Defendant Sentenced To Over 19 Years In Prison For Participating In 11 Armed Robberies Of Luxury Watches

Victor Rivera Shot a Victim and Committed 11 Robberies and Attempted Robberies of Luxury Watch Dealers and Owners in New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VICTOR RIVERA was sentenced yesterday to 235 months in prison in connection with his participation in a robbery crew that targeted owners of luxury watches worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each between October 2019 and November 2020.  On January 19, 2022, RIVERA pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery.  U.S. District Judge Alvin K. Hellerstein imposed this sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Victor Rivera committed nearly a dozen robberies of unarmed and defenseless victims, stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars of jewelry in the process.  During one of these robberies, he shot the victim in front of the victim’s own home.  This lengthy sentence holds Rivera accountable for these terrifying acts of violence.”

According to the Indictment, court documents, and based on statements made in open court:

From at least in or about October 2019 up to and including November 2020, VICTOR RIVERA and others known and unknown agreed to rob victims of luxury watches worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.  The watches owned by victims targeted in the robberies included Richard Mille, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe watches owned by jewelers as part of the jewelers’ businesses, which were based in Manhattan’s Diamond District.  RIVERA used guns to commit several of the robberies, and in one robbery, shot a victim, who survived. 

The 11 robberies and attempted robberies included the following: 

1. On October 3, 2019, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Long Island City, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $250,000.
2. On October 25, 2019, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Jamaica, New York, of, among other things, a Rolex watch worth over $150,000.
3. On December 10, 2019, RIVERA and two co-conspirators robbed a jeweler in Brooklyn, New York, of, among other things, a Patek Philippe watch worth over $160,000 and a diamond necklace worth over $77,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to the victim.
4. On January 14, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Rego Park, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $500,000.
5. On February 16, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Jamaica Estates, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $28,000.
6. On February 20, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed an individual in Long Island City, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $125,000.
7. On June 11, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Brooklyn, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $148,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to the victim, and a victim was shot.
8. On July 6, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Hoboken, New Jersey, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $81,000.  Following the robbery, RIVERA and others transported the stolen watch from New Jersey to New York.
9. On July 20, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator participated in an attempted robbery of a jeweler in Queens, New York, attempting to steal a Richard Mille watch worth over $180,000.
10. On August 2, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed an individual in the vicinity of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $250,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to a victim.  Following the robbery, RIVERA and others transported the stolen watch from New Jersey to New York.
11. On October 27, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in the vicinity of Woodbury, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $26,000 and assorted jewels and gold links worth over $60,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to a victim.

In addition to his prison term, RIVERA, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release.  In addition, RIVERA was ordered to pay $1,380,800 in restitution and $1,380,800 in forfeiture.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Englewood Cliffs Police Department, the Weehawken Police Department, and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON INFLUX OF ASYLUM SEEKERS ARRIVING IN NEW YORK CITY

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on the increased influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York from the southern border and a situation involving 60 asylum seekers on Monday evening:

 

“In the last few months, we have experienced an unprecedented surge of asylum seekers arriving from the southern border. Since May, this administration, on its own, has safely and efficiently provided shelter, health care, education, and a host of other services to more than 11,000 people predominantly from Central and South America who are seeking a better life. This is a remarkable achievement that has required - and will continue to require — the efforts of our entire team, and has become a reality that no city official, advocate, or court ever could have contemplated. 

 

“In this new and unforeseen reality, where we expect thousands more to arrive every week going forward, the city’s system is nearing its breaking point. As a result, the city’s prior practices, which never contemplated the bussing of thousands of people into New York City, must be reassessed. While some may want to use these extraordinary circumstances as an opportunity to play an unproductive game of gotcha, we remain focused on supporting each of these individuals and families who need our city’s help.

 

“The approximately 60 men reported on from Monday night arrived with a group of several hundred others and were provided shelter early the next day as we immediately informed relevant stakeholders. We will continue to work every day with those who want to partner on this vital work to provide these individuals with the shelter and services they so desperately need.”

Attorney General James Announces Sentencing of Former New York State Supreme Court Justice

 

Former New York State Supreme Court Justice John Michalek Accepted Bribes from Former Erie County Power Broker and Democratic Committee Chairman Steven Pigeon

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the sentencing of former New York State Supreme Court Justice, John A. Michalek, 71, for his role in a bribery scheme that influenced judicial decisions and official appointments. The Honorable Judge Donald F. Cerio, Jr. sentenced Michalek to one year in jail on a Bribe Receiving charge and four months in jail on an Offering a False Instrument charge to run consecutively, for a total of 16 months in jail and a $5,000 fine.  

