MAYOR ADAMS RELEASES HOMEOWNER HANDBOOK, COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO HELP NEW YORKERS PROTECT, MAINTAIN THEIR HOMES

 

New Resource Builds on Mayor Adams’ $44 Million Investment to Expand Homeownership, Helping New Yorkers Build Wealth

  New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the “Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC,” a comprehensive guide to help New Yorkers navigate the responsibilities of homeownership and access resources to protect and maintain their homes. An initiative of the Homeowner Help Desk and a partnership between the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, the Office of the New York Attorney General, and local community-based organizations, the handbook builds on Mayor Adams’ $44 million investment in expanding homeownership to help New Yorkers — particularly in lower-income communities and communities of color — build and maintain wealth.

 

“The best way to build wealth is to own a home, and my administration is investing the money and doing the work to make the dream of homeownership a reality for more New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “I will not accept a city where Black and Brown communities and renters are priced out of the chance to build wealth for their children and grandchildren. The Homeowner Handbook will provide New Yorkers with critical tools to not only own a home, but also protect it and maintain it so they can pass it onto the next generation.”

 

“Homeownership is one of our most important tools to supporting housing stability and building generational wealth. The new Homeowner Handbook will help New Yorkers learn about the resources and programs available to maintain and stay in their homes,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Our new citywide housing blueprint, ‘Housing Our Neighbors,’ prioritizes homeownership as a key step in tackling our housing shortage, and we are proud to partner with the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn, Brooklyn Neighborhood Services, and Brooklyn Legal Services to bring this new handbook to the community.”

 

“New York City is placing homeownership front and center because we know it’s a proven path to building wealth, financial security, and equity for the next generation,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “The Homeowner Handbook is a tool to empower homeowners with the information they need to meet their responsibilities, keep their homes in good condition, and protect their homes if they fall on hard times. I thank the mayor for his leadership on this issue and all our partners for stepping up.”

 

The cover of the Homeowner Handbook. Credit: New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development

 

The handbook will help owners of one- to four-family homes identify public entities and homeownership programs, with information on financial assistance and resources on maintaining and keeping a home. It also includes guidance on regulations, addressing code violations, paying arrears, and complying with local laws. HPD, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, and Brooklyn-based housing partners will share the handbook and other tools with homeowners at a homeowner resource fair tonight co-hosted with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the New York City Department of Buildings, and the New York City Department of Finance later today in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. Homeowners can also call 1-855-HOME-456 to learn how to obtain a free copy of the Homeowner Handbook.

 

The Homeowner Handbook builds on Mayor Adams’ commitment to supporting homeowners and first-time homebuyers, outlined in “Housing Our Neighbors: A Blueprint for Housing and Homelessness.” Over the next four years, the administration expects to support 1,200 first-time homebuyers, help 450 households with critical home repairs, and reach 4,000 homeowners through the Homeowner Help Desk.

 

“While homeownership can lead to the American Dream, it’s not always an easy road to travel. The new Homeowner Handbook will help homeowners overcome any unexpected obstacles and navigate systems that disproportionately impact low-income communities — from managing tax lien sales to making critical home repairs,” said Christie Peale, CEO and executive director, Center for NYC Neighborhoods. “For New York to remain an equitable city, where people from diverse economic backgrounds can thrive, we must support New Yorkers in their goals of owning their homes — and keeping them for future generations. We extend our deep thanks to Mayor Adams and HPD for their continued investment in intergenerational wealth and stability.”

 

“New Yorkers have a basic right to safe and affordable housing, but far too many homeowners have fallen prey to deed theft and other predatory housing scams,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James. “Using funds from my office’s initiative to prevent deed theft, this new Homeowner Handbook will help build on our efforts to educate New Yorkers about these scams, their rights, and ensure they can remain in their homes. I am proud to partner with Mayor Adams, HPD, and housing advocates to launch this critical resource and protect our communities for years to come.”

