Former New York City Department of Education CEO of School Support Services and Three Executives of SOMMA Food Group Convicted of Extortion Conspiracy and Bribery

 

 Today, a federal jury in Brooklyn returned guilty verdicts on all counts of a superseding indictment against Eric Goldstein, the former Chief Executive Officer of the New York City Department of Education’s (NYC DOE) Office of School Support Services, and Blaine Iler, Michael Turley and Brian Twomey, operators of a food services company, with conspiring to commit extortion under color of official right and solicitation and giving of bribes relating to programs receiving federal funds.  The verdict followed a 4-week, trial before Visiting U.S. Circuit Judge Denny Chin.  When sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Extortion, Hobbs Act Extortion, Conspiracy to Commit Federal Program Bribery, Federal Program Bribery, Conspiracy to Commit Honest Services Wire Fraud, and Honest Services Wire Fraud, the defendants each face up to 20 years in prison as well as forfeiture and restitution penalties.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict.

“The defendants’ criminal conduct is a textbook example of choosing greed over the needs of our schools and the well-being of our children.  Our children depended on nutritious meals served in schools and instead, got substandard food products containing pieces of plastic, metal, and bones, which is unacceptable,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Today’s verdict demonstrates the consequences of corruptly placing personal profit over the public interests.”

Mr. Peace expressed his thanks to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office, for their outstanding investigative work on the case.

As proven at trial and contained in court filings, between 2008 and September 2018, Goldstein oversaw the management, budget, and operations of several NYC DOE departments, including the Office of Food and Nutrition Services (SchoolFood), which was responsible for managing the overall food service operation for all New York City public schools.  In early 2015, Iler, Turley, and Twomey created a food services company called SOMMA Food Group (SOMMA), to provide food products to retail and food service markets, including to K-12 schools across the United States. SOMMA promoted and sold yogurt, hamburgers, and antibiotic-free chicken products marketed under the brand name Chickentopia.

At or about the same time SOMMA was founded, Goldstein, Iler, Turley, and Twomey co-founded Range Meats Supply Company (RMSCO), to purchase grass-fed beef products that SOMMA, in turn, would then promote and sell under the brand name Range Meats to retail markets and New York City schools. At the same time, Iler, Turley, and Twomey partnered with Goldstein in RMSCO, Iler, Turley and Twomey began to promote SOMMA’s products to SchoolFood officials and employees, all of whom reported to Goldstein in his role as OSS Chief Executive.  During a meeting with Iler in New York in July 2015, Goldstein told him, “I’m going to buy a lot of f---ing chicken from you guys, let’s do the beef.”

Between 2015 and December 2016, defendants Iler, Turley, and Twomey provided numerous benefits to Goldstein, including enticing Goldstein with potentially lucrative business opportunities and monetary payments to RMSCO for Goldstein’s benefit. In exchange, Goldstein used his influence as head of SchoolFood to help Iler, Turley, and Twomey in SOMMA’s business dealings before SchoolFood.  Goldstein helped ensure that SchoolFood accepted SOMMA’s products for purchase, expedited the approval process and resolved disagreements between SOMMA and SchoolFood officials in SOMMA’s favor. The defendants purposefully concealed Goldstein’s ownership interest in RMSCO from the NYC DOE while Goldstein was using his influence and public position at NYC DOE to benefit SOMMA.

In the fall of 2016, SchoolFood stopped serving SOMMA’s chicken tenders after a NYC DOE employee choked on a bone that had not been removed from a chicken tender supplied by SOMMA.  Goldstein, who had final approval as to whether and when the chicken tenders would be allowed back in schools, delayed approving the reintroduction of the tenders until Iler, Turley, and Twomey agreed to transfer SOMMA’s ownership interest in RMSCO to Goldstein as well as to transfer $66,670 to a bank account in RMSCO’s name that Goldstein had opened and controlled.  Following weeks of negotiations, on November 29, 2016, Iler, Turley and Twomey agreed to pay the bribe Goldstein was soliciting and one day later, on November 30, 2016, Goldstein approved reintroduction of SOMMA’s chicken products in schools.  The products were served in schools until April 2017 when, following repeated complaints from students and staff that the chicken tenders continued to contain foreign objects. SchoolFood decided to remove all of SOMMA’s food products from New York City public schools.

