Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks in Support of Judge Hector LaSalle, Joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Elected Leaders and Community Representatives

Governor Hochul: "This is just one community, but all across the state, people are expecting him to have the process, the fairness that has been accorded every other similarly-situated nominee in the history of our state. They all had their chance, not prejudged, not labeled, not misrepresented, but treated fairly. That's what we're asking for, justice and fairness for a man who deserves it." 

 Wow, this is extraordinary. But extraordinary times call for extraordinary people, and that is who has filled this room today. Leaders from all over have come to speak with one voice, and I could not be prouder to be the Governor of a state that values fairness and diversity and inclusion. And ultimately justice. Today we have, first of all, we honor Bishop Raymond Rivera for the work he does right here at the Latino Pastoral Outreach Center, touching the lives of so many people that need to know that God cares about them, and His people care about them. So thank you, Bishop Rivera.  

To have the temporary Minority Leader, soon to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, who's here, is an honor for all of us. Your voice, nationally, on issues of what we're talking about here today is so important to all of us. You've made history, you make us proud. Another person has made history, Representative Nydia Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican, the first woman, the first Latina ever elected to Congress, is here today as well. Adriano Espaillat, Congressman Espaillat, the first Dominican ever elected to Congress. Senator Luis Sepúlveda, a great friend and champion for this community. Our Borough President Vanessa Gibson, has joined us as well as former Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. Many, many others you'll be hearing from, our Secretary of State, Robert Rodriguez, is here, I thank him and all the members of my administration. 

But here, today, I want to hear from them. Because you know where I stand. I stand with an outstanding individual, who came up through the process to be my nominee with the highest court in the state. Hector LaSalle, our next Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. He's the right person. He worked hard, parents born in Puerto Rico, working class family, having to deal with all the stress of being a young Puerto Rican man who wanted to make his mark. Went on to college, went to one of the finest law schools in our nation, Michigan, and came back and could have been recruited by one of those big law firms. He decided to devote himself to public service, serving his community, the District Attorney's office, the Attorney General's office, and ultimately deciding, despite the fact that there's not many role models, very few Latino judges out there, "I want to show what can be."  

He ran for office, he got elected, he was appointed, and for years now, he has been presiding over one of the most complicated, difficult courts in our nation. Hundreds and hundreds of people come to those doors every day in the Appellate Division. He presides over that. With the right temperament, the right disposition, all the qualities you want to see in a judge of fairness and doing what's right. And so, to this community, I want to hear your voices. I thank you for standing with him, all across the state. This is just one community, but all across the state, people are expecting him to have the process, the fairness that has been accorded every other similarly-situated nominee in the history of our state. They all had their chance, not prejudged, not labeled, not misrepresented, but treated fairly. That's what we're asking for, justice and fairness for a man who deserves it.  

Ladies and gentlemen, as the Governor of State of New York, one of the highest responsibilities I have is to nominate judges and ultimately the Chief Judge when there's a vacancy of the Court of Appeals. I took that process seriously. I examined all the records. I saw the cases, even those that are being maligned and used against him, and they are false, being falsely represented, and that's what I will not stand for. 

So I thank the people coming out here today. On Dr. Martin Luther King weekend we celebrate a man who stood for doing what's right, and standing up to adversity, standing up to challenges in the pursuit of doing what's right. That's what today is all about. That's what Wednesday will be all about, it'll be what the floor on the vote is all about, and I believe, when people open up their minds and open up their hearts, doing what's right, he'll become our next Chief Judge, and I could not be prouder. Thank you. Congressmember Nydia Velázquez, thank you for adding your voice to this important debate. 

Permits Filed For 41 North Street In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 41 North Street in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between Grand Avenue and North Street, the lot is in walking distance of the 183rd Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Belal Hossain of B&H Contracting Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 72-foot-tall development will yield 30,581 square feet, with 25,721 square feet designated for residential space and 4,859 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 38 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 676 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 31-foot-long rear yard, and 11 enclosed parking spaces.

Gerald Caliendo Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Maximizing Your Marketing Toolbox

 

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Thursday, January 19 from 11:00am to 1:30pm Business Finance 101: Getting Started Financial management can be the most intimidating part of running a business. The goal of this course is to reveal that it need not be. Intended for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with business financial management, Business Finances 1 introduces its key terms and concepts in everyday language. Click HERE To Register Wednesday, January 25 from 10:00am to 11:00am Coffee & Conversation w. Councilmember Althea Stevens Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Hon. Althea Stevens, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services and Co-Chair of the Bronx New York City Council Delegation, on workforce development, braided learning, childcare impact on business, merchant organizing, and development projects. Click HERE To Register

Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr., former Bronx Borough President Statement about the Hon. Judge Hector LaSalle

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz

Throughout my career in public service, first as a member of the New York State Assembly and then as Bronx Borough President, I have fought for qualified, experienced, and diverse leadership at all levels of government. Many times that has required giving candidates for both elected and appointed office a fair shake and a chance to clear the air when questions and concerns about their record arise.

