Monday, February 24, 2020

Wave Hill events March 5-March 12


Sat, March 7

Family Art Project: Homage to Spring Light

Join artist Samanta Batra Mehta as we create "drawing sculptures" with mylar, gold leaf and upcycled materials, to capture the light of early spring. Taking inspiration from Wave Hill’s gardens, we will make botanical drawings and enhance them with gold leaf and gilding. Transform your drawings into an homage to the coming Spring equinox through adding sculptural details and placing your work in the home of an upcycled glass jar. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 8

Spring Birding

Welcome migratory birds back to Wave Hill this spring. Explore the gardens and woodlands with naturalist Gabriel Willow on a quest to spot both resident and rare birds as they pass through on their northern journey or settle down for the season. Severe weather cancels. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. NYC Audubon members enjoy two-for-one admission to the grounds. Registration suggested, online at wavehill.org or at the Perkins Visitor Center.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 9:30AM

Sun, March 8

Family Art Project: Homage to Spring Light

Join artist Samanta Batra Mehta as we create "drawing sculptures" with mylar, gold leaf and upcycled materials, to capture the light of early spring. Taking inspiration from Wave Hill’s gardens, we will make botanical drawings and enhance them with gold leaf and gilding. Transform your drawings into a homage to the coming Spring equinox through adding sculptural details and placing your work in the home of an upcycled glass jar. Free with admission to the grounds. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 8

Family Nature Walk

Join naturalist and educator Gabriel Willow on a family-friendly walk through the gardens or woodlands. Ages five and older welcome with an adult. Severe weather cancels. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet in front of Wave Hill House, 1PM

Sun, March 8

Winter Workspace Drop-In Sunday

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. This Sunday, participating artists are Samanta Batra MehtaSal Muñoz and Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, March 8

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walk

Garden highlights walks offer an intimate look at our living collections. Wave Hill Garden Guides help you explore the grounds and make sure that you do not miss any seasonal floral wonders. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2–3PM

Mon, March 9

Wave Hill is closed.
                         
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.

Bronx Fashion Week Launches 2.29.20


flyer 15 WWW.bronxfashionweek.com     Yerise.bigcartel.com 


AMID NATIONWIDE INCREASES, MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES RECORD-BREAKING 41 PERCENT DECREASE IN EVICTIONS CITYWIDE


Residential evictions decreased 15 percent from previous year, representing largest single-year decrease in evictions since Mayor signed first-in-nation right to counsel law

 Mayor de Blasio today announced that residential evictions by marshals declined more than 40 percent since 2013. In 2019 alone, evictions decreased 15 percent—the largest single-year decrease since Mayor de Blasio signed the first-in-the-nation “tenant’s right to counsel” law and launched the City’s Universal Access to Counsel program. Since 2013, through the City’s comprehensive efforts, more than 100,000 New Yorkers who might otherwise have faced evictions have been able to stay in their homes, with residential evictions steadily trending downwards in every borough.

“If we’re going to save our city, we must do everything we can to help people stay in the homes they love,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “With evictions down over 40 percent citywide, the unprecedented investments we've made in tenant legal services have helped 100,000 people stay in their homes and off the street." 

Over the course of the de Blasio Administration, over 350,000 New Yorkers have received assistance in eviction and other housing-related matters through tenant legal services programs, including the right to counsel program, the nation’s first and largest initiative that will ensure that every tenant facing eviction in Housing Court has access to free legal services. Of the tenants receiving City counsel in cases where they are facing eviction, over 84 percent have been able to keep their apartments.

Since 2014, the City has dedicated unprecedented funding for legal assistance for tenants facing eviction and harassment, increasing overall investment from $6 million in Fiscal Year 2013 to over $128 million in Fiscal Year 2020.

Through the Universal Access initiative, 400,000 New Yorkers facing eviction are expected to receive legal assistance annually at full ramp up in 2022, with annual funding for legal services for tenants increasing to $166 million. In 2019 alone, 41,000 households representing 105,000 New Yorkers received legal representation and advice, including over 32,000 households representing 83,000 New Yorkers facing eviction in Housing Court. This reflects a 24 percent increase in households served compared to the prior year and a 74 percent increase compared to 2017, before the formal launch of right to counsel. In 2013, only 6,500 households representing 23,000 individuals had City-funded legal services.

