Man Charged With April 2018 Mount Vernon Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, John B. DeVito, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, New York Field Division (ATF), Frank A. Tarentino, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), and Glenn Scott, Commissioner of the Mount Vernon Police Department, announced the unsealing of a federal Indictment charging JAMES BAZEMORE, a/k/a “TJ,” with the broad daylight murder of Tasheen Williams on April 30, 2018 in Mount Vernon, New York.  The Indictment also charges JARED MUJAAHID, a/k/a “Jay,” with aiding and abetting assault with a deadly weapon by providing BAZEMORE with the gun BAZMORE used to commit the murder. The Indictment also charges BAZEMORE and MUJAAHID with racketeering conspiracy. BAZEMORE is detained pending trial on other federal charges brought by this Office and MUJAAHID is serving a sentence from a prior federal conviction in this District. The defendants will be brought to the federal courthouse in White Plains, New York to be presented before a United States Magistrate Judge.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “In April 2018, Tasheen Williams was shot dead in broad daylight just as a local school was letting out, the victim of senseless gang-related violence. As alleged in the Indictment, James Bazemore is responsible for that murder, and Jared Mujaahid gave him the murder weapon. Thanks to the work of our remarkable law enforcement partners, Bazemore and Mujaahid now stand charged in federal court for this terrible crime.”

ATF Special Agent-in-Charge John B. DeVito said:  “ATF’s top priority is investigating and apprehending those who commit firearms violence and those who provide  firearms for use in violent crimes. This indictment demonstrates the commitment of ATF and our great partners at DEA and the Mount Vernon Police Department to relentlessly pursue justice for victims of violent gun crime and hold those responsible accountable no matter how long it takes.”

DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Frank A. Tarentino said:  “This cold-blooded murder is another example of drug-related violence plaguing our cities. DEA’s priority is making our communities safer through investigations and arresting members of criminal organizations responsible for drug-related overdoses, drug trafficking, and violent crime. I thank the ATF and US Attorney's Office Southern District of New York for their partnership and diligent work on this investigation.”

MVPD Commissioner Glenn Scott said:  “This arrest again shows that Mount Vernon continues to benefit from the partnership the MVPD has formed with its Federal Law Enforcement partners. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, NY Field Office has shown how dedicated they are to assisting the MVPD with closing violent crime investigations. Mount Vernon Police has had Detectives assigned as Task Force Officers with the ATF for several years and this is just one of the many violent crimes that has been solved as a result of the hard work of the Detectives and the Special Agents from ATF.  In cases of this magnitude the MVPD always strives to bring justice to the families effected by violence and we will utilize any and all resources and partnerships that we can do achieve that goal.” 

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1]:

BAZEMORE and MUJAAHID were members or associates of a racketeering enterprise known as Big Paper. In order to fund the enterprise, protect and expand its interests, and promote its standing, members and associates of Big Paper committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence against rivals, including murder and assault; conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute narcotics; and obtained, possessed and used firearms, including by brandishing and discharging them.

On or about April 30, 2018, BAZEMORE acquired a gun from MUJAAHID, and then BAZEMORE stalked and shot Tasheen Williams dead in Mount Vernon, New York.

BAZEMORE is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of life in prison; and one count of murder through use of a firearm, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison.

MUJAAHID is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, one count of aiding and abetting assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of twenty years in prison; and one count of aiding and abetting the discharge of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, which carries a statutory maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration, and thanked the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office and the Mount Vernon Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.

[1] As the introductory phase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE'S STATEMENT ON THE EXPANSION OF DYSLEXIA SCREENING AND SERVICES

"As a student, I struggled with Tourette Syndrome, which is very visible, and ADHD, which like dyslexia is not – both undiagnosed until high school. Once I could put a name to it, and develop a learning plan, it immensely improved my educational outlook.

"Early screening of all students for risk of dyslexia, and providing targeted resources and focus for those who need it, will help our schools meet the individual educational needs of each student, and each student reach their full potential. This effort will improve educational opportunity, and in a way that will promote educational equity.

"Many adults also struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia, disproportionately in our criminal legal system, and I urge the City Council to pass my legislation instituting screenings in our jails. By screening and servicing affected people, we can provide better support for incarcerated New Yorkers and help prevent them from re-entering the criminal legal system in the future. This would help correct an educational services gap that should have been addressed long ago, and one that today’s announcement is a major step toward closing in the future. 

