Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on November 10, 2022 in the Confines of the 60th Precinct

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on November 10,

The NYPD is releasing today body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on November 10, 2022 in the confines of the 60th Precinct. 

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident.

All NYPD patrol officers are equipped with body-worn cameras. The benefits of cameras are clear: transparency into police activity, de-escalation of police encounters and accountability for police officers, through an independent account of interactions between the police and the citizens they serve. Body-worn cameras serve as a vital part of ongoing efforts to increase trust between the police and all New Yorkers.

You can find the video here 

Attorney General James Releases Statement on Successful Defense of New York Gun Law

 

State Court of Appeals Rejected Challenges to Gun Possession Charges in Aftermath of SCOTUS Bruen Decision 

New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement after her office successfully argued against Second Amendment challenges in six cases in the New York State Court of Appeals involving gun possession charges. The six cases involved individuals who tried to overturn charges of illegal possession of a weapon in light of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association, Inc. v. Bruen. The New York State Court of Appeals declined to hear those Second Amendment challenges. 

“Gun safety laws protect New Yorkers and are commonsense tools in the fight against gun violence. Individuals who illegally possess a weapon are a threat to our communities and should be held accountable for the harm they pose. My office will always stand up to protect New Yorkers and defend the gun safety laws designed to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous individuals.” 

The Court of Appeals issued decisions in six gun-related cases: David v. New York, Garcia v. New York, Cabrera v. New York, Rivera v. New York, Pastrana v. New York, and Telfair v. New York. In all six cases the court did not accept the plaintiff’s Second Amendment challenges, ruling in Attorney General James’ favor that those claims were not made in the lower courts and therefore could not be argued in the appellate court.

Former New York City Correction Officer Sentenced to 29 Months in Prison for Smuggling Contraband into Rikers Island in Exchange for Nearly $10,000 in Bribe Payments

 

Defendant Smuggled Cell Phones and Accepted Payments for Narcotics

Former New York City correction officer Krystle Burrell was sentenced by United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto to 29 months’ imprisonment for accepting nearly $10,000 in bribe payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island.  Burrell was employed by the New York City Department of Corrections (DOC) and worked as a correction officer at Rikers Island. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner, New York City Department of Investigation (DOI), and Edward A. Caban, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“Krystle Burrell put her own interests above the safety of incarcerated individuals and other correction officers at Rikers Island by accepting payments for drugs and smuggling cell phones into the jail she was supposed to protect,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Public corruption is especially harmful when it affects the safety and security of our city’s jails and today’s sentence demonstrates that correction officers face serious consequences for smuggling contraband into Rikers Island.” 

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “New York City Correction Officers’ most significant responsibility is to maintain order and safety in our City’s jails.  By accepting bribes and smuggling contraband onto Rikers Island, this defendant endangered both the persons in custody, and fellow officers, that she was entrusted to protect. Her prison sentence sends a strong message that officers who misuse their positions of trust will be held accountable. I thank the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York for their partnership in our joint efforts to eradicate contraband smuggling in the City jail system.”

“Bringing contraband into a correctional facility undermines the security of the institution and threatens the residents and the officers tasked with keeping them safe,” stated NYPD Commissioner Caban. “Above all else, correction officers are public servants – the majority of whom honor their oaths and serve as stellar examples to the community and those under their care. Ms. Burrell, who blatantly abused her position of authority, was the exact opposite.”

According to court documents and facts presented at today’s sentencing proceeding, Burrell accepted nearly $10,000 in bribes from co-conspirators on behalf of co-defendant Terrae Hinds in exchange for Burrell smuggling contraband into the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island for Hinds.  Burrell also accepted payments on behalf of Hinds for narcotics and other contraband so that Hinds could resell the contraband on Rikers Island.  After she pleaded guilty in federal court in September 2022 to bribery charges and while on bail pending sentencing, Burrell conspired with Hinds and others to smuggle contraband into the federal Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn where Hinds had been transferred and was being held on federal charges.  In March 2023, Burrell was charged with the additional crime of smuggling contraband into a federal prison. Burrell pleaded guilty to smuggling contraband into a federal detention facility and she was also sentenced today for this additional crime. 

Hinds previously pleaded guilty to bribing Burrell and is currently awaiting sentencing.

Update: The East Bronx History Forum’s 179th meeting will be on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.

 

 Dear East Bronx History Forum Member,

  

    The East Bronx History Forum is pleased to announce it will be holding its179th meeting on Wednesday, November 29th at 7:30 pm with an in-person presentation by retired United States Army Brigadier General Edward V. Kelly. The location of this month’s meeting will take place at the City Island Nautical Museum located at 190 Fordham Street.

