Governor Hochul Takes Bold Action to Alleviate Potential Health Care Staffing Shortages

 

Signs Executive Order to Significantly Expand Eligible Workforce and Allow Additional Health Care Workers to Administer COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations  

Directs 24/7 Command Center to Monitor and Troubleshoot Staffing Shortages

New York State First-in-Nation on Health Care Worker Vaccination Mandate — 92% of Nursing Home Staff Compliant As of Monday Evening, Up from 70%

Suspension of Administrative Reviews Will Add Additional Source of Health Care Workers

 Governor Kathy Hochul tonight signed an executive order to alleviate potential staffing shortages in hospitals and other health care facilities statewide. The executive order significantly expands the eligible health care workforce and allows additional health care workers to administer COVID-19 testing and vaccinations. 

"The only way we can move past this pandemic is to ensure that everyone eligible is vaccinated, and that includes those who are taking care of our vulnerable family members and loved ones," Governor Hochul said. "On Saturday I released a comprehensive plan in advance of the deadline for the vaccine mandate that keeps New Yorkers safe, and tonight I am adding even more provisions to take bold action to alleviate potential staffing shortages. To monitor developments on the ground, I am also directing an around-the-clock operations center to assist local partners and troubleshoot staffing issues in real time." 

Governor Hochul has directed a 24/7 Operations Center, led by the New York State Department of Health, to constantly monitor staffing operations and trends statewide, provide guidance to healthcare facilities and help troubleshoot acute situations with providers as necessary. The Governor is engaged in ongoing outreach with local elected officials, hospitals, labor leaders, and other health care organizations to check-in on staffing status and offer State assistance. 

Latest Vaccination Rates for Health Care Worker Populations 

• The percentage of nursing home staff receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose increased to 92% as of Monday evening, up from 70% on August 15 before the vaccine mandate was announced.

• The percentage of adult care facilities staff receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose increased to 89% as of Monday evening, up from 76% on August 15 before the vaccine mandate was announced.

• The percentage of hospital staff fully vaccinated is 84% as of September 22, up from 77% on August 10 before the vaccine mandate was announced. Preliminary self-reported data shows that hospital staff receiving at least one dose of vaccine is 92% as of Monday evening.

Expanding Eligible Health Care Workforce to Meet Staffing Needs  

To remove barriers to allow additional categories of health care workers to provide care in order to meet staffing needs in New York, the executive order includes a series of provisions, including: 

• Allowing out of state and out of country health care workers including physicians, RNs, LPNs, NPs, PAs, midwives, clinical nurse specialists, licensed master social workers, and licensed clinical social workers to practice in New York;

• Waiving re-registration fees, creating an expedited re-registration process, and eliminating barriers to re-enter the workforce for retirees;

• Allowing practitioners to work or volunteer in other facilities;

• Allowing physician visits in nursing homes to be done using telemedicine;

• Ensuring removal of barriers for EMTs and Advanced EMTs to practice and assist in additional settings, allowing basic EMTs to vaccinate and test for COVID-19, extending all EMS providers' certification period by one year, modifying certification requirements, and permitting out of state providers to operate in the New York State EMS System;

• Allowing New York State-licensed providers without current registrations to practice without penalty for lack of registration;

• Allowing graduates of SED-registered programs (NP, Lab, RN, LPN) to practice in a hospital or nursing home for 180 days following graduation; and

• Providing flexibilities for clinical labs to increase testing capacity

The executive order also expands the scope of practice for additional health care workers to allow for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations, including an expansion of the ability of midwives, registered nurses, physicians, and nurse practitioners to more easily administer and order COVID-19 vaccinations and testing as well as flu vaccinations.  

To aid in facilitating faster efficient patient transfers to mitigate any staffing issues, the executive order also permits facilities to discharge, transfer, or receive patients quickly, provided they are protecting the health and safety of patients and residents and complying with federal law. Additionally, the executive order suspends requirements for preauthorization review for scheduled surgeries in hospital facilities, hospital admissions, hospital outpatient services, home health care services following a hospital admission, and inpatient rehabilitation services following a hospital admission, as well as suspends concurrent and retrospective review of claims during the duration of the order.

Additionally, Governor Hochul plans to work with the federal government and other state leaders to explore ways to expedite visa requests for medical professionals and is monitoring whether the deployment of medically-trained National Guard members may be necessary to execute at any point. 

