Friday, November 22, 2019

ENGEL & SMITH DEMAND ANSWERS ON WHITE HOUSE SCHEME ON OPEN SKIES TREATY


Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representative Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, today demanded answers from the Trump Administration about reported plans to withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty. In a letter to National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien, the lawmakers requested clarity on additional reports of the White House directing the Department of State and Department of Defense not to discuss these matters with Congress.

“We write to express our concerns regarding the future of the Open Skies Treaty, which plays an important role in advancing Euro-Atlantic security...Given the importance of the Treaty, which is a key element of the existing arms control framework that allows the U.S. and our allies to monitor Russia’s military maneuvers, we are again bringing this matter to your attention and seeking clarity regarding the Administration’s intentions,” the lawmakers wrote. “We are specifically disturbed by reports indicating that both the State Department and the Department of Defense have been ordered by the White House not to discuss the Open Skies Treaty with Congress... This stonewalling only serves to undermine collaboration between the executive and legislative branches of our government on matters of national security.”

Representative Engel previously sent a letter to National Security Advisor O’Brien about these concerns on October 7, while Representatives Engel and Smith joined Senators Robert Menendez and Jack Reed of the Senate Foreign Relations and Senate Armed Services Committees respectively on a letter to Secretaries Pompeo and Esper on October 8. The Administration has failed to respond to these previous queries.

Full text can be found here and below:

Dear Mr. O’Brien:

We write to express our concerns regarding the future of the Open Skies Treaty, which plays an important role in advancing Euro-Atlantic security.  These concerns were first brought to your attention in a letter dated October 7, and a similar letter was sent to Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Esper on October 8.  We have attached copies of this correspondence.  Given the importance of the Treaty, which is a key element of the existing arms control framework that allows the U.S. and our allies to monitor Russia’s military maneuvers, we are again bringing this matter to your attention and seeking clarity regarding the Administration’s intentions.

We are specifically disturbed by reports indicating that both the State Department and the Department of Defense have been ordered by the White House not to discuss the Open Skies Treaty with Congress. We are also concerned that the White House may have used biased analysis as it pertains to potential Treaty withdrawal, failing to ensure an objective process and neglecting to properly coordinate with the departments and agencies responsible for the Treaty’s implementation.

Furthermore, we cannot continue to walk away from commitments we have made to our allies in NATO to hold Russia accountable for their actions. During his confirmation testimony on October 30, 2019, Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan, the Administration’s nominee for Ambassador to Russia, said that there would need to be substantial evidence to support withdrawal, and that the Administration would consult with Congress, as well as our allies and other Treaty signatories, prior to any such decision. To date we have received any to support withdrawal, nor any analysis of the impact that this withdrawal would have to our allies, who continue to raise concerns about potential U.S. withdrawal.

Congress has a constitutional duty to provide rigorous oversight of the executive branch’s operations, and the Administration should not seek to hide information from Congress or otherwise prevent us from performing appropriate oversight.  This stonewalling only serves to undermine collaboration between the executive and legislative branches of our government on matters of national security.

We ask that you clarify the Administration’s position on the Open Skies Treaty and whether any White House official directed State and Defense Department personnel not to brief or discuss the Administration’s plans regarding the Open Skies Treaty with Congress.  On October 30, Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan testified that the Administration would consult with Congress and our allies prior to taking any decision to withdraw from the Treaty. We appreciate this important commitment.

We ask that the Administration provide the Committees with detailed, written responses (with a classified annex, if necessary), followed by a briefing, no later than December 13, 2019 to the following:

An analysis of flights conducted by U.S. and allies and 2018 and 2019 under the treaty, as well as a description of the diplomatic, military, intelligence utility of the data collected, to include other aspects in addition to the imagery.

Details regarding mitigation measures in place for U.S. assets, located both inside and outside the United States, to address Open Skies collection risks posed by Open Skies Treaty overflights.

Communications from NATO allies and partners through diplomatic and military channels expressing their viewpoints of potential U.S. withdrawal from the Treaty.