The first phase of Universal Access included increasing access to free legal representation in Housing Court to low-income New Yorkers in fifteen ZIP codes across New York City that were identified as having high levels of eviction filings, shelter entry, and rent-regulated housing.  During the second phase, five additional targeted ZIP codes were added, one in each borough, for a total of 20 ZIP codes across the city, and in its third phase Universal Access grew to include five more ZIP codes, with additional expansion expected next year.

Protecting tenants is a core part of this Administration’s strategy for confronting the affordable housing crisis. Unlike in New York City where investments in legal services are helping reduce evictions, evictions are up nationwide. As a result, cities across the country are taking notice and looking at this Administration’s programs and successes as models, implementing their own versions of this program to provide similar protections to their residents:

  • Cities with established right to counsel laws, programs, and/or initiatives:

    • Washington D.C., May 2017
    • San Francisco, June 2018
    • Minneapolis, November 2018
    • Newark, December 2018 
    • San Antonio, April 2019
    • Philadelphia, November 2019

  • Localities where right to counsel is being considered and/or pursued:

    • Cleveland
    • Boston/Massachusetts
    • Connecticut
    • Seattle
    • Los Angeles
    • Detroit
    • Santa Monica

In 2020, the City will also launch a citywide campaign to further spread the word about available resources and continue encouraging New Yorkers experiencing housing instability to reach out. If you or someone you know is facing eviction, our City is here to help. Don’t hesitate—call for assistance today at (718) 557-1379 or visit the HRA Office of Civil Justice website at www.nyc.gov/civiljustice for more information. 

“A key part of our work to end homelessness is making sure New Yorkers stay in their homes in the first place,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Raul Perea-Henze. “With this drop in evictions, the de Blasio Administration is closing the justice gap for hundreds of thousands of tenants empowered by access to legal services. The Universal Access to Counsel program builds the foundation for healthier communities in New York City and shows the way for other cities grappling with the homelessness crisis.” 

“We are laser-focused on keeping New Yorkers stably housed,” said Jackie Bray, Director of the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants. “In 2013, 1 in 100 tenants had legal representation; today that stands at 1 in 3. We’re making real progress and that means fewer New Yorkers who have to fear eviction.”

“The progress we have achieved driving down evictions, with more than 40 percent fewer evictions in 2019 than in 2013, represents the type of systemic change that we have been focused on since the Administration began and highlights why so many of us came into government: to have a real, tangible impact improving people’s lives and leveling the playing field for all,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “When we started, only 1 in 100 tenants facing eviction in housing court had a lawyer or access to legal services. Too often, when I was a Legal Aid lawyer, my clients had to navigate a complex process stacked against them. Our City’s right to counsel initiative has turned the tables for regular New Yorkers, with 1 in 3 tenants now receiving City-funded legal services in eviction cases. These investments to protect tenants are not only keeping New Yorkers in their homes, they are preserving stability and affordable housing across the five boroughs.”

“Thanks to our City’s first-in-the-nation Universal Access to Counsel initiative, New York is leveling the playing field and leading the way in ensuring that tenants have the day in court that they deserve” said HRA Administrator Grace Bonilla. “Not only are evictions down, having access to an attorney provides more New Yorkers with housing stability and the opportunity for families and individuals to focus on building their future in their city.  We intend to take this progress even further by bringing this vital resource to even more New Yorkers, as we work towards this Administration’s mission of making New York City fairer and more equitable for all.”

“Every day in housing court, our City is committed to making sure tenants have access to free legal help, leveling the playing field like never before,” said Civil Justice Coordinator Jordan M. Dressler. “The Office of Civil Justice is proud of the progress we have made in implementing this historic initiative and we are grateful to our legal provider partners for their unflagging commitment to making justice available for all New Yorkers.”


AOC named #16 in City and State's 2020 New York City Power 100


16. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Congresswoman

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez - Phil Pasquini_Shutterstock.jpg

Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ( Phil Pasquini/Shutterstock )
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents the Bronx and Queens, but ever since her remarkable election in 2018, she has become a spokesperson and a symbol for the rising progressive left nationwide. She has adjusted to Washington, D.C., jettisoning controversial staffers and acknowleding that policy goals like Medicare for All may be unlikely. Her youthful charisma, in-the-weeds wonkishness and political adaptability have spurred speculation that she could one day run for New York City mayor. 