"Dyslexia is under-discussed, and likely under-diagnosed, in our city, but with today’s announcement we can help to make sure New Yorkers struggling with it have access to the services they need to succeed."

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION TO FORM TWO NEW BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS AND PROMOTE SALARY TRANSPARENCY IN NEW YORK CITY

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed legislation to establish two new Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) in the Bronx’s Castle Hill and Manhattan’s West Village. The bill signing will help accelerate the incorporation of these two BIDs, so that they will be fully functional by the beginning of Fiscal Year 2023. The creation of these new BIDs — along with today’s release of comprehensive guides for forming and expanding BIDs and Merchant Associations — deliver on Mayor Adams’ commitment to strengthen business supports in small and underserved commercial corridors, particularly in low-to-moderate-income (LMI) communities, as outlined in his “Renew, Rebuild, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery.”

 

Mayor Adams also signed legislation amending Local Law 32 of 2022, which requires certain employers in New York City to post a salary range with all job postings. The legislation amends provisions of the salary transparency law and moves the effective date to November 1^st of this year.

 

“Small businesses are the backbone of New York City’s economy, and ensuring they have the resources they need is critical to an equitable recovery,” said Mayor Adams. “The bills we are signing today underscore our commitment to delivering for underserved communities, while promoting greater transparency for employees throughout the city.”

 

The health of the city’s small businesses is essential to the vitality of local neighborhoods and represents the foundation of the city’s economy. BIDs represent specific geographical areas where local stakeholders oversee and fund the maintenance, improvement, and promotion of their commercial districts, and are overseen by the New York City Department of Small Business Services (SBS).

 

The creation of new BIDs in the Bronx and lower Manhattan will help local businesses bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and are the result of years of grassroots organizing. Steering committees — representing property owners, business owners, and residents — came together to identify the needs of their neighborhoods and envision how a BID could improve the conditions and economic activity of Castle Hill and the West Village.

 

Intro. 47 establishes the Castle Hill Business Improvement District in the Bronx. The new BID will serve Castle Hill Avenue from Manning Street to the Cross Bronx Expressway, and Westchester Avenue from Olmstead Avenue to just east of Glebe Avenue. The Castle Hill BID will have a first-year budget of $300,000, funded by a special assessment billed to property owners in the district, to provide supplemental sanitation, marketing, promotion, holiday lighting, economic development, and administration.

 

Intro. 73 establishes the West Village Business Improvement District in Manhattan. The new BID will serve 7^th Avenue South from Leroy Street to Perry Street, Bleecker Street from 6^th Avenue to Charles Street, Christopher Street from Hudson Street to Greenwich Street, and various blocks nearby. The West Village BID will fund sanitation, beautification, security/public safety, community engagement, economic development, advocacy, and administration. The first-year budget will be $594,906, also drawn from special assessments.

 

Intro. 134 amends Local Law 32 of 2022, New York City’s salary disclosure law, to provide that the law applies to employees who are paid hourly or through an annual salary. As amended by Intro 134, the salary disclosure law would not allow a person to sue their employer unless such person is a current employee who is suing the employer for advertising a job, promotion, or transfer without posting a minimum and maximum hourly wage or annual salary. It also provides that the penalty for the first violation of this law would be $0, and employers will have 30 days to correct the violation. This bill also moves the effective date of Local Law 32 to November 1, 2022.

 

“Our Business Improvement Districts are essential partners in supporting our small businesses, helping our economy rebound, and keeping our commercial corridors and public spaces active and vibrant,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “Launching two new BIDs will help accelerate our economic recovery and underline our commitment to businesses and residents in every neighborhood of every borough.”

 

“Creating new BIDs are a critical component of jump-starting our economy, and SBS is committed to fulfilling the mayor’s mission by continuing to support their creation across the city,” said SBS Commissioner Kevin D. Kim. “These new BIDs in the Bronx and Manhattan will help local businesses to recover, and boost quality of life for residents.”

 

“Intro 134 marks an important step toward leveling the playing field for New Yorkers who have been harmed by wage disparities — often women and people of color,” said New York City Commission on Human Rights Commissioner and Chair Annabel Palma. “The commission is committed to eliminating barriers to equity, to strengthen human rights in the workplace for all New Yorkers.”

