Man Convicted in $67M “Doctor Chase” Genetic Testing Fraud Scheme

 

A federal jury in Fort Pierce, Florida, convicted a Florida man on Oct. 6 for his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of over $67 million by tricking physicians into authorizing thousands of genetic tests that were completely unnecessary and not used in the treatment of the Medicare beneficiaries who took them.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Jose Goyos, 37, of West Palm Beach, managed a call center that engaged in deceptive telemarketing calls targeting thousands of Medicare beneficiaries and their physicians. Goyos and his co-conspirators managed the so-called “doctor chase” division of the call center, which contacted the primary care physicians of targeted Medicare beneficiaries and tricked these medical providers into ordering and authorizing medically unnecessary genetic tests based on medical paperwork that the call center created. For example, Goyos directed call center employees to falsely represent to providers that the Medicare beneficiaries were “mutual patients” who requested these genetic tests, and that the beneficiaries had medical conditions justifying genetic testing, when neither statement was true. 

Goyos and his co-conspirators then used those doctors’ authorizations to submit claims to Medicare for the expensive and unnecessary genetic tests. In reality, the labs were shells; they had no equipment, did not conduct a single test, and had no lab personnel. Goyos and his co-conspirators referred all the genetic tests to other labs, which conducted them at a small fraction of the price that Goyos and his co-conspirators charged to Medicare. Finally, after the tests were conducted, the results often were not sent to the Medicare beneficiary’s primary care physicians and were not used in the treatment of the beneficiary.

In total, between June 2020 and July 2021, Goyos and his co-conspirators submitted over $67 million of these false and fraudulent claims to Medicare, of which Medicare paid over $52 million.

The jury convicted Goyos of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 21. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for the conspiracy to commit money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

To date, 20 other defendants have pleaded guilty in the scheme to various charges, including the leaders of the scheme – Daniel M. Carver, Thomas Dougherty, and John Paul Gosney Jr. – who are scheduled to be sentenced in December.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, comprised of 15 strike forces operating in 25 federal districts, has charged more than 5,000 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $24 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at "We Stand With Israel" Community Rally

Governor Hochul: “Mark my words, I assure you as the Governor I will make sure that we leave no stone unturned to find out how we can make sure that every single one of you is safe when you gather, because that is your God given right to exercise your belief, your religion, your true identity.”

Hochul: “What must give us peace is to know that the world is united with Israel tonight in a way that I don't believe it has been since the inception of this great concept of a democracy in the middle of the homeland 75 years ago – what a great vision it was to let people come back and celebrate the history and traditions and allow you to live in peace again.”

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. When I look out at this crowd this evening, it is so crystal clear to me that by your presence here, you will never do nothing. You will stand together as a community, united, sometimes by celebration, as was the intended gathering of Jews all across the world, to commemorate what is the happiest, most joyous time of the year. The conclusion of the Torah and the new beginning.

And to think about having just come through the Holy Days. Families, friends, people from all over gather. They dance. They have concerts,they're at peace with who they are until the forces of evil intervene. Now Jews have been persecuted for their belief and being the chosen people of God throughout history. Antisemitism is not a 21st century phenomenon, it has always been there. But what is so shocking to all of us today, in 2023, that Saturday was the deadliest day for the Jewish community since the Holocaust.

This is a day that will be spoken about for generations, just as we speak with whispered tones about what families and people still living among us endured during the Holocaust. It is a black mark. It hurts. People are afraid. People still haven't heard from their loved ones yet. They don't know if they're hostages.

We're trying so hard to reunite families and offer support and prayersand conversations I've had with everyone from President Herzog, who I just met in New York a few weeks ago, invited me to Israel, and that trip was planned for very soon to our embassies, our State Department, I'll be meeting the Israeli Ambassadors to the United Nations tomorrow to find out what we can do.

I also want you to know that as the Governor of the State, my number one priority is the safety of all New Yorkers. And to that end, early Saturday morning, when reports of this first came out, I knew as the leader of the state with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel – something I'm enormously proud of, and we celebrate all the time – I also knew we had a special vulnerability, that I had a responsibility to activate our State Police and our intelligence centers, a place will be visiting tomorrow morning, as we make sure that there are no messages being shared on social media that could indicate there's an incitement to violence.