View the complete City & State NYC POWER 100

Saturday, February 22, 2020

AOC’s “Courage To Change” PAC endorses Samelys López in crowded NY-15 congressional race



  Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s new political action committee makes first Northeast endorsement for Samelys López, in an open seat in the South Bronx. As a rebuff to the DCCC who last year blacklisted organizations that provide support for insurgent campaigns, Courage to Change PAC has chosen Samelys Lopez, a Dominican and Puerto Rican housing justice advocate, to represent the South Bronx.

Growing up homeless in the shelter system, while facing housing insecurity like many of our neighbors in the Bronx, I have made it my mission to center those in my community who have been directly impacted by homelessness, food scarcity, and poverty,” said Samelys López. “It is personal experiences like these that have given me the courage to fight for transformative justice. I am honored to be the first candidate in the northeast to earn this endorsement. It truly takes political courage and a movement to change our politics.”

“When community leaders, activists, and working-class candidates try to run for office, organizations like the D.C.C.C. discourage them,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez said in an interview with the New York Times. “One of our primary goals is to reward political courage in Congress and also to help elect a progressive majority in the House of Representatives,”

This endorsement signals that the movement, which brought people like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to power, is getting behind the true progressive candidate in this crowded race, full of current and former elected officials.

The powers that be want you to believe that the fight for, social, economic, racial, immigrant, criminal, and environmental justice is an impossible dream,” Lopez said. “Let me be clear, we are fighting for our basic human rights.”

The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2020 in The Bronx. Samelys is excited to head into the petitioning phase of the election after spending the last 5 months in every community in the district.  She has been invigorated by speaking to people about a Homes Guarantee, Medicare For All, Universal Childcare and a Green New Deal in NYCHA. López is also hosting a Homes Guarantee town hall on Saturday the 22nd at 2195 Valentine Ave, St. Simon Stock Gym from 2:00 - 4:00pm.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

There are thirteen active candidate Federal Election Commission accounts (fourteen if you include State Senator Gustavo Rivera who still has an open FEC account) for the 15th Congressional race Democratic Primary June 23, 2020. Three candidates are currently City Council members with Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr's District almost entirely in the 15th Congressional District. Councilman Ritchie Torres has a small part, and Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez is from Upper Manhattan, and has no part of the 15th Congressional District. Assemblyman Michael Blake represents the 79th Assembly District in which a  majority of the smaller assembly district lies in the 15th Congressional District. Former Councilwoman Melissa Mark-Viverito represented a council district that was a majority Manhattan council district partly in the western part of the 15th Congressional District.

Over three quarters of a million dollars has already been spent by the four current and one former elected officials.

The favorite in this race is Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. who previously was the State Senator from the 32nd State Senate District which almost entirely lies within the 15th Congressional. Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. has tapped 87th Assembly District Male District Leader Sergeant John Perez to run against the embattled current state senator from the 32nd district.  

More on all the races including the 14th Congressional District where Congresswoman Alexandria Ocassio-Cortez has five people who have registered with the FEC. It may not be a cakewalk for AOC who has spent close to three million dollars herself as of the last listed reporting.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

🏠 Homes Guarantee Forum Saturday, Feb 22nd & Bronx Progressives General Meeting - Wednesday,Feb 26th, 2019 at 6:30pm




Hello Bronx Progressives members!


Bronx Progressives is excited to invite you to our upcoming meeting on Wednesday, February 26th at 6:30pm at 2066 Morris Ave, Bronx, NY 10453 (4 Train to Burnside Ave).



We will be voting on endorsements for the 79th Assembly and the 15th Congressional districts and a reminder, nominations are open for the executive committee!
We look forward to seeing you all on February 26th at 6:30pm! We welcome all to bring a dish to share!


Join us for our HOMES GUARANTEE FORUM! 

