Former Godfather Of Black Stone Gorilla Gang Pleads Guilty To Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

Alexander Arguedas Admits Participation in December 2012 Murder of Gary Rodriguez 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS, a/k/a “Reckless,” pled guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in connection with his role as a Godfather of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang (“BSGG”), a violent Bloods street gang whose members and associates had engaged in murders, assaults, robberies, narcotics trafficking, fraud, and witness tampering.  ARGUEDAS also admitted that he participated in the December 9, 2012 murder of Gary Rodriguez.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, Alexander Arguedas stood at the top of a violent gang that flooded the streets of New York City with violence, drugs, shootings, assaults, and murder.  Now, Arguedas faces significant prison time for his crimes and the harm he inflicted on the community, including his role in murdering Gary Rodriguez.  We continue our daily work with our law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe and to vigorously investigate acts of gang violence.”

As alleged in the Indictment and statements made in open court:

ALEXANDER ARGUEDAS, a/k/a “Reckless,” was previously one of the Godfathers of the Black Stone Gorilla Gang, a racketeering enterprise that operated principally in the New York City metropolitan area and in the jails and prisons of New York City and the State of New York.  In order to enrich the enterprise, preserve and protect the power of the enterprise, and enhance its criminal operations, BSGG members and associates committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, including murder and assaults; distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics; committed robberies; engaged in bank fraud and wire fraud; and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.  BSGG members also evaded prosecution by law enforcement authorities through acts of intimidation and violence against potential witnesses to crimes committed by the gang.

On December 9, 2012, ARGUEDAS shot and killed Gary Rodriguez in the vicinity of 3089 Decatur Avenue in the Bronx, New York.  

ARGUEDAS, 32, of the Bronx, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life; narcotics conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison; and using and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, which carries a maximum sentence of life and a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison, which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.  ARGUEDAS will be sentenced before Judge Rakoff later this year.

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by Judge Rakoff.

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, the New York City Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Mr. Williams also thanked Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Department of Corrections for their assistance in the investigation.

Governor Hochul Announces Another Record Year for State Parks in 2021

Statewide Attendance Climbs More Than 427,000, Niagara Falls Leads the Way

Governor’s Executive Budget Includes $200 Million for State Park Upgrades to Welcome Surging Visitation

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York's State parks, historic sites, campgrounds, and trails welcomed a record-setting 78.4 million visits in 2021, continuing the robust level of visitation seen since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"From Niagara Falls to Montauk Point, our State Parks and Historic Sites are a treasure that every New Yorker should be able to enjoy," Governor Hochul said. "During the pandemic, parks and public spaces have become more important than ever -- providing New Yorkers with safe and enjoyable outdoor spaces for gatherings and recreation. New York was proud to welcome a record-setting number of visitors to our State Parks last year, and we look forward to modernizing our parks system as we approach its historic 100th anniversary in 2024."

Total visits statewide increased in 2021 by more than 427,000, driven by a dramatic rebound of more than three million visitors at Niagara Falls State Park compared to 2020, when international border tourism was curtailed due to COVID-19 protocols. More than nine million visitors went to Niagara Falls State Park last year.

State Park attendance has been steadily climbing, rising 41 percent since 2008. In addition to the total attendance, State Parks also set a new record for 2021 overnight visitation at campgrounds, with campsite, cabins and cottages booked for more than 787,000 nights.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “I am grateful that even more people decided they wanted to go to our State Parks and Historic Sites in 2021, even as other recreation options were becoming more available to them. New York has invested significantly in recent years to make its facilities world-class and even more improvements are coming.” 

Governor Hochul’s proposed FY 2023 budget includes $200 million in capital funding for State Parks, an 80 percent increase from the current level, to enhance the NY Parks 100 capital initiative. Governor Hochul announced one such project – the creation of a new State Park at the High Falls area of downtown Rochester – in her State of the State address in January. Another new State Park is being created in the city of Kingston and is expected to open to the public later this year.

Empire State Development Vice President and Executive Director of Tourism Ross D. Levi said, “With more travelers increasingly looking for new ways to experience the outdoors, our world class State Parks system offers visitors unparalleled opportunities. I LOVE NY proudly encourages travelers from around the state, nation and world to include our parks, trails, historic sites and campgrounds as part of their next getaway and come be a part of all.” 