 

Born out of the Bedford-Stuyvesant Housing Plan — a community planning effort in which Mayor Adams was involved as Brooklyn borough president — the Homeowner Handbook is a product of the city’s Homeowner Help Desk, an initiative piloted in Central Brooklyn, Southeast Queens, and the North Bronx with funding from Enterprise Community Partners and the Office of the New York Attorney General, which the administration has committed to expanding. Other help desk partners include:

• Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (NHS Brooklyn CDC) Inc.,
• Brooklyn Neighborhood Services,
• Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A,
• Neighborhood Housing Services of Jamaica,
• Jewish Association Serving the Aging (JASA),
• Bronx Legal Services, and
• Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC.

 

Since its launch to support homeowners facing the greatest risk of displacement, the help desk has successfully reached 34,000 homeowners, connected more than 800 residents to services, and helped more than 400 homeowners strengthen their financial situations.

 

The Adams administration’s recommitment to homeownership comes amid a 20-year decline in the homeownership rate among Black New Yorkers, exacerbated by the 2008 foreclosure crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

“Keeping families, especially long-term Brooklynites, in their homes was an important community priority during my transition, and I’m glad that Mayor Adams is helping support this through his Homeowner Handbook, built from the Bed-Stuy Housing Plan in Brooklyn,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “Building sustainable community growth, continuity, and generational wealth is important for the future of our borough and city, and I look forward to supporting strong plans that will help further accomplish this.”

 

“Owning a home is one of the most impactful and effective ways for families to build generational wealth. But for many New Yorkers, especially during difficult financial times, navigating homeownership can be an incredibly difficult and confusing process,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “With the Homeowner Handbook, I’m confident we can successfully connect homeowners and new homebuyers with the resources they need to safeguard one of the most important investments they will ever make.”

 

“When COVID-19 arrived in New York City, all New Yorkers were impacted and among them homeowners. For this reason, I applaud the mayor’s decision to release the ‘Homeowner Handbook: Protecting and Maintaining Home in NYC,’ which looks to support homeowners with the unique and specific challenges they face,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson. “As we look to increase homeownership in the Bronx and citywide, this booklet demonstrates the city’s support for current and potential homeowners and that we are prepared to address issues like flooding, sanitation, parking, and more. I want to thank the mayor for his work with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Center for NYC Neighborhoods, Neighborhood Housing Services of Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Brooklyn Neighborhood Services, and Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A for their work in providing critical resources to our homeowners at this critical time.”

 

“As we continue to rebuild after the pandemic, Mayor Adams’ commitment to supporting new and current homeowners is a turning point,” said New York City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez. “There are many resources that owners are unaware of, and they must have access to them for the development of our communities. This handbook comes at a pivotal time for my district, as we have HPD on the ground supporting homeowners after experiencing flooding that led to a sinkhole in Morris Park. This handbook is a vital tool, making city resources more transparent and accessible. We hope the handbook will be distributed to other areas, including the Bronx and district 13, where homeowners make up the majority of our constituency.”

 

“This handbook will provide homeowners with critical guidance so that they’ll have more understanding of the issues that can affect them and provide much-needed guidance on complex challenges, like foreclosure,” said Jessica Rose, executive director, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A. “We want communities to thrive. And we want low- and moderate-income homeowners to be able to stay in their homes and preserve their equity. This handbook will help them do that.”

 

“For decades, Black and brown homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods across the city have been targeted by scammers looking to trick them out of their deeds and a lifetime of equity,” said Alexis Lorenzo, director, Neighborhood Stabilization Project, Bronx Legal Services. “The Homeowner Handbook is a valuable resource for connecting distressed homeowners with experienced legal advocates like ourselves and to other recourse that will help them protect their homes from speculation and predatory behavior.”

 

“The Homeowner Handbook will become a critical resource to empower New York’s homeowners, especially for older adults who can often struggle to find accurate resources and information they need to protect and maintain their homes,” said JASA CEO Kathryn Haslanger. “JASA is committed to continuing to work with Mayor Adams, the city, and our partners to provide our city’s older adults with the information and legal services to enable them to age with dignity and autonomy in their own home.”

 

“Since the transition to primarily Black homeownership over 50 years ago, Southeast Queens homeowners have been victimized by redlining and predatory lending practices that make homeownership not only more difficult to achieve but also harder to sustain. Disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, we are again in a struggle to stabilize homeowners and protect them from the bad actors primed to take advantage of their distress,” said Lori Miller, executive director, Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Jamaica. “The Homeowner Handbook is a valuable resource, especially for those who don’t know what their options are or that there are organizations like NHS of Jamaica, The Legal Aid Society — Jamaica Branch, JASA, Brooklyn Legal Services Corporation A, and many others throughout the city who stand ready to assist them.”

