News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

SAMMY GONZALEZ Y SU ORQ!

 

Gracias Sammy Gonzalez y su Orquestra for providing the soundtrack to an incredible night of Salsa in the Bronx

Our second to last concert for this year’s ‘52 Park Summer Concert Series’ was a huge success thanks to Team Salamanca, Freddy Perez Jr., Acacia Network, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Bronx Community Board 2, and all the Bronxites that came out to sing and dance with us!

*****

¡SAMMY GONZALEZ Y SU ORQ!

Gracias Sammy González y su Orquesta por proporcionar la banda sonora de una increíble noche de Salsa en el Bronx

Nuestro penúltimo concierto de la '52 Park Summer Concert Series' de este año fue un gran éxito gracias al Equipo Salamanca, Freddy Perez Jr, Acacia Network, el Departamento de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Nueva York, la Junta Comunitaria 2 del Bronx y a todos los ¡Bronxitas que vinieron a cantar y bailar con nosotros!

COMMUNITY BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

I am proud to be teaming up with Freddy Perez Jr, New York State Assembly Member Kenny Burgos, Hispanic Federation, Bronx Community Board 2, Urban Health Plan, Inc., NYPD 41 Precinct, and the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau for a FREE community Back to School Event this WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, from 11AM-2PM. 

*Backpacks and school supply kits will be handed out to children aged 5-17, on a first come, first serve basis, and CHILDREN MUST BE PRESENT in order to receive items.*

I look forward to seeing you there!

*****

EVENTO COMUNITARIO DE REGRESO A LA ESCUELA
 

MARCA TU CALENDARIO:

Estoy orgulloso de asociarme con Freddy Perez Jr, la Federación Hispana, la Junta Comunitaria 2 del Bronx, Urban Health Plan, Inc., el Distrito 41 del NYPD y la Oficina de Asuntos Comunitarios del NYPD para un evento comunitario GRATUITO de regreso a clases el MIÉRCOLES 6 DE SEPTIEMBRE. , de 11 a 14 horas.

*Las mochilas y los kits de útiles escolares se entregarán a los niños de 5 a 17 años, por orden de llegada, y LOS NIÑOS DEBEN ESTAR PRESENTES para recibir los artículos.*

Espero verlos allí!

LONGWOOD FESTIVAL PART II

 

Part II of our Longwood Festival will be held on Saturday, September 9, RAIN OR SHINE, from 12-7PM!

Grab your neighbours & your friends and join us for a day of live music and dancing.

*****

LONGWOOD FESTIVAL PARTE II
 

¡La Parte II de nuestro Festival de Longwood se llevará a cabo el sábado 9 de septiembre, LLUVIA O SOL, de 12 a 7 p. m.!

Reúna a sus vecinos y amigos y únase a nosotros para un día de música y baile en vivo.

FREE HELMET FITTING & DISTRIBUTION 

 

 

Saturday, September 9th, I will be co-hosting a free bike helmet fitting and distribution event with the New York City Department of Transportation.

*All are welcome to attend, but helmets will only be distributed to those in attendance, while supplies last.*

I hope to see you there

*****

MONTAJE Y DISTRIBUCIÓN DE CASCOS GRATIS

El sábado 9 de septiembre seré coanfitrión de un evento gratuito de instalación y distribución de cascos para bicicletas con el Departamento de Transporte de la ciudad de Nueva York.

*Todos son bienvenidos a asistir, pero los cascos solo se distribuirán a los asistentes, hasta agotar existencias.*

¡Espero verte allí!

 

Visit our District Office at: 
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL, MTA LAUNCH “SUBWAY SURFING KILLS – RIDE INSIDE, STAY ALIVE” PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN

 

Comprehensive Campaign Features Student-Created Graphics and Animations, Digital Signage, Audio Announcements, Posters and Banners in Stations and Schools, NYPD Outreach and Presence at Key Stations

 

New Partnerships with Social Media Platforms for Placement of Public Service Announcements

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today unveiled “Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” — a new comprehensive, multi-channel public information campaign in partnership with the New York City Department of Education (DOE), the New York City Police Department (NYPD), and the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD). The new campaign centers around, is designed for, and was created by New York City teenagers — putting the youth voice front and center in a peer-to-peer effort to deter this dangerous behavior among young people.