And what is terrifying to me is that there are other groups that are rising up, talking about this in a celebratory way – white supremacists, neo-Nazi groups, jihadists, all on social media, lauding this devastating event, which is still with us. So, we'll be on top of that for sure.

But what must give us peace is to know that the world is united with Israel tonight in a way that I don't believe it has been since the inception of this great concept of a democracy in the middle of the homeland 75 years ago – what a great vision it was to let people come back and celebrate the history and traditions and allow you to live in peace again.

We will fight to make sure that that peace is restored, that the terrorists know that they'll find no comfort here – not in this state, not in this country. They'll be called out. Yes, there will be a war. But it'll be a just war, because it's an attack on babies, children, grandmas, teenagers at a concert that will never, ever be forgotten.

Mark my words, I assure you as the Governor I will make sure that we leave no stone unturned to find out how we can make sure that every single one of you is safe when you gather, because that is your God given right to exercise your belief, your religion, your true identity.

I reflect upon a visit I had to a yeshiva not that long ago, as I was talking about our efforts to stop anti-Semitism, to make sure that the Holocaust is taught about in schools so the lessons are learned and understood, and there have been a number of instances in New York City where people were being attacked because of their attire.

This young man said, I'm not sure I should wear my yarmulke anymore because I'm afraid what they'll do to me on the street. I might get pushed over my friend said - he said don't wear it. I said, young man, you will wear that, because your ancestors before you have endured so much, but you honor them and those traditions and the great education and the beliefs that have been passed down to you and trusted to you because you will keep them whole and strong, but you'll also pass them on to the next generation.

That is the strength, the power, of the Jewish community and all of us honor that here tonight. We stand with Israel. Today I flew the flag over my own residence, the Governor's mansion, and they'll still be flying over your state's capital beginning Wednesday.

So, to Rabbi Weitzman, Cantor Short, I thank you for allowing me to share in this, Jeffrey Handelman, our board of directors, and all the elected officials who were named, thank you. Thank you for just being here. Thank you for saying this is a time for a community to come together in person, and to hug, and to touch, and to be so human, and to think about the people halfway across the world who are suffering tonight. We are all suffering with them.

Prayers are important. Keep them in your prayers. But by being out here tonight, you hold a candle high, they'll see across the world to know that we are with Israel. Thank you very much.

CONSUMER ALERT: DOS Division of Consumer Protection Reminds Domestic Violence Survivors & Advocates of Consumer Protections Available in NYS

 

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

Secretary Rodriguez: “At the Department of State, we’re doing our part to help survivors with our Address Confidentiality Program, which is a cost-free service that shields the addresses of individuals who fear for their safety.” 

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection and Address Confidentiality Program is reminding domestic violence survivors, victims and advocates of consumer protections available in the New York State marketplace. This reminder comes during National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is an opportunity to highlight this important issue and raise awareness while continuing to provide support to victims and survivors. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“There’s no place for domestic and gender-based violence in New York State, but unfortunately it’s a reality that many individuals still face,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez. “At the Department of State, we’re doing our part to help survivors with our Address Confidentiality Program, which is a cost-free service that shields the addresses of individuals who fear for their safety. We’re also spreading the word about the many other consumer protections available to survivors in New York State, because knowing what help is out there can equip survivors with the tools they need to get out of an abusive and dangerous relationship.”

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, “"New York State and the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence are dedicated to being survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive by supporting those affected by gender-based violence. Financial stability is critical to achieving survivor safety. Thank you, Secretary Rodriguez and the Department of State, for highlighting the rights and protections for survivors available here in New York."

Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Acting Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “These services are vital to help those who have experienced domestic violence stay safe and avoid negative economic consequences as they work to stabilize and rebuild their lives. The Address Confidentiality Program is particularly helpful for the safety of survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. We’re pleased to help raise awareness of these resources as part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.”