Major Parks projects completed since the onset of the pandemic included a renovation of the swimming pool at Franklin D. Roosevelt State Park in Westchester County, the opening of a first-of-its kind Autism Nature Trail at Letchworth State Park, expansion of Niagara Falls State Park to improve access to the Niagara Gorge by removing a section of the former Robert Moses Parkway, creation of a new Visitor Center at Minnewaska State Park Preserve, the opening of the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, and an expanded Purple Heart Hall of Honor.

NY Parks 100 will focus on creating places to recreate locally, relieving overcrowded parks, welcoming new visitors, and protecting New York State's environmental and historic legacy. This new plan will ensure people from all communities and across all ages and abilities can fully experience our outdoors, our culture, and our heritage.

Governor Hochul has also proposed a $4 billion “Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act” that will be on the ballot in November 2022. If approved by voters, the act would boost funding for climate change mitigation, restoration and flood risk reduction projects, and other environmental protection programs.

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees more than 250 parks, historic sites, recreational trails, golf courses, boat launches and more, which are visited by 78 million people annually.  For more information on any of these recreation areas, visit www.parks.ny.gov, download the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call 518.474.0456. Also, connect on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

New York Man Arrested on Civil Disorder and Other Charges Related to Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

 

Defendant Accused of Pulling Open Door to Let Rioters Inside

  A New York man was arrested today on civil disorder and other charges for his actions during the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress that was in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Eric Gerwatowski, 31, of New Hyde Park, New York, is charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of Columbia with civil disorder, a felony, and related charges. He was arrested in New Hyde Park and will make his initial appearance today in the Eastern District of New York.

According to court documents, on Jan. 6, Gerwatowski was at the front of a crowd just outside the Upper House Doors. U.S. Capitol Police were attempting to close these doors to prevent further rioters from getting into the building. Gerwatowski pulled open one of the doors that the Capitol Police had just closed. Two officers were standing directly inside and had just tried to secure the entrance, in plain sight to Gerwatowski and others. Once he pulled open the door, Gerwatowski turned to the crowd and yelled, “Let’s go!.” He directed more rioters inside and went in, too.

This case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York.

The case is being investigated by the FBI New York Field Office’s Long Island Resident Agency, and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Gerwatoski as #244 in its seeking information photos.  Valuable assistance was provided by the Metropolitan Police Department and the U.S. Capitol Police.

In the one year since Jan. 6, more than 725 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 225 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

An indictment or complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - MTA accepting submissions for art at four new stations

 

Call to community artists!  MTA now accepting submissions for new stations at Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester/Van Nest, and Hunts Point Submissions due by Friday, March 4, 2022   MTA Arts & Design is accepting examples of previous work for artists interest in being considered for creating site-specific proposals for the new Metro-North stations. Eligibility is based upon the following minimum qualifications: • Artistic merit as evidenced in previous work and exhibition history, awards, honors, and publications. • Demonstrated proficiency and technical knowledge of the materials/techniques of the artist’s typical practice. • Availability to work in New York during the required design and construction period (see Project Schedule by following the link below). It is also preferred that the qualified artists have: • Ability to understand the context of the unique characteristics and diversity of the East Bronx communities within which these stations are located, and to integrate these elements into the artwork. • Experience working with community groups and making public presentations. Click below for more details on how to apply for this unique opportunity to contribute your vision to these new stations. MTA Call for Artists: Details and Guidelines

To read more about the draft plan for the Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study, visit our Building the Plan overview to watch our station-area overview videos and to read our draft recommendations and more by clicking below. Building the Draft Plan

        

NYS Office of the Comptroller - NYS Common Retirement Fund Reports Third Quarter Results

 

 The New York State Common Retirement Fund’s (Fund) estimated return in the third quarter of the State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22  was 4.74% for the three-month period ending Dec. 31, 2021, according to New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. It ended the quarter with an estimated value of $279.7 billion.

“A strong third quarter kept our state pension fund on track, despite ongoing market volatility,” DiNapoli said. “Our focus, as always, remains long-term, sustainable investment returns that will ensure our members and their beneficiaries continue to have secure pensions for generations to come.”