MAYOR ADAMS, CHANCELLOR BANKS, AND COMMISSIONER VASAN BRING MINDFUL BREATHING PRACTICES TO ALL NEW YORK CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

All New York City Public schools will soon be required to offer Mindful Breathing Practices Every School Day  

Announcement Will Make Department of Education Only Public School System Nationwide With Yoga Alliance-Approved School-Based Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher Training Curriculum

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan today announced that all New York City public schools — from pre-kindergarten through grade 12 — will soon be required to facilitate two-to-five minutes of mindful breathing practices in schools every day. Today’s announcement aims to increase physical and mental health, enhance social-emotional learning, and improve New York City public schools’ culture. As part of this initiative, the city has already begun a rollout of a citywide professional development program for educators in mindful breathing practices.  

 

Yoga and mindfulness integration into school communities addresses and supports significant social and emotional needs of the youngest New Yorkers. Studies show that mindful breathing practices support students’ ability to feel secure and receptive while learning — leaving positive impacts from the integration of these practices into the school experience. 

 

“We live in a time of toxic social media communities, constant news flashes, and unfiltered alerts, all leaving a toll on the mental health of our students. But, today, it is time for our students to calm their nervous systems down,” said Mayor Adams. “Mindful breathing can be done by anyone, anywhere, and anytime. We are proud to announce another promise delivered on from our State of the City speech earlier this year that will soon engage all students in mindful breathing practices. Mindful breathing is another way we are teaching our young people healthy habits that will last a lifetime.” 

  

“The mental wellbeing of our students is a top priority for New York City public schools. These are the future leaders of tomorrow, and it’s important that our young people have a robust tool belt of practices to guide them inside and outside the classroom,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “I’m thrilled that we’re enabling our educators to support our kids in this way, and I look forward to continuing to partner with our school leaders and partners across the city in furthering this essential work.”  

   

“We all have a responsibility to support the well-being of young people,” said DOHMH Commissioner Dr. Vasan. “Incorporating mindfulness into the school day — where they spend the majority of their time — will benefit our young people in their daily lives and for the future, teaching them healthy coping skills which will help them navigate the unpredictable journey of life. I’m proud to work with an administration dedicated to supporting mental health and wellbeing, especially of our children, and commend New York City public schools on this initiative.” 

“The guiding priority of school leaders is to ensure the well-being of their school communities, and the impacts of the pandemic have understandably led to an even greater focus on the mental and emotional health of students and staff,” said Henry Rubio, president, Council of School Supervisors and Administrators. “We commend Mayor Adams and his administration for highlighting the benefits of mindfulness and providing an opportunity for all students to participate in mindful breathing practices next school year. The city’s investment in professional development programs aimed at healthier habits can provide lifelong value for our children, and we look forward to collaborating on the implementation of this initiative.”

Today’s announcement follows through on another commitment Mayor Adams made in his State of the City address earlier this year, in an effort to ensure that young people have access to the tools they need to develop habits for good mental health and overall wellness throughout their lives.  

 

The DOE’s Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Program is the first Yoga Alliance-approved yoga and mindfulness program in a public school system nationwide. Yoga Alliance is the nation’s largest nonprofit association representing the yoga community. The Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Program is building the capacity of school staff to integrate yoga and mindfulness into DOE public schools to engage students, teachers, and staff. 