 

After much evaluation, I have come to the conclusion that Judge Hector LaSalle’s judicial record, composed of over 5,000 cases, has been distorted in order to deny him that chance and, as a result, his confirmation as chief judge for the State’s Court of Appeals. New Yorkers deserve better than that.

 

There is no question Judge LaSalle has a proven track record as both a jurist and a court administrator. There is no denying his knowledge of the law, his considerable experience, and his broad support from legal professionals across the political spectrum. I have reviewed his record, considered the opinions of his legal colleagues, and spoken to Judge LaSalle personally. I would not support him for this important position if I thought our shared progress on so many important issues was at risk.

 

I call on my friends and colleagues in the New York State Senate to afford Judge Hector LaSalle a fair opportunity to answer the tough questions and earn their vote so that history, in this case for the Latino community, can be made once again. Like every other community, Latinos want and deserve it.

 

 

Ruben Díaz jr

Former Bronx Borough President

Former NYC Councilman Reverend Ruben Diaz.

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Putnam County

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on January 10, 2023, following an encounter with members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD).

On the morning of January 10, PCSD deputies responded to reports of a domestic incident near Fields Corner Road and Barrett Road in the town of Southeast. As the deputies approached the scene, they saw a man allegedly assaulting another individual with a knife. Two deputies fired their weapons at the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Deputies recovered a knife at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.

Oneonta Man Sentenced To 60 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Commit Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TOBY MURCHISON was sentenced to 60 months in prison for conspiring to commit sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl.  MURCHISON was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vincent L. Briccetti.  MURCHISON previously pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Toby Murchison preyed on a 16-year-old girl who had run away from home.  Murchison placed this young woman in harm’s way by conspiring to have her engage in commercial sex and benefited financially from her misfortune.  It is difficult to imagine more outrageous conduct, and today’s sentence signals the tenacity with which this Office will prosecute those who take advantage of minor victims.” 

According to the allegations contained in the Information and other court documents filed in White Plains federal court:

In or about April 2021, MURCHISON conspired with one or more people to recruit a 16-year-old victim (“Minor Victim-1”) to engage in commercial sex acts in and around Newburgh, New York.  MURCHISON met Minor Victim-1, who had run away from home, in the Newburgh area.  MURCHISON and a co-conspirator helped Minor Victim-1 to procure “dates” (i.e., meetings with men to engage in commercial sex acts) and then secured hotel rooms, including in Newburgh and Fishkill, in which Minor Victim-1 would meet the men for “dates” and perform sex acts in exchange for money.  Minor Victim-1 then gave some or all of the proceeds from those commercial sex acts to MURCHISON. 

In addition to his prison sentence, MURCHISON, 43, of Oneonta, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations New York, Resident Agent in Charge Hudson Valley, and the Dutchess County Sherriff’s Office. 

Governor Hochul Announces $1.5 Million in Federal Funding to Three Communities for New Juvenile Delinquency Prevention Pilot Project

 

New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services Now Partnering with Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers Police Departments to Develop and Launch Project

Alternatives to Arrest and Trust Building Programs for Justice-Involved Youth

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that police departments in Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers are sharing $1.5 million in federal funding over five years to implement pilot programs designed to provide alternatives to arrest for justice-involved youth and build trust between youth and police in the three cities. New York was one of only seven states to successfully apply for the funding, which will allow each department to address needs of youth who are at-risk of becoming involved with the justice system.   

"New York State is committed to ensuring that our justice system is fair to support our youth and improve public safety for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "I'm proud to announce this $1.5 million in federal funding, which will support our state's efforts to help law enforcement and community leaders partner together to ensure that our youth have the services and opportunities they need to build healthy futures and safe communities."  

Each police department will receive $514,000 over the next five years and work with the state Division of Criminal Justice Services Office of Youth Justice to tailor pre-arrest diversion and trust-building programming designed to reflect the voice and story of young people who encounter law enforcement most frequently in those communities: runaway and homeless youth, and youth of color. This pilot program is part of Governor Hochul's comprehensive strategy, using federal and state funding, to reduce and prevent gun and violent crime; empower communities; and improve the effectiveness and fairness of the state's criminal and youth justice systems.  

Division of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, "This programming builds upon Governor Hochul's commitment to meeting needs of all youth, especially those who are most vulnerable, across New York State. I commend police officials in Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers for their willingness to partner with us and work with stakeholders in their communities to develop and support programs that can have a profound, meaningful and positive effect in the lives of young people."  

Governor Hochul secured $227 million in state funding in the current fiscal year - the largest investment in a generation - for initiatives that support law enforcement and community-based programs, including $28 million for Project Rise (Respond, Invest, Sustain and Empower); $20.9 million for SNUG and community-based gun violence initiatives; and $18.2 million for law enforcement agencies that participate in the state's Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative, among others.   

