John Barksdale Charged With Cryptocurrency Securities Fraud In Connection With Sale Of Ormeus Coin

 

Through False Representations, BARKSDALE’s Company Ormeus Global Raised at Least $70 Million From More Than 8,000 Investors Around the World

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Ricky Patel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced today that JOHN ALBERT LOAR BARKSDALE was arrested abroad on conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud charges.  The charges arise from a scheme perpetrated by BARKSDALE to sell a cryptocurrency token called Ormeus Coin (asset symbol “ORME”) through false representations regarding the size, value, and purported profitability of Ormeus Coin’s cryptocurrency mining assets.  In particular, through a series of marketing materials designed to sell Ormeus Coin, BARKSDALE and others falsely represented, among other things, that Ormeus Coin was secured by a $250 million cryptocurrency mining operation, which would have been one of the largest such operations in the world, and that its mining revenues exceeded $5 million on a monthly basis.    

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged, John Barksdale perpetrated a scheme to sell the cryptocurrency Ormeus Coin to investors around the world through a web of lies, which he spread through in-person roadshows, social media, and even a jumbotron in Times Square.  Among other allegedly false statements he made, Barksdale lied that Ormeus Coin was secured by a $250 million cryptocurrency mining operation that had revenues exceeding $5 million per month, when in fact Ormeus’s mining operations never approached such a value or had such revenues.  Together with our law enforcement partners here and abroad, we will work tirelessly to prosecute those who commit frauds against the public in connection with the sale of cryptocurrencies.”

Acting HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel:  “As alleged, Barksdale operated like a traveling salesman and peddled lies, overstatements, and misrepresentations regarding a cryptocurrency called Ormeus Coin, which resulted in duping thousands of investors throughout the world and took in over $70 million.  The men and women of HSI will not allow fraudsters to sell dreams of inflated and unrealistic revenues to innocent investors with the goal of lining their own pockets.  By leveraging federal and international partnerships, Barksdale is now facing prosecution in the Southern District of New York for his alleged criminal acts.”

According to the Indictment unsealed in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From in or about 2017 through at least in or about October 2021, BARKSDALE and his relative (“CC-1”) perpetrated a scheme to sell Ormeus Coin, an ERC-20 compliant smart contract-based token on the Ethereum blockchain, through false representations.  Ormeus Coin was offered to investors throughout the world, including in the United States and the Southern District of New York, through enrollment packages sold by Ormeus Global, a multi-level marketing company controlled by BARKSDALE and CC-1, various digital currency exchanges, and directly from BARKSDALE and his associates.

Through a series of white papers, in-person roadshows, online webinars and videos, social media platforms, and other marketing materials approved by BARKSDALE and CC-1, BARKSDALE and CC-1 falsely represented, among other things, that Ormeus Coin was a digital money system secured by a $250 million cryptocurrency mining operation, which would have been one of the largest such operations in the world.  In order to backstop the false representations regarding the size and value of cryptocurrency mining assets that purportedly secured the value of Ormeus Coin, BARKSDALE, among other things: (i) approved marketing materials that falsely depicted photos of a purported Ormeus Coin mining facility; (ii) deceptively referenced an “Ormeus Reserve Vault” (“ORV”) that stored over 3,000 Bitcoin purportedly derived from Ormeus Coin’s mining operations, which was represented as securing the value of Ormeus Coin; and (iii) falsely stated that Ormeus Coin’s mining revenues exceeded $5 million on a monthly basis.  For example, on or about February 9, 2018, Ormeus Coin ran an advertisement on a jumbotron in Times Square in Manhattan, New York, which proclaimed, in a caption above a giant ORME symbol, “$250 Million Cryptocurrency Mining Farm Revealed in Legal Audit by Ormeus Coin.”  On or about February 12, 2018, a photograph of the Times Square advertisement was posted to Ormeus Global’s Twitter account with the caption “Live from New York City, Ormeus Coin Advertising its $250 million Cryptocurrency Mining Farm in Times Square, Manhattan!”  In truth, Ormeus’s mining operations never approached a value close to $250 million and never produced revenues exceeding one million dollars in any month, and the Bitcoin stored in the “Ormeus Reserve Vault” belonged to a third party.