It is our hope that we can work together to advance our national security interests. We request your personal engagement on this to ensure that the United States does not unwisely and rashly withdraw from the Open Skies Treaty, which continues to serve U.S., allied and partner national security interests.  We look forward to hearing from you immediately on any steps the Administration has taken pertaining to the Open Skies Treaty.

Sincerely,

WALKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES HISTORIC EXPANSION OF PEDESTRIAN SPACE AROUND ROCKEFELLER CENTER FOR HOLIDAYS


Partial closures of 49th and 50th Streets, 5th and 6th Avenues in first-ever commitment of defined pedestrian space around area

Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced a major temporary expansion of pedestrian space on the streets around Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, taking new steps to ensure the safety of New Yorkers and visitors in one of the City’s busiest areas at the height of the holiday season.

“The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is New York City’s crown jewel during the holidays, and we’re always excited to welcome the world to see it—but when the world descends on Rockefeller Center for a month on end, additional tools are clearly necessary so that our Vision Zero agenda stays in place,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This historic announcement pedestrianizing Rockefeller Center will keep holiday revelers safe while ensuring minimal disruption to the rest of the life of the city.”

“The NYPD is second to none at protecting millions of people at some of the world’s largest events,” said Chief of Department Terence Monahan. “Due to collaboration with the Department of Transportation and our ability to adjust assets on the street in real-time, NY’s Finest will ensure the safety of those enjoying the holiday season in the Big Apple while minimizing vehicular congestion.”

Starting Friday, November 29, the City will pedestrianize the streets surrounding Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall, using movable barriers to institute full or partial street closures that will alleviate the crush of foot traffic. The closures are as follows:

Side Street Closures: 49th and 50th Streets between 5th and 6th Avenues will be open to pedestrians alone during the most congested hours.
·         By default, these streets will be closed between 2 p.m. and midnight from Monday to Thursday, 1 p.m. and midnight on Friday, and 10 a.m. and midnight on Saturdays and Sundays.

5th Avenue: Movable barriers will be placed on the east and west sides of the streets on 5th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating a lane of traffic on each side of the avenue to create more pedestrian space. Additionally, there will be no turns on 47th, 49th, or 51st Streets.
·         Barriers will be put in place between 5 p.m. or earlier and midnight during the week, and between noon or earlier on weekends.

6th Avenue: Movable barriers may be placed on the east side of the street on 6th Avenue between 48th and 52nd Streets, eliminating one lane of traffic to create more pedestrian space.
·         6th Avenue will be monitored and barriers will be put in place or removed depending on crowd conditions.
Buses: MTA buses will bypass 48th to 52nd Streets.

Additionally, the NYPD and Department of Transportation (DOT) staff will conduct joint round-the-clock monitoring of the area to adjust the barriers if needed during times of unusual pedestrian activity or extreme weather.

The new street policy is a major step forward that will protect pedestrians while ensuring minimal disruptions to transit and police operations. Even during the holiday season, pedestrian traffic has historically dropped substantially in poor weather and during weekday business hours. Relying on timed closures will allow the City to permit the flow of many morning commuters while protecting pedestrians at peak times. The NYPD and DOT can add or remove pedestrian space at off-peak hours as demand allows.

The Rockefeller Center area has always been one of New York City’s most popular holiday attractions, drawing crowds from across the country; however, in recent years, crowds have grown to unmanageable levels, sending pedestrians into Midtown traffic in an attempt to navigate the crowds. In recent years, local elected officials, including Council Member Keith Powers and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, had advocated for more regular closures in this area to address pedestrian crowding. While the City has previously conducted ad-hoc closures of 49th and 50th Streets, 5th and 6th Avenues remained open, and a formalized policy was never put in place.

“One of New York’s greatest gifts is our street space but for decades we’ve sacrificed too much of it for cars. Few streets are more precious than the ones surrounding Rockefeller Center, where throngs of tourists and New Yorkers jockey to see the iconic holiday tree as well as get to work. They need relief,” said Speaker Corey Johnson. “This announcement is good news to kick off the holiday season. I look forward to continuing to work with the administration and with my colleagues in the Council to find more opportunities to give street space back to people all over New York City.”