MAYOR DE BLASIO LAUNCHES THE NYC PUBLIC HEALTH CORPS

 

The NYC Public Health Corps will reimagine and bolster the public health workforce across New York City, focusing on neighborhoods that were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic  

 Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that the City has established the NYC Public Health Corps (PHC), a new, innovative effort to expand the public health workforce, strengthen community health infrastructure, and promote health equity for the communities hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals will lead the initiative.

 

“COVID-19 hit our most vulnerable communities the hardest,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As we recover and move forward as a city, we’re going to ensure all New Yorkers have access to health care, especially in the neighborhoods most impacted by this crisis. Today is a monumental step towards universal health care in New York City.”

 

“In New York City, community health workers have been essential to our COVID-19 response,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “The vision of the Public Health Corps is rooted in this model, taking advantage of our once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine public health and redress inequities. The NYC Public Health Corps will not only have immediate impact for a just recovery from COVID-19—it will also be a bulwark against future emergencies and a leap forward for community health in the times in between.”

 

“As the City continues to recover from the pandemic, we have an opportunity to rebuild our healthcare system to make New York City stronger and healthier than ever before,” said NYC Test & Trace Corps Executive Director and Senior Vice President for Ambulatory Care at NYC Health + Hospitals Dr. Ted Long. “Drawing from our contact tracers who have been working with the communities where they live for the past year and know their communities well, we are building a new team of community health workers who will become a part of our healthcare system to extend the care that we offer patients beyond the four walls of our clinics. We are acutely aware of the historical disparities among communities and populations that all came to a head during this pandemic. Our Public Health Corps will prioritize health equity in these communities, with our new community health workers being a foundational and permanent pillar of our public healthcare system.”

 

"The Public Health Corps is a step towards repair and healing, grounded in principles of health equity, for New Yorkers most-impacted by COVID-19," said Deputy Commissioner for the Center for Health Equity and Community Wellness and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Michelle Morse. "Working hand-in-hand with communities, we will build a stronger, healthier city together."

 

“Overall, strong health often requires a personalized combination of physical, mental, and community services, all of which our Public Health Corps workforce is prepared to help New Yorkers access,” said Chief Population Health Officer at NYC Health + Hospitals Dr. Nichola Davis. “This approach, coupled with our focus on culturally competent, community-based outreach will ensure we’re not only connecting with a maximum number of New Yorkers, but also connecting them to the care and services needed to live a healthy and full life.”

 

PHC initiatives target a broad spectrum of public health needs—from helping people get vaccinated to counseling residents about diabetes and depression. But each initiative shares a common goal: promoting the health of New Yorkers. Building on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, the PHC will strengthen community health across NYC by empowering a knowledgeable workforce that has the trust of the residents they serve, in part because they often come from the same neighborhood. 

 

Collaboration between Health + Hospitals and the Health Department—clinicians and public health working together—is also key to the initiative’s success and distinguishes New York City in its ability to integrate this important workforce. 

 

The PHC will include 100 community-based organizations, including those already working with the City on vaccine education and outreach through the T2CBO program and the COVID-19 Vaccine Partner Engagement Project in partnership with the Fund for Public Health in NYC.

 

New initiatives under the PHC will include:

 

•     COVID-19 Disparities Initiative—Gives grants to CBOs to build Community Health Worker (CHW) teams with lived experience in the communities they serve to increase access to COVID-19 prevention, treatment and vaccination services and address social needs of neighborhoods who have been most impacted by the pandemic. 

•     COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Educators—Educators address goal of improving vaccine confidence among residents and staff at Department of Homeless Services congregate facilities.

•     Expanded Access to Care—Funds FQHCs to increase access to primary care services and COVID-19 vaccinations in communities with less healthcare infrastructure. 

•     Community Health Worker Training and Apprenticeship—Vaccine for All Corps members will be trained in a partnership with CUNY, Department of Small Business Services and multiple community-based organizations to become CHWs.

•     Assisting Patients to Meet Health Goals—Over 200 CHWs will be based in NYC Health + Hospitals out-patient clinical sites to provide quality healthcare for patients – care that will extend into NYC communities to address patients’ social needs, like food, income, housing, that are essential to achieving health and well-being.

 

Individuals will be placed across community-based organizations, FQHCs, the Health Department and NYC Health + Hospitals. The initiatives will be supported by over 500 CHWs by December. Staff will serve 20 priority neighborhoods, and some will have borough-wide and city-wide focus. $235 million will support PHC activities, including a two-year $35 million grant from the CDC.