Numerous investors purchased enrollment packages through Ormeus Global and purchased Ormeus Coin through digital currency exchanges or directly from BARKSDALE and his associates.  Investors made these purchases based at least in part on BARKSDALE’s false representations regarding the size, value, and purported profitability of the cryptocurrency mining assets controlled by Ormeus Global and Ormeus Coin, as well as the purported security that the ORV provided to the value of Ormeus Coin.  Through this scheme, from in or about June 2017 through at least in or about April 2018, Ormeus Global raised at least approximately $70 million from the sale of enrollment packages to more than 8,000 investors around the world.  From in or about June 2017 through at least in or about October 2021, Ormeus Coin was sold to at least approximately 12,000 investors, including at least 200 U.S.-based investors.  At its peak, Ormeus Coin had a market capitalization of approximately $52 million in or about January 2018.

BARKSDALE, 40, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud, one count of securities fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of wire fraud.  Conspiracy to commit securities fraud carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  All other charges each carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Any individuals who believe they may have been the victim of the alleged crimes perpetrated in connection with Ormeus Global or Ormeus Coin can contact HSI at https://www.ice.gov/webform/ice-tip-form or ormeus@ice.dhs.gov.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI and USPIS, and thanked the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, which today filed a parallel civil action, for its assistance.  Mr. Williams also thanked the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Marshals Service, who all provided significant assistance in this investigation.  

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Third Avenue Business Improvement District News

 

NEW LEGISLATION INCREASES BURDEN ON BIZ

Lawyer's Alliance in partnership with New York City Department of Small Business Services provided a forum to learn about COVID-19 human resource matters, cannabis legislation, and the impact of recently passed City and State legislation that increases the burden on small businesses in the borough.  The session also provided clarity on steps businesses and non-profits need to take to protect their interests and employees.

New Retail for the HUB // Buildings Renovated

Over the past several years Third Avenue Business Improvement District has worked with area partners to activate vacant lots and reimagine area retail offerings. We welcome these recent developments including JD Sports - 30,000 sf of retail space, La Central YMCA - 60,000 sf of community space, and a new Charter School and ground floor retail on Bergen Avenue and Westchester Avenue.

Other notable projects that have been completed include:

• Completion of La Central Buildings A & B
• Completion of Roberto Clemente Plaza
• Rehabilitation of the former Alexander's site
• Redevelopment & Recent Sale of Triangle Equities Development
• Completion of 521 Bergen Avenue
• Implementation of the Harlem River Waterfront Plan

NYC COVID-19 Requirements Lifted Mayor Adams announced the COVID-19 Key To NYC program on Monday, March 7th. Ending the Key to NYC program will remove the requirement that covered businesses confirm the vaccination status of anyone over 5 years old prior to entering their establishment.  Restaurants, fitness centers, and other indoor entertainment venues will no longer be required to ask patrons and customers for proof of vaccination (however, private businesses and organizations may choose to continue requesting mask wearing and/or proof of vaccination at their indoor premises at their discretion). However, vaccination requirements and attestation for their employees remain in effect at this time, and NYC's public employee vaccine requirement also remains in place. Masks continue to be required on mass transit Taking Care of BIDness Third Avenue Business Improvement District invests over $750,000 per year in Clean Team services for the District.  This includes our team from 7am-8pm daily, graffiti removal, powerwashing, sidewalk cleaning, street asset maintenance, syringe litter clean up, overdose prevention, horticulture, and so much more.  We know it's important to keep the District clean and safe and that is what we do. Public Safety Forum Brings Businesses Together  There have been over twenty break-ins in the area. Third Avenue Business Improvement District hosted a Public Safety Forum for South Bronx businesses as part of our commitment to increase the dialogue between law enforcement and area businesses and organizations. From specialized violence disruptors to counselors to the NYOD 40th Precinct NCOs, Community Affairs, Patrol, & Crime Prevention units everyone has a role in public safety. Today's Forum allowed for an honest exchange of ideas to make our communities safer. Take aways from the Forum included: Request to increase car and foot patrols in the area Increase Increase NYPD presence at community events Share regularly updated contact and shift information of officers Work with NYC Department of Transportation to increase area lighting Have business owners use the free consultation of the Crime Prevention Unit Throggs Neck St. Pat's Parade 3/13/22 LGBTQ+ History in The Bronx Join the Lavender & Green Alliance, Third Avenue BID and Stonewall Democrats as we celebrate everything and everyone Irish during the 24th Annual Throggs Neck St. Pat's Parade, 3/13/2022 This is the 1st time an LGBTQ+ group has been welcomed in the parade & we are grateful. Register: https://bit.ly/3pFOXPb CPR Training for Businesses  3/24/22 Join Third Avenue BID, Acacia Network, and St. Ann's Corner of Harm Reduction for CPR Training. Register: https://bit.ly/35EGcgY HUB Business Townhall  3/31/22 Join Third Avenue BID and learn about what's happening in the District and voice concerns to inform our yearly planning process and engagement with elected officials. Register: https://bit.ly/3Hti26E