With the 2020 Census Fast Approaching, City Planning launches new, easy-to-navigate webpages devoted to NYC’s Population


New Population pages feature a “Pop” Quiz and DCP’s popular NYC Population FactFinder

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Description generated with very high confidence

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Marisa Lago announced the launch of the updated Population webpages on DCP’s website. This is the latest step in an ongoing overhaul of DCP’s website, meant to improve navigation and accessibility for users.
“These new Population webpages offer direct access to important U.S. Census data, and to DCP’s many useful demographic tools, ones that can help you get to know your neighborhood – and the entire rest of the city – like never before. I can’t mention the census without urging each New Yorker to fill out your once-in-a-decade census form when you receive it in the springtime. Your participation in the 2020 Census is crucial to building a fairer, more equitable and more representative New York,” DCP Director Marisa Lago said.
An accurate count of the city’s population is vital for New York’s well-being. Everything from congressional representation to federal funds for health care, infrastructure and school lunches, rely on the census. DCP’s Population webpages will help New Yorkers further understand why the census is so important and why they should fill out the 2020 Census form.
The updated Population webpages are organized in three sections: “Overview,” “Data and Resources.”
Information found on “Overview” includes the latest estimate of New York City’s population, which stands at approximately 8.4 million people – an increase of nearly 224,000 people since the 2010 Census.
It explains the role of DCP demographers and the importance of population data for decision-making in communities, businesses, government and more. It includes helpful graphics with population by borough and population growth patterns.
The overview page features a Pop Quiz, where you can test your smarts when it comes to New York’s population.  
  • Under “Data,” visitors will find official Census Bureau data and DCP’s analysis of those data, as well as projections for population growth over the next several decades.
  • “Resources” includes reference maps, data visualizations, and our “Newest New Yorkers” reports on immigrants in the city. It is home to DCP’s popular NYC Population FactFinder web app, which presents population data in tables, charts, and maps.
Alongside these sections, DCP’s website features a new 2020 Census Support page, which covers the importance of responding to the census, as well as DCP’s role in ensuring that Census Bureau outreach is founded on accurate information about New Yorkers. This page links you to the NYC Census 2020 website, where New Yorkers can get involved in 2020 Census-related outreach.
The Population webpages revamp is part of broader ongoing updates to DCP webpages as well as the site’s overall organization. These changes are meant to bring a consistent approach to DCP’s content and make all land use and zoning projects and proposals easier to find, navigate and understand.
Department of City Planning
The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.

Wave Hill events Dec 5‒Dec 12: Holiday Workshop Weekend!


Fri, December 6

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

Sat, December 7

Family Art Project: Transformational Terrariums

The author Ahrundati Roy tells us that “a new world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.” How will you bring your imagination to envision the kind of world we can create together? Infuse your vision for how you’d like the earth to look with messages of possibility. Try on what it feels like to be an urban planner planting more street trees, an environmentalist protecting watersheds, or a policy-maker helping to daylight a brook by using natural materials, plants, and clay to create your very own mini terrarium from upcycled glass jars. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, December 7

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

Sat, December 7

Holiday Workshop: Miniature Arrangements

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens at Wave Hill. In this drop-in workshop, fashion a pair of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangements as gifts, or enjoy them on your own holiday table. Creative guidance offered by Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. $30 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sat, December 7

Holiday Workshop: Natural Wreaths

Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Senior Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day and florist Hanako Shimamoto demonstrate simple floral techniques and provide plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. $45 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sat, December 7

Holiday Workshop: Poured Beeswax Candles

Mix and pour your own candles guided by expert beekeeper and candlemaker Pam Golben. Cozy up your home with seasonal scents made with pure natural beeswax infused with aromas such as peppermint, fir, orange, or cinnamon. $15 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sun, December 8

Winter Birding

The Hudson River valley hosts an impressive diversity of bird species, even during the winter months. Explore Wave Hill’s tranquil gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow to observe birds in their winter habitats. Birders of all levels welcome. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 9:30AM