 

“Each subway surfing death takes tragically strips young New Yorkers of promising futures said Mayor Adams. “We cannot endure another tragedy on our trains. That’s why we are partnering with the MTA on an innovative campaign to raise awareness, and we have recruited true social media experts to help lead it: young New Yorkers. Our young people know best how to reach their peers, and they want to help keep their friends safe. We will make sure that every young New Yorker understands: ‘Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive.’”

 

“The safety of New Yorkers is my top priority,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this innovative partnership, young New Yorkers will hear directly from their teachers and peers about the extreme danger of subway surfing, saving lives and preventing more tragedies. New York will continue to do everything we can to keep our young people safe on the subways.”

 

“Riding outside a train car is subway stupidity and never ends well,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “We are begging parents to speak with their children and teachers to talk to their students about what can seem like a game but can end in tragedy. I want to thank Governor Hochul, Mayor Adams, and our city agency partners for their strong support in raising awareness about the dangers of this so that we can prevent any more young lives being senselessly lost.”

 

“A viral video is not worth your life,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “Led by students from the High School of Art and Design, this campaign is truly made by students, for students, and I’m so proud of all the work and advocacy that has been done by our young people. Subway surfing kills, and far too many of our bright young students have died due to this trend. Today, and every day, I’m urging every child to ride inside and stay alive.”

 

“Our message to New York City’s youth is clear: Always ride inside the train,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “Subway surfing is dangerous, it is illegal, and it can be lethal. The NYPD will continue to do everything we can to stop this reckless behavior — but it starts with sound decision making. So be smart, be safe, and always ride inside the train.”

 

“The urgent message of this campaign is clear — subway surfing is irresponsible and dangerous, and it can be deadly,” said DYCD Commissioner Keith Howard. “Life is to be celebrated but not atop a subway car. Young people need to seriously consider the risks and the pain and suffering of loved ones left to care for them or grieve. We are asking the public to join the mayor and our partners in saving lives by reporting subway surfing, and we are encouraging peers to have those difficult but persuasive conversations with friends engaged in reckless behavior.”

 

“Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” Vertical Poster

 

“Subway Surfing Kills – Ride Inside, Stay Alive” will include public service announcements in stations recorded by students; digital signage across stations; student-created graphics and animations; posters and banners across stations and distributed in schools; physical palm cards distributed at schools and in stations; school swag including planners, pens and pencils, notepads, and sticky notes; social media posts across platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube in the form of posts, reels/shorts, and influencer collaborations; distribution of new student MetroCards accompanied by a “Subway Surfing Kills — Ride Inside, Stay Alive” palm card; and anti-surfing messages on the back of some MetroCards for sale in subway station MetroCard vending machines. Meta, Google, and TikTok are also making space available on their platforms to help amplify the new messaging campaign. Through a partnership with Governor Hochul’s office, Google is making space available for the campaign to play on YouTube.

 

Starting in early July 2023, a group of five recent graduates from the High School of Art and Design on the East Side of Manhattan were asked to create graphics, animations, and messaging for trains, stations, and schools that address subway surfing along with calls to action. The student-led “Subway Squad” developed digital posters, animatics, voice announcements, and social media strategies for the campaign. An offshoot of the DOE Office of Student Pathways’ Summer Design Institute, the Subway Squad is comprised of a graphics team (Milana Blokhina, Maksymilian Rychlicki, and Nicholas Setiawan) and animation team (Langening-Arum Ratmansunu and Dalma Chiclayo) whose message and designs will be made visible and audible in subway cars and subway stations, as well as on social media.

 

The NYPD is contributing to the campaign by deploying officers to stations on outdoor elevated lines and by conducting home visits with youths who have been observed riding outside of trains.  In 2023, the NYPD has already taken enforcement action on 87 subway surfers — nearly tripling its enforcement from 2022. The NYPD conducted 69 home visits to known subway surfers between April and June this year, and had follow-up conversations with the guardians of all 82 youth against whom NYPD took enforcement action for subway surfing. There have been five fatalities due to suspected subway surfing in 2023, compared to five total fatalities between 2018 and 2022. The MTA has documented over 450 instances of people riding outside of trains between January and June in 2023.