 

“We are excited to work together with the new Castle Hill BID and SBS to ensure local merchants and residents get the investments and additional services we need for this community to thrive,” said William Rivera, district manager, Bronx Community Board 9.

 

“I want to thank everyone for their time and consideration in supporting the Castle Hill BID development,” said Tony DeRosa, steering committee member, Castle Hill BID. “The steering committee and I firmly support and believe with the formation of this BID, Castle Hill Avenue will develop into a cleaner, safer, and prosperous area for all involved.”

 

“We look forward to supporting the West Village community and delivering the supplemental services that our neighborhood needs in order to thrive,” said Brooke Schooley, chair, West Village BID Steering Committee. “We are so grateful to all who volunteered their time to make this happen.”

 

New Instructional Guides to Help Form Merchants Associations and BIDs 

 

Today, SBS is releasing two instructional guides to help communities form nonprofit organizations and serve their commercial districts. The two guides provide an overview of establishing a merchants association or a Business Improvement District (BID).  

 

The Comprehensive Guide to Starting a Merchants Association outlines the step-by-step process of organizing merchants in a commercial corridor and creating a merchants association to provide services and advocate on behalf of local business owners. Merchants associations can provide commercial corridors with a stronger voice, greater resources, a stronger community, and improved quality of life. 

 

The Comprehensive Guide to BID Formation and Expansion explains the multi-year process to form a new BID or expand an existing BID. The guide provides detailed instructions and advice for local stakeholders to progress through the planning, outreach, legislation, and start-up phases of BID formation. Forming a BID can take a long time and involves the hard work of property owners, businesses, and other local stakeholders.   

Attorney General James Sues Bus Companies for Polluting in New York City Communities

 

Jofaz Transportation, Inc., 3rd Avenue Transit, Inc., and Y&M Transit Corp., Inc. Violated City and State Idling Limits Leading to Widespread Air Pollution in Communities of Color

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced a lawsuit against three New York City bus companies for causing significant air pollution in communities of color by violating city and state bus idling laws. Buses owned and operated by Jofaz Transportation, Inc., 3rd Avenue Transit, Inc., and Y&M Transit Corp., Inc. repeatedly and unlawfully idled at schools, bus yards, and other locations predominantly in low-income and communities of color throughout the five boroughs, polluting the air and endangering the health of New Yorkers. Attorney General James’ suit seeks monetary relief and a court order to ensure the companies’ full compliance with city and state idling laws. 

“These school bus companies have a responsibility to follow the laws that help protect the health and the safety of our communities and the environment,” said Attorney General James. “Too often, we see companies emit these dangerous pollutants in low-income communities or communities of color without consequence. In this case, it’s our Black and brown children who are suffering the impacts and experiencing record-high levels of asthma as a result. We must confront and eliminate environmental injustice in all of its forms, and I will continue to hold companies accountable for taking advantage of vulnerable communities.” 

Jofaz Transportation, Inc., 3rd Avenue Transit, Inc., and Y&M Transit Corp., Inc. are three school bus companies that are owned and operated by Joseph Fazzia and his family, and collectively operate 614 buses and three Brooklyn bus yards. The lawsuit, filed in Kings County Supreme Court, alleges that from September 2019 to present day, the companies constantly violated New York state law, which prohibits idling for more than five minutes with certain exceptions, and New York City law, which prohibits idling for more than three minutes — and no more than one minute at schools — with certain exceptions.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) previously reached an agreement with Jofaz and 3rd Avenue Transit for violating city and state idling laws, requiring the companies to comply with the laws and train all staff on anti-idling policies. However, using data provided by Geotab, the fleet management system that the Department of Education (DOE) installed on the buses, OAG discovered that the companies continued their substantial, widespread, and persistent exceedances of idling limits at bus yards, near schools, public housing, and other locations across the city, as recently as April of this year.

For example, OAG found that between September 4, 2019 and December 31, 2019, a Jofaz school bus idled for at least 10 minutes at a bus yard in Red Hook, Brooklyn on 82 different occasions on 42 different days, indicating that the bus often idled multiple times a day at the yard. The bus yard is in close proximity to the Red Hook Houses, which is the largest public housing development in Brooklyn with more than 6,000 residents.

