Senator Jamaal Bailey Cookout Draws Many People and Elected Officials Despite Almost 100 Degree Temperature

  You can call them the four elected officials who do the most. (L - R) New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Congressman Eliot Engel, and Assemblyman Michael Benedetto. This well mixed group of veteran and a not so recently elected state senator work hard for the districts they represent, which overlap in many areas. 

This was State Senator Bailey's Annual Summer Cookout, and despite the temperature being close to 100 degrees over one hundred people came to join with the many elected officials who were also in attendance. 

Above - Assembly Speaker Heastie with Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, and a hot Assemblywoman Fernandez sitting in the sun.

Below - Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo talks about the changes in the Bronx Democratic County organization over the years. He added that more women who have been backed by the Bronx Democratic County organization have been elected to office in the past few years. Crespo also warned to watch out for outsiders who do not have the best interest of the  people of the Bronx in their agendas. 

Above - Some of the elected officials who were on hand.

Below -Assemblywoman Fernandez speaks about the opportunities of women in the Bronx Democratic County organization, talking about her own experience in getting elected.

Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. and Catholic Charities Hold Block Party on Lafayette Avenue

  Outside the Monroe Houses on Lafayette Avenue Catholic Charities and Rubsn Diaz Sr. held a block party for the community. There was games, rides, and free food for those who attended. Music was provided as well as free book bags to all children. As an added bonus Councilman Diaz Sr. signed a check for $42,000.00 to Catholic Charities for their fine work in Bronx communities.

Above - Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. helps give out book bags to the children.

Below - Councilman Diaz Sr. signs a check made out to Catholic Charities in the amount of $42,000.00.

 

Above - A real former police car from the 1950's was on display. This two door police car is similar to the new Snart police cars as it did not have a back seat. 

Below - The free food for the community included hot dogs, hamburgers, vegan burgers, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream, and even fried Oreo's as you see the batter dipped Oreo's being fried.

ASSEMBLYMAN MARCOS A. CRESPO: STATEMENT ON CURRENT STATE OF PUERTO RICO

 Our collective efforts as proud Puerto Rican’s in the diaspora, whether to address economic, social or political issues in Puerto Rico, has always been driven by support for the people and the island, never by political affiliations.

I was proud to have been a part of New York’s response in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, and just as proud to have worked with this and the previous administration to call on Washington to do right for Puerto Rico.

Once again, all of that work was energized to support the people whose needs are still as pressing and urgent as they were mere days after the storm. It is for this reason that we must all join in a common cause of seeking leadership that can articulate this sentiment, represent the needs of all Puerto Ricans and demand action from Washington.

It is clear that Governor Ricardo Rosello has lost the trust of the people. Strong leadership, accountability and a supported vision for Puerto Rico’s future is needed now more than ever and for these reasons I believe Governor Rosello should step down. 
 

ASAMBLEÍSTA MARCOS A. CRESPO:

DECLARACIÓN SOBRE EL ESTADO ACTUAL DE PUERTO RICO

 Nuestros esfuerzos colectivos como orgulloso puertorriqueños, ya sea para abordar temas económicos, sociales o políticos, siempre han sido impulsados por el apoyo hacia el pueblo y la isla, nunca influido por afiliaciones políticas. 

Siento inmenso orgullo por haber sido parte de la respuesta de parte del estado Nueva York después del huracán María, y comparto ese mismo orgullo por haber trabajado con la actual y la anterior administración, reclamándole a Washington que haga lo correcto para la isla de Puerto Rico.

Cada uno de esos esfuerzos fueron llevados a cabo con el fin de apoyar a los Puertorriqueńos cuyas necesidades siguen siendo tan urgentes hoy como días después de la tormenta. Es por esta razón que todos debemos unirnos en una causa común en búsqueda de liderazgo que pueda articular este sentimiento, representar las necesidades de todos los puertorriqueños y que pueda continuar exigiendo acción de Washington.

Está claro que el gobernador Ricardo Rosello ha perdido la confianza del pueblo. Fuerte liderazgo, rendición de cuentas y una visión apoyada para el futuro de Puerto Rico es necesaria ahora más que nunca, y por estas razones creo que el gobernador Rosello debe abandonar su puesto.
 