The following rights and protections are available to New York State domestic violence victims and survivors:

• Address Confidentiality: If you are a New York State resident and a victim of domestic violence, victim of stalking, victim of sexual offense, victim of human trafficking, victim of kidnapping or are a reproductive health care services provider, employee, volunteer, patient or immediate family member of reproductive health care services provider who has moved or are planning to move for safety reasons, the Department of State Address Confidentiality Program assists with shielding an address from an abuser at no cost to the victim. Domestic violence victims can also provide alternate address information for their telephone services directly through their service provider to prevent their abusers from finding out their actual address.
• Utility, wireless, telecommunication, cable and satellite service contract opt out: Domestic violence victims can request an opt-out of their service contract, in writing, without fee, penalty or charge if they are a victim of domestic violence and provide an attestation in writing of their eligibility as a victim of domestic violence.
• Identity Theft: Identity theft can be a challenge for domestic violence victims, but regularly examining credit reports, setting up fraud alerts and checking bank records are three tools to assist victims in preventing identity theft. Learn more here.
• Insurance: New York State Insurance Law prohibits any insurance policy providers from discriminating against someone because they are a domestic violence victim.
• Alternative Contact Information: Requires health insurers to provide an insurer or subscriber who is a victim of domestic violence, upon request of such insurer or subscriber, with the option to designate alternative contact information for the purpose of receiving specific claim information or for specific billing purposes.
• Smart Technology: New York State law allows domestic violence orders of protection to include prohibitions against remotely controlling any domestic violence victim’s connected devices.
• Workplace Protections: Victims of domestic violence, family offenses or human trafficking cannot be discriminated against for using leave accruals for sick time, family sick time or safe time related to such matters. Learn more here.
• Residential Lease Protections:
  • Lease Termination: A domestic violence victim may terminate a residential lease to support their safety, without liability, if they provide the landlord with a written 30-day notice. Then within 25 days of the written notice, the domestic violence victim must provide documentation to the landlord affirming their domestic violence status. Qualifying documentation includes one or more of the following: (1) an order of protection, (2) a law enforcement record or report documenting an act of domestic violence, (3) a health care provider record of treatment related to domestic violence, or (4) a written verification from a qualified third party to whom the tenant reported the domestic violence.
  • Discrimination Prohibited: Residential landlords cannot refuse to rent to or discriminate against a person or their accompanied child(ren) who are victims of either a criminal act or family offense of domestic violence. Domestic violence victims who are discriminated against may initiate a civil claim in court and may be awarded up to $2,000 and attorney’s fees.
  • Evictions Prohibited: Residential landlords cannot evict a tenant based on their domestic violence victim status. If a proceeding for eviction begins, a tenant may defend the proceeding by asserting their status as a domestic violence victim as the basis for the eviction. This protection does not apply to owner-occupied housing with two or fewer units. This protection also does not prohibit an eviction proceeding on grounds other than a tenant’s status as a victim of domestic violence.
• Membership Campground Contracts: Although a cancellation period for a membership campground may have passed, domestic violence victims can cancel their contract by submitting to the membership campground operator any one of these four domestic violence status affirming documents: a (1) valid domestic violence incident report, (2) police report, (3) a valid order of protection, or (4) a signed affidavit from a licensed medical or mental health care provider, employee of a court acting within the scope of his or her employment, social worker, a rape crisis counselor or domestic violence advocate.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. Consumers can file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection on their website at https://dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection. For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or follow DCP on social media on Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

About New York’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP)

New York’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) allows victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offenses, human trafficking and kidnapping; and reproductive health care services providers, employees, volunteers, patients or immediate family members of reproductive health care services providers to shield their address. Other members of the same household (children, partners, parents or siblings) are also eligible to participate.

This free program is one tool that a victim may use in their overall safety plan. Once registered, participants are assigned a substitute address that they may use instead of their actual address. All state and local agencies are required to accept the substitute address. Any mail sent to a participant at the substitute address is processed by ACP staff and forwarded daily to the confidential location of the participant. For more, visit the ACP webpage at https://dos.ny.gov/address-confidentiality

About the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV), created in 1992, is the country’s only executive level state agency dedicated to the issue of domestic violence. It replaced the former Governor’s Commission on Domestic Violence established in 1983.

The NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence’s work is completed under four main bureaus: Sexual Assault Prevention, Policy, and Programming; Domestic Violence Prevention, Policy, and Programming; External Affairs, and Law and Public Safety.

To find more protections for New Yorkers suffering from domestic violence, visit the OPDV website at https://opdv.ny.gov/.

About the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance

The Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) is responsible for supervising programs that provide economic and other assistance and support to eligible families and individuals. This includes helping vulnerable New Yorkers meet their essential needs and advance economically by providing opportunities for stable employment, housing, and nutrition. For more information, visit https://otda.ny.gov/.