 

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez Sponsors Green Day on Pelham Parkway

 

On Saturday Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez joined volunteers on Pelham Parkway for a Green Day Clean Up of the area by Wallace Avenue. The assemblywoman first toured the area, met with volunteers from Einstein College of Medicine, and presented the head of the Friends of Pelham Parkway a proclamation for her work in the area. 

An area of the Pelham Parkway North Island where there is a flower garden and lush trees around it. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez reads the Bulletin Board by the rose garden on the Wallace Avenue Walkway.

Assemblywoman Fernandez speaks with one of the regulars of this area. 

Assemblywoman Fernandez has the grippers in her hands, which are used to pick up any garbage or trash that may wind up on the grass or walkway. The volunteers from Einstein College of Medicine are ready to go.

The proclamation from Assemblywoman Fernandez is given to the head of the Friends of Pelham Parkway.

DEC’S ‘I FISH NY’ TO HOST ANNUAL FALL FAMILY FISHING FESTIVAL OCT. 16 AT HEMPSTEAD LAKE STATE PARK

Free Fishing, Rods and Bait, Live Animal Show, Contests, and Activities for Children at Annual Long Island Event

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) I FISH NY Program and Freshwater Fisheries Unit and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) today announced the annual Fall Family Fishing and Children's Festival at Hempstead Lake State Park will be held Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

"The Fall Family Fishing and Children's Festival is one of our most popular events because it’s a great way to enjoy the autumn weather and learn about the fun of freshwater fishing," DEC Acting Regional Director Merlange Genece said. “The festival combines fishing with a variety of children's activities, and provides a rewarding family experience.” 

“Hempstead Lake State Park is proud to host the annual Fall Family Fishing Festival,” said State Parks Long Island Regional Director George Gorman. “With an abundance of activities to explore throughout the day, the festival provides a great introduction for both children and families to learn and experience all that fishing has to offer.” 

Festival activities include fishing with free loaner rods and bait, fishing instruction, casting instruction, and fish-cleaning services. In addition to fishing opportunities, there will be a children’s casting for pumpkins contest, live animal show, magician, pumpkin decorating, fish printing, and children’s slide, in addition to DEC and State Parks displays.  

The fishing license requirement for all anglers over the age of 16 is suspended for this festival, and admission and parking are free. 

The children’s casting for pumpkins contest will be held for as long as pumpkins last, during which kids can “catch” a pumpkin and "hook" a prize. Casting contest prizes are provided by I FISH NY and State Parks. 

Prior to the festival, State Parks will stock South and McDonald ponds in Hempstead Lake State Park with brook and rainbow trout. DEC also stocks brown trout in several other waterbodies in Nassau and Suffolk counties, including Upper Twin Pond, Oyster Bay Mill Pond, Massapequa Reservoir, and 12 additional Suffolk County lakes. These stockings will occur by Oct. 30, and provide excellent prospects for fall fishing. A second DEC stocking will occur in early November. 

For more information about the festival, call DEC’s I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283 or Hempstead Lake State Park (516) 766-1029 for event status. There is no rain date for this event. 

For more information about the fall trout stocking program in Nassau and Suffolk counties, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280. General information on freshwater fishing on Long Island can be found at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7951.html and more info at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/fishing.html.  

What: 2021 Fall Family Fishing and Children’s Festival

Where: McDonald and South Ponds

Hempstead Lake State Park

West Hempstead, NY 11552

When: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021

Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Who: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks)

Details: Come out and enjoy a day of fishing with the entire family! Headlining the event is a children’s “Casting for Pumpkins” contest. In addition, more than 1,000 trout will be stocked prior to the event.

Cost: None - Free Event Admission, and Free Parking

Sponsors: DEC’s I FISH NY program and State Parks

Contact: DEC’s I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 or ifishny@dec.ny.gov

Directions: Take exit 18 off Southern State Parkway. Follow the drive into the Hempstead Lake Park. Make your second right at the ticket booth. Make an immediate left after the booth, for Field #3. Follow to the end of the parking lot. Walk along the paved path to McDonald and South ponds. 

 

94 Days and Counting

 

I'm getting ready to root for the Brooklyn Nets as basketball season will begin before I leave office. I will have plenty of times to go to afternoon games, that is until I run for governor. This morning I was asked if New York needs another white governor by a pesky reporter. My answer was to rattle off a lot of problems in the city and state that I want to continue to work on to fix, and I will be involved in the political scene.