 

In March 2023, in partnership with the Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher Preparation Program, DOE began to roll out a professional development program to train educators and other school staff in the implementation of mindfulness breathing practices and tools that can be used in the classroom to support the social and emotional needs of students and the wellness of their entire school community. The professional development sessions are virtual and available to all staff.  Educators also have access to online resources to aid in facilitating these practices. In order to ensure schools are free to implement this work in the ways that best suit their school community, school leaders will be empowered to implement this initiative in individualized ways, but all New York City public schools will soon be required to offer all students mindful breathing practices in school every day.  

 

Bronx Man Sentenced To 20 Years In Prison For Enticement Of Multiple Minors To Engage In Illegal Sexual Activity

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL BARRETO was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla to 20 years in prison for repeatedly enticing minors to meet him for illegal sexual activity over the course of more than a decade and receipt of child pornography.  BARRETO previously pled guilty to three counts of enticement and three counts of receipt of child pornography. 

According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:

In 2008, BARRETO, age 19 or 20, had sex with one victim, age 14, and then told the victim to run away from home and lie about their relationship.  In 2017, BARRETO, age 29, met a second victim, age 13, at a store in the Bronx, New York.  BARRETO lied about his age and began an illegal sexual relationship with him.  Two years after meeting, BARRETO surreptitiously recorded illegal sexual activity between himself and the victim.  In 2018, BARRETO, age 30, exchanged sexual Facebook messages with a third victim, age 14, lied about his own age, and encouraged the victim to travel to BARRETO’s apartment in the Bronx.  This victim in fact traveled to BARRETO’s apartment, where BARRETO engaged in illegal sexual activity with him.  In 2018 and 2019, BARRETO exchanged sexual messages with three other victims, each age 14 or 15, lied about his age to each, and eventually received nude photographs constituting child pornography from the victims.

Apart from these victims, from approximately 2017 through 2019, BARRETO attempted to entice more than a dozen other minors using social media chat platforms.  In these chats, BARRETO frequently lied about his own age, sent flirtatious and sexual messages, and expressed an interest in meeting with the minor victims in person to engage in sexual activity.

In addition to the prison term, BARRETO, 34, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to 10 years of supervised release, ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution, and ordered to pay a $300 assessment pursuant to the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of New York City Police Department.  He also thanked the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, for its assistance.

Comptroller Audit Found that Only 3 People Secured Permanent Housing Out of 2,308 Caught in Mayor Adams’ Homeless Sweeps

 

Comptroller Lander proposes establishing “Housing First” program building on proven success for NYC veterans, Denver, and Philadelphia 

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander released an audit of NYC Department of Homeless Services (DHS)’s role in the Adams Administration’s sweeps of homeless encampment sites between March and November 2022. The audit found that the sweeps completely failed to meet their primary goal of connecting homeless individuals with services. Livestream of the announcement is available here.

During these sweeps, DHS outreach participated in the forcible removal of 2,308 people. The audits found that only 90 people stayed in shelter for more than one day. As of January 23, 2023, only 47 people remained in shelter, and only 3 people secured permanent housing.

The sweeps also largely failed to achieve their secondary goal of eliminating encampments. On April 12, 2023, the Comptroller’s auditors visited 99 identified locations where the task force swept in 2022 and found that people rebuilt some form of encampment at 31 sites.

“The evidence is clear: by every measure, the homeless sweeps failed,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

Rather than continue a failed policy, the Comptroller’s office proposes that New York City establish a large-scale “Housing First” program, an evidence-based practice that prioritizes providing permanent housing without first requiring individuals to enter shelter or graduate through a series of programs or services. To accompany the audit, Comptroller Lander published a policy review of “Housing First” policies around the country. The review found 70-90% of Housing First participants remain stably housed two-to-three years after receiving services, compared to 30-50% of participants in traditional “treatment first” programs and just 0.1% of those in the City’s homeless sweeps.

In addition to case studies from Denver and Philadelphia, the report looks at New York City’s own experience applying a Housing First model to veteran homelessness. The program combines federal housing choice vouchers with case management and support services, such as health care, mental health treatment, and job training. As a direct result, veteran homelessness declined 90% from 4,677 individuals in 2011 to 482 in 2022.