Sun, December 8

Family Art Project: Transformational Terrariums

The author Ahrundati Roy tells us that “a new world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day I can hear her breathing.” How will you bring your imagination to envision the kind of world we can create together? Infuse your vision for how you’d like the earth to look with messages of possibility. Try on what it feels like to be an urban planner planting more street trees, an environmentalist protecting watersheds, or a policy-maker helping to daylight a brook by using natural materials, plants, and clay to create your very own mini terrarium from upcycled glass jars. Free with admission to the grounds. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, December 8

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

Sun, December 8

Holiday Workshop: Miniature Arrangements

Drop by this weekend to create your own gifts and holiday decorations inspired by the gardens at Wave Hill. In this drop-in workshop, fashion a pair of sweet miniature arrangements in tiny containers using fresh greens, pinecones and other natural materials. Give your arrangements as gifts, or enjoy them on your own holiday table. Creative guidance offered by Director of Public Programs Laurel Rimmer. $30 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sun, December 8

Holiday Workshop: Natural Wreaths

Craft one-of-a-kind holiday decorations using fresh greens harvested from Wave Hill’s gardens. Each participant designs a verdant wreath accented with natural materials and elegant accessories. Senior Horticultural Interpreter Charles Day and florist Hanako Shimamoto demonstrate simple floral techniques and provide plenty of materials to fuel your creative spirit. $45 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sun, December 8

Holiday Workshop: Poured Beeswax Candles

Mix and pour your own candles guided by expert beekeeper and candlemaker Pam Golben. Cozy up your home with seasonal scents made with pure natural beeswax infused with aromas such as peppermint, fir, orange, or cinnamon. $15 materials fee per project. Admission to the grounds is not included in the materials fee. Ages eight and older welcome with an adult. Holiday Workshop Weekend event.

Wave Hill House, 11AM–3PM

Sun, December 8

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Mon, December 9

Wave Hill is closed.

Tue, December 10

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

Wed, December 11

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

Thu, December 12

Wave Hill Members Sale in The Shop

Find naturally appealing gifts for everyone on your shopping list this holiday season, from the handsome new book about Wave Hill, Nature into Art: The Gardens of Wave Hill, to jewelry and accessories for the women--and men--in your life, children’s books and toys.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4:30PM

                         
A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–4:30PM, November 1–March 14. Closes 5:30PM, starting March 15.

ADMISSION – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesday mornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES – Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm
  
DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.
  

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Gang Member Charged With 2009 Murder


  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of an indictment charging JOHNNY NUNEZ GARCIA, a/k/a “Superior,” with the June 5, 2009, gang-related murder of Jonathan Ruiz, 17, in the Bronx, New York.  NUNEZ GARCIA is currently serving a separate federal sentence.  He was transferred yesterday to the Southern District of New York and presented before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.  The case is assigned to United States District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged in the indictment, more than ten years ago Nunez Garcia shot and killed Jonathan Ruiz in connection with Nunez Garcia’s membership in the Dominicans Don’t Play gang.  Thanks to the persistence of our partners at the NYPD, Nunez Garcia will now face justice for his alleged role in this heinous crime.”
Police Commissioner James O’Neill said:  “This indictment is the result of the close partnership that exists between the NYPD and our law-enforcement partners. I commend the members of the NYPD Detective Bureau and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York whose hard work resulted in this indictment.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
NUNEZ GARCIA was a member of the Dominicans Don’t Play (or “DDP”) gang, a criminal enterprise, members of which engaged in criminal acts involving murder, robbery, and narcotics dealing throughout the Bronx.  They committed these crimes to enrich themselves and to preserve and promote their widespread criminal activity.  As a member of the gang, on June 5, 2009, NUNEZ GARCIA shot and killed Jonathan Ruiz near East 165th Street and Tiffany Street.
NUNEZ GARCIA, 28, of the Bronx, is charged with one count of murder in aid of racketeering and aiding and abetting murder in aid of racketeering.  He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison.  The potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding 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 description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Former Wall Street Stockbroker Convicted Of Defrauding Investors



Jason Amada Sentenced to 3 to 6 Years in Prison for Stealing Over $489,000 from Investors in Three-Year Foreign Currency Trading Scheme

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction and sentencing of former stockbroker Jason Ari Amada, 42, of Forest Hills, Queens, for stealing over $489,000 from victims who had invested in his bogus foreign currency trading venture. Amada was sentenced in New York County Supreme Court to three to six years in prison after signing confessions of judgment in favor of his eight victims.