MAYOR ADAMS HOLDS VIGIL FOR VICTIMS OF TERRORIST ATTACKS IN ISRAEL

 

Deputy Mayor Levy: Thank you, everybody. Again, my name is Fabien Levy. I'm deputy mayor for Communications for the City of New York. But I am also here today as the son of Jewish parents who immigrated here from the Middle East almost 50 years ago.

As the son of a mother who was forced to flee Iraq as a young child and whose family sought refuge in Israel, as a brother, nephew, cousin and friend who have loved ones in Israel right now, some struggling to get home to New York, some putting on their uniform to serve their country in a time of war, and others who are just praying for their safety and their lives frightened in a bomb shelter.

Like all of you, I'm here standing in solidarity with the Jewish community and grieving for the innocent lives lost in Israel on Saturday in what was the single deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.

This administration is proud to reflect the rich diversity of our city, and we are all here today to condemn this senseless violence and remember the innocent lives lost. The mayor often says that it's moments like this where we have to take the opportunity to turn our pain into purpose. I hope we can channel what we are all feeling here today and turn it into purposeful, thoughtful action so we can see an end to this violence and return to peace.

Before we begin, I'd like to introduce the broad coalition of allies we have here standing in strong support of Israel. From our administration, Maria Torres‑Springer, deputy mayor for Housing, Economic Development and Workforce; chief adviser to the mayor, Ingrid Lewis‑Martin; deputy chief of staff and senior advisor, Menashe Shapiro, senior adviser to the mayor, Joel Eisdorfer; Intergovernment Affairs Director Tiffany Raspberry; senior adviser to the mayor, Diane Savino; Community Affairs Commissioner Fred Kreizman; International Affairs Commissioner Ed Mermelstein; Sanitation Commissioner Jessica Tisch; Pastor Gil Monrose.

And then, from our advocates and elected officials, Itay Milner from the Israel Consulate here in New York; Yael Hashavit is also from the Israeli Consulate. U.S. Representative Gregory Meeks, U.S. Representative Dan Goldman; Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso; Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson; Staten Island Borough President, Vito Fossella; Assemblymember Bobby Carroll; Assemblymember Taylor Darling; Assemblymember Yudelka Tapia; Assemblymember Sam Berger; Assemblymember Tony Simone; Assemblymember Michaelle Solages; Assemblymember Manny De Los Santos; Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte. Councilmember Gale Brewer; Councilmember Julie Menin; Councilmember Mercedes Narcisse; Councilmember Keith Powers; Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez.

We also have representatives from the New York Attorney General's office. We have a Rabbi David Goldwasser, Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Rabbi Chanina Sperlin; Hindy Poupko, from UJA; Jonathan Greenblatt from the Anti‑Defamation League; Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove; Abigail Katzap from NYU.

I'd also like to thank the NYPD for keeping our city safe in this time.

And now I'd like to introduce New York City mayor, Eric Adams.

[Lighting of candles.]

Deputy Mayor Levy: I just want to add, Fire Commissioner Laura Kavanaugh, David Greenfield from the Met Council and Assemblymember Alex Bores also joined us but now, New York City mayor Eric Adams.

Mayor Eric Adams: And we also have Assemblywoman Tapia has also joined us. And really want to thank our federal lawmakers, both Congressman Goldman and Congressman Meeks. And I don't know if we have any other congressional delegations.

Can we just have a moment of silence and just really a moment of reflection of the lives lost and the family members who are still going through the uncertainty and the trauma that we are experiencing as a city. So, I just want to take a moment to just reflect on our humanity and just silence.

[Moment of silence.]

I am...I am devastated, and I am angry. And I am going to really refrain from allowing that anger to really display the human part of me. But I am in so much pain from what I saw and what I witnessed. Nothing can justify pulling innocent children from their homes, murdering them, dragging them through the streets, laying your feet across their bodies. Nothing can justify what we witnessed. Nothing can justify what we witnessed.

And my friends and associates that have been side by side with me for years, of different religious communities— the Sikh community, the Muslim community, the Christian community, the Jewish community— all the different communities have reached out to me and stated that what we witnessed was reprehensible and disgusting.