 

“A core connecting value of public schools, transit bureau and the MTA is keeping people safe and getting where they need to be in life. Our summer design institute team, the Subway Squad, rose to the occasion in every way using a design thinking approach and empathy-forward design strategies,” said Art and Design High School Principal and Subway Squad Creative Director Maximillian Re-Suigura. “We're using the voices of young people to reach other young people in making good decisions. Safe decisions. This campaign is proof that students from Art and Design and all New York City public schools can compete with any agency in developing strategies and deliverables that make a difference.”

 

“I am so proud of the work my fellow students at Art and Design, and I did this summer to create this campaign alongside city leadership,” said Milana Blokhina, student, Art and Design High School. “With the campaign now being implemented, it is so fulfilling to know that we contributed to something bigger: the safety of fellow New Yorkers and all who travel in our subways. We hope that the work we have accomplished is proof of the creative capacity of New York City public school students and highlights the importance of design for the greater good.”

 

Professor Lloyd Ultan will give an historic lecture at VCJC

 

Exploring the Tapestry of the Bronx: Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Presents "The Bronx, Historic Ethnic Diversity" a Lecture by Professor Lloyd Ultan

The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center (VCJC) is thrilled to announce an enlightening and insightful lecture titled "The Bronx, Historic Ethnic Diversity" by renowned historian, Professor Lloyd Ultan. The event will take place on Sunday, October 15, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center located at 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463, near Van Cortlandt Ave West.

Lloyd Ultan, a distinguished historian and Professor of History at Fairleigh Dickinson with an exceptional grasp of Bronx history, will lead attendees on a captivating journey through time, exploring the diverse tapestry of the Bronx. Prof. Ultan, the Bronx Historian Emeritus, is also the author of several books on the history of the Bronx. With meticulous research and a deep understanding of the borough's evolution, Prof. Ultan will delve into the changing ethnic landscapes that have shaped the Bronx over the centuries. Ranging from its earliest days as a rural outpost to its vibrant present as a cultural melting pot, the talk promises to provide unique insights into the Bronx's past, present, and future.

"We are honored to welcome Professor Ultan to our center to share his wealth of knowledge about the Bronx's rich history. This lecture promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the many cultures and communities that have contributed to the unique identity of our borough," said Stuart Harris, President of the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center.

The event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Alan Paul Katz, who is using this event to honor the memory of his parents, Rabbi Dr. Henry and Faye Cheryl Katz.

Following the lecture, guests are invited to enjoy light refreshments, creating an opportunity for socializing, reflection, and discussions inspired by Ultan's presentation. This post-lecture gathering will provide a comfortable environment for attendees to engage with each other and continue exploring the themes of the lecture.

The lecture will be held in the ballroom of the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center. Reservations are optional but requested, so we know how many people to expect. Please call 718-884-6105 and leave a message or email info@vcjewishcenter.org. Admission to the lecture is free and open to the public, encouraging individuals from all walks of life to come together and celebrate the rich history of the Bronx.

Event Details:

• Title: “The Bronx, Historic Ethnic Diversity”

• Presenter: Professor Lloyd Ultan

• Date: Sunday, October 15, 2023

• Time: 2:00 p.m.

• Location: Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, 3880 Sedgwick Avenue, Bronx, NY 10463, near Stevenson Place and Van Cortlandt Ave West. The #1, #2, and #10 buses stop nearby.

• Admission: Free

For more information about the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center, please visit our website at www.vcjewishcenter.org or contact us at info@vcjewishcenter.org.

About the Van Cortlandt Jewish Center: The Van Cortlandt Jewish Center is a cornerstone of cultural and community engagement in the Bronx. With a commitment to fostering understanding, unity, and appreciation for Jewish and all of the borough's diverse heritage, the center offers a range of educational and cultural programs for individuals of all backgrounds and religious services for those of the Jewish faith.

Governor Hochul Directs New York State Landmarks To Be Illuminated Red, White, and Blue in Honor of Labor Day

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that landmarks across New York State will be illuminated red, white, and blue tonight, September 4, in honor of Labor Day.

"This Labor Day, I encourage every New Yorker to join us in honoring the tremendous gains of the organized labor movement and the workers who power our economy," Governor Hochul said. "My administration remains committed to making New York the most pro-worker state in the nation by supporting union labor and ensuring our workers have the benefits they so rightly deserve."