Lander continued, “A decade ago, the City of New York piloted Housing First policies to get homeless veterans into stable housing with remarkable success, reducing veteran homelessness to almost none. With a Housing First approach to street homelessness, combined with upholding the right-to-shelter, New York City could dramatically reduce street homelessness. The city that never sleeps should aspire to have no one sleep on the street.”

New York City recently began a small “Street-to-Housing” pilot, which draws on Housing First principles and seeks to connect up to 80 homeless single adults living on the street with supportive housing. The program, operated by Volunteers of America Greater New York, is a welcome departure from the sweeps: as of April 25, 58 people moved in and 23 of them signed a permanent lease.

Analysis from the Comptroller’s office demonstrates that on the daily cost of housing people in supportive housing is significantly less than traditional shelter settings, hospitalization, or incarceration. Housing an individual in supportive housing costs approximately $68 per day, lower than the approximate $136 per day for shelter, and far less than $1,414 per day in jail at a Rikers detention center, or $3,609 per day for hospitalization.

The report made the following recommendations:

1. End the counterproductive sweeps targeting homeless New Yorkers with involuntary removal. Instead, rely on trained professionals to conduct outreach, provide resources, and connect people to low-barrier housing options.
2. Invest in the expansion of single rooms in Safe Haven shelters and stabilization beds. The Adams Administration expanded the number of safe havens and stabilizations beds, low-barrier programs specifically tailored for individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness who may resist accepting or may not be best served by other services, including traditional shelter settings. These setting proved to be far more successful than traditional shelters at providing stability to individuals who were sleeping on the street.
3. Improve and Expand the City’s Housing First programs. Building on the models from Denver and Philadelphia, New York City’s own experience with homeless veterans, and the Street-to-Housing pilot, the City should establish a large-scale Housing First program that places individuals sleeping on the street into permanent housing with the support services they need. To make this possible, the City should set aside 10% of supportive housing units for Housing First participants, increase the production of supportive housing, and utilize the broader housing stock with appropriate subsidies and services.

“Mayor Adams needs to face the facts evidenced in this report: criminalizing homeless New Yorkers and sweeping unsheltered individuals out of sight is not only deeply inhumane, it is also demonstrably counterproductive.  The only solution to homelessness is housing, and the Housing First model is proven to work.  Until the Mayor fully embraces and adequately funds this model, countless New Yorkers will continue to be relegated to bedding down on our streets and in the transit system,” said Dave Giffen, Executive Director, Coalition for the Homeless. 

“The findings of this audit underscore that the Mayor’s homeless ‘sweeps’ are ineffective and inhumane, and we are proud to join the Comptroller in demanding that the City immediately cease these overly punitive and coercive operations. We must pivot to solutions that limit police presence such as existing homeless outreach teams and expanding safe haven shelters and Housing First programs,” said Joshua Goldfein, supervising attorney in the Homeless Rights Project at The Legal Aid Society.

“The administration’s de facto stance to tackling the ever-growing and worsening homelessness crisis is the rehashing of encampment sweeps and the sustainment of overt policies that criminalize street homelessness. They’ve continued policies and directives that systemically erase and criminalize street homelessness. Instead, we must provide tangible resources in our outreach practices and prioritize permanent and supportive housing placements, access to onsite quality care, and dignified living conditions free from threats of eviction,” said Marcus Moore, Homelessness Union Leader at VOCAL-NY and Picture the Homeless.  