The OAG also found that during that same time period, 30 different Jofaz school buses idled near P.S. K140 in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn for at least 10 minutes each, for a total of 285 different times over 65 days. More than 90 percent of the students at P.S. K140 are Black or Latino. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the neighborhood surrounding P.S. K140 is in the 92nd percentile in the country for levels of diesel particulate matter and has childhood asthma rates in the 70th to 80th percentile.

In her lawsuit, Attorney General James is seeking monetary penalties and a court order requiring the companies to ensure that their drivers are complying with the laws and educating and training employees on idling laws and the health and environmental impacts of diesel pollution.

Tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks, and buses are one of the leading sources of air pollution in New York state due to the release of smog-forming pollutants, soot, toxins, and greenhouse gases. Idling is a significant — and usually unnecessary — source of these emissions, with an estimated 130,000 tons of carbon dioxide emitted in New York City each year. New York City suffers roughly 1,400 premature deaths every year — the highest death toll in the Northeast — and pays billions in health costs due to significant pollution from hundreds of thousands of vehicles that operate in the city.

Pollutants found in tailpipe emissions have been linked to numerous serious health issues including asthma, cancer, heart disease, and other serious health impacts, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory ailments. The vast majority of the health impacts of soot and air pollution exposure are felt in low-income communities and communities of color in New York City. These communities have the highest truck and traffic volume and have industrial facilities, such as bus yards, located in close proximity to residential areas. The children in the high poverty areas of Central Brooklyn, the South Bronx, and Northern Manhattan are three times more likely than children in other areas of the city to be diagnosed with asthma.   

Today’s lawsuit continues Attorney General James’ aggressive approach to taking on companies that unlawfully pollute the air, especially in communities of color. Recently, Attorney General James reached an agreement with Reliant Transportation, the now-defunct owner and operator of 838 school buses, following an investigation that revealed the company's unlawful idling practices. The agreement required Reliant to pay a $59,500 penalty. Reliant is no longer in operation, and if the company is ever reestablished in New York City, they must enact a strict compliance program that includes extensive driver training, the adoption of a strict company anti-idling policy, the installation of automatic shut-off technology on all buses operating in the city, and the monitoring of driver compliance with idling laws.   

“Environmental negligence can’t be the cost of doing business, and I’m glad the attorney general is holding polluting bus companies accountable with real penalties,” said New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “Additionally, this action is a key long-term commitment to improving environmental outcomes and removing health disparities in the low-income communities and communities of more color that have borne the brunt of the harm caused by environmental irresponsibility. In each of these initiatives, Attorney General James and her office are using the legal tools at their disposal to protect New Yorkers and promote environmental justice.”

“The attorney general's action sends a strong message to all potential offenders: Poisoning our air by idling will no longer be tolerated,” said Marco A. Carrión, executive director, El Puente. “Our communities have suffered for too long from ailments caused by high levels of pollutants, along with unenforced and often ineffective laws. We are grateful that Attorney General James is holding these bad actors accountable and providing justice for our communities.”

Governor Hochul Announces Resources for New York Families Amid Infant Formula Shortages

 

New York State Department of Health Continues to Support the Distribution of Formula, Diapers, and Infant Supplies, Including for New York State WIC Participants, and is Actively Monitoring Ongoing Shortages

New Yorkers Should Visit New York State Women, Infants And Children Office or Prescreen with the Office's Chatbot to Verify Infant Eligibility for WIC Benefits

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced resources for New York families amid nationwide infant formula shortages. On February 17, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use certain powdered infant formula products from Abbott Nutrition's Sturgis, Michigan facility, and Abbott initiated a voluntary recall of certain products. Since that time, the Food and Drug Administration has been working with Abbott and other manufacturers to bring safe products to the U.S. market and to increase the availability of infant and specialty formula products. 

"In close coordination with our federal partners, New York State will continue to do everything possible to support New York families in need of formula for their infants," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to ensuring every newborn and child has access to the nutritional support they need to stay healthy. I urge every parent and guardian to take advantage of these resources and keep up to date with important information to take care of their families." 

Throughout the pandemic, the Department of Health has continued to support the distribution of diapers, formula, and other infant supplies through its home visiting program and partnership networks. Through management of the New York State WIC Program, the New York State Department of Health continues to monitor supply chain disruptions that may be impacting its participants.