​Mr. Edward V. Kelly’s subject will be events surrounding the 1895 annexation by the City of New York of the Westchester County towns east of the Bronx River and south of Mt. Vernon and Pelham. The particular focus will be on the expansion of the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) into the areas of the east Bronx. Some points of interest of the talk will include discussions about the history of the fire companies, their locations and the architecture of the firehouses.

​Some of the original companies when the annexation took place will be discussed in detail such as Engine Company 61 in Westchester Square, Engine 62 in Williamsbridge, Engine 63 in Wakefield and Engine 64 in Unionport. Many firehouses over time have gained nicknames such as two others up for discussion Engine 90 in Van Nest, known as 90 Proof and Engine 97 in Pelham Gardens commonly referred to as the Astor Hilton. Aside from some flashy nicknames, two of FDNY’s properties have gained landmark status within the past six months, Engine Company 88 in Belmont and the Fire Alarm Telegraph Bureau, Bronx Central Office Communications Office in West Farms. The History Forum was proud to support and advocate for the designation of these two architectural gems.

​Edward V. Kelly is an Honorary Assistant Chief of Department, Fire Department, City of New York and has researched and written the centennial histories of several FDNY units. He was born and raised in the Bedford Park neighborhood of the Bronx and graduated from Power Memorial Academy (1965) in Manhattan and United States Military Academy at West Point (1970). He has since retired from the United States Army as a Brigadier General.

​

        We look forward to seeing you for this fascinating talk about the architecture and history of Bronx firehouses. Bring a friend and make it an enjoyable evening and let’s show our support not just for the firehouses but our appreciation to the individuals who occupy them, New York’s Bravest. For more information or updates, please follow us on Facebook and Instagram or at our website at www.BronxNYC.com Additionally, please consider making a donation to our gracious hosts of the City Island Nautical Museum at www.cityislandmuseum.org.

       Dorothy A. Krynicki 

       Secretary

       East Bronx History Forum

Photo Credit: NYPL.org,Engine 38, Hook and Ladder 51 on Williamsbridge Road 

near Eastchester Road, 1928. 

Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 10 Years in Federal Prison

 

U.S. District Judge Charlene Edwards Honeywell sentenced Ja’Vion RaShard Jackson (23, Coleman) to ten (10) years and five (5) months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, cocaine, and promethazine with codeine, as well as three counts of distribution of controlled substances. Jackson pleaded guilty on August 14, 2023.

According to court documents, beginning in November of 2022, and on a few dates thereafter, Jackson sold an undercover officer more than 500 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 52 grams of fentanyl, and bottles of promethazine with codeine in addition to cocaine and methorphan. On January 12, 2023, agents executed search warrants at two locations associated with Jackson. At one location in Oxford, Florida, agents located quantities of marijuana, MDMA, and prescription pills. On the same date, Jackson was arrested at 715 Oakdale Avenue, Unit 38 in Brooksville. Agents served a search warrant on that residence and arrested another co-conspirator after locating methamphetamine, fentanyl, promethazine with codeine, and firearms inside a vehicle.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.

If you are aware of controlled substance violations in your community, please submit your anonymous tip through the DEA online Tip Line at Submit a Tip | DEA.gov.  Concerns about prescription drug abuse or diversion can be reported to the DEA through this link: RX Abuse Online Reporting (usdoj.gov).

The DEA encourages parents, teachers, care givers, guardians, and children to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.co, www.CampusDrugPrevention.gov, and www.dea.gov.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Consumers From Power Outages and Other Emergencies During Storms

 

Legislation S.7230/A.237 Allows Individuals to Report Downed Power Lines to Utility Companies 

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation S.7230/A.237 which aims to protect consumers during storms and other emergencies by requiring utility companies to develop plans to prioritize responding to reports of downed wires. If a member of the public identifies a downed wire that presents a hazard, they now can report that wire to their utility, which must respond to no later than seventy-two hours after the response to an emergency ends.

"A downed power line isn't just an inconvenience -- it poses significant safety risks to New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Consumers should be able to report downed power lines to their utility company, and we're making sure that happens in the safest, fastest possible way."

Previously, the power companies only had to have a plan to securing a wire on a schedule if the wire was reported by a municipal emergency official.

Gov. Kathy Hochul - Happy Thanksgiving, New York!

 

I want to wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

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Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on the blessings in our lives. I know I’m grateful to be celebrating with my family, especially our grandbaby Sofia, who’s growing up so fast.

But for me and so many New Yorkers, this Thanksgiving is also bittersweet. This is the first year I’ll be celebrating without my dad, who passed away unexpectedly last month; and as great conflicts continue in our world, pain is being felt by communities across our state.  