“If those who work on Main Street have to play by the rules, so must those on Wall Street,” said Attorney General James. “Instead of investing his clients’ savings in profitable funds, Jason Amada played fast and loose, losing hundreds of thousands of dollars of his investors’ money. What’s worse is that Mr. Amada further defrauded investors by using their money like it was a part of his personal piggybank, all while furthering his scheme by creating fake account statements that showed he was making them profits. My office will use every tool in its arsenal to ensure criminals are brought to justice because no one is above the law.”
In September, Amada pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a Class E felony, before the Honorable Maxwell Wiley in New York County Supreme Court. His guilty pleas resolved two sets of charges brought by the Attorney General’s Criminal Enforcement and Financial Crimes Bureau. On August 29, 2018, Amada was arrested on an indictment, charging him with fraudulently soliciting a client to invest €250,000, and then losing 99% of her principal in less than 45 days of aggressive foreign currency trading. Following his arrest, additional victims reported that they had invested and lost money with Amada under similar circumstances. The Office of the Attorney General filed charges against Amada related to claims brought forward by seven other victims who were fraudulently solicited to invest with Amada between March 2015 and November 2018. In total, Amada defrauded investors out of more than $489,000.
Amada held himself out to the public as an experienced foreign currency — or Forex — trader and the operator of multiple legitimate investment management firms. However, he failed to disclose to his victims that he had not been a licensed broker since 2012. Amada also did not reveal that the various ventures he claimed to be associated with — Amada Capital Management, LLC, Amada Capital, LLC, and Evolution FX Trading — were mere shell corporations with no employees or genuine operations. They also were not registered with any regulatory authorities to trade foreign currencies.
In order to induce his victims to invest with him, Amada persuaded them that he could trade Forex safely and that capital preservation strategies would be employed to protect their investments. For instance, he falsely represented to one victim that she would not lose more than one-percent of her total investment. Amada led another victim to believe that he would use a hedging strategy that would minimize any potential losses. Contrary to his false representations to victims, Amada used highly-leveraged, aggressive trading tactics that resulted in the rapid and complete dissipation of his victims’ funds, while at the same time earning over $150,000 in fees and commissions for himself.
In addition to his high-risk trading strategies, Amada also diverted investor monies to pay for his own personal expenses. Amada diverted funds through corporate bank accounts into his own personal bank accounts, and, on some occasions, simply cashed the victim’s investment checks. Between 2015 and 2018, Amada spent approximately $100,000 of investor dollars on travel, dining, clothing, credit card bills, personal loans, payments to family and friends, purchasing cryptocurrency, and even on online gambling; he also made over $83,000 in cash withdrawals.  
In furtherance of his scheme, Amada concealed the trading losses and misappropriation of investor funds by providing his victims with fake account statements. Every month, Amada invented details of profitable trades to enter into elaborate statements that he would email his victims. These statements showed increasing account balances and swelling profits. Not only did these forged statements mask Amada’s crimes, but they also enabled him to convince some victims to continue investing. Amada deceived some of his victims for years about the status of their investments. They only discovered the truth once they asked Amada to return their investments, and he could not do so.
The Office of the Attorney General wishes to thank Trial Attorney Nicholas Sloey, Senior Trial Attorney Rachel Hayes, and Futures Trading Investigator Elsie Robinson of the Commodities and Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), and Thomas Carocci of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) for their valuable assistance in the investigation of this case.

ROADMAP TO CLOSING RIKERS: DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION TO CLOSE TWO JAILS NEXT YEAR


  As part of the continued drive to close the jails on Rikers Island and build new modern and borough-based facilities by 2026, the City will close two more jails next year. The Eric M. Taylor Center (EMTC) on Rikers Island will close in March, and the Brooklyn Detention Complex (BKDC) in Boerum Hill will close by the end of January. This comes as the city’s jail population has fallen below 7,000—giving New York City the lowest rate of incarceration and lowest crime rate of any large city in the United States. These are the second and third facilities shuttered by the administration as part of its ongoing commitment to ending mass incarceration while maintaining public safety.