In light of the recent formula supply issues, the Department has increased communication with formula manufacturers to monitor the production of can sizes, supply, and shipments. The New York State WIC Program has been able to help participants obtain the formulas needed through alternate stores with the formulas in stock and coordinate with manufacturers to get formula to participants when they cannot find it locally. New York WIC participants should contact their local agency for assistance locating products when needed. 

Through Wanda, the Department's chatbot, New Yorkers can receive direct, accessible online navigation support through a "personal WIC assistant" and see if their infant is eligible for WIC benefits.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Reports of infant formula supply shortages are concerning, and we urge New York families to follow the Department's recommendations as we continue to monitor the situation in New York. New York families should work with their infant's medical provider if a new formula suggestion is needed to meet their infant's needs, and all New Yorkers should visit their local New York State Women, Infants and Children Office or prescreen with Wanda, the Department's chatbot, to see if their infant is eligible for WIC benefits. The Department remains committed to ensuring families have the nutritional support and resources needed to best care for our youngest New Yorkers."

In an effort to meet current demand, many stores are limiting the amount of formula customers can purchase at one time. It is important that families don't hoard formula, which will further impact the supply chain and other families in their community. For families struggling to find the formula they need for their baby, the Department recommends the following:

• Call your OBGYN or the infant's medical provider to see if they have in office samples or can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores that is nutritionally similar to meet the infant's needs. 
• Switch to another brand or type that's available, if recommended by the infant's medical provider.
• Contact a local New York State Women, Infants and Children Office or prescreen with Wanda, the Department's chatbot, to see if the infant is eligible for WIC benefits.
• Families with WIC should check the New York State Women, Infants and Children vendor site to find a list of WIC approved vendors who may have formula in stock.
• Visit smaller stores and drugstores that carry formula. You may want to call first to see if they have formula in stock.
• Look online for options available but be sure to only order from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies. Don't buy formula online from people you don't know on social media sites, online auctions, or overseas.
• Check the lot code on the formula that you already have to make sure it wasn't recalled. Don't throw away formula that wasn't part of the recall, unless it is expired.
• Be sure to follow the formula manufacturer's preparation and storage instructions.
• Don't use toddler formula to feed infants.
• Don't water down formula or try to make infant formula at home.
• Expectant individuals are encouraged to consult with a provider about breastfeeding their infant. The New York State WIC program also provides breastfeeding support and resources to new families. Families feeding a baby with human milk from a source other than the baby's mother should only use milk from a source that has screened its milk donors and taken other precautions to ensure the safety of its milk.

The Department shares the FDA's recommendation that families should not make formulas at home and encourages caregivers to work with their child's health care provider for recommendations on changing feeding practices, if needed. 

As New York families seek alternate sources for formula, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has issued an alert reminding parents to be aware of online scams and unscrupulous vendors who may try to take advantage of the situation.

The Department of Health will continue to monitor the situation and communicate openly with New York families. For more information, support, and WIC eligibility, visit New York State Women, Infants and Children Office or prescreen with Wanda.

Caregivers can also read the latest from the FDA here.

CEO Of Cryptocurrency And Forex Trading Platform Charged With Fraudulent Scheme Involving Over $59 Million

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, announced today the unsealing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging EDDY ALEXANDRE, the leader of a purported cryptocurrency and forex trading platform called EminiFX, with commodities fraud and wire fraud offenses.  As alleged, ALEXANDRE solicited more than $59 million in investments from hundreds of individual investors after making false representations in connection with the EminiFX trading platform.  ALEXANDRE was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before Magistrate Judge Katharine H. Parker in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Eddy Alexandre allegedly induced his clients to invest over $59 million with promises of huge passive income returns via his own proprietary trading platform called EminiFx. In reality, no such technology existed, as Alexandre is alleged to have invested very little of their money – most of which he lost – and transferred most of it to his own personal accounts to pay for luxury items for himself.  As in any of the financial markets, the foreign exchanges offer high return potential, but investors should beware of the downside risks of false claims and get rich quick schemes that oftentimes are too good to be true.” 