The landmarks to be lit in recognition of Labor Day include:

• One World Trade Center
• Kosciuszko Bridge
• The H. Carl McCall SUNY Building
• Alfred E. Smith State Office Building
• Empire State Plaza
• State Fairgrounds – Main Gate & Expo Center
• Niagara Falls
• The “Franklin D. Roosevelt” Mid-Hudson Bridge
• Albany International Airport Gateway
• MTA LIRR - East End Gateway at Penn Station
• Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal
• Moynihan Train Hall
• Walkway Over the Hudson State Historic Park

Governor Hochul has worked diligently to enact a nation-leading worker agenda, including: historic plans to increase New York’s minimum wage and index it to inflation, offering 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to more than 150,000 state employees, and other initiatives to increase wages and benefits, expand prevailing wage, connect job seekers to employment opportunities, and help ensure retirement security for private sector workers. The Governor has also continued an aggressive crackdown on wage theft and advanced new initiatives to protect workers from discrimination, harassment, abuse, and the dangers of COVID-19 in the workplace; secure major labor benefits on transformative New York projects; and distribute grants through the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development to create training opportunities for all New Yorkers.

MAYOR ADAMS, OLR COMMISSIONER CAMPION ANNOUNCE CONTRACT TO ENSURE FAIR WAGES, MORE FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING FOR STATEN ISLAND FERRY WORKERS

 Contract Is Union’s First with the City in More Than a Decade 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today announced that the City of New York has reached an agreement with the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), the union representing Staten Island Ferry licensed officers. The contract — reached through mediation and ratified by MEBA membership on Friday with 94 percent support — is the first one the city has reached with the union since 2010. With this contract, the city has now settled all represented groups for the 2010-2017 round of bargaining, and 81.3 percent of all represented groups for the current round of bargaining.

The contract is retroactive, beginning on November 7, 2010, and expires on January 4, 2027. It provides pattern-conforming wage increases to captains, assistant captains, and mates consistent with the 2010-2017, 2017-2021, and 2021-2026 civilian union patterns. Further, marine engineers and chief marine engineers will receive retroactive wage increases consistent with the prevailing wage determination issued by the New York City comptroller earlier this year. The contract also establishes new salary rates and a 40-hour workweek effective October 1, 2023 — an increase from the current 32-hour work week — as well as a five-step salary schedule for all MEBA employees hired or promoted after October 1, 2023. The parties have also agreed that all MEBA-represented employees will be allowed to take vacation in one-week blocks instead of two-week blocks, providing greater flexibility for these workers.

 

“Today, we thank our tireless ferry workers, not just with words — but with a contract that delivers the fair wages and benefits they deserve,” said Mayor Adams. “Our nation has been suffering from a shortage of marine workers. We know that to attract and retain a talented workforce we must offer competitive wages and benefits that everyone can agree on. Thanks to this agreement, both our ferry workers and the working people of Staten Island can continue to ride forward without worry or interruptions. I want to thank our mediator, Al Viani, and our indefatigable Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion for their efforts in reaching this historic moment.”

 

“The Adams administration continues to put working people first, and this contract with MEBA — the first in more than a decade — underscores our critical partnership with labor,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Lisa Zornberg. “This contract is fair to the people who run the Staten Island ferry system day in and day out, and will also ensure reliable service for the commuters who depend on it. This contract would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of our Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion and the mediator, Al Viani.”

 

“Thank you to MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha and mediator Al Viani for working tirelessly with us to reach this agreement,” said OLR Commissioner Campion. “We are extremely pleased we were able to settle this contract and finally get these employees raises going back more than 10 years, which will also help us better recruit and retain these valuable workers and ensure our Staten Island ferry system continues to be a vital part of our public transportation system.”

 

“Today, the Adams administration brings closure to an over a decade-long labor negotiation, during which the men and women who are responsible for the safe passage of thousands of daily Staten Island Ferry passengers continued to steer the ship,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “This represents another important milestone in this administration’s unprecedented labor negotiation accomplishments, which cumulatively are bringing certainty, better wages, and better working conditions to tens of thousands of committed public servants, whose daily work is at the core of what makes New York City the best in the world.” 

 

“Each year, the Staten Island Ferry transports over 12 million passengers between Staten Island and Manhattan. Completing these trips safely and on time requires a skilled and dedicated team, including the members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association,” said New York City Department of Transportation Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez. “That is why it is important that the members of MEBA have a fair contract. I want to thank Mayor Adams, OLR Commissioner Renee Campion, MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha, and my colleagues across city government who helped us secure a new contract that respects workers and will help provide passengers with the high level of service they deserve.”