Governor Hochul Cautions New Yorkers as Air Quality Health Advisory Expanded to Include Entire State

 

First-Time Use of Emergency Cell Phone Alerts Will Warn New Yorkers When Air Quality Index Exceeds 200 Threshold For ‘Very Unhealthy’ Air

Potential for Temporary Spikes in Air Quality Index Levels to Reach 'Very Unhealthy' or 'Hazardous’ Across the State This Week

Hundreds of Thousands of N95-Style Masks Available to the Public Statewide

Hospitals Should Remain on Alert for Influx of Emergency Department Visits from Patients Experiencing Respiratory Issues

Transit Authorities Across the State Are Utilizing Public Address Systems, Bus Headway Signs, Social Media, and Other Electronic Signage To Provide Air-Quality Related Safety Information Directly To Customers

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the air quality health advisory for today has expanded to include the entire state as smoke from Canadian wildfires continues to cause the Air Quality Index to reach unhealthy levels. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health updated the Air Quality Health Advisory issued for today, Wednesday, June 28, to include all of New York State. Air in Western New York, Central New York, and the Eastern Lake Ontario regions is forecast to be ‘Unhealthy’ for all New Yorkers. The forecast for the remainder of the state, including New York City and Long Island, is ‘Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups.’ The Governor also announced the first-time use of emergency cell phone alerts, which will be used to warn New Yorkers if air quality index exceeds the 200 threshold for ‘Very Unhealthy’ air and sustained for longer than an hour. The alerts will be transmitted via the Wireless Emergency Alert system, managed by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.

“With smoke from the Canadian wildfires once again impacting air quality throughout our state this week, we’re urging New Yorkers to remain vigilant,” Governor Hochul said. “We’re activating emergency cell phone alerts to ensure New Yorkers have the latest information and are continuing to coordinate with local counties to monitor conditions and distribute masks. I encourage all New Yorkers to stay informed about the latest updates and take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

Significant near-surface smoke impacts are not currently forecast to reach Eastern New York, including New York City and Long Island, until late afternoon. However, conditions are likely to deteriorate quickly once the smoke moves in. State Agencies continue to closely monitor air quality statewide as smoke is forecast to continue moving to the eastern portions of New York State on Thursday, June 29. While Air Quality Index levels are forecast to range from 'Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups' to 'Unhealthy' for all during this time, DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories and corresponding guidelines based on 24-hour forecasts and one-hour values may exceed forecast values in these regions. Visit dec.ny.gov for updated forecasts and information about air quality index levels.

At the Governor's direction, hundreds of thousands of high-quality N95-style masks have been made available to New Yorkers to address air quality impacts. In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Port Authority, and the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are distributing masks to commuters at major transit hubs and state parks. Additional masks are being made available to counties outside of New York City at State-run stockpiles for further distribution to the public.

>Masks are available at the following locations:

• Grand Central Terminal
• Penn Station
• Fulton Center
• Jamaica Station
• Main Concourse of the Port Authority Bus Terminal, South Wing
• Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
• Grand Concourse, Bronx
• Shirley Chisholm State Park
• Clay Pit Ponds State Park Preserve
• Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park
• Roberto Clemente State Park

Transit authorities across the state are utilizing public address systems, bus headway signs, social media and other electronic signage to provide air-quality related safety information directly to customers, including:

• Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• NassauTRANSIT
• Westchester County Bee-Line
• Broome County Transit
• Capital District Transportation Authority
• Central New York Regional Transportation Authority
• Rochester Genesee Regional Transportation Authority
• Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC expert meteorologists have updated the forecast for today as the plume progresses further east. We will continue to keep the public informed of the significant near surface smoke impacts expected statewide as conditions change.”

State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "With elevated air pollution levels now predicted across the state, the New York State Department of Health recommends New Yorkers remain aware of their local air quality and take necessary precautions, which may include limiting strenuous outdoor activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. People who are especially sensitive to elevated levels of pollutants, including the very young and those with pre-existing respiratory problems such as heart disease or asthma, should avoid spending time outdoors, if possible, in areas where the AQI is over 100. You can monitor the levels in your area with airnow.gov, or the weather app on your phone. If you must go outdoors in areas that have air that is unhealthy or worse, consider wearing an N95 mask. Those who experience symptoms, or have symptoms that worsen, should consider consulting their personal physician."

DEC and DOH issue Air Quality Health Advisories when ozone or fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. To subscribe for advisories delivered by email, please click here.