The Fund's estimated value reflects benefits of $3.62 billion paid out to retirees and beneficiaries during the quarter. Its audited value, as of fiscal year end March 31, 2021, was $258.1 billion and the SFY 2020-21 annual return was 33.55%.

As of Dec. 31, 2021, the Fund had 51.38% of its assets invested in publicly traded equities. The remaining Fund assets by allocation are invested in cash, bonds and mortgages (22.37%), private equity (12.36%), real estate and real assets (8.52%) and credit, absolute return strategies and opportunistic alternatives (5.37%).

DiNapoli initiated quarterly investment performance reporting in 2009 as part of his ongoing efforts to increase accountability and transparency. Quarterly rates of return provide a snapshot of performance over three months and reflect a fraction of the Fund’s annual investment return, which is targeted at 5.9%.

About the New York State Common Retirement Fund 

The New York State Common Retirement Fund is one of the largest public pension funds in the United States. The Fund holds and invests the assets of the New York State and Local Retirement System on behalf of more than one million state and local government employees and retirees and their beneficiaries. The Fund has consistently been ranked as one of the best managed and best funded plans in the nation. The Fund's fiscal year ends March 31.

BCEQ and Friends Comment on new NYC Parks Commissioners

 

 

Bronx Council for Environmental Quality and Other Friends on the appointment of the Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Donoghue & First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa

 Bronx Council for Environmental Quality (BCEQ) congratulates Mayor Eric Adams as he appointed two highly qualified executives who are also women to the Department of Parks and Recreation: Commissioner Susan M. Donoghue, and as her First Deputy Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa. Susan Donoghue is the President and Parks Administrator of the Prospect Park Alliance; and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa is the beloved Bronx Parks Commissioner. 

“Congratulations to Commissioner Donoghue and First Deputy Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. We look forward to working with your leadership team to bring equity to the Bronx in terms of personnel, maintenance and capital improvements.” stated Chauncy Young, BCEQ Board Member.

Dr. Robert Fanuzzi, BCEQ President, commented: “With the appointments of Susan Donoghue as Parks Commissioner and Iris Rodriguez-Rosa as First Deputy, Mayor Adams choose two leaders who make parks the centerpiece of a healthy, resilient communities.  Having worked closely with Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa, we know first-hand what a difference a community-minded parks leader can make. We are Bronx parks champions, and look forward to working closely with Commissioner Donoghue and First Deputy to make sure all the health, environmental, and civic benefits of clean, green parks reach all our communities.”    

Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz said: "Our parks are an integral part of what makes our community here in the north and northwest Bronx special, and it is wonderfully exciting to welcome our new Parks Commissioner Donoghue as well as the Bronx's own Iris Rodriguez-Rosa as the First Deputy Commissioner. Congratulations, and I look forward to an accomplished and dedicated set of partners to work with on behalf of Bronxites and all New Yorkers."

“Today is a great day for NYC Parks as two extraordinary women were selected for leadership roles. I look forward to getting to know and working with Commissioner Donoghue.  While I will miss having Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa in the Bronx with us, I know she will be able to do even more for our parks in her new role,” said Christina Taylor, BCEQ Board Member.

“Iris has the ability to get down in the weeds and work with volunteer parks groups while still seeing the big picture and knowing how and when to say no. The city is lucky to have her experience and the Bronx is lucky to have her voice at the table,” remarked Deb Travis, Jerome Park Friends & Neighbors.

“We thank Mayor Adams for promoting from within the ranks of the Parks Department.  These two qualified candidates who also happen to be women have the knowledge and experience of Parks Leadership so critically needed in these days of budget cuts. We are all excited for Iris Rodriguez-Rosa who is a stella administrator with a keen understanding of the Bronx inequities in all City agency’s service delivery.  Remember the Bronx needs more than a fair share because we are so far behind at 62 of the 62 NYS counties in health outcomes and factors since 2009,” said Karen Argenti, BCEQ Board Member.

Formed in 1971, BCEQ has sought to establish — as an Inherent Human Right — a sound, forward-looking environmental policy regarding an aesthetic, unpolluted, environment protecting a natural and historic heritage. An all-volunteer organization celebrating 50 years of environmental advocacy, BCEQ goal is to advocate for improving water quality, developing waterfront greenways and recreational uses, and restoring shoreline natural habitats, among others.