 

“For too many New Yorkers, homeownership is a dream rather than a reality, and even when it becomes a reality, it can be difficult or overwhelming to manage the responsibilities of maintaining a home,” said Baaba Halm, vice president and New York market leader, Enterprise Community Partners. “The Homeowner Handbook is a much-needed resource that will help New Yorkers, especially first-time homeowners from historically marginalized groups, to protect and maintain their homes. We are proud to support the city’s help desk for homeowners, and resources like the handbook are vital resources for city residents as they navigate the challenging but rewarding experience of homeownership.”

 

City Comptroller Brad Lander Encourages Renewed Effort to Address New York City’s Flawed Property Tax System

 

City Comptroller Brad Lander today reiterated his support for comprehensive reform of New York City’s flawed property tax system.  

“New York City’s unequal and regressive property tax structure treats similarly situated New Yorkers differently depending on arbitrary categories and where they reside within the City, disproportionately affecting homeowners of color in tax-disadvantaged neighborhoods. Moreover, inequities in our property tax system fundamentally hamper the supply of new rental housing, at a time when our city is facing a housing affordability crisis,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.  

Among the flaws in NYC’s convoluted property tax system, Comptroller Lander highlighted:  

• Similar properties are taxed at different rates depending on where they are located within the City.  As a result, the City’s property tax system does not treat similarly situated or valued properties uniformly.   

• The disparate assessment and taxation result in residential properties in neighborhoods with a majority of homeowners of color to be assessed and taxed at higher rates than majority-white neighborhoods. 

• High-value condos and condominiums are assessed as if they were rent-regulated apartments.  As a result, some of New York’s most valuable properties are assessed and taxed at artificially low rates.  

Comptroller Lander urges State and City officials from every branch of government to work together to establish a more just property tax system. The Comptroller’s Office endorsed the core recommendations of the NYC Commission on Property Tax Reform and outlined additional principles in a report issued in March 2022. 

DiNAPOLI: LOCAL SALES TAX COLLECTIONS UP OVER 12% IN SECOND QUARTER OF 2022

June Increase of 6.5% Marks First Time Monthly Year-Over-Year Growth Dipped Below Double-Digits Since March 2021  Local sales tax collections in New York state totaled more than $5.5 billion in the second quarter of 2022 (April-June), an increase of 12.2% or nearly $604 million compared to the same quarter last year, according to a new report issued by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. April and May collections grew by 15.7% and 16.7%, respectively, while June increased 6.5%, marking the first time since March 2021 that the overall monthly year-over-year growth dipped below double-digits. “Local sales tax collections continue to show positive results, but the lower growth in June bears watching,” DiNapoli said. “The slowdown reflects, in part, the temporary reduction in local sales taxes on gasoline in 24 counties, along with a possible return to more typical growth rates after the dips and rebounds caused by the COVID pandemic.” DiNapoli noted second quarter growth over last year continued to be strong in New York City, while growth in the rest of the state slowed. The city’s collections increased by 24.9%, from a relatively weak $1.9 billion in April-June 2021 to $2.4 billion. In contrast, year-over-year growth in total collections for the counties and cities in the rest of the state slowed to 2.6% over the same period last year, going from $2.7 billion to $2.8 billion. Only a handful of counties saw more than 5% year-over-year growth in second quarter sales tax collections and 31 counties had declines. Most of the decreases were seen in upstate counties whose collections, for the most part, had rebounded quickly after the first wave of the pandemic in the spring of 2020 and went on to experience significant growth up until recently. Even though many counties and cities outside of New York City experienced second quarter declines, their first half of 2022 was still quite strong. In total, these collections increased by 8.3%, or $414 million, and nearly every county and city saw their collections grow, ranging from 0.2% to 16.3%. DiNapoli said local officials should continue to closely monitor changing economic conditions as well as other factors that may impact sales tax collections and maintain vigilance when it comes to their finances. If sales tax collections are entering a period of slower year-over-year growth, then local officials need to be prepared to make adjustments, especially as the cost of goods and services continues to rise. Table Monthly Local Sales Tax Collections by County and Region (for detailed quarterly and monthly breakdown)