Michalek was sentenced in July along with his co-conspirator, former Chairman of the Erie County Democratic Committee, G. Steven Pigeon, 61, but the Judge stayed sentencing until today following an oral motion made by Michalek’s counsel. Pigeon was sentenced to one year in jail to run concurrent to his federal four-month sentence and a $5,000 fine. 

“Michalek violated the very laws he swore to uphold as a State Supreme Court Justice and lost New Yorkers’ trust, all for personal gain,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers deserve a justice system they can have faith in. That’s why this corrupt behavior is so egregious and unacceptable. Regardless of party affiliation, my office remains committed to rooting out corruption in government, at every level and in every branch.”

On June 30, 2016, Michalek pleaded guilty to two felonies, including Bribe Receiving in the Third Degree, a class D felony, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony, in connection with receiving bribes from Pigeon and for filing a false document with the New York State Office of Court Administration when he appointed a receiver requested by Pigeon. After entering his plea, Michalek submitted a letter of resignation to the New York State Chief Administrative Judge and was disbarred from practicing law. 

Between February 2012 and April 2015, Michalek and Pigeon exchanged emails and text messages which revealed Pigeon was bribing Michalek in order to influence judicial decisions. Messages show Pigeon helped Michalek secure employment and official appointments for two of his family members, gave Michalek free tickets to box seats for Buffalo Sabres hockey games, and gave Michalek’s family a free ticket to a $1,000 political fundraiser. The messages also indicate that Pigeon helped Michalek secure a judicial appointment to the New York State Supreme Court in the Appellate Division. 

Throughout the same time period, Pigeon and Michalek discussed multiple pending lawsuits that Michalek presided over. Michalek shared privileged and non-public information with Pigeon so that he could provide input and advice on the cases. In one case, Michalek appointed an attorney chosen by Pigeon to a receivership. Pigeon’s choice was not on the court-issued list of receivers, so in order to appoint the person, Michalek filed a document with the Office of Court Administration in which he falsely claimed he needed that specific attorney’s expertise in handling the receivership. 

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of New York, New York State Police, and Federal Bureau of Investigation for their work on this matter. The OAG would also like to thank the New York State Board of Elections for their assistance. 

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Did you do it yet?