MAYOR ADAMS NAMES BOARD MEMBER ARVA RICE AS INTERIM CHAIR OF THE CCRB

 

 The Civilian Complaint Review Board (CCRB) today announced that Arva Rice has been named interim chair of the Board. Chair Rice will preside over the CCRB’s February Board meeting this Wednesday at 4:00pm and deliver her first remarks and vision as interim chair.

“Arva Rice has been a champion for equity and justice throughout her career, and we know she will continue her long career of successful advocacy as CCRB Interim Chair,” said Mayor Adams. “Civilian oversight is critical to achieving the safety we need and the justice we deserve, and I know Interim Chair Rice will be an important partner in delivering both for all New Yorkers.”

 

“After decades working to make New York City a fairer, more equitable, and safer city, I am honored to use my expertise to lead the CCRB into its next chapter,” said CCRB Interim Chair Arva Rice. “It is a privilege to have an even greater opportunity to serve this city and continue efforts to make it a safer and more just place for all New Yorkers. Former CCRB Chair, Fred Davie, and the rest of the board have made great strides in the last several years and I hope to build on this momentum and continue to push the Agency forward.”

 

About Arva Rice

Arva Rice serves as interim chair of the CCRB. She joined the CCRB Board in 2021. As president & CEO of the New York Urban League, Chair Rice leads the mission to enable underserved communities to secure a first-class education, economic self-reliance and equal respect of their civil rights through programs, services and advocacy. Prior to joining the League, she served as the executive director of Project Enterprise, an organization that provides business loans, technical assistance and peer support to New York City entrepreneurs who lack adequate access to business financing. Aside from her decades serving and uplifting New Yorkers, she also has extensive experience in collaboration building, strategic planning, fundraising and marketing.

 

Before joining the CCRB, Chair Rice was a key leader in drafting the Police Reform and Reinvention Collaborative Plan, a department wide reform initiative passed by the City Council in March of last year.

 

Chair Rice served under the last administration as a commissioner for the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission and the Commission for Gender Equity. She is also a member of the Women’s Forum and Greater New York Chapter of The Links Incorporated.

 

FORMER CEO OF CITY-FUNDED BRONX PARENT HOUSING NETWORK PLEADS GUILTY TO CONSPIRACY TO ENRICH HIMSELF IN A BRIBERY AND KICKBACK SCHEME

 

 Daniel G. Cort, Acting Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), issued a statement on today’s guilty plea entered by VICTOR RIVERA on a charge of conspiring to enrich himself through bribes and kickbacks provided to him by contractors of the Bronx Parent Housing Network (“BPHN”), the City-funded nonprofit he once ran. RIVERA pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. U.S. District Judge Sidney H. Stein accepted his plea in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. His sentencing date was scheduled for May 6, 2022. DOI investigated this matter in partnership with the office of Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York.

 Acting Commissioner Daniel G. Cort said, “Instead of protecting the City-funded nonprofit he once ran, this defendant abused his power, using the nonprofit as a hub for his illicit scheme – drawing bribes and kickbacks from the contractors doing business related to and for the organization and yielding hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit gains. This type of corruption puts a financial strain on publicly-funded nonprofits and undermines the services for some of the most vulnerable New Yorkers. I am grateful for the partnership of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York on this important investigation and for their successful prosecution of this matter.”

 RIVERA, 61, of Stony Point, New York, was charged in March 2021 with engaging in a scheme to enrich himself and his relatives by soliciting and accepting bribes and kickbacks from contractors doing work related to or for the nonprofit that he ran. (RIVERA is no longer employed by BPHN). That nonprofit operates homeless shelters, and affordable housing facilities in New York City and annually spent millions of dollars in public funds on real estate, security, cleaning, construction, and food expenses, among other costs related to the housing and social services the nonprofit provided. Between 2013 and 2020, the illegal scheme yielded RIVERA at least hundreds of thousands of dollars in illicit gains. RIVERA laundered some of the corrupt payments through intermediary entities he controlled, including through a purported consulting company nominally owned by one of RIVERA’s relatives.

 Acting Commissioner Cort thanked U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Damian Williams, and his staff, for their partnership and successful prosecution of this matter.

 The investigation was prosecuted by the Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, specifically Assistant United States Attorneys David Abramowicz and Tara La Morte.

 DOI’s investigation was conducted in partnership with Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.