 

“Throughout two previous administrations, it often felt like City Hall and the MEBA were sailing on separate courses. However, today, we proudly announce that we have finally brought this contract to dock,” said MEBA Secretary-Treasurer Roland Rexha. “This achievement is due in part to having a mayor who truly values the hard work of our members and comprehends the challenges our mariners face day in and day out. Mayor Adams, a blue-collar mayor who gets things done, has been instrumental in making this contract a reality. On this Labor Day in 2023, we have achieved a remarkable feat — transforming the lowest paid ferry jobs in the nation into the highest paid. This accomplishment was made possible by our members transitioning to a 40-hour work week, providing immediate relief, and resolving staffing shortages. Now, New York City can offer the reliable service that Staten Islanders truly deserve. As the arteries and veins that keep this city's blood flowing, whether through rail, bus, or ferry, we recognize that New York City is the greatest city in the world. It was built upon the foundation of its exceptional public transportation system, which serves millions daily.” 

 

“This agreement has been one of the most complex and difficult that I have ever had to deal with in my fifty-plus years of labor relations experience,” said mediator Al Viani. “I commend the city’s representative, Renee Campion, and her staff and the union’s representative, Roland Rexha, and his staff for making the necessary compromises to reach a successful conclusion. This agreement is in the best interests of the city and the Staten Island ferryboat workers. It will ensure safe, reliable, and stable ferryboat service for years to come.” 

 

The total cost of the agreement through Fiscal Year 2027 will be $103 million, for an additional cost of $53 million. This additional funding will be reflected in future financial plans.

The contract includes:

• Changes in Scheduling Policies: Effective October 1, 2023, all MEBA-represented titles will work a 40-hour workweek in four 10-hour shifts, an increase over the previous 32-hour workweeks to provide greater productivity to the city. In addition, employees will have the option of taking vacation in one-week blocks, instead of two-week blocks under the previous contract.
• Five-Step Salary Schedule for All Employees: Effective October 1, 2023, every MEBA-represented employee hired or promoted after that date will have a five-step salary schedule.

 Captains, assistant captains, and mates will receive the following compounded and retroactive wage increases:

• May 7, 2012 – 1.00%
• November 7, 2012 – 2.00%
• May 7, 2013 – 1.00%
• May 7, 2014 – 1.00%
• May 7, 2015 – 1.50%
• May 7, 2016 – 2.50%
• May 7, 2017 – 3.056%
• November 7, 2017 – 2.00%
• November 7, 2018 – 2.25%
• December 7, 2019 – 3.25%
• July 5, 2021 – 3.00%
• July 5, 2022 – 3.00%
• July 5, 2023 – 3.00%

 

Team AOC - Hot Labor Summer

 

This Labor Day, we wanted to call out some wins for the labor movement in 2023:

• According to a 2023 survey, 71% of Americans approve of labor unions — the most since 1965.¹ A record-high 61% also say unions help rather than hurt the U.S. economy.

• More than 200 strikes have occurred across the U.S. so far in 2023, involving more than 320,000 workers, as compared to 116 strikes and just 27,000 workers in 2021.²

• New York State Nurses Association members won a 19.1 percent wage increase and the creation of more than 170 new nursing positions after a 3-day strike at Montefiore Medical Center in Alexandria’s district.

• The National Labor Relations Board saw 2,510 union representation petitions filed in fiscal year 2022 — a 53% increase over the previous year.³ The NLRB also ruled to make union-busting a lot harder: if bosses commit unfair labor practices in the run-up to a union election, the NLRB will order the employer to immediately recognize and bargain with the union.

• 86% of Teamsters voted in favor of a UPS ratification contract — the highest vote for a contract in the history of the Teamsters at UPS — and drivers will now earn an average of $170K/yr in pay and benefits by the end of 2028.

• 97% of the United Auto Workers voted to authorize a strike as their contract is renegotiated — meaning nearly all of the 150,000 workers at Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis will strike if a fair deal cannot be reached.⁴

It’s been a big year for the labor movement. We have momentum to grow and strengthen unions like no time in recent history. Team AOC is happy to stand with workers fighting for better protections in the workplace.