We have created the Public Health Corp to align community members to understand better what is going on in their communities. It is for COVID vaccinations and will change as other issues come about. The city will come out of this Pandemic, and the city come out better. 

Long Island Man Sentenced to 13 Years’ Imprisonment for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offenses

 

Defendant Also Admitted to Distributing Fentanyl That Caused the Death of a Glen Cove Man in 2017

 Ira Hall was sentenced by United States District Judge Joanna Seybert to 13 years’ imprisonment for distributing cocaine and the unlawful use of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking in August 2017.  When Hall pleaded guilty in June 2021, he also admitted to distributing fentanyl that caused the death of a 27-year-old resident of Glen Cove, New York in May 2017. 

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William Whitton, Chief, Glen Cove Police Department, announced the sentence.

“Today’s sentence ensures that the defendant will serve a lengthy prison term for selling dangerous drugs while carrying a firearm, and also for callously causing the fentanyl overdose death of a resident of this district,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis.  “This Office, together with our federal and local partners, will continue to prosecute and hold accountable those who contribute to the opioid epidemic and overdose deaths in our communities.”  Ms. Kasulis thanked the Drug Enforcement Administration for its assistance on the case.

“This investigation and arrest is an example of the Glen Cove Police Department’s continuing commitment to combat the sale of illegal drugs and to identify and arrest those responsible for overdose deaths occurring in our community,” stated Glen Cove Chief Whitton.     

On May 30, 2017, Hall sold a quantity of fentanyl to a coconspirator who then provided the fentanyl to the victim, who suffered a fatal overdose.   In August 2017, while investigating the overdose death, detectives of the Glen Cove Police Department arrested Hall after he sold cocaine in a Taco Bell parking lot while carrying a loaded .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver.  A search warrant of Hall’s residence the following day led to the seizure of additional rounds of .38 caliber ammunition.

“R. Kelly” Convicted of All Counts by a Federal Jury in Brooklyn

 

Kelly Found Guilty of Racketeering and Multiple Predicate Acts, Including Illegal Sex with Minors, Sexual Exploitation of Minors, Bribery, Coercion and Forced Labor

 Robert Sylvester Kelly, the R&B singer also known as “R. Kelly,” was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of all nine counts of a superseding indictment charging him with racketeering predicated on criminal conduct including sexual exploitation of children, forced labor and Mann Act violations involving the coercion and transportation of women and girls in interstate commerce to engage in illegal sexual activity. The verdict followed six weeks of trial before United States District Judge Ann M. Donnelly. 

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the verdict.

“Today’s guilty verdict forever brands R. Kelly as a predator, who used his fame and fortune to prey on the young, the vulnerable, and the voiceless for his own sexual gratification,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Kasulis.  “A predator who used his inner circle to ensnare underage teenage girls, and young women and men, for decades, in a sordid web of sex abuse, exploitation and degradation.   To the victims in this case, your voices were heard, and justice was finally served. We hope that today’s verdict brings some measure of comfort and closure to the victims.”  Ms. Kasulis also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois and the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance with the case.

“Robert Kelly is a serial sexual predator who used his fame and musical tours as his personal hunting grounds to find his victims,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh.  “Mr. Kelly ran a criminal enterprise whose mission was to serve his sexual gratification by setting up a complex organization of enablers and handlers.  When his victims tried to escape, Mr. Kelly and his accomplices silenced them through bribery, intimidation, and physical violence.  The brave survivors who overcame Mr. Kelly’s abuse deserve our upmost respect for telling their stories and bringing an end to his 30-year reign of terror over the young and vulnerable.”

As proven at trial, for nearly three decades, Kelly was the leader of a criminal enterprise (“the Enterprise”) consisting of himself and an entourage of individuals who served as managers, bodyguards, accountants, drivers, personal assistants and runners for the defendant.  As the leader of the Enterprise, Kelly used his fame to recruit women and girls to engage in illegal sexual activity with him.  Kelly identified these girls and women at concerts, and then directed members of the Enterprise to escort them backstage following his musical performances.  Kelly exchanged contact information with girls and women so that he and other members of the Enterprise could arrange travel and lodging for them to visit Kelly and engage in the charged illegal sexual conduct.  

