News From Congressman Eliot Engel

ENGEL STATEMENT FOLLOWING VISIT TO GUATEMALA

  Representative Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, made the following statement following his visit to Guatemala as part of a congressional delegation:

“I joined Speaker Pelosi and a bipartisan delegation in Guatemala where we focused on the root causes that drive child and family migration to the United States. It continues to be clear to me that U.S. assistance to the Northern Triangle has been transformative and must be immediately restored.

“It was particularly moving to meet with the staff of the International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala (CICIG) whose work I have supported since the very start because of its efforts to fight corruption. While I am disappointed that CICIG’s mandate is not being renewed, I urge the Guatemalan government and judicial sector to ensure that the Commission’s efforts to end impunity continue in the months and years ahead.

“I am pleased by Guatemala’s preparations for Sunday’s presidential run-off and urge a free, fair process to move forward.

“The future of Guatemala’s democracy will depend on a commitment to fighting corruption and respecting the rule of law. Ultimately, this how we ensure that children and families are not forced to make the dangerous trek north—not by cutting off U.S. assistance.”

Background

Earlier this year, Chairman Engel introduced the United States-Northern Triangle Enhanced Engagement Act (H.R. 2615) to restore foreign assistance to Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The legislation passed the House on July 15.

Engel Introduces Legislation to Protect Seniors from Wasteful Drug Spending

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel introduced legislation today to protect Medicare beneficiaries from wasteful spending on excessively large single-use drug vials.

Each year, Medicare and private health plans waste about $3 billion on cancer medications that are packaged in oversized vials. This packaging gives patients far more medication than they need, forcing seniors and others to pay for unnecessary drugs. Many of these same medications are sold abroad in smaller vials, producing savings for individuals and their health care systems. The Recovering Excessive Funds for Unused and Needless Drugs (REFUND) Act would enable seniors and the Medicare program to recoup money wasted on oversized drug vials.

“There are about 100,000 NY-16 constituents with Medicare drug coverage, many of whom live on fixed incomes,” Rep. Engel said. “The reality is that many of these seniors do not have money lying around, after paying for groceries and rent, to spend on extra medication that will ultimately be tossed in the trash. The REFUND Act will put money back in the pockets of seniors and beneficiaries while improving Medicare’s solvency so that it is available for our children and grandchildren.”

The REFUND Act builds on Congressman Engel’s work to improve seniors’ programs. In June 2019, he introduced the Guaranteed 3 Percent COLA for Seniors Act, H.R. 3389, which would guarantee every seniora reasonable Social Security cost-of-living adjustment and an increase of at least three percent.

Congressman Engel is a top member on the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s Health Subcommittee.

Brooklyn Man Charged with Stealing More than $80,000 from New York State Assemblyman’s Campaign Account

Defendant Allegedly Filed False Campaign Disclosure Reports to Conceal His Thefts

  A criminal complaint was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Maruf Alam with wire fraud in connection with his theft of more than $80,000 in campaign contributions from a New York State Assemblyman’s campaign account.  Alam was arrested this morning, made his initial appearance this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sanket J. Bulsara, and was released on a $100,000 bond.

Richard P. Donoghue, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the charges.

“As alleged, Alam was caught red-handed using a New York State Assemblyman’s campaign account as his personal piggy bank,” stated United States Attorney Donoghue.  “Alam betrayed the trust placed in him to act honestly as the treasurer for the account, and then attempted to cover up his crime by filing false disclosure reports for years.  Today’s arrest makes clear that dishonest public employees will face the consequences of their crimes and be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  Mr. Donoghue extended his grateful appreciation to the enforcement staff at the New York State Board of Elections (NYSBOE) for their assistance during the investigation.

“As alleged, Alam violated the trust of an elected New York State Assemblyman by brazenly diverting more than $80,000 in campaign contributions to his own personal accounts,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.  “Alam went to great lengths to conceal his fraud, including traveling to China to illicitly withdraw funds from a campaign account and then filing false disclosure reports with the New York State Board of Elections.  Today’s action should serve as a reminder that the FBI will continue to bring to justice those who aim to exploit positions of public trust to satisfy their selfish greed.”

According to the complaint, since 2008 Alam was employed in various capacities, including chief of staff, for a New York State Assemblyman.  Alam also acted on a voluntary basis as the treasurer for the Assemblyman’s campaign account, and was responsible for filing periodic disclosure reports with the NYSBOE to disclose contributions received and expenditures made by the Assemblyman’s campaign committee.  From approximately January 2012 to January 2019, Alam allegedly stole campaign funds that had been contributed to support the candidacy of the Assemblyman, and deposited the cash into his personal account.  For example, campaign account records disclose that on November 9, 2015 and November 13, 2015, two ATM withdrawals from the campaign account were made at two locations in China.  Travel records reflect that Alam traveled to China on November 5, 2015, and returned to the United States on November 19, 2015.  In total, during the relevant time period, the Assemblyman’s campaign account records reflect approximately $80,000 in cash withdrawals by Alam that were not reported to NYSBOE.  