MAYOR ADAMS, CHANCELLOR BANKS, PARENTS, ADVOCATES CALL FOR INCLUSION OF MAYORAL ACCOUNTABILITY IN STATE BUDGET

 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

This is put before Mayor Adams et al. comments on Mayoral Control of the public schools. 

Mayoral Control of the public schools has been a failure from day one under former Mayor Bloomberg who tried to rewrite the education law while trying to break the teachers union. The UFT said Mayoral Control should be abolished until they received a huge new contract from incoming Mayor Bill de Blasio eight years ago. 

Community District Education Councils were set up by the state legislature which are now known as Community Education Councils, with the word District taken out. There are 32 school districts and a Special Education District, known as District 75. 

Student performance in the Bronx is far behind the other four boroughs, and that is because Mayor Bill de Blasio dumped on the Bronx in many ways, including sending 37% of New York City's homeless population to the Bronx, double the percentage of the Bronx population of the city. 

As a former parent leader myself, we need to say no to continuing Mayoral Control of the public schools, and put education of children back at the local school district level.

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks today called on members of the state Legislature to include mayoral accountability for New York City Public Schools in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget. Joining Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks at today’s event outside of Bayside High School were elected officials, teachers, and advocates — all there to highlight the numerous successes of mayoral accountability, including the launch of Pre-K for All, a more than 20 percent increase in graduation rates, and the coordination of the massive inter-agency COVID-19 response.

“Mayoral accountability in New York City Public Schools is what has allowed us to create Universal Pre-K, increase graduation rates, and get kids back into the classroom safely and swiftly during COVID-19,” said Mayor Adams. “Continuing mayoral accountability will benefit all of our students and will allow Chancellor Banks and myself to make the transformative changes in the education system that will address systemic inequities. This is no time to go backwards to a broken system. It’s a time to build on what we know works: accountability.”

 

“It is vital that we take this moment to put politics aside and come together to focus on and support our students,” said Schools Chancellor Banks. “As a product of our public schools and a leader who knows all too well the challenges before us, this is personal to me. Mayoral accountability allows us to collectively tackle systemic problems so that all of our kids may have bright starts and bold futures.”

 

Twenty years ago, before mayoral accountability, New York City’s education system was plagued with corruption that put the needs of adults over those of students. Today, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are committed to meeting the needs of New York’s students. By continuing mayoral accountability, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks can dismantle decades of deep-rooted inequities, while simultaneously building a brighter future for young New Yorkers, filled with unlimited opportunities. 

 

“As we seek to support our schools and students, it is essential that our state government leaders grant New York City mayoral control of our schools,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Mayoral accountability makes clear who is responsible for our schools, and for being responsive to students, parents, and educators alike by listening to their needs and incorporating their priorities as we continue to advocate for equity and excellence for our children.”

 

“I support and encourage the state Legislature’s swift passage of mayoral accountability over New York City’s school system, which I believe will continue to lead to successful outcomes for our students and staff alike,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As we emerge from the pandemic, I look forward to working with the mayor and Chancellor Banks to strengthen our schools, uplift our families, and engage parents in our shared pursuit of excellence for all who walk through the doors of our school system.”

 

“100 Black Men, Inc. supports mayoral control of schools and stands with Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks,” said Courtney A. Bennett, executive director, 100 Black Men, Inc (OHBM). “The city has seen improvements in graduation rates, college admissions, innovative schools, and more under mayoral control. Mayor Adams has thoughtfully surrounded himself with talented, proven leaders. When OHBM founded the first Eagle Academy, David Banks was the principal. He has since built the Eagle Academy from a single school serving a few hundred boys to network of schools serving thousands yielding better than average results when compared to other schools. Mayoral control allows innovators, like Chancellor Banks, to help students become their best selves. That's what education is all about, isn't it?”