We demand 12 million units of social housing, good cause evictions, ending MCIs and universal rent control!
FIGHT WITH US!
February 22nd, 2-4 pm
2195 Valentine Ave,
Bronx, NY 10457

***This meeting is ADA accessible and is a safe space for all races, religions, sexes, gender identities, ages and beliefs***
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Of course we know that Bronx Progressives will be endorsing their co-founder Ms. Samelys Lopez in the 15th Congressional District, but we would like to know if any of the other dozen or so candidates were even asked to be interviewed.
The same goes for the 79th Assembly District, because we are going to guess that 'Bring your own dish' Dion Powell will get Bronx Progressives endorsement in the 79th A.D. We also would like to know who was asked to be interviewed here to.

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Leaders Of 59 Brims Gang Among 18 Defendants Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering Offenses


Charges Include Two Murders and Five Attempted Murders

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Peter C. Fitzhugh, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging 18 members of the 59 Brims gang, including the gang’s leaders, with committing various racketeering, narcotics, and firearms offenses, including murder and attempted murder. 

WILLIE EVANS, a/k/a “Mills,” JAMARR SIMMONS, a/k/a “Show Off,” ALBERT SHOULDERS, a/k/a “Bundy,” RANELL SLOAN, a/k/a “Rah,” DARNELL COOPER, a/k/a “Jeez,” JOSE RODRIGUEZ, a/k/a “Meso,” SYLVESTER WINT, a/k/a “Vesta,” YONETTE RESPASS, a/k/a “Yonette Davis,” a/k/a “Star Brim,” MARKELL BOBIAN, a/k/a “Kellz,” TIMOTHY COLEMAN, a/k/a “LA,” TYRONE ERVIN, a/k/a “Shoota,” SEAN GAMBRELL, a/k/a “Kash,” DARON GOODMAN, a/k/a “Handsome,” JAVARIS JENKINS, a/k/a “JayBz,” JERLAINE LITTLE, a/k/a “Noni,” SHAMARE REID, a/k/a “Sha,” MARKQUEL SIMMONS, a/k/a “Shellz,” and TYRIQUE SNOWDEN, a/k/a “Ty,” are members of a racketeering enterprise known as the 59 Brims.
The Indictment charges WILLIE EVANS, the gang’s godfather, or highest-ranking, non-incarcerated member, and JAMARR SIMMONS, the highest-ranking member in the Bronx, with the September 28, 2019, murder of Bradford Mensah, 22, in the vicinity of Crotona Park in the Bronx, New York.  JAMARR SIMMONS and DARON GOODMAN were previously charged with the January 11, 2020, murder of Jason Parris, 36, in the vicinity of East 170th Street and Webster Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  
In addition to EVANS and JAMARR SIMMONS, the Indictment also charges YONETTE RESPASS, the gang’s godmother, or highest-ranking female member, with participating in the racketeering conspiracy and with ordering a slashing.
U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged in the Indictment, the defendants were responsible for brutal acts of violence – murders, attempted murders, a maiming, and robberies – in service of the 59 Brims gang.  Thanks to the extraordinary work of our partners at the NYPD and HSI, the defendants, who include the leaders of the gang, now face federal charges for their crimes.”
NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “Targeting and dismantling gangs and crews, and preventing the violence so often associated with their illegal activities, continues to be one of our highest priorities.  By using precision policing we are targeting the small percentage of people responsible for committing much of the violence in New York, and making the safest large city in America even safer.  I’d like to thank our law enforcement partners for their efforts in helping us achieve this goal.”
HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “The list of allegations against those arrested today includes murder, attempted murder, narcotics violations, firearms offenses, and robbery.  The 59 Brims gang acts with no apparent regard for human life and today’s arrests hopefully put an end to their senseless violence.  As law enforcement, we build investigations to identify not only those who carry out monstrous acts, but also to get the leaders in the organization who facilitate the horrific crimes.  Today, due to the great investigative activity in this case, HSI and its partners are happy to announce that those allegedly responsible from the street level to the highest-ranking members of the 59 Brims gang are facing justice, ultimately making the community safer.”
As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:
On January 11, 2020, DARON GOODMAN and JAMARR SIMMONS shot and killed Jason Parris in the vicinity of 1441 Webster Avenue in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  GOODMAN and SIMMONS killed Parris in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On September 28, 2019, WILLIE EVANS and JAMARR SIMMONS shot and killed Bradford Mensah in the vicinity of Crotona Park in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  EVANS and SIMMONS killed Mensah in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On September 2, 2019, JAVARIS JENKINS shot at a rival gang member in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  JENKINS shot at the rival in part to maintain and increase his position in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On August 28, 2019, TYRIQUE SNOWDEN shot at an individual while attempting to rob the individual of narcotics and narcotics proceeds in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.
On August 24, 2019, SYLVESTER WINT and SHAMARE REID shot at rival gang members in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  WINT and REID shot at the rivals in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On August 8, 2019, JAMARR SIMMONS, ALBERT SHOULDERS, SYLVESTER WINT, YONETTE RESPASS, and SHAMARE REID maimed and assaulted an individual with a dangerous weapon, and aided and abetted the same, by slashing the individual in the face.  SIMMONS, SHOULDERS, WINT, RESPASS, and REID slashed the individual in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On August 1, 2019, JAVARIS JENKINS shot at rival gang members in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  JENKINS shot at the rival in part to maintain and increase his position in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On May 21, 2019, JAMARR SIMMONS, TYRONE ERVIN, and SEAN GAMBRELL robbed at gunpoint individuals who were playing a dice game, and shot at the individuals while robbing them, in the vicinity of Davidson Avenue in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  SIMMONS, ERVIN, and GAMBRELL robbed and shot at the individuals in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On March 30, 2019, JAMARR SIMMONS and TIMOTHY COLEMAN stabbed a rival gang member in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  SIMMONS and COLEMAN stabbed the individual in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On December 6, 2018, JERLAINE LITTLE and others pistol-whipped an individual while robbing the individual at gunpoint in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  LITTLE robbed the individual in part to maintain and increase her position in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
On November 29, 2018, JAMARR SIMMONS, MARKELL BOBIAN, TYRONE ERVIN, SEAN GAMBRELL, JERLAINE LITTLE, and MARKQUEL SIMMONS pistol-whipped an individual while robbing the individual at gunpoint in the Bronx, and aided and abetted the same.  JAMARR SIMMONS, BOBIAN, ERVIN, GAMBRELL, LITTLE, MARKQUEL SIMMONS robbed the individual in part to maintain and increase their positions in the 59 Brims racketeering enterprise operating in the Southern District of New York.
Between January 2019 and September 2019, SYLVESTER WINT made the unauthorized sale of multiple firearms that had been transported in interstate commerce, including at a location in the Bronx.
EVANS, 28, SHOULDERS, 23, RODRIGUEZ, 26, BOBIAN, 22, ERVIN, 19, GAMBRELL, 22, JENKINS, 22, LITTLE, 28, REID, 18, and MARKQUEL SIMMONS, 23, were arrested today and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Barbara Moses.  GOODMAN, 22, JAMARR SIMMONS, 33, and SNOWDEN, 20, were already in federal custody.  COLEMAN, 32, is in New York City custody and will be transferred to federal custody at a later date.  SLOAN, 27, COOPER, 28, and WINT, 21, have not been arrested and remain at large.  RESPASS, 28, has not been arrested at this time.  This case is assigned to United States District Judge George B. Daniels.
Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD and HSI.  Mr. Berman also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.          
The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
COUNT
DEFENDANT(S)
MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Racketeering (18 U.S.C. § 1962(d))
All defendants
Life imprisonment as to all defendants except Respass and Coleman, for whom the maximum term of imprisonment is 20 years

Count Two:  Murder in Aid of Racketeering
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2) 
Jamarr Simmons
Daron Goodman
Death or a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Life Imprisonment

Count Three: Use of a Firearm to Commit Murder (18 U.S.C. § 924(j)(1))
Jamarr Simmons
Daron Goodman
Death or Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Four:  Murder in Aid of Racketeering
(18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(1) and 2)
 Willie Evans
Jamarr Simmons
Death or a Mandatory Minimum Sentence of Life Imprisonment