The charges in the complaint are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted, Alam faces a statutory maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment. 

Statement from Attorney General William P. Barr on the Death of Jeffrey Epstein

Attorney General William P. Barr issued the following statement:

“I was appalled to learn that Jeffrey Epstein was found dead early this morning from an apparent suicide while in federal custody. Mr. Epstein’s death raises serious questions that must be answered. In addition to the FBI’s investigation, I have consulted with the Inspector General who is opening an investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Epstein’s death."

Statement Of Manhattan U.S. Attorney On The Death Of Defendant Jeffrey Epstein

  Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Earlier this morning, the Manhattan Correctional Center confirmed that Jeffrey Epstein, who faced charges brought by this Office of engaging in the sex trafficking of minors, had been found unresponsive in his cell and was pronounced dead shortly thereafter of an apparent suicide.  Today’s events are disturbing, and we are deeply aware of their potential to present yet another hurdle to giving Epstein’s many victims their day in Court. To those brave young women who have already come forward and to the many others who have yet to do so, let me reiterate that we remain committed to standing for you, and our investigation of the conduct charged in the Indictment – which included a conspiracy count – remains ongoing.

We continue to urge anyone who feels they may be a victim or have information related to the conduct in this case to please contact 1-800- CALL FBI.”

Comptroller Stringer: Dozens of LIRR Stations in Brooklyn and Queens are Inaccessible and Falling into Disrepair

Comptroller pens letter to LIRR expressing concerns about several station rehabilitation and accessibility projects that are over budget, behind schedule, and deficient

Requests information on the reduced-fare Atlantic Ticket pilot and whether local LIRR stations are being upgraded to accommodate increased ridership

The City was required to pay the Metropolitan Transportation Authority $97.4 million in FY19 for the operation and maintenance of local commuter rail stations

  Spotlighting deteriorating conditions and inaccessibility challenges that inhibit seniors, young children, and people with disabilities at Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) stations in Brooklyn and Queens, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer sent a letter to LIRR President Phil Eng seeking a comprehensive timeline for the agency to meet its commitment to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) upgrades at 18 Queens and 2 Brooklyn stations. The letter also requested a concrete roadmap regarding station rehabilitation plans at Hollis and Hunters Point Avenue, the construction of new stations in Elmhurst and Sunnyside, and the installation of elevators at Murray Hill, Nostrand Avenue, and St. Albans. Comptroller Stringer’s office has received frequent complaints from local residents and passengers about deteriorating conditions at these stations including old and faded signage, malfunctioning ticket machines, excessive litter, unsanitary conditions, and broken platform surfaces, as well as a lack of elevators or ramps.

“Maintaining and providing equitable access to our public transit system is critical to building a city that works for every New Yorker. The LIRR stations in Queens and Brooklyn should be providing fast, frequent, reliable, and affordable transit to hundreds of thousands of New York City residents living beyond the subway’s reach. Instead, far too many are underutilized, inaccessible, deteriorating, and locked behind an exorbitant pay wall,” said New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer. “This issue isn’t just about basic maintenance – it’s an issue of fairness. Behind every motionless elevator or deteriorating station there are New Yorkers who can’t travel. There are people who can’t make it to school or the doctor or a job interview. We need to improve mobility and job access throughout the five boroughs, and that means we need to invest in our commuter rail stations, dramatically reduce in-city fares on the LIRR and Metro-North, allow free transfers to the subway and bus, and increase off-peak frequencies.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s letter to LIRR, click here.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s comprehensive plan for opening up the commuter rail system within New York City, (October 2018) click here.

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi visits Evergreen Garden

  State Senator Alessandra Biaggi visited Evergreen Gardens in the Soundview section of her district Friday Night to hear what residents had to say. Local political gadfly Michael Beltzer who went around with Senator Biaggi door to door was thanked as Senator Biaggi heard tenants problems. We however saw several problems such as the broken ceiling tile and what appears to be mold around the openings a few feet away from where Senator Biaggi was (pictured above).

When Senator Biaggi arrived she gave a quick review of what was done this year in the state legislature, introduced her staff and then asked residents for any problems. 

Problems raised by the tenants of Evergreen Gardens were that of the removal of a BX 5 bus stop, new housing in the area, lack of parking, security in the building floors and and stairwells, upkeep of the grounds. activity in the nearby area and park that needs police action, and getting repairs done since the management office was moved out of the complex to Melrose Avenue (but no specific items were mentioned).  