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said:  “As alleged, Mr. Alexandre solicited millions of dollars from unwitting investors to whom he ‘guaranteed’ weekly returns of 5% through his trading platform using a new technology he refused to disclose.  As with many greedy actors who have preceded him, he then used significant portions of the investor funds he solicited to buy expensive luxuries for himself.  Today's action again demonstrates the FBI's commitment to pursuing fraudsters like Mr. Alexandre and guaranteeing they face the consequences of their actions in the federal criminal justice system.”

As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

From in or about September 2021, up to and including in or about May 2022, ALEXANDRE, operated EminiFX, Inc. (“EminiFX”), a purported investment platform that ALEXANDRE founded, and for which he solicited more than $59 million in investments from hundreds of individual investors. ALEXANDRE marketed EminiFX as an investment platform through which investors would earn passive income through automated investments in cryptocurrency and foreign exchange (“FOREX”) trading. ALEXANDRE offered his investors “guaranteed” high investment returns using new technology that he claimed was secret. Specifically, ALEXANDRE falsely represented to investors that they would double their money within five months of investing by earning a 5% weekly return on their investment using a “Robo-Advisor Assisted account” to conduct trading. ALEXANDRE referred to this technology as his “trade secret” and refused to tell investors what the technology was. Each week EminiFX’s website falsely represented to investors that they had earned at least 5% on their investment, which they could withdraw or re-invest.

In truth and in fact, and as ALEXANDRE well knew, EminiFX did not earn 5% weekly returns for its investors. ALEXANDRE did not even invest the vast majority of investor funds entrusted to him, and ALEXANDRE sustained over $6 million in losses on the limited portion of funds that he did invest, which he did not disclose to his investors. Instead of using investors’ funds as he had promised, ALEXANDRE misdirected at least approximately $14,700,000 to his personal bank account and failed to invest the vast majority of the investors’ funds. For example, ALEXANDRE used $155,000 in investor funds to purchase a BMW car for himself and spent an additional $13,000 of investor funds on car payments, including to Mercedes Benz. 

ALEXANDRE, 50, of Valley Stream, New York, is charged with one count of commodities fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and also thanked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission for its assistance.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint, and the description of the Complaint set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON ONE MILLION AMERICAN LIVES LOST TO COVID-19

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement marking the milestone of 1 million American lives lost due to COVID-19:

  

 “The unfathomable loss and trauma from COVID-19 is felt in the absences in our homes, in our workplaces, in our communities, and in every other part of our lives. This is a sobering moment for reflection, and I join the millions of New Yorkers mourning these incalculable losses. As we mark the tragic milestone of 1 million lives lost nationwide — more than 40,000 of which are in New York City alone — it is also an appropriate moment to recommit ourselves to preventing any more death from this virus, as we do our best to continue on with our lives and the city’s recovery. We have lost too much. We have come too far. And we have too many tools now available to us to give this virus an opportunity to take anything more from New Yorkers. I implore all New Yorkers to get vaccinated, to get boosted, and to continue to wear masks in public indoor settings. Together, we will remember and honor the people we have lost draw strength from one another as we move this city and this country forward.”  

As a mark of respect for the memory of the 1 million American lives lost to COVID-19 and their loved ones left behind, Mayor Adams has ordered flags at City Hall and at all other city buildings throughout the five boroughs to be lowered to half-staff. Flags will resume full staff position at sunset on May 16, 2022.  

Dinowitz Digest: NY Health Act, Voluntary Intoxication, Test Kit Giveaway, & More

 

• GET VACCINATED AND BOOSTED! •

What's Happening in the 81st Assembly District?

New York Health Act Gets One Step Closer NEW: Pop-Up COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit Giveaway on 5/12 Voluntary Intoxication Bill Reported From Committee ERAP Program Begins Sending Money Again After Budget Passes Reminder for REAL ID Requirement Local Update: Accessible Pedestrian Signals Arrive in Bronx Neighborhoods Albany Update: Rallying to Reign in Power of Massive Conglomerates Poll of the Week: Accessible Pedestrian Signals REMINDER: Shred Day in Kingsbridge on May 15 and Norwood on May 21 REMINDER: Nourish Food Event in Van Cortlandt Village on May 13 and Wakefield on May 17 REMINDER: MetroCard Van Services in Woodlawn and Central Riverdale Next on Tuesday, May 31 Updates from Government & Community Partners