“With the lowest rate of incarceration of any major city and crime at historic lows, New York is again debunking the notion that you must arrest your way to safety,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “These two closures show that we are making good on our promise to close Rikers Island and create a correctional system that is fundamentally smaller, safer and fairer.”

The closures will allow the Department of Correction to concentrate resources more effectively, resulting in better conditions, enhanced programming, and safer facilities for both people in custody and correctional staff. The Brooklyn jail, located at 275 Atlantic Avenue, opened in 1957 and currently houses about 400 people, with a capacity of 759. EMTC, built in 1964 and expanded in 1973, has capacity of 1719 and houses about 850 people who are serving city sentences of one year or less. Staff at BKDC and EMTC will be reassigned to other facilities, and the closures will not result in any layoffs. In addition, admissions that are currently processed in BKDC will be accommodated in other borough facilities. No one who is currently housed in BKDC will be moved to Rikers Island unless there is a specific housing need.

In early October, the City Council passed the historic land use application that allows the City to proceed with its plans for a borough-based jail system. Since then the jail population has continued to fall as crime has reached historic lows, and the City now projects a jail population of no more than 3,300 people by 2026.

Since Mayor de Blasio took office, the City’s jail population has rapidly fallen by 39%, driven by declines in enforcement, continued drop in crime, and new and innovative programming, such as the City’s nationally recognized pre-trial bail alternative Supervised Release. With new State bail laws coming into effect on Jan. 1, 2020, the City is expanding its community support services, such as the new voluntary pre-trial Atlas program, in anticipation of an even sharper drop in the jail population.

Last week, the City announced its current procurement timeline for the borough-based jail plans. Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) for early work items are being published today with the remaining RFQs to be issued in the first quarter of 2020.

“The closure of two additional facilities is the latest proof of the effectiveness of the city’s efforts to reduce the jail population while ensuring public safety.  This is the result of much work from many people inside and outside of government over the past six years as the touch of enforcement has lightened, judges have more options available to them, and New Yorkers’ own behavior has changed,” said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward in our efforts to bring about a new era of correctional practice in New York City,” said Department of Correction Commissioner Cynthia Brann.  “By consolidating our population and staff in the Department’s newer facilities, we will reduce overtime, expand officer training, more easily provide programs to individuals in custody, and ensure everyone can reap the benefits of the strategic investments we have made to enhance overall safety. This is an exciting opportunity to make the best use of the space we have available today while continuing to work towards building our future.

NYC Carpenters Endorse Blake For Congress


The New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters has issued an endorsement to 2020 Congressional Candidate for New York’s 15th district, Assembly Member Michael Blake. The New York City District Council of Carpenters represents 22,000 union members. 

Assembly Member Michael Blake has a goal to provide and sustain a stable lifestyle for the hardworking men and women of New York State. He won the endorsement of the District Council of Carpenters for standing with working class New Yorkers, recognizing the value of unions and having proven himself to be a strong ally of labor. Now more than ever, it is critical for elected officials to stand on the side of working people as unions are under attack at home, in New York, and at the highest levels of government. As we head into a Presidential Election year, we need the strongest representatives in New York to preserve the state of unions. Assembly Member Michael Blake will represent that voice of labor in Washington D.C. 

“As a son of labor, I am thrilled to receive the endorsement of the New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters to be the next Member of Congress for New York's 15th district as the Carpenters recognize and support our #BelieveintheBx vision to create jobs and opportunities for all,” stated Assembly Member Michael Blake. “The union carpenters have been and continue to be great neighbors in The Bronx, and, I am confident that together we can bring jobs, apprenticeships, Justice and a better way of life for all Bronxites in the 15th Congressional District.”

“The New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters is proud to endorse Assembly Member Michael Blake in his bid for Congress in District 15,” stated Executive Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Geiger. “Assembly Member Blake has already shown his commitment to communities throughout New York City, and I am confident that under his leadership, he will provide a pathway to more secure career opportunities and growth for the hardworking men and women in our area.”