Are you ready for a good time? Are you ready to actually have fun at a Gala? We all get invitations to support great causes each year. It's usually a night of speeches, meh food, and our feet hurt by the end. But not at the gala for The Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Here, it's fun! It's exciting! It is complete with interesting people, great food, a beautiful skyline, and fantastic entertainment and surprises around every corner. The evening is the Bronx's #1 business networking event of the year and features a two-hour cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, and so much more. All while raising critical funds to support our borough's small businesses, economic recovery and development. Invited speakers include New York State Governor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams - both promised to keep their remarks to 5 minutes so we can keep the networking going! The evening includes star-studded performances by Master of Ceremonies, Sal Valentinetti, "The Voice,” Brenda K. Starr, C-Bank, Cynthia, Steven Maglio, and DJ Serg. We are also honoring the people who make us who we are: Joseph Kelleher, John Collazzi, and The New York Yankees. These individuals have contributed their lives to making the Bronx the borough we know and love - come and celebrate them with us! Our Gala is fewer speeches. More networking. More excitement. More FUN. This annual event raises critical funds for borough economic and workforce development. 100% of all contributions support the Bronx Chamber’s business and economic development programs.  Sponsor, Purchase Tables & Tickets - Click Here To keep the fun and party going we have invited some awesome artists which represent the rich diversity of the Bronx and our history. The 2022 Bronx Chamber of Commerce Gala artists include: Sponsor, Purchase Tables & Tickets - Click Here Sal Valentinetti is our Master of Ceremonies and is Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of America’s Got Talent. He is an Italian-American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. Born August 26, 1995, Sal was raised in the small town of Bethpage, New York where he still resides today. From a very young age Sal was influenced by his grandmother to love the musical genius of the classic crooner sounds of Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. In 2016, Sal made his debut on Season 11 of the NBC hit show “America’s Got Talent.” That night, The 20-year-old college student went from delivering Pizzas for his cousin’s restaurant, to delivering what’s considered one of the best performances in AGT history. Before long, the world would come to know and admire him as “Sal the Voice." Since racking up over 350 million views worldwide with his captivating AGT audition, the celebrated charismatic crooner has been invited to appear in hundreds of sold out solo performances on stages around the world. From Madison Square Garden in NYC, to opening for Jay Leno in Las Vegas, to selling out the legendary NYCB Theater at Westbury like all of the greats before him; it’s safe to say that Sal is only getting started. Brenda K. Starr born to a Jewish father and a Puerto Rican mother, Brenda K. Starr became one of the biggest names in freestyle music during the 1980's. Scoring a number one hit single with her song "I Still Believe," Brenda occasionally did film work before becoming a name in urban dance music. Brenda is famous for discovering singer Mariah Carey. Mariah, a friend of Brenda's, was a backup singer at the time. Brenda recorded a demo of Mariah's work, and forwarded to Sony Music Head Tommy Mottola. The rest is history and later Mariah married Mottola (they divorced after a few years). Mariah covered Brenda's hit "I Still Believe" on her "1's" album. Presently Brenda is very involved in the world of Latin music, especially salsa music. She lives in New York and is married with one child. Cynthia is a Puerto Rican-American freestyle and dance-pop singer. Cynthia is best known for her hits "Dreamboy/Dreamgirl" (with Johnny O), "Break Up to Make Up" and "If I Had the Chance", which peaked at numbers 53, 70 and 83 on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. In 2005, she recorded a duet piece with Lisette Melendez entitled "I Can't Change Your Mind." C-Bank is an electro studio project by production and remix legend John Robie (Afrika Bambaataa, New Order, Cabaret Voltaire), was led by vocalist Jenny Burton. Robie and Burton took the group into the R&B charts in 1983 with the synth-heavy barnstormer "One More Shot." Later that year, however, Burton went out on her own with the Top 20 single "Remember What You Like" on Atlantic. C-Bank's label, Next Plateau, created a Greatest Hits compilation almost 15 years later. Sponsor, Purchase Tables & Tickets - Click Here Steven Maglio was born in East Harlem, N.Y. on December 25, 1958.  In 1966, his family moved to the Bronx, and being the new kid on the block, he walked back and forth to school alone for the first few weeks.  He heard a recording of Frank Sinatra singing MY KIND OF TOWN, and to pass the time on his new daily trek, he would sing the song to himself over and over. After a few days, he decided he needed another song and began to explore the only Sinatra album his parents owned at the time, A MAN AND HIS MUSIC. That was the beginning of his addiction to Sinatra and that whole world of standard songs and singers. He has performed at Resorts AC, The Sands Hotel & The Hilton Hotel in Atlantic City, The Paris Hotel & Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, The Breakers in Palm Beach, The Villages in Florida, and events in Nashville, Cape Cod, and Beverly Hills. Steven is an international performer, appearing on several occasions in Italy, Canada, Brazil, and with The Symphony Orchestra of Guayaquil in Ecuador.   He’s shared the stage with Frankie Valli, Wayne Newton, Dionne Warwick, Deana Martin, Jay Leno, Steve Tyrell, Tony Danza, Smokey Robinson, Lisa Lampanelli, Danny Aiello, Larry King, Joe Piscopo, Pat Cooper, Tony Orlando, Jordin Sparks, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, The Duke Ellington Orchestra, and with Frank Sinatra’s former pianist, conductor & music director, Vincent Falcone. Sponsor, Purchase Tables & Tickets - Click Here DJ Serg is known to thousands in the Tri-State area as DJ Serg. Born and raised in an Italian neighborhood in the Bronx, he learned to mix records at a young age. Serg received his degree in engineering and producing at the Institute of Audio Research, and in the past few years his career as a DJ has brought him to an expert level of producing and remixing. He’s had a #1 Hit on the Billboard music charts with the song “L’italiano” in 2002, and appeared numerous times on Fox 5 Good Day New York with Rosanna Scotto and Mike Woods. Westchester Magazine awarded him “BEST DJ” in Westchester and the Bronx. He is CEO of a successful mobile entertainment company, DJ Serg Entertainment, which is rated BEST of KNOT Weddings for ‘Best DJ Company’. In addition, Serg is recognized by weddingwire.com for his excellent services and performance. Sponsor, Purchase Tables & Tickets - Click Here Secure Your Journal Ad - Click Here ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

MAYOR ADAMS, NYC PARKS, NYCHA ANNOUNCE COLLABORATION TO BUILD NEW OPEN SPACES, PLAYGROUNDS AT SIX HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS

 

$23 Million Mayoral Investment Will Bring City Closer to “Walk to a Park” Goals 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks), and the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) today announced a pilot program to re-imagine and invest in nearly three acres of NYCHA open space — including playgrounds — across three developments in Queens, two developments in the Bronx, and one development in Brooklyn. The announcement was held at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new open space at Pomonok Houses in Queens, which has been fully reconstructed under this pilot and now includes fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping. 