The evidence at trial included the testimony 45 government witnesses, including more than 10 victims, five of whom are named in the superseding indictment, testimony from employees of the defendant, text messages, video and audio recordings, photographs, phone and travel records, DNA evidence and expert witnesses. 

Kelly issued rules that many of his sexual partners were required to follow, including that the women and girls were to call him “Daddy”; they were not permitted to leave their rooms to eat or visit the bathroom without receiving his permission; they were required to wear baggy clothing when not accompanying Kelly to an event; and they were directed to keep their heads down and not look at or speak to other men.  Kelly also isolated the women and girls from their friends and family and made them dependent on him for their financial well-being.  He required the victims to engage in sex with him and others, and recorded many of the sexual encounters.

Racketeering Act One – Bribery

Kelly bribed a state employee to create an identification card for Jane Doe #1, then 15 years old, so that Kelly could marry Jane Doe #1 because he believed she was pregnant and therefore the marriage could keep him out of jail. 

Racketeering Acts Two, Seven and Ten – Sexual Exploitation of a Child – Jane Doe #2, Jane Doe #4 and Jane Doe #5

Kelly coerced Jane Doe #2, Jane Doe #4 and Jane Doe #5 to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing video recordings.  Over the course of decades, he made these recordings, and other recordings of sexually explicit conduct, using VHS video cameras, Canon camcorders, iPhones and iPads.

Racketeering Acts Six, Eleven and Thirteen – Forced Labor – Jane Doe #4, Jane Doe #5 and Jane Doe #6

Kelly used the threat of physical harm and physical restraint to ensure that his victims, including Jane Doe #4, Jane Doe #5 and Jane Doe #6, performed sexually at his command.  As to Jane Doe #4, he slapped her, choked her and spit on her, before demanding she give him oral sex.  As to Jane Doe #5, over a period of years, he spanked her, viciously assaulted her, confined her for periods of days and otherwise manipulated her, to ensure that she would perform for him sexually, including with other women and a man.  As to Jane Doe #6, he forced her to give him oral sex.  When he did that, there was a gun within Kelly’s reach.

Racketeering Acts Five and Nine – Mann Act Violations – Jane Doe #4 and Jane Doe #5

Between May 2009 and January 2010, Kelly regularly spoke with Jane Doe #4 over the telephone to arrange for Jane Doe #4 to come to his residence in Olympia Fields for the purpose of illegal sexual activity, which was illegal because Jane Doe #4 was too young to consent to sex in Illinois.  Similarly, between September 2015 and October 2015, Kelly transported Jane Doe #5, who was then 17 years old, from New York City to Oakland, California for the purpose of illegal sexual activity, as she was too young to consent to sex in California.

Racketeering Acts Eight, Thirteen and Fourteen – Mann Act Violations – Jane Doe #5 and Jane Doe #6

In April 2015, Kelly arranged for Jane Doe #5 to fly from her home in Orlando, Florida, to Los Angeles, California, for the purpose of illegal sexual activity, which was illegal because Kelly knew he had an incurable sexually transmitted disease (“STD”) and did not inform Jane Doe #5 about the STD prior to engaging in sexual intercourse with her.  In May of 2017 and again in February of 2018, Kelly arranged for Jane Doe #6 to fly from her home in San Antonio, Texas, to La Guardia Airport in Queens, New York, for the purpose of illegal sexual activity, which again was illegal because Kelly failed to disclose that he had an incurable STD and obtain Jane Doe #6’s consent to engage in sexual intercourse under those circumstances.

When sentenced, Kelly faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison.

Nine Contractors Indicted for Allegedly Bribing Superintendents at New York City Housing Authority Developments for “Micro Purchase” Contracts

New York City Department of Investigation began Undercover Probe after NYCHA Employees Reported Allegedly Being Offered Bribes and Unlawful Gratuities 

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York City Department of Investigation Commissioner Margaret Garnett, today announced that nine contractors have been variously charged in multiple indictments with bribery, giving unlawful gratuities, offering a false instrument for filing and conspiracy for allegedly offering NYCHA employees bribes in exchange for “micro purchase” contracts. 

 District Attorney Gonzalez said, “These defendants allegedly tried to seek favors from NYCHA superintendents by offering them bribes, corrupting a process meant to ensure contracts are fairly awarded. I commend the employees who came forward to report the bribe offers, kicking off this investigation. My Office will continue to work closely with DOI to make sure that bribery schemes and other forms of corruption are investigated and prosecuted.”