Count Five: Use of a Firearm to Commit Murder (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(j)(1) and 2) 
Willie Evans
Jamarr Simmons
Death or Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Six: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)
Javaris Jenkins
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Seven: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
Javaris Jenkins
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Eight: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2) 
Sylvester Wint
Shamare Reid
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Nine: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
Sylvester Wint
Shamare Reid
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Ten: Maiming and Assault in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(2), (a)(3), and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Albert Shoulders
Sylvester Wint
Yonette Respass
Shamare Reid
30 years’ imprisonment

Count Eleven: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)
Javaris Jenkins
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Twelve: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
Javaris Jenkins
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Thirteen: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Fourteen: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Fifteen: Attempted Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Timothy Coleman
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Sixteen: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)
Jerlaine Little
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Seventeen: Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii) and 2)
Jerlaine Little
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 7 years

Count Eighteen: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering (18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Markell Bobian
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
Jerlaine Little
Markquel Simmons 
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Nineteen: Brandishing a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and 2)
Jamarr Simmons
Markell Bobian
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
Jerlaine Little
Markquel Simmons 
Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 7 years

Count Twenty: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Willie Evans
Jamarr Simmons
Albert Shoulders
Ranell Sloan
Darnell Cooper
Jose Rodriguez
Sylvester Wint
Markell Bobian
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
Javaris Jenkins
Jerlaine Little
Shamare Reid
Markquel Simmons
Tyrique Snowden
 Life imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years

Count Twenty One: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and 2)
Willie Evans
Jamarr Simmons
Albert Shoulders
Ranell Sloan
Darnell Cooper
Jose Rodriguez
Sylvester Wint
Markell Bobian
Tyrone Ervin
Sean Gambrell
Javaris Jenkins
Jerlaine Little
Shamare Reid
Markquel Simmons
Tyrique Snowden 
Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 5 years

Count Twenty Two: Firearms Trafficking (18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(1)(A) and 2)
Sylvester Wint
5 years’ imprisonment

Count Twenty Three: Attempted Robbery (18 U.S.C. §§ 1951 and 2) 
Tyrique Snowden
20 years’ imprisonment

Count Twenty-Four: Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence, which Firearm was Discharged (18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), (iii) and 2 
Tyrique Snowden
Life Imprisonment; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 10 years
[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.

Brooklyn Owner Of Durable Medical Equipment Companies Pleads Guilty To Participating In $9 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme


  Geoffrey S.  Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced that GREG MILLER pled guilty today to participating in a $9 million scheme to defraud providers of “no-fault” insurance plans.  As part of the scheme, MILLER and his co-conspirators billed insurance companies millions of dollars for expensive durable medical equipment that was never provided to patients.  MILLER pled guilty before United States District Court Judge Katherine Polk Failla.     

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As he admitted in court today, Greg Miller exploited New York’s no-fault auto insurance system by billing millions of dollars for durable medical equipment that was never actually provided to patients, was medically unnecessary, or was far more expensive than the equipment that was provided.  Now Miller awaits sentencing for his crime.”
FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “When private health care programs are abused, the financial burden is typically passed on to consumers of these programs by way of increased premiums and other means of supporting services provided by the company.  This is in no way a victimless crime, as it translates into very real numbers for those who pay into these health care programs.  Miller’s conduct was just another way to make a quick profit at the expense of others, and this type of behavior can’t be tolerated.” 
As alleged in the Information filed today in Manhattan federal court:
Between 2014 and 2019, GREG MILLER employed other individuals to serve as the nominal owners of at least two durable medical equipment (“DME”) supply companies located in Brooklyn, New York.  MILLER, the true owner and operator of the companies, directed these individuals to submit fraudulent bills to private insurance companies that provided “no-fault” insurance plans.  Under New York State law, a company that insures a vehicle involved in an accident is required to provide reimbursement for certain treatments and services provided to the vehicle occupants, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.  These treatments and services may include DME if the DME is necessary and actually provided.  The bills submitted by MILLER’s companies were fraudulent because, among other things, the bills were for DME that was never provided to patients, for DME that was medically unnecessary, or for expensive DME purportedly provided to patients when the DME in fact provided to patients was inexpensive DME.        
MILLER, 60, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to commit health care fraud and faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.
The maximum 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.  As part of his plea, MILLER agreed to forfeit $3,698,010 and to pay at least that amount in restitution.
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of FBI’s Healthcare Fraud Task Force.