Bronx Brothers Charged With 2018 Shooting

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging ANTONIO MORA, a/k/a “Chucky,” and BRIAN MORA, a/k/a “Dottie,” with the September 17, 2018, shooting of a rival drug dealer in connection with a drug conspiracy, after pulling his daughter from his hands.  ANTONIO MORA will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox.  BRIAN MORA is already in federal custody.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Antonio and Brian Mora dealt heroin and crack cocaine in the Bronx.  During a dispute with a rival drug crew, the defendants allegedly ripped the victim’s daughter out of his arms before shooting him.  Thanks to our partners at the NYPD, the defendants now face federal charges for their brazen and callous crimes.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill stated:  “This case illustrates the extreme violence that too often accompanies gang activity and the drug trade, and why we must be vigilant in keeping our communities safe.  I want to thank the law enforcement professionals whose hard work and dedication secured these federal indictments.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

Between 2016 and 2018, ANTONIO MORA and BRIAN MORA were involved in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin.  During that same time period, ANTONIO MORA and BRIAN MORA used, carried, and discharged a firearm during and in furtherance of that drug conspiracy, including on September 17, 2018, when, in connection with a dispute with a rival drug crew, they shot a man after they pulled his daughter from his arms. 

ANTONIO MORA, 25, of the Bronx, New York, and BRIAN MORA, 24, of the Bronx, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine and heroin and one count of using and carrying a firearm, which was brandished and discharged, in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, each of which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1]  As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the descriptions of the Indictment constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Bronx Man Charged With 2018 Shooting

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) announced the unsealing today of an Indictment charging RAKIM BROWN, a/k/a “Ra,” with the January 28, 2018, shooting of a woman in connection with a drug conspiracy, resulting in injuries to her face and leg.  BROWN will be presented and arraigned today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Kevin Nathaniel Fox.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Working with the NYPD and our other law enforcement partners, we will continue to investigate and prosecute drug trafficking and the violence that so often accompanies it.  The indictment of Rakim Brown for a drug-related shooting demonstrates that link between drugs and guns.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “The NYPD and its law enforcement partners pursue – unrelentingly and with precision – those who carry guns and those who traffic illegal drugs.  I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors who worked to obtain today’s indictment.  Their work helps make our city safer.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]: 

Between 2016 up to and including 2018, RAKIM BROWN, a/k/a “Ra,” was involved in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.  Between April 2017 up to and including 2018, BROWN used, carried, and discharged a firearm during and in furtherance of that drug conspiracy, including on January 28, 2018, when, in connection with a dispute with a rival drug crew, he shot at a woman and caused injuries to her face and leg. 

BROWN, 24, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of using and carrying a firearm, which was brandished and discharged, in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Bonanno Crime Family Captain Sentenced To Over 7 Years In Prison

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JOSEPH SABELLA, a/k/a “Joe Valet,” was sentenced to 87 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein for his role as a captain in the Bonanno Organized Crime Family of La Cosa Nostra.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman stated:  “As he admitted in open court, Joseph Sabella was an active member of the Bonanno Crime Family who engaged in numerous racketeering acts.  He will now spend years in prison for his crimes.  Together with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to aggressively prosecute members of La Cosa Nostra who intimidate, threaten, and harm members of our community.”

According to the Indictment, documents filed in this case and statements made in related court proceedings:

La Cosa Nostra (“LCN”), also known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” operates through entities known as “Families.”  In the New York City area, there are five LCN Families, namely, the Bonanno Family, the Genovese Family, the Luchese Family, the Colombo Family, and the Gambino Family.  Members and associates of one La Cosa Nostra family at times work together with other La Cosa Nostra families in jointly undertaken criminal ventures.

The Bonanno Family, like other LCN Families, operates through a group of individuals known as “crews,” each of which is led by a “capo” or “captain.”  The crews are composed of “made” members, called “soldiers,” and trusted non-members called “associates.”  Above the capos are the highest-ranking members – the boss or acting boss, the underboss, and the consigliere, or counselor – who oversee the Family.

Between 2012 and January 2018, SABELLA acted as soldier and then captain in the Bonanno Family.  As a member of the Bonanno Family, SABELLA engaged in numerous racketeering acts, including extortion, fraud, and physical assaults.  In particular, SABELLA participated in the long-term extortion of a New York-based demolition company (“Company-1”) that netted the Bonanno Family thousands of dollars a year for nearly three decades.  SABELLA also participated in the physical assault of the owner of a strip club (“Victim-1”) and the subsequent extortion of Victim-1 out of his legitimate and illegitimate business interests.