 

“New York City’s parks, playgrounds, and open spaces aren’t luxuries, but necessities — playing a critical role to build community and nurturing our physical, mental, and emotional health,” said Mayor Adams. “This investment in NYCHA’s playgrounds and open spaces is a down payment on our city’s future that will pay dividends for generations to come.” 

 

“Every New Yorker should be able to walk to a clean, quality, and functional open space. By working closely, NYCHA and NYC Parks are making this reality,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi. “These revitalized areas will be important sources of health and community for the residents. We still have much work to do, but this is a big step in the right direction.”  

 

"Everyone should have access to quality resources and amenities in their community, and that includes places to play and relax outdoors, especially for our younger neighbors,” said Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “This new partnership between NYCHA and NYC Parks to overhaul open spaces and playgrounds at six developments will bring joy to thousands of public housing residents. Thank you to NYC Parks for being an incredible partner in building a stronger NYCHA as we work to improve services and quality of life for residents.”  

 

“All New Yorkers deserve to have high-quality parks that are just a short walk away from their homes,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We are so proud of our partnership with NYCHA to transform underutilized areas under their jurisdiction into thriving public amenities, and grateful for the hundreds of NYCHA tenants and community members who came out to our input meetings and shared with us their dreams for these spaces.”

“Providing accessible open spaces that connect NYCHA residents to outdoor activity and recreation is essential to improving the quality of life for our campuses,” said NYCHA Chair and CEO Greg Russ. “Today’s exciting partnership is made possible through the support of the mayor’s office and the capacity of NYC Parks, and is in keeping with the Authority’s Connected Communities initiative, which engages in robust agency partnerships and resident-focused input to increase green space equity and integrate resilience in our neighborhoods.”   

 

NYCHA and NYC Parks met with the residents at Woodside, Pomonok, Redfern, Watson, Sotomayor, and Kingsborough Houses to choose locations and help create the vision for their brand new open spaces. Since receiving community feedback, construction has finished at Pomonok Houses, is underway at Woodside and Redfern Houses, is expected to begin at Watson and Kingsborough Houses by spring 2023, and begin at Sotomayor Houses by summer 2023.  

 

As part of the partnership, NYC Parks will maintain and operate the renovated open spaces. Revitalizing these spaces will create new amenities for the NYCHA community and other New Yorkers who currently do not live within walking distance of a park. Citywide, 83.6 percent of New Yorkers currently live within walking distance of a park. The Walk to a Park initiative focuses on increasing access to parks and open spaces, concentrating on areas of the city that are under-resourced and where residents are living further than a walk to a park.  

 

Projects included in the initial pilot include:  

 

Redfern Houses ($9.3 million)  

• Size: 50,000 square feet of NYCHA recreation area and Redfern Playground 
• Scope: This project will reconstruct Redfern Playground and the adjacent NYCHA open space to include an upgraded ball field, basketball court, and handball court, play equipment, fitness equipment for teens and adults, and a grilling area.  

Woodside Houses ($1.2 million)  

• Size: 6,500 square feet 
• Scope: This project will revamp a passive seating and landscaped area at Woodside Houses with new game tables, benches, landscaping, and pathways. 

Pomonok Houses ($3 million)  

• Size: 13,000 square feet 
• Scope: This project has re-imagined an open space at Pomonok Houses to include fitness equipment, sensory play equipment, seating, and new landscaping. 

Watson Houses ($2.5 million) 

• Size: 9,300 square feet 
• Scope: This project will revamp a playground and seating area at 1471 Watson Houses to include new play equipment, game tables, benches, water play, landscaping, and brand new adult fitness equipment. 

Kingsborough Houses ($5.1 million) 

• Size:20,000 and 16,000 square feet 
• Scope: This project will revitalize two playgrounds at Kingsborough Houses with new play equipment, game tables, benches, water play, and landscaping. 

Sotomayor Houses ($1.9 million) 

• Size: 9,900 square feet 
• Scope: This project will revamp a playground at Sotomayor Houses with new play equipment, water play, game tables, benches, landscaping, and brand-new swings.