I hope that the joy of spending time with loved ones brings you peace and comfort. 

As a mom, I know Thanksgiving and the holiday season offer a meaningful, and sometimes rare, opportunity to gather everyone around the table. Alongside younger children and high schoolers, college kids may be home for the first time since they left in August. With the rise in hateful rhetoric and actions both online and off, I encourage you to talk to your kids about what they’re hearing and seeing at school and on their campuses, and ways that they can spread kindness, not hate. New York State has resources to help facilitate these sometimes difficult, yet important, conversations.

Because it’s on all of us to do our part to create the kind of society we want to live in.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I also encourage all New Yorkers to give back.

Volunteer in your community.  

Support a small business this Saturday.

And, as we see the ugliness of hate rear its head amongst our communities, look for opportunities to spread love and kindness instead.  

As always, remember the spirit of warmth and appreciation that makes the holiday season so special.

From my family to yours: Happy Thanksgiving.

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Attorney General James Announces Guilty Verdict of Physician Who Subjected Patients to Unnecessary and Invasive Tests

 

Payam Toobian, M.D. Paid Kickbacks to Physicians for Patient Referrals and Defrauded Medicaid by Subjecting Patients to Unnecessary Radiological Tests

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that a jury found Payam Toobian, M.D. of Kings Point, New York, and his company, America’s Imaging Center, Inc., guilty on charges related to running a kickback scheme that defrauded Medicaid and subjected patients to invasive procedures they did not need. In August 2022, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) indicted Toobian, and today he was found guilty of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, Health Care Fraud in the Third Degree, four of eight counts of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and two counts of violating the Social Services Law statute prohibiting the payment of kickbacks, all felony charges.

“All New Yorkers should be able to trust that their doctors are prioritizing their health, not simply using them to upcharge insurance companies,” said Attorney General James. “For years, Payam Toobian subjected patients to unnecessary and often invasive tests in order to enrich himself. This verdict will ensure he is held accountable for defrauding Medicaid and putting New Yorkers at risk. My office will continue to pursue any medical provider who attempts to profit at the expense of those in need of care.”

From January 2006 to August 2017, Toobian ran a kickback scheme in which he gave gift cards and cash to two physicians in exchange for the physicians’ referral of patients. In addition, from January 2014 to August 2017, Toobian directed his employees to add additional, unordered radiological procedures to orders submitted by referring physicians to increase the amount of money received from Medicaid. 

Toobian defrauded Medicaid and subjected patients to medically unnecessary and often invasive radiological testing without the direction, consent, or approval of the referring physicians responsible for the underlying care of those patients. The additional tests included MRIs of the brain, cervical spine, and lumbar spine, all “with contrast,” which required subjecting patients to unnecessary and invasive injections. Toobian then directed his staff to submit claims for payment to Medicaid for those medically unnecessary tests.

The OAG would like to thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, the New York State Department of Health, and Medicaid MCOs, HealthFirst, MetroPlusHealth, and United Healthcare, for their cooperation and valuable assistance throughout the investigation.

MFCU’s investigation was led by Detectives Thomas Bolen, Robert Hatt, Dawn Scandaliato, and Michael McNally, with the assistance of Acting Assistant Chief Ronald Lynch and Deputy Chief William Falk. Trial and administrative support was provided by Detectives Thomas Fisch, Allison Gionta, and Adrian Klapper, Legal Support Analysts Anne Liptak, Kelvin Caraballo, and Caroline Lindeman, and MFCU’s Electronic Investigative Support Group. The investigative financial analysis was presented by Principal Auditor-Investigator Deowattie Persaud and Senior Auditor-Investigator Khristian Diaz, with assistance from Regional Chief Auditor Stacey Millis.  

The OAG was represented at trial by Special Assistant Attorneys General Robert Trudell and Samantha McCullagh, with the assistance of Special Assistant A.G. Ferron Lien, under the supervision of Thomas O’Hanlon, Chief of MFCU Criminal Investigations. MFCU is led by Director Amy Held and Assistant Deputy Attorney General Paul J. Mahoney. The Division for Criminal Justice is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

MFCU defends the public by addressing Medicaid provider fraud and protecting nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. If an individual believes they have information about Medicaid provider fraud or about an incident of abuse or neglect of a nursing home resident, they can file a confidential complaint online on OAG website or by calling MFCU's hotline at (800) 771-7755. If the situation is an emergency, please call 911. 

New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 is $68,997,928. Of that total, 75 percent, or $51,748,448, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,249,480 for FY 2024, is funded by New York state.