To state that that terrorist act that we saw cannot be defended anywhere on this globe. It is not acceptable what we witnessed in Israel— not acceptable.

And you cannot rationalize it. You cannot state that how it was done and why it was done. It was clear that it was anger, antisemitism at the highest level, and a total mindset of inflicting pain at one of the most holiest days of the year in a premeditated, barbaric action that is unacceptable and it will go down in the history as one of the most draconian disgusting acts you can ever witness.

And no one should be celebrating this— no one. Humanity should be angry. Yes, I stand with Israel. Yes, I stand with the Jewish community.

But most importantly, I stand with humanity. I stand with human behavior that should never reach this depth. This is what we fought for so long so many years. This is what we stood for. This city has the largest population of so many groups, from Muslims to Indians to Africans to South Americans, Central Americans; and, we also are the largest Jewish population outside of Israel.

This is who we are, and I'm watching what is playing out across the country. I'm watching protests where people are carrying swastikas not understanding does it...and how it impacts not only the heart of the Jewish community but those same swastika symbols were used when African Americans were attempted to fight for their freedom and their right to exist. This cuts across all lines ‑‑ all lines.

And so, I stand here today, my heart is broken. I stand here today in pain. But I wanted to stand by those candles as one at a time we light them, because we have to light our path for the future. We cannot allow the darkness of the actions we witnessed to turn us into who they are. That is what their goal is. But I'm clear: Israel has a right to defend itself. Israel has a right to protect itself.

And we need every one of those hostages to be returned home. We need them to be returned home.

And it is crucial that we do not allow anything to take us off of our pursuit of peace. All I can say to you as New Yorker, as the mayor of this city in all of its diversity, in all of its wonders, this is a painful day for our city and our country, and it's a painful day for humanity. Let's continue to lift each other up in prayer, and let's pray for the family members who lost their loved ones.

Let's pray for those family members are still wondering of the destiny of their family members. And I thank God our congressman was able to make his way back home. He was in Israel at the time, and he was able to come back safely.

Let's hope all are able to return safely to their families, to their loved ones, to their country. This is such a dark period, and we must find light and turn this painful moment into a purposeful moment. May God be with us all. Thank you very much. 

Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

 

Morris Park Columbus Day Parade

By Robert Press

Sunday October 8th was the Morris Park Columbus Day Parade. It was the largest parade since 2019, with fifty different bands, schools, floats, or community organizations in the parade which began on Morris Park Avenue by White Plains Road turning north onto Williamsbridge ending at the reviewing stand just before Lydig Avenue. 

The Grand Marshal for the parade was Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, with Ms. Louise Delucia as the Deputy Grand Marshal, and Brianna Rachiele of Maria Regina High School as Miss Columbus. Elected officials on hand included Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Assembly members Michael Benedetto and John Zaccaro Jr with representatives of Congressman Ritchie Torres and Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez.

The streets were lined with people including Candidate for City Council Kristy Marmorato. There was a float for the Grand Marshal Assemblyman Benedetto and Deputy Grand Marshal Delucia, one for Miss Columbus, and one to celebrate Veterans. Schools included St. Catharines, Cardinal Spellman, St. Clares/St. Francis, Maria Regina High School, Preston High School, PS 108, Van Nest Academy, St. Theresa, Salesian, PS 175, St. Raymond Academy for Girls, and Scanlan High School. Community organizations included the Morris Park Community Association, Uguaglianza Lodge, Allerton Homeowners and Renters Association, Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association, and the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance. After the parade there was a carnival at Loreto Park for the children.

The Morris Park Community Association community patrol cars led the parade.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson and Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark march in front of the District Attorney's banner.

With the 13th city council district having the largest concentration of Republicans in the Bronx people made their own signs. 

The Reviewing stand, (L - R ) Morris Park Community Association President Al D'Angelo (speaking), seated front row - Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx DA Darcel Clark, Parade Grand Marshal Michael Benedetto, Parade Deputy Grand Marshal Louise Delucia, Miss Columbus Brianna Rachiele, and Assemblyman John Zaccaro Jr.  

Cardinal Spellman High school marches up Williamsbridge Road towards the reviewing stand.

Maria Regina High School and band.

Children from City Stage Dance school perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Laborers Union Local 79 were represented.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association marched.