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New York Health Act Gets One Step Closer

This week, I am proud to share that the New York Health Act has moved one step closer to becoming law in New York. As you may or may not be aware, this is the bill which would create a system of universal healthcare in New York State. This week, the bill was reported from the Codes Committee (which I Chair). It passed along party lines, and now proceeds to the Assembly Ways & Means Committee which deals with any legislation that has a fiscal component to it. I am a member of this committee, and I will absolutely be voting yes on this legislation again. The bill also needs to move in the State Senate, where it seems to be stuck in the Health Committee, which is chaired by the bill's lead sponsor. I know that there have been a number of labor unions (as well as industry trade groups) which have expressed concerns about this legislation. I do believe that the New York Health Act sufficiently addresses any concerns about how it would impact previously negotiated benefits that were produced by collective bargaining efforts and may have been won at the expense of salary or wage increases. The New York Health Act has language which would ensure that employers continue to pay for the significant majority of health insurance for all New Yorkers, as well as includes a formula for recuperating the cost equivalent of health benefits for collectively bargained contracts. I will continue to fight for this legislation in the Assembly, and I remain hopeful that it becomes law soon.

NEW: Pop-Up COVID-19 At-Home Test Kit Giveaway on 5/12

My office will be hosting a pop-up at-home COVID-19 test kit giveaway tomorrow (Wednesday, May 12). The giveaway is co-hosted by Council Member Eric Dinowitz and Congressman Adriano Espaillat. WHEN: Wednesday, May 12 from 11:30am to 12:30pm* WHERE: My District Office (3107 Kingsbridge Avenue) *while supplies last Please contact my office with any questions or concerns.

Voluntary Intoxication Bill Reported From Committee

I am very pleased to share that one of my priority bills has moved closer to passage as well. This legislation seeks to remove the ability for someone accused of sexual assault to raise the voluntary intoxication of the victim in their defense at a criminal trial. This week, that legislation was successfully reported from the Codes Committee — where it had previously encountered some concerns from other members of the committee. Along with some of the advocates for this bill, I have spent a significant amount of time and energy speaking with my colleagues on the committee to build support for this important legislation. This legislation is fundamentally needed because prosecutors do not always pursue charges that may be merited out of fear for what the defense will argue. It can also be a deterrent for survivors of sexual assault to come forward if they think their sobriety during the assault will come into question at trial. However, I want to be crystal clear that under the current law — prosecutors can still bring these charges, even if the victim voluntarily ingested drugs or alcohol. Juries and/or judges can still convict a defendant, even if they raise voluntary intoxication as a defense. This being said, I believe that it is reprehensible for a defendant to even raise the idea that voluntary intoxication is at all a factor in whether or not somebody was sexually assaulted as described in state law. That is why we need to prohibit the use of this defense.

ERAP Program Begins Sending Money Again After Budget Passes

As you may recall, our recently passed state budget included additional funds to support the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. This means that the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will be processing eligible ERAP applications submitted through March 31, 2022. Currently, applications submitted through December 31, 2022 are under active review and processing. In coming months, they will also process applications submitted between January 1 and March 31, 2022. For more information, please see the OTDA website here: https://otda.ny.gov/programs/emergency-rental-assistance/ Please contact my office with any questions or concerns about your ERAP application at 718-796-5345 or DinowitzJ@nyassembly.gov.

Reminder for REAL ID Requirement

As a reminder, the REAL ID requirement will be going into effect on May 3, 2023. That means you have less than one year left to upgrade your state ID to one that meets federal identification standards. You may recall that this deadline was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This ID standard will be required for any federal usage, including air travel and entering a military base or facility. You can convert your current ID to a REAL ID at the New York State DMV. I highly encourage anyone who is planning to go to the DMV to first make an reservation in order to minimize wait time. Once your documents are submitted, it should take approximately two weeks for the new ID to arrive. For more information, please see the DMV website here: https://dmv.ny.gov/get-enhanced-or-real-id

Local Update: Accessible Pedestrian Signals Arrive in Neighborhood

You may have noticed a certain beeping noise in your neighborhood, especially late at night when it is quieter outside. This beeping is for new Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS), which are designed to help people with limited or no vision safely cross the street. The beeping is called a locator tone, and it is important so that people with vision impairments are able to locate the APS device. While I strongly support the installation of these accessible signals, I understand that the noise may be bothersome to some of you. There are guideline standards for how loud the tone should be above ambient noise, and I have already asked the Department of Transportation to look into whether the devices are calibrated correctly at the intersections of West 235th Street and Independence Avenue as well as West 239th Street and Independence Avenue. If you have additional locations where you believe the audio calibration may be incorrect, please let my office know at DinowitzJ@nyassembly.gov.