In applying for the federal grant, staff from the DCJS Office of Youth Justice used data related to arrests, poverty, and runaway youth to identify potential pilot sites. Buffalo, Schenectady and Yonkers will use evidence-based research to help improve services and address challenges through collaborative partnerships, reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and increase the opportunity for a youth to be diverted from entering the youth justice system.

While New York State has a formal diversion process, it occurs after an arrest. Those cases are sent to probation departments, which determine whether they proceed to Family Court or can be diverted (also known as adjusted). The programs developed through the grant will allow for the state to pilot pre-arrest diversion or alternative to arrest opportunities, which could potentially increase equity in the justice system and access to alternatives to incarceration while bolstering trust between law enforcement and the community.    

Through the grant, Office of Youth Justice staff will help identify services currently available to homeless and runaway youth in Erie, Schenectady and Westchester counties; explore policy and eligibility requirements to identify barriers for at-risk or justice-involved youth to access programming; and identify any service gaps and needs for those youth. Data also will be used to support implementation of evidence-informed or evidence-based programming to fill those gaps

Office of Youth Justice staff also will assist with implementing trust building in each community, using a newly designed Trust Building facilitator's guide. Modeled after reconciliation and trust building work at the National Network for Safe Communities, the guide helps "communities and law enforcement to come to a position of respect and trust by recognizing real historical harms and experiences, building empathy, and finding common ground and a mutually supported way forward."   

The guide provides a framework and technical assistance to lead facilitators for conducting monthly trust building meetings with stakeholders. Law enforcement leaders and other public officials acknowledge harm done and listen directly to the affected community to create a consensus record of past and present harms; repair the relationship by taking steps to reduce the effects of past harms and prevent them from repeating. The meetings are used to outline lessons learned, develop concrete changes for public safety best practices based on listening and collaboration.   

The federal Justice Department's Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention awarded the funding to New York and five other states. Priority was given to projects in areas with persistently high poverty. Federal performance measures will be used to gauge participation, training, program additions and expansion, and policies created as a result of the pilot program.  

The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services is a multi-function criminal justice support agency with a variety of responsibilities, including law enforcement training; collection and analysis of statewide crime data; maintenance of criminal history information and fingerprint files; administrative oversight of the state's DNA databank, in partnership with the New York State Police; funding and oversight of probation and community correction programs; administration of federal and state criminal justice funds; support of criminal justice-related agencies across the state; and administration of the state's Sex Offender Registry. Follow the agency on Twitter and Facebook.  

SIX TRINITARIOS GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED FOR 2018 FATAL STABBING OF LESANDRO “JUNIOR” GUZMAN-FELIZ

 

Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter Brings End to Prosecution of 13 Defendants 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that six members of the “Los Sures” set of the Trinitarios gang have been sentenced to prison for their roles in the 2018 fatal stabbing of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, bringing an end to the case.

 District Attorney Clark said, “These six defendants, members of the Los Sures Trinitarios set, chased Lesandro ‘Junior’ Guzman-Feliz and dragged him out of Belmont bodega where he was stabbed by five other defendants. Their unconscionable actions led to the death of the 15- year-old boy. The shocking viral video of the attack left the Bronx community—and the world— horrified at such complete disregard for human life.

 “Our prosecution against all 13 defendants involved in the murder ends today. It brings closure in the criminal justice aspect but does not bring an end to the pain Junior’s family and friends still suffer. They will never recover from their immense loss, but we hope it brings some peace to the community in knowing that these defendants will be in prison for years.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Danilo Payamps Pacheco, 26, Ronald Urena, 33, Jose Tavarez, 26, Danel Fernandez, 26, and Gabriel Ramirez Concepcion, 30, were sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. Fernandez was sentenced to 18 years in prison, Urena was sentenced to 15 years in prison; Concepcion and Pacheco were sentenced to 12 years in prison, and Tavarez to 15 years in prison. Luis Cabrera Santos, 29, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on January 10, 2023. All were sentenced to five years’ post-release supervision. The defendants had pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter.

  According to trial testimony, on the night of June 20, 2018, Diego Suero, the leader of the “Los Sures” set of the Trinitarios gang, and Frederic Then, second-in-command, summoned members to Suero’s home and ordered them to commit violence against another set of the Trinitarios called “Sunset.” The members were in two vehicles when they came upon Junior and chased him to a bodega where he tried to hide. The teen was punched and dragged out of the store by the six defendants and hacked with knives and a machete by Jonaiki Martinez, Jose Muniz, Elvin Garcia, Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago and Manuel Rivera. Four were sentenced in 2019 to prison terms ranging 23/25 years to life in prison and one defendant was sentenced to life in prison. Suero and Then were sentenced to 25 years to life in prison in 2022.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detectives Frank Orlando of the Bronx Homicide Task Force and Joseph Flores of the 48th Precinct for their work on the investigation.