The New York State Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:

• When AQI is greater than 100 ('Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups'), New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attack) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older, and pregnant people.
• When AQI is greater than 150 ('Unhealthy'), all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors, especially pregnant individuals who may become short of breath more easily. In addition, some employees who are vulnerable should work indoors and camp directors should know their local AQI forecast and alert level and follow AQI guidance.
• When AQI is greater than 200 ('Very Unhealthy'), vulnerable groups should avoid all physical activity outdoors, and reschedule or move activities indoors. All others should avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
• When AQI is greater than 300 ('Hazardous'), all New Yorkers should avoid outdoor physical activities.
• For people who spend time outdoors, when air quality is unhealthy, wearing a well-fitting face mask is recommended. A N95 or KN95 will work best.

More information about New York State Air Quality forecast is available here. To check your location's current air quality, go to www.airnow.gov.

The Bronx Tourism Council - Here are the FAQ's for Tomorrow' s Fireworks Event

 

Please read our FAQ for 

tomorrow night's event - The 

Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza!

The Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza - FAQ

Q: Is the event free to the public?

A: Yes, the Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza is free for everyone to attend and enjoy.

Q: What happens if it rains?

A: Unfortunately, the event will be canceled and there is no rain date.

Q: How much does parking cost at the beach?

A: Parking at the beach is available for $10 per vehicle.

Q: Can I bring my own food to the event?

A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food to the event. Additionally, the Orchard Beach Concession stand will have food available for purchase.

Q: Are pets allowed at the event?

A: Yes, pets are allowed at the event. However, please ensure that your pets are supervised and well-behaved throughout the event.

Q: Should I bring my own chairs and blankets?

A: Yes, we encourage you to bring your own chairs and blankets for your comfort. It's a great idea to create a cozy spot to enjoy the music and fireworks.

Q: What should I bring for personal comfort and safety?

A: Don't forget to bring sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's rays. It's also a good idea to bring any personal items you may need, such as hats, sunglasses, and extra layers in case the weather changes.

Q: What can I expect at the Bronx Fireworks Extravaganza?

A: Get ready to have an amazing time! You can look forward to enjoying live cultural music performances from The Bronx Music Heritage Center, DJ Lex and an incredible fireworks display. The event promises to be a fun-filled evening for all attendees.

Please note that these FAQs provide general information, and for any specific inquiries or updates regarding the event, please email us at btc@boedc.org

MAYOR ADAMS EXTENDS CONTRACTS FOR 11 ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE SATELLITE SITES ACROSS NYC

 

Asylum Seeker Resource Satellite Sites Provide Asylum Seekers With Critical Services, Including Job Readiness Trainings, Counseling, and Case Management

 

Extension Ensures Asylum Seekers Will Continue to Access Services Across Five Boroughs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA) Commissioner Manuel Castro today announced an extension of 10 asylum seeker support center contracts and the addition of a new support center to serve recently arrived individuals and families seeking asylum. Originally opened last fall, these community-based organizations, located across the five boroughs, have been granted $2.3 million to build on the work of the city’s first Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center.

 

The selected organizations will provide individuals and families with in-person support services, including job readiness trainings, comprehensive case management, and immigrant rights workshops. These services will be available in Spanish, Wolof, Russian, and other languages.

 

“This unprecedented crisis requires each of us to step up and do our part. That is exactly what New York City has done,” said Mayor Adams. “Working with community-based organizations, we have provided asylum seekers with housing, food, and other vital services, ensuring that asylum seekers are treated with the dignity they deserve. Today’s announcement builds on those efforts, reaffirming our commitment to responsibly managing this crisis and making certain that asylum seekers get the care they need. As I have said since this crisis began, New York City cannot handle this issue alone — we need a national strategy to tackle this national problem.”

 

“The navigation network extension marks another step in providing for asylum seekers on their path to independence,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “Thank you to our partners in this effort, working with us every day to provide a range of supportive services designed to serve asylum seekers most effectively. Additionally, by extending the navigation network for another year, we are ensuring ongoing support will be available for what has proven to be a continuing need.”