Albany Update: Rallying to Reign in Power of Massive Conglomerates

This week, I proudly attended two rallies to reign in the power of massive conglomerates. The first rally was in support of my legislation, the 21st Century Anti-Trust Act. This legislation would update our state's anti-trust laws for the first time in more than a century. The rally was organized by ALIGN NY and we were proudly joined by labor unions such as RWDSU and Teamsters. The second rally was in support of the HEAL Act, which would update our state law to require health insurance companies and providers to guarantee equitable services and costs throughout an entire health system. For example, a health system that operates multiple locations may currently have different price points or service offerings at each individual location. This rally was joined by 32BJ as well as other labor unions, as well as many of my colleagues.

Poll of the Week: Accessible Pedestrian Signals

The poll last time asked "Do you support the right to choose whether or not to have an abortion?" We had over 150 responses, and the results are below: Yes, at any point and for any reason: 70% Yes, but only before a certain point in the pregnancy: 22% Sort of, only in cases of rape, incest, or medical necessity: 6% No, not at any time: 3% Undecided or No Opinion: 0%

This week's poll is about whether you have noticed the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals in our community. These are identifiable by a regularly occurring locator tone, which helps people with vision impairments know where the crossing signal is located.

Have you noticed the installation of new Accessible Pedestrian Signals in our community? Yes. Select No. Select Unsure. Select

REMINDER: Shred Day in Kingsbridge on May 15 and Norwood on May 21

I am pleased to share that we will be bringing back free on-site paper shredding services to our community this spring. These events are self-service. Please mark the following dates in your calendars if you are interested: KINGSBRIDGE When: Sunday, May 15, 2022 from 10am to 1pm Where: My District Office (3107 Kingsbridge Avenue) Shareable flyer available here NORWOOD When: Saturday, May 21, 2022 from 10am to 1pm Where: Mosholu Montefiore Community Center (East Gun Hill Road side, 3450 Dekalb Avenue) WAKEFIELD When: Saturday, June 4, 2022 from 10am to 1pm Where: To Be Announced RIVERDALE When: Sunday, June 12, 2022 from 10am to 1pm Where: To Be Announced (Johnson Avenue and West 235th Street vicinity) We kindly ask that you keep the following guidelines in mind for our shredding events: • Please be prepared to handle your own items to place them into the bins for shredding. • Please remove any items that should not be shredded prior to your arrival at the shredding truck (ex: batteries, electronics, plastics, metals - paperclips, staples, binder clips are okay). • If you have more than three bags/boxes of material to shred, please be mindful of those waiting behind you and get back in line to shred any remaining items. Stay tuned for more details about where the shredding events in Norwood, Wakefield, and Riverdale will be located.

REMINDER: Nourish Food Event in Van Cortlandt Village on May 13 and Wakefield on May 17

My office will once again be co-hosting a set of NOURISH supplemental food nutrition programs in our community. This program can help older adults (60+) who earn less than $1,396 per month and less than $16,744 per year receive free food packages every month. The information for those events is below: VAN CORTLANDT VILLAGE When: Friday, May 13 from 9a-12p Where: Amalgamated Housing Cooperatiive, 74 Van Cortlandt Park S (entrance on corner of Hillman Ave and Van Cortlandt Park S) Shareable flyer here. WAKEFIELD When: Tuesday, May 17 from 9a-12p Where: Liberty Fellowship Deliverance Ministries, 4331 White Plains Road Shareable flyer here. These events are co-hosted by NY Common Pantry and Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and the Van Cortlandt Village event is also co-hosted by Amalgamated Housing Cooperative. Please contact NY Common Pantry at 917-982-2562 or Council Member Eric Dinowitz at 718-549-7300 with any questions.

REMINDER: MetroCard Van Services in Woodlawn and Central Riverdale Next on Tuesday, May 31