SABELLA, 54, of Monroe, New Jersey, previously pled guilty on February 12, 2019, to conspiracy to commit racketeering.  As part of his guilty plea, SABELLA admitted to his involvement in the extortion of Company-1, the extortion of Victim-1, a large-scale, multi-year fraud at a construction site on Staten Island, and the physical assaults on Victim-1 and one of Sabella’s former business partners, all as part of his participation in the Bonanno Family.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations, the Department of Labor, the Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Vincent Esposito Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court To 24 Months In Prison

And Forfeiture Of $3.8 Million For Racketeering Conspiracy

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VINCENT ESPOSITO was sentenced today to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Victor Marrero for conspiring to commit racketeering offenses with members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family of La Cosa Nostra.  Judge Marrero also imposed financial penalties, including approximately $3.8 million in forfeiture, a $20,000 fine, and restitution to be determined.  ESPOSITO previously pled guilty on April 10, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “By his own admission, for more than a decade Vincent Esposito made millions with members of the Genovese Crime Family by extorting payments, demanding kickbacks, committing fraud, and instilling fear.  Today Esposito has been sentenced to prison for racketeering conspiracy.”

According to the Indictment and statements made during public court proceedings:

La Cosa Nostra, also known as the “Mob” or the “Mafia,” operates through entities known as “Families.”  One of the Families operating in the New York City area is the Genovese Crime Family.  For years, continuing until 2017, ESPOSITO conspired with other members and associates of the Genovese Crime Family to commit a wide range of crimes to enrich themselves, including multiple acts of extortion, honest services fraud, and bribery.  Among other things, ESPOSITO directed the long-running extortion of a union official (“Official-1”) for annual tribute payments of more than over $10,000, and had a number of lower-ranking members of the enterprise collect money and convey threats to Official-1 on Esposito’s behalf.  In another extortion scheme, ESPOSITO’s co-conspirators extorted a different union official (“Official-2”) and a financial adviser (the “Adviser”) for a cut of commissions made from union investments.

At the time of ESPOSITO’s arrest, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) executed a search warrant on his home and seized more than $3.8 million in U.S. currency hidden throughout the residence, along with an unregistered handgun, ammunition, brass knuckles, and lists of made members of the Genovese Crime Family.  Under the terms of his guilty plea, ESPOSITO agreed to forfeit the more than $3.8 million seized by the FBI as criminal proceeds resulting from the offense. 

In addition to the prison term, ESPOSITO, 51, of New York, NY, was sentenced to three years of supervised release, and was ordered to forfeit $3,816,685.59 and to pay a fine of $20,000.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Inspector General and Office of Labor-Management Standards, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Attorney General James Launches Inquiry Into Dangerous Conditions At Subway Station

Significant Flooding at Court Square Station Resulted in Individual Almost Colliding with Oncoming Train

  Attorney General Letitia James announced that her office is launching an inquiry in response to an incident at the Court Street subway station in Queens, NY whereby an individual nearly collided with a moving train because of excessive flooding in the station. In response to a letter from Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris, Attorney General James is demanding that New Line Structures and Civetta Construction, the companies responsible for recent construction work at the station, produce relevant documents, including contracts, and that all documents related to work on this station be preserved.

“This is an incredibly dangerous situation that easily could have resulted in the loss of a life, and we need answers,” said Attorney General Letitia James. “These companies are hired to improve conditions without jeopardizing public safety. Yet, I am deeply concerned that instead they may have created a treacherous environment for New Yorkers in this incident. My office is looking into the companies responsible for this work because such dangerous conditions are unacceptable. And I thank Senator Gianaris for his advocacy and partnership in finding and holding accountable those responsible for this hazard.”

“As the MTA struggles to deliver on its mission for New Yorkers, this is another horrible incident that reveals the dangers subway riders face just for trying to move around our city,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “In this case, people were nearly killed due to the negligence of a private corporation which must be held to account. In situations like this, too much deference is typically afforded to faceless corporate entities to the detriment of the public and I thank Attorney General James for looking into this deplorable episode, holding these contractors accountable, and seeking whatever remedies are available for the serious damages caused.”

The incident occurred on Wednesday evening during a period of heavy rain in New York City. In a video, viewers can see an individual, who was on the subway platform at Court Square, forced off of his feet by a forceful stream of water gushing across the platform, just as a train was arriving into the station. The individual almost collides with an oncoming train because of the force of the water stream. The water stream can be seen emanating from an area of the platform that is under construction and being managed by New Line Structures and Civetta Construction.