Senator Biaggi asked if any other elected official had visited the complex, and she was told her predecessor Senator Klein had installed new peep holes in their doors. She was also told that Assemblyman Crespo and Councilman Salamanca were aware of the problems. She also asked the two police officers (P.O Luna, and P.O. Torres) of the 43rd precinct about the deployment of the officers of the 43rd precinct, and P.O. Luna replied that they were not the area NCO officers, and the senator would have to speak to the commanding officer of the precinct.

When asked about an adult fitness program started under Senator Klein she said anything that was funded under Senator Klein will continue to be funded by her. The issue of Thanksgiving turkeys then came up, with Senator Biaggi said she gave out one-hundred turkeys last year in November 2018 before she was sworn in. her staff was very helpful in taking down notes and giving advice, but when leaving there were some tenants who were skeptical of getting any results.

Above - Senator Biaggi speaks to the people in the community room of Evergreen Gardens.

Below - Police officers Luna and Torres from the 43rd precinct were present to hear any problems that the precinct might have to handle. A loose ceiling tile can be seen behind the officers, along with what appears to be mold growing in the top corner. 

Above - On the right side of the room loose ceiling tiles can be seen, along with what appears to be mold.

Below - Another area of the community room has paint peeling from the area next to this pole.

It appeared that Senator Biaggi and her staff were missing the larger problems in Evergreen Gardens that should have been very obvious to them in the room they were in. That being loose or falling ceiling tiles, peeling paint, and probable mold growing around the room.

Owner Of Consumer Products Testing Company Arrested For Fraud Scheme Involving Fabricated Test Results

Former Executives and Supervising Laboratory Technician Have Pleaded Guilty in Multi-Million Dollar Scheme

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Catherine A. Hermsen, Director of the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) Office of Criminal Investigations (“OCI”), William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Kevin Gilleece, Acting Rockland County District Attorney, announced that GABRIEL LETIZIA, Jr., the owner and executive director of AMA Laboratories, Inc. (“AMA”), a consumer products testing company in New City, has been charged with  wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with his participation in a scheme to defraud AMA’s customers by reporting false laboratory test results.  Letizia was arrested this morning and was presented and arraigned this afternoon before Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison in White Plains federal court.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: “AMA Laboratories, a consumer products testing company, tested consumer products for other companies that relied on AMA for genuine, accurate test results in order to safely bring their products to the consumer market. Unbeknownst to them, AMA’s owner, Gabriel Letizia, and others were engaged in a scheme to falsify those crucial test results by testing their products on far fewer panelists than they reported. Letizia and his co-defendants’ scheme not only cost the victim companies millions, they endangered the safety of thousands of consumers.”

Director, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Catherine A. Hermsen said: “Honest reporting of product testing is vital for ensuring the safety of drugs and cosmetics for U.S. consumers. When companies and individuals engage in criminal activity that puts the public health at risk, FDA will work to investigate and bring them to justice.”

Acting Rockland County District Attorney Kevin Gilleece said:  “As if enriching themselves through theft and fraud wasn't bad enough, the 30-year scheme perpetrated by these individuals may have had a deleterious impact on the health and wellness of countless victims. Letizia and his employees broke the law and violated the ethical duties owed to their customers and volunteers. The teamwork exhibited by all participating agencies throughout the joint investigation that began with the Rockland County District Attorney's Office was exemplary.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment that was unsealed today and statements made in court proceedings[1]:

AMA is a consumer products testing company in Rockland County, New York.  LETIZIA is AMA’s owner and executive director.  David Winne served as AMA’s technical director, Mayya Tatsene served as AMA’s clinical laboratory director, Patrycja Wojtowicz served as AMA’s associate director of clinical studies, and Kaitlyn Gold served as AMA’s supervising laboratory technician.  AMA tested the safety and efficacy of cosmetics, sunscreens and other products on specified numbers of volunteer panelists for consumer products companies. 

From 1987 through April 2017, LETIZIA and others at AMA defrauded AMA’s customers of tens of millions of dollars by testing products on materially lower numbers of panelists than the numbers specified and paid for by AMA’s customers.  LETIZIA, and AMA employees acting under his direction, sent the customers fraudulent reports, which falsely represented to the customers that AMA had tested the products on the number of panelists specified by the customers.  LETIZIA and AMA employees acting under his direction also made materially false and misleading statements about the results of the tests to AMA’s Customers.

LETIZIA, 69, of New City, New York, was charged in the Indictment with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and wire fraud.  The charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.

David Winne pled guilty on May 23, 2019, before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  The charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.

Mayya Tatsene pled guilty on May 29, 2019, before United States Magistrate Judge Lisa Margaret Smith, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  The charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.

Patrycja Wojtowicz pled guilty on June 12, 2019, before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  The charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.

Kaitlyn Gold pled guilty on June 24, 2019, before United States District Judge Cathy Seibel, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud.  The charges each carry a maximum prison term of 20 years.

The maximum potential sentences in these cases are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office.  

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