Happy Feet Dance School perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from PS 108 perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from the Van Nest Academy perform in front of the reviewing stand.

Students from Scanlan High School performed this cheerleading stunt on the street in front of the reviewing stand. 

Three Bouncy Houses were set up in Loreto Park along with games and snacks for the children.

Sponsor signs were posted on the fence of Loreto Park (L - R), Patricia's Restaurant, The Indian Village Alliance, and Patsy's Restaurant are in this photo. 

Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance Candidate's Night

Wednesday October 4th was the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance candidates night for the 13th City Council District. The election is between incumbent Marjorie Velazquez and challenger Kristy Marmorato. Before the candidates spoke, Officers from the 49th Precinct Sector A and the NCO Sergeant Maldonado spoke about the rising crime figures in the 49th Precinct. Hondas, Jeeps, and Acuras are being stolen by organized crime, and each precinct now has a unit assigned to only stolen cars. 

After the officers left VNNA President Bernadette Ferrara announced that the VNNA Fall Festival would take place on October 15th from 12 - 4 PM in Van Nest Park at Van Nest Avenue and Unionport Road. As for the candidates night, each candidate would be asked a few questions from the executive board of the VNNA, and then some questions from the audience. She added that while challenger Kristy Marmorato was live in the room that the current councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez was not feeling well and would be on a zoom meeting hookup. 

Challenger Kristy Marmorato went first introducing herself as a woman working in the area of healthcare, has a strong work ethic, supports the New York City Police Department, parents choice when it comes to school, is adimitly against the Just Home Riker Island proposal for Jacobi Hospital, and will listen to what the community wants. The incumbent said that she has represented the district since January 2022, brought investment into the district, is doing the job, just created new legislation for outdoor dining, and should be reelected. the same questions were answered of both candidates with very much the same answers until a question about why six thousand units of housing will be built at the Morris Park and Parkchester/Van Nest stations only and none at the Coop-City and Mott Haven station. Challenger Kristy Marmorato answered "what happened to Fair Share that each station should get an equal amount of housing. Councilwoman Velazquez said that I should speak to Council members Riley and Salamanca to get them to take housing by their stations, since it was my question. I replied to Councilwoman Velazquez, "if I have to do your job, why do we need you in office?"  

The VNNA Executive Board (L - R) Treasurer John Messinger, President Bernadette Ferrara, Senior AdviSor Bob Nolan, Sergeant of Arms jOHN Fernandez, Vice-President Sharlene Jackson Mendez, Secretary Marion Manfredi, with candidate for 13th City Council Kristy Marmorato.

Sector A NCO Officer Nicewitz Gives the police update, answering a question from Mr. Nolan.

Challenger Kristy Marmorato answers a question from the front of the room. 

Incumbent Marjorie Velazquez answered on the television via zoom connection. An amateur photographer got in the way of my photo.              

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center News

 

Here’s part of an email with some additional information from UJA Federation about the Rally for Israel at the UN.  

If you want to participate, please respond to the email. This way we could arrange to travel together and see about transportation to the event.

“Dear Synagogue Clergy, Leadership, and Staff:  

 

As mentioned in our email yesterday, there will be a vigil and rally for Israel on Tuesday, October 10th at 5 PM (“Doors open at 4:30pm) at DAG-HAMMARSKJOLD PLAZA Enter on 2nd Avenue and 47th Street. We invite you and the members of your congregation to participate. The event will include remarks by community leaders and moments for prayer and solidarity.  

 

Please note that there will be extensive security at the event. To keep everyone safe, backpacks are prohibited.”   

Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club - WE STAND WITH ISRAEL

 

The leadership of the Benjamin Franklin Reform Democratic Club along with State Committee Member Michael Heller unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and her people. We are further disgusted by pro-Palestinian groups in the United States that have applauded the horrific actions taken against Israel in the last 24 hours. We agree with the statements made by Council Member Eric Dinowitz, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz and Congressman Ritchie Torres, and we call on all our New York public and party officials to immediately condemn Hamas as well as the Democratic Socialists of America for holding a rally in NYC in support of Palestine while Hamas commits war crimes by attacking, kidnapping, and killing Israeli civilians- men, women, and children. We further condemn statements by The Jewish Voice for Peace and Jews for Racial & Economic Justice for blaming Israel for these attacks.