 Commissioner Garnett said, “Bribery is one of the oldest and most blatant forms of public corruption. But, as this investigation shows, corruption cannot take root when honest employees step forward and report it. DOI commends the NYCHA employees who embraced the affirmative obligation that all employees of the City of New York have to report wrongdoing to DOI. Their willingness to report helped reveal these vendors’ charged conduct, which placed taxpayer-funded business up for sale to the highest dishonest bidder. This investigation is a prime example of why combatting corruption is so important – it supports equity in this City and defends government’s ability to do its job honestly and place the public interest above personal advantage. DOI thanks the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for their partnership on this important investigation and also thanks NYCHA for its cooperation.” 

 The District Attorney identified the defendants as Lakhwinder Kumar, 47, and Kumar Construction Corp., of South Ozone Park, Queens; Charanjit Singh, 58, Satbir Singh, 71, and Fine Touch Construction, of Floral Park, Queens; Davinder Singh, 45, Nishan Singh, 56, Yuvi Development Inc., and NB Builders, of Hicksville, New York; Surinder Singh, 59, Guriqbal Singh, 28, A. Peter Luger Construction, PKG Contracting Corp. and Heera and G. Builders, of South Richmond Hill, Queens; Jaswant Banga Singh, 57, and Khushi Construction Inc., of New Hyde Park; and Bakhshish Chand, 68, and Amar Contracting, of Richmond Hill, Queens. The defendants are variously charged in multiple indictments with third-degree bribery, first-degree offering a false instrument for filing, giving unlawful gratuities and fifth-degree conspiracy. They are being arraigned today before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Danny Chun and released without bail.

 For larger construction projects and repairs to be performed by an outside vendor, NYCHA generally solicits multiple bids before awarding a contract. For smaller repairs involving contracts up to $10,000, NYCHA implemented the micro purchase process which does not require multiple bids. Instead, the superintendent or assistant superintendent of a housing development has the discretion to choose a vendor and request an estimate. 

 The District Attorney said that, according to the investigation, in November 2018 defendant Lakhwinder Kumar allegedly told an assistant superintendent at a NYCHA development in Brooklyn that he appreciated the jobs he received and offered him money. That employee reported the bribe offer to DOI, which then equipped him with audio and video recording devices. A month later the defendant was recorded allegedly handing that assistant superintendent $450 in exchange for a micro purchase job at the development. 

 The following year, in July 2019, in an unrelated incident, defendant Surinder Singh, allegedly handed $600 cash to the superintendent of another NYCHA development in Brooklyn. The employee tried to return the money, but Singh allegedly refused to take it. The superintendent then reported the matter to DOI. A few weeks later, he allegedly left cash in the employee’s office who again reported it to DOI, which then equipped the employee with audio and video recording devices.

 Starting in Spring 2019, DOI placed undercover investigators posing as assistant superintendents at the Red Hook Houses West and Lafayette Gardens in Clinton Hill. Over a period of many months, the undercover at Red Hook allegedly recorded a number of contractors including Charanjit Singh and Satbir Singh, who are partners; Davinder Singh and Nishan Singh, who are brothers; and another contractor, Guriqbal Singh, discussing jobs at the development on numerous occasions and handing the undercover amounts of cash ranging from $500 to $1,000 in exchange for micro purchase jobs.

 The undercover at Lafayette Gardens allegedly recorded Kumar, Charanjit Singh and another contractor also allegedly giving cash bribes to the undercover. 

 As the investigation continued, it expanded to capture recordings of Surinder Singh allegedly paying additional bribes to a NYCHA employee at a NYCHA development in Brooklyn and Jaswant Banga Singh and Bakhshish Chand allegedly giving cash bribes to an employee at a NYCHA development in Queens.

 It is alleged that between December 2018 and May 2021 the defendants paid bribes or unlawful gratuities to NYCHA employees or undercover investigators totaling about $20,000 in cash, in addition to two $500 gift cards and four bottles of Johnnie Walker scotch with a total approximate value of $115 in exchange for various jobs such as tile work, installation of tub enclosures, installation of a chain link fence, and repairing windows. 

 The case was investigated by DOI Confidential Investigator Delcine Doscher, Chief Investigators Enio Bencosme and Louis Vega, and Assistant Inspector General Robin Jacknow, under the supervision of Deputy Inspector General Gregory DeBoer, Inspector General Ralph Iannuzzi, Deputy Commissioner/Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella and First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Cort.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.