Yours in service,

Team AOC

BROTHERS CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING OFF-DUTY OFFICER AND ATTEMPTING TO WREST FIREARM FROM HIM

 

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Shawn Rivera and Edwin Rivera were arraigned on charges of first-degree assault and strangulation in an attack on an off-duty police officer after a traffic dispute near Queens Boulevard and 70th Street in Elmhurst.

District Attorney Katz said: “We will not allow our streets to devolve into the Wild West. The rule of law and the officers who enforce it must be respected. After clearly identifying himself as a police officer, this off-duty cop was attacked while trying to make an arrest and the charges reflect the seriousness of the assault against him.”

Shawn Rivera, 27, and Edwin Rivera, 32, both of 70th Street in Woodside, were charged with assault in the first degree, assault on a peace or police officer, two counts of attempted criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, three counts of assault in the second degree and strangulation in the second degree. Shawn Rivera was additionally charged with criminal mischief in the third degree. Judge Anthony Battisti ordered them to return to court September 5. If convicted, they each face up to 25 years in prison.

According to the charges:

• On August 30, at approximately 12:50 p.m., off-duty NYPD Officer Christopher Campos drove his car on 70th Street towards Queens Boulevard around a white Chrysler Pacifica that was partially parked on the sidewalk and partially blocking the street. As he drove by, the Pacifica accelerated toward his car, nearly hitting it.
• Campos continued driving along 70th Street, into the intersection with Queens Blvd., when he heard what sounded like something hit the rear of his car. Campos stopped and reversed his car in the intersection, in the direction of the Chrysler Pacifica to see what had happened.
• He then saw Shawn Rivera run toward his car. Shawn Rivera then punched the back window of the car, shattering the glass.
• Campos got out of his car and identified himself as a police officer while drawing his firearm. He gave multiple commands to Shawn Rivera to get on the ground so he could arrest him.
• While Campos was attempting to place Shawn Rivera under arrest, Edwin Rivera intervened and the brothers pushed the officer to the ground to prevent him from making the arrest. Edwin Rivera then put his arms around Campos’ neck and squeezed, causing the officer to fall to the ground.
• As Campos tried to stand up, the brothers grabbed him and pushed him, preventing him from getting up. Edwin Rivera tried to take Campos’ gun while Shawn Rivera put his arm around the officer’s neck and squeezed, causing Campos to see black and white, have trouble breathing and begin to lose consciousness.
• During the struggle, and while Edwin Rivera tried to take his gun, Campos fired one round, striking himself in the leg and also hitting Edwin Rivera’s hand.
• Campos was taken to Elmhurst Hospital where he underwent surgery to his knee.

Assistant District Attorney Eric Weinstein, of the District Attorney’s Career Criminal Major Crimes Bureau is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys Michael Whitney, Bureau Chief, and Roni C. Piplani, Deputy Chief, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney of Major Crimes Shawn Clark.

Kansas Owner of Construction Firms Pleads Guilty to Employment Tax Scheme

 

 Defendant Failed to Pay Over $2.2 Million

A Kansas woman pleaded guilty to willfully failing to account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Sheryl Clanton of Bucyrus, Kansas, owned and operated McCorkendale Construction Inc., a business specializing in the construction and maintenance of underground infrastructure. Clanton was President of McCorkendale from 2006 through 2011 and was responsible for filing quarterly employment tax returns and collecting and paying federal income and Social Security and Medicare taxes withheld from employees’ wages to the IRS. For the first quarter of 2010 through the last quarter of 2011, however, Clanton did not pay approximately $980,536 in employment taxes owed to the IRS.

In 2011, Clanton abandoned McCorkendale due to its outstanding tax obligations and a bank mortgage foreclosure, and started McClan Construction LLC. From the second quarter of 2012 through the fourth quarter of 2017, Clanton did not pay approximately $1.1 million in employment taxes or file quarterly payroll tax returns as required by law.

Clanton also operated a third underground construction business, NJ Trenching LLC, organized in late 2011. Between 2012 and 2015, Clanton did not report or pay nearly $100,000 of employment taxes owed to the IRS on behalf of NJ Trenching.

In total, Clanton caused a tax loss to the IRS exceeding $2.2 million.

Clanton is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 14, and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. She also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division made the announcement.

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.