Permits Filed For 1420 Stebbins Avenue In Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 1420 Stebbins Avenue in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between East 170th Street and Boston Road, the lot is near the Freeman Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Moses Freund of The Vaja Group is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 74-foot-tall development will yield 53,752 square feet, with 50,030 square feet designated for residential space, 2,611 square feet for community facility space, and 1,111 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 73 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 685 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a penthouse, cellar, a 25-foot-long rear yard, and 37 accessory parking spaces for residential use only.

S. Wieder Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Governor Hochul Announces New York's Third Offshore Wind Solicitation to Accelerate Clean Energy Development

Seeks to Procure at Least 2,000 Megawatts of Renewable Energy, Enough to Power 1.5 Million Homes

Implements Nation-Leading $500 Million Offshore Wind Infrastructure Investment,

New Commitments to Support U.S. Iron and Steel, Stakeholder Engagement, Jobs, and Workforce Development

Flagship Transmission Design Enhances Grid Resiliency and Promotes Regional Offshore Wind Transmission Designs

Supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Develop 9,000 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2035

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the release of New York's third competitive offshore wind solicitation, seeking enough clean, renewable energy to power at least 1.5 million New York homes. The procurement, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, includes the first phase of the nation-leading $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure as announced in the Governor's 2022 State of the State. Today's announcement builds on a series of significant offshore wind developments for the State in 2022, including the groundbreaking of New York's first offshore wind project, and is a critical next step toward achieving New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. 

"New York is proud to continue leading the way in offshore wind development while establishing a blueprint for building a locally-based green economy," Governor Hochul said. "Today we are putting words into action and making it clear that New York State is the national hub of the offshore wind industry. The clean energy transition is driving significant private investment and family-sustaining jobs in communities across the state, and we are setting ourselves up for success with a brighter and more sustainable future." 

As the nation's leading hub for offshore wind, New York State is seeking to procure at least 2,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy through a diverse set of project proposals while leveraging public and private capital to build a robust supply chain. In addition to the first phase of the State's $500 million investment in ports, manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, additional notable provisions within the solicitation include: 

• Introducing a first of its kind "meshed ready" offshore transmission configuration, based on recommendations from the New York State Power Grid Study, which will facilitate offshore wind projects' transition to a future system that can grow over time and provide greater reliability and flexibility while setting New Yorkers up to save approximately $55-$60 million annually; 
• Awarding evaluation points for repurposing existing downstate fossil-based electric generation infrastructure and utilizing energy storage to enhance future system reliability and support more renewable energy on the grid; 
• Emphasizing in-state manufacturing, inclusive economic development and climate equity, fostering relationships with New York's workforce including construction backed by prevailing wage, and encouraging project labor agreements; 
• In promoting the intent of the New York Buy American Act, the solicitation sets a minimum U.S. iron and steel purchase requirement for all projects awarded under the solicitation to encourage domestic steel production and requiring developers to provide opportunities for U.S.-based steel suppliers to participate in the growing offshore wind industry; 
• Enhancing stakeholder engagement, tracking, and requirements for New York jobs; and 
• Continuing support for responsible development through environmental and fisheries mitigation plans and the requirement to support monitoring of fisheries and wildlife to better understand the interactions with offshore wind projects. 

Interested proposers can apply on NYSERDA's offshore wind solicitation page. Proposals are due on December 22, 2022, by 3:00 p.m. A webinar will be held on August 23, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to provide more information on this solicitation. Those interested in the webinar can sign up here, and are encouraged to register and submit questions in advance to offshorewind@nyserda.ny.gov. 

To ensure that the procurement advances New York's offshore wind goals in a thoughtful, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible manner to the benefit of all New Yorkers, a draft version of this solicitation was released for public comment in March 2022 and a follow-up Request for Information in May 2022, with over 1,300 comments received. NYSERDA has incorporated the feedback received into the solicitation. 

