sure that we’re humanizing everyone. When we dehumanize people, bad things happen. I don’t want to dehumanize our corrections officers. I also don’t want to dehumanize people who are accused of a crime. Our society is going to be based on how much we do or don’t dehumanize people, even people who are accused of committing crimes."

Former President Of International Aircraft Parts Distributor Convicted Of Multi-Million Dollar Fraud Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of STEFAN GILLIER, a/k/a “Stephan Gillier,” a/k/a “Stefan R.R. Gillier,” a/k/a “Roland Gillier,” a/k/a “Roland Van Gorp,” a Belgian citizen, for engaging in a conspiracy to fraudulently obtain over $6 million dollars’ worth of aircraft parts through the use of stopped check payments.  The jury convicted GILLIER following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “This guilty verdict by a unanimous jury on all counts brings an end to Stefan Gillier’s long con, which began in 2004 and ultimately resulted in his arrest and extradition from Italy in 2019.  Gillier defrauded aerospace manufacturers out of millions of dollars’ worth of aircraft parts through front companies, fake identities, and hundreds of stopped checks.  He will now face sentencing for his crimes.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

GILLIER was president and ran the day-to-day business activities of RTF International Inc. (“RTF), a broker of aircraft parts.  RTF began obtaining aircraft parts from Honeywell International, Inc. (“Honeywell”) in June 2004.  Starting in 2005, RTF began increasing the number of parts it ordered from Honeywell, paying for them by check.  RTF paid with checks written in foreign currency and for amounts well above the cost of the parts, which created an apparent credit balance in RTF’s favor in Honeywell’s accounting system.  RTF wrote approximately $17 million worth of checks to Honeywell but stopped payment on approximately $15 million worth of checks.  In total, RTF was able to obtain over $6 million worth of aircraft parts without paying for them.  In June 2006, Honeywell executed a civil attachment order and recovered some of the stolen aircraft parts.

To execute the scheme, GILLIER signed checks to Honeywell on behalf of RTF but repeatedly caused stop payment orders to be placed after Honeywell shipped the parts to RTF.  When questioned by Honeywell’s employees about these stop payment orders, GILLIER, using the alias “Roland Van Gorp,” falsely represented that the stop payment orders were the result of a misunderstanding with the bank and that he would check with RTF’s finance department.  In fact, as GILLIER knew, he had issued the stop payment orders, and RTF did not have a finance department. 

In June 2006, following the execution of the civil attachment order by Honeywell, GILLIER caused various large transfers of fraudulent proceeds into bank accounts controlled by him, his relatives, and a co-conspirator (“CC-1”).  The very next day, on June 15, 2006, GILLIER left the United States for Canada. 

After Honeywell discovered that it was being victimized by RTF, GILLIER and CC-1 continued their fraud scheme through a new corporate entity, “UN Air Services, Inc.” (“UAS”) (which had no relation to the United Nations).  In 2006, UAS began obtaining aircraft parts from Pratt & Whitney Component Solutions, Inc. (“Pratt & Whitney”).  Like RTF, UAS began stopping payment on checks it had written to Pratt & Whitney for the aircraft parts after Pratt & Whitney delivered the aircraft parts.

GILLIER was arrested and extradited from Italy in 2019.     

GILLIER, 49, a citizen of Belgium, was convicted of eight counts: (1) one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, wire fraud, interstate transportation of stolen property, and money laundering, which carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; (2) one count of mail fraud, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; (3) one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 20 years in prison; (4) one count of interstate transportation of stolen property, which carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison; and (5) four counts of money laundering, each of which carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 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 the judge.  GILLIER is scheduled to appear for sentencing before Judge Engelmayer on January 26, 2023.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Department of Defense, Defense Criminal Investigative Service.  He also thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, the U.S. Department of Commerce, law enforcement and prosecutorial authorities in Italy, including the Italian Ministry of Justice and Interpol Rome, Honeywell, and Pratt & Whitney for their assistance in this case.  The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s extradition from Italy.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on Hurricane Ian

 

"As Hurricane Ian hits the Florida coast, I join all New Yorkers in praying for the safety and well-being of every individual who will be impacted by this terrifying storm. 

"To assist with relief efforts, I have directed the New York Army National Guard to send two CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters and 11 service members to assist the Florida National Guard and provide airlift support as required. They departed from Army Aviation Support Facility 3 at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport and will arrive in Jacksonville, Florida.

"We are grateful for the heroism of these New Yorkers who are answering the call of duty, as well as for the extraordinary efforts of all first responders currently working to provide aid and support to the people of Florida. New York will always stand up and help our neighbors in a time of need." 

Housing Lottery Launches For 2321 Belmont Avenue In Belmont, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2321 Belmont Avenue, a seven-story mixed-use building in Belmont, The Bronx. Designed by Sion Consulting Engineering, the structure yields 42 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 13 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $72,000 to $167,570.

Amenities include covered parking with assigned parking spaces and electric car charging stations, bike storage lockers, and common area Wi-Fi. Residences come equipped with washers and dryers, dishwashers, air conditioning, name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

 

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,950 for incomes ranging from $66,858 to $156,130 and seven two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,250 for incomes ranging from $77,143 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than October 19, 2022.

Two Bronx Men Arrested For Multiple Kidnappings, Carjackings, And Robberies

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that DIANTE FERNANDES and MARK FRANCIS, both of the Bronx, were arrested in connection with a series of recent carjackings in the Bronx and Yonkers, New York.  FERNANDES and FRANCIS had their initial appearance today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy and were ordered detained.  

According to the allegations in the Complaint, and statements made in court:[1]

Between September 26 and 27, 2022, DIANTE FERNANDES and MARK FRANCIS, the defendants, carjacked, robbed, and kidnapped multiple victims, in the Bronx and Yonkers, New York.  Once on September 26 and again on September 27, the defendants lured victims to a location in Yonkers using an ad for a used car posted on Facebook Marketplace.  When the victims arrived, hoping to buy the car, FERNANDES and FRANCIS forced the victims, at gunpoint, into the car they were considering buying.  FERNANDES and FRANCIS then drove around the New York City area, forcing the victims to withdraw money from bank accounts and threatening to kill them if they did not comply.  FERNANDES and FRANCIS stole the victims’ money, wallets, and phones.  On at least one occasion, FERNANDES and FRANCIS held a victim captive in the car for several hours.  FERNANDES and FRANCIS then left the victims on the street and stole the cars the victims had driven to the meeting place.

FERNANDES, 19, and FRANCIS, 18, both of the Bronx, New York, are charged with carjacking, Hobbs Act robbery, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit these offenses, as well as possessing a firearm during the offenses.  If convicted of these offenses, the defendants face a maximum sentence of life 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.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and also thanked the Yonkers Police Department, Westchester County Police Department, Westchester County Real Time Crime Center, and the New York City Police Department.

[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.