 

“New York City set the example for the nation in establishing asylum seeker support locations in each of our five boroughs where newly arrived asylum seekers can receive services,” said MOIA Commissioner Castro. “Over 31,000 asylum seekers have been served throughout these locations, and I am proud that the city will continue to expand on that work through additional funding to our community partners.”

 

“We applaud Mayor Adams and the City of New York for welcoming the tens of thousands of migrant individuals and families who arrived in our city in the past year, seeking safety and opportunity,” said Monsignor Kevin Sullivan, executive director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. “Catholic Charities was happy to partner with New York City in coordinating and providing services at the navigation center, and we are pleased to continue services through coordinating community-based centers that build upon these initial services that Catholic Charities of New York has already provided to over 14,000 newly arrived individuals seeking help. We look forward to continuing this work alongside our partner organizations and the Adams administration to ensure that all those who have sought refuge in our city receive the care, resources, and opportunities they deserve.”

 

Selected organizations that are helping to provide asylum seekers with in-person support services include:

• Aid for Aids
• Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services in Brooklyn
• Catholic Charities Neighborhood Services in Queens
• Catholic Charities Staten Island
• Coalicion Mexicana
• International Child Program
• La Colmena
• Mercy Center
• Mixteca Organization
• New Immigrant Community Empowerment (NICE)
• Catholic Charities Community Services, Archdiocese of New York at St. Teresa’s
  

The Asylum Seeker Resource Navigation Center and its support centers have served more than 31,000 individuals since opening on September 15, 2022.

 

Turkish National Charged With Attack On Turkish Consulate In Manhattan

 

Recep Akbiyik Allegedly Shattered the Turkish Consulate Building’s Windows and Doors and Charged at Two of the Consulate’s Security Officers with a Metal Bar

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Carlos F. Matus, the Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (“DSS”), and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that a Complaint was unsealed today alleging that RECEP AKBIYIK used a metal bar to shatter the glass of 10 windows and two doors of the building housing the Turkish Consulate General in New York, New York (the “Turkish Consulate”).  When two of the Turkish Consulate’s security officers emerged from the building to investigate, AKBIYIK allegedly charged at the security officers with the metal bar and, as the security officers retreated into the building, repeatedly struck the building’s doors with the metal bar.  AKBIYIK was arrested this morning and will be presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave. 

DSS Director Carlos F. Matus said: “The Diplomatic Security Service is firmly committed to working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other law enforcement partners to investigate allegations of crime related to diplomatic facilities and personnel within the United States, and to bring those who commit these crimes to justice.  This was a great success by all of the agencies involved.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]

On May 22, 2023, at 3:15 a.m., AKBIYIK used a blue metal bar to shatter approximately 10 of the Turkish Consulate’s windows.  Below are photographs reflecting the damage done to the windows:

As AKBIYIK shattered the Turkish Consulate’s windows, two security officers who had been in the Turkish Consulate’s lobby stepped outside of the building.  AKBIYIK sprinted toward the security officers with the blue metal bar raised as if to strike them.  Below are stills from surveillance video showing AKBIYIK running toward the security officers:

    

As the Security Officers retreated into the Turkish Consulate, pulling its doors closed, AKBIYIK repeatedly struck the Turkish Consulate’s doors with the blue metal bar, breaking the doors’ glass panes.  Below is a photograph reflecting the damage done to the Turkish Consulate’s doors:

AKBIYIK fled, leaving behind a blue bag containing eight bricks and the blue metal bar, photographs of which are below:

In a post-arrest interview with NYPD officers, AKBIYIK admitted to the attack on the Turkish Consulate and stated that he had been planning the attack for weeks.

AKBIYIK, 29, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with damaging property occupied by a foreign government, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of DSS and the NYPD and thanked the U.S. Marshals Service and the New York County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin M. Burkett is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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