New York State's Nation-Leading Climate Plan 

New York State's nation-leading climate agenda is the most aggressive climate and clean energy initiative in the nation, calling for an orderly and just transition to clean energy that creates jobs and continues fostering a green economy as New York State recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. Enshrined into law through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, New York is on a path to achieve its mandated goal of a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70 percent renewable energy generation by 2030, and to reach economy wide carbon neutrality. It builds on New York's unprecedented investments to ramp-up clean energy including over $35 billion in 120 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce buildings emissions, $1.8 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $1.6 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. Combined, these investments are supporting nearly 158,000 jobs in New York's clean energy sector in 2020, a 2,100 percent growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011 and a commitment to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. Under the Climate Act, New York will build on this progress and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 85 percent from 1990 levels by 2050, while ensuring that at least 35 percent with a goal of 40 percent of the benefits of clean energy investments are directed to disadvantaged communities, and advance progress towards the state's 2025 energy efficiency target of reducing on-site energy consumption by 185 trillion BTUs of end-use energy savings. 

About NYSERDA 

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect the environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York State since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA's programs and funding opportunities, visit nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, or Instagram. 

News from BP Gibson: Resources & Updates

Dear Neighbors,

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

This week, we joined with HELP ON THE WAY INC. to commemorate the Americans with Disabilities Act and Disability Pride Month. HELP ON THE WAY INC. is an organization that provides services for people with developmental disabilities and we are proud to partner with an organization that is just as committed to building an inclusive and equitable borough as we are. We also saw years of dedication and $8 million in investment come to life with the opening and renovating of Wakefield Playground and Bridge Playground.

This Sunday, we gathered again for our Summer Concert Series! It was incredible. Our performers and partners keep surprising us with their talent and dedication. Please join us next Sunday again as we dance and sing along!

We hope you are staying hydrated while taking advantage of our cooling centers around the city. To find your nearest Cooling Center, please visit here.

Also, be sure to SAVE THE DATE for our Tour de Bronx taking place on October 23rd!

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

We commemorated the 32nd anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Disability Pride Month. Thank you to HELP ON THE WAY INC. for partnering with us for this important event.  HELP ON THE WAY INC. is an organization that provides Services for People with Developmental Disabilities and they doing extraordinary work in our community. Our goal is for the borough to be an inclusive place to live, and to provide equal opportunities for everyone and that is why we reactivated our Disability Advisory Council. We celebrated the Dominican Day Parade at Borough Hall in preparation for Sunday's great event!

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES ‘RISE UP NYC’ CONCERT SERIES, PRESENTING 10 FREE AND SAFE EVENTS FOR NEW YORKERS THROUGH SEPTEMBER

 

Concert Series to Include Mary Mary, HoodCelebrity, Mase, Funk Flex, and More for Celebration of Culture, Music, and Unity

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the launch of the ‘Rise Up NYC’ concert series which will provide 10 free community concerts that will be performed across all five boroughs this summer. The concert series seeks to encourage New Yorkers to explore all of the city and reconnect with one another as the city emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting tonight, New Yorkers can access free, safe concerts at a time when rising costs are putting a strain on many families. The series will present performances by critically acclaimed artists, including gospel singers Mary Mary, Caribbean hitmaker Mr. Vegas, renowned Hot 97 Disc Jockey Funk Flex, and more. 

 

“We are inviting all New Yorkers to come together to celebrate culture, music, and unity as New York City rebounds from the pandemic. Our city overcame many challenges over the past few years, but ‘Rise Up NYC’ will allow New Yorkers to enjoy one another and the city we call home once more,” said Mayor Adams. “Music and the arts were a lifeline for us all during the last two years, and I am here to say that New York City supports its local artists and communities. We are going to hit the right notes and turn the dial up to 11 this summer. We invite all New Yorkers to join us for world-class entertainment in the city that never sleeps beginning tonight.”