 

“Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are products of New York City public schools, making this the first time we have leaders under mayoral accountability from the city school system,” said Reverend Jacques DeGraff, board member, Urban Assembly. “They know the issues that parents and students are concerned with by not only witnessing the inequities in the system but also seeing what works. The extension of mayoral accountability allocates adequate time for the mayor and chancellor to make a difference in the lives of thousands of students. They need four years to get the job done the right way.”

 

“There is no stronger way to ensure our youth have all the resources they need to be on the best path to a fruitful education, than for accountability to lay with the mayor,” said Arva Rice, CEO, New York Urban League. “In order to ensure equity and equality of outcomes of all New Yorkers we need citywide policy and structure to ensure no child is left behind.”

 

“As a community advocate and parent of three, I believe our local government has the best leaders to solve our local problems,” said Vijah Ramjattan, community advocate and parent. “This is about accountability and our public schools are no exception. Now is the time to ensure our public school students are best equipped to succeed and thrive.”

 

Nos Quedamos and Partners push to safeguard 'Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act' March 8th

 

Nos Quedamos and Partners push to safeguard ‘Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act’ (CLCPA)

In 2019, NY made history by passing the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA), but today we’re in danger of it becoming an unfunded mandate. Nos Quedamos has joined forces with its climate justice partners to gather at the State Capital in Albany on March 8, 2022 to amplify our collective voices to ensure that the Bronx is not left behind and receives the funding we need to prepare for and mitigate an uncertain future caused by  global warming and other natural environmental disasters spurned on by mankind’s excesses and negligence. The Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) represents New York State’s ambitious goal of reaching nation-leading climate targets to offset the worst effects of climate change. Passed in 2019, the CLCPA mandates an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, zero-emission electricity by 2040, as well as a surge in renewable energy production and transmission. March 8, 2022 will be a day to remember. Over 300 New Yorkers will march on the Capitol in Albany to demand climate justice, and hundreds more will participate online to make our call heard! New York State needs #15BillionBecause climate justice just can’t wait another year. This is our last, best chance to tell our elected officials why our communities need funding for climate justice. Let’s show the legislature that we are a united, grassroots movement to demand action on the climate crisis! This effort is being led by NY RENEWS. We will be in Albany March 8th demanding that our elected officials and representatives stand with us in safeguarding the $15B package passed in 2019!

Can’t join us in Albany March 8th? Then do your part on social media from work or home by joining our Massive March 8th Tweetstorm directed at New York State leadership (the Governor, Speaker, and Majority Leader) using this simple one-click tool and let them know that we need $15B for Environmental Justice in The Bronx and extended communities throughout New York! PLEASE SHARE! For more about Nos Quedamos' work/plans in community resiliency, go to nosquedamos.org/resiliency

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - MARCH 7, 2022

 

Daily Positivity is 1.41% -- Under 2% Over Past 11 Consecutive Days  

17 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

  Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.     

“We continue to see downward trends across the State thanks to the hard work and dedication of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “I am grateful for the resiliency and tenacity shown by New Yorkers throughout our battle with COVID-19. I have faith that we will continue to work together to battle whatever comes our way, and the best way to do that is for everyone who hasn’t gotten vaccinated to get their shot today.”       

Today's data is summarized briefly below:       

• Test Results Reported – 71,660 
• Total Positive – 1,013
• Percent Positive – 1.41%   
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 1.54% 
• Patient Hospitalization – 1,520 (+13) 
• Patients Newly Admitted – 128
• Patients in ICU – 258 (-11) 
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 139 
• Total Discharges – 287,228(+152) 
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 17 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 54,850
  
  
  The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.   

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC – 69,544 

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings.     

• Total vaccine doses administered – 37,135,869 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 10,410 
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 338,368 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 91.8% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 83.1% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 85.7% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 81.9% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 71.9% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 81.2% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 73.4% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 89.1% 
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 75.7% 

Each New York City borough’s 7-day average percentage of positive test results reported over the last three days is as follows:     

BOROUGH	Friday, March 4, 2022	Saturday, March 5, 2022	Sunday, March 6, 2022
Bronx	0.87%	0.78%	0.79%
Brooklyn	1.00%	0.96%	0.95%
Manhattan	1.33%	1.29%	1.32%
Queens	1.04%	0.96%	0.94%
Staten Island	1.26%	1.16%	1.19%

DEC AND VOLUNTEERS PREPARE FOR ANNUAL SALAMANDER AND FROG MIGRATION IN THE HUDSON VALLEY

 

Spring Thaw and Warm Rains will Soon Lure Amphibians to Vernal Pools for Breeding

 Throughout the