 

Starting tonight and through September 12, the Adams administration will be presenting 10 concerts across all five boroughs:

 

Wingate Park, Brooklyn

Brooklyn Avenue Between Winthrop Street and Rutland Road

• Wednesday, July 27
• Thursday, July 28
• Friday, July 29

 

Roy Wilkins Park, Queens

Merrick Boulevard and Baisley Boulevard

• Saturday, August 13
• Sunday, August 14

 

St. Nicholas Park, Manhattan

135^th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue

• Saturday, August 20
• Sunday, August 21

 

Midland Beach Parking Lot 8, Staten Island

Father Capodanno Boulevard and Hunter Avenue

• Thursday, September 1

 

Orchard Beach, Bronx

One Orchard Beach Road

• Thursday, September 8

 

Times Square, Manhattan

Broadway Between 47^th Street and 50^th Street

• Monday, September 12

 

The ‘Rise Up NYC’ concert series will unite all residents to relish in the city New Yorkers love. The concert series will also amplify local artists, encourage New Yorkers to support local small businesses near the concert venues, and provide the opportunity for New Yorkers, especially young New Yorkers, to come together to support non-violent solutions to conflicts across the city.

 

For more information about the concert series, including a list of artists that will be updated as each event gets closer, visit the ‘Rise Up NYC’ website.

 

Chicago Man Pleads Guilty to Stalking R. Kelly Victim

 

Donnell Russell, a Self-Described Manager and Advisor of R. Kelly, Used the Mail, the Internet, and Cellular Phones to Harass and Intimidate Victim and Her Mother

 Donnell Russell pleaded guilty to interstate stalking for his participation in a scheme to harass, intimidate, and cause substantial emotional distress to Jane Doe, a victim in the racketeering case against Robert Sylvester Kelly, also known as “R. Kelly,” and Jane Doe’s mother.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly.  When sentenced, Russell faces a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the guilty plea.

“Russell used threats, harassment and intimidation in a deliberate effort to silence one of R. Kelly’s victims and prevent her voice from being heard,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “When his initial effort failed, he continued his vile campaign by sending threatening messages to Jane Doe and her mother, and publishing explicit photos of the victim on the internet before and after Kelly was indicted.  As this prosecution makes clear, the defendant’s conduct was not only reprehensible, but it was also criminal and will not be tolerated.” 

“Through the use of intimidation tactics, Russell repeatedly and purposefully worked to silence ‘Jane Doe’ from revealing the emotional and physical trauma inflicted on her by R Kelly and his associates. Despite multiple threats, Russell ultimately failed in his efforts and will now face the consequences of his despicable behavior,” said HSI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Patel. “HSI will continue to work together with our partners to support and empower survivors of abuse and exploitation to come forward and speak out against their abusers.”

Between November 2018 and February 2020, Russell, a self-described manager, advisor and friend of Kelly, used the mail, phones and the internet to harass and intimidate Jane Doe, a victim in the Kelly case, and her mother after Jane Doe filed a civil lawsuit against R. Kelly.  Specifically, Russell threatened to reveal sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe and to publicly reveal her sexual history if she did not withdraw her lawsuit against Kelly and “cease her participation and association with the organizers” of a “negative campaign” against Kelly.  In November 2018, Russell caused a letter, with attachments, purportedly written by Kelly to be mailed to Jane Doe’s Brooklyn-based lawyer at the time.  The attachments included cropped nude photographs of Jane Doe with the following text: “the next two pictures have been cropped for the sake of not exposing her extremities to the world, yet!!!”  In December 2018, Russell, using his alias “Colon Dunn,” sent a series of text messages to Jane Doe and her mother, which contained the same photographs of Jane Doe, and stating, “Just a sample.  We will seek criminal charges.  You’ve been warned,” as well as “Publishing soon” and “[T]his is Colon.”   

On January 3, 2019, Russell sent additional text messages to Jane Doe and her mother, stating, “Pull the plug or you will be exposed.”  On January 6, 2019, Russell, using the Colon Dunn alias, created a Facebook Page named “Surviving Lies,” a play on the title of Lifetime’s “Surviving R Kelly” documentary, and posted screen shots of text messages between Kelly and Jane Doe, which contained the same sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe.  In late January 2020, Russell appeared on two live interviews with “vloggers” supporting Kelly discussing Kelly’s legal troubles, which were streamed live on the internet via YouTube.  Russell again displayed the same sexually explicit photographs of Jane Doe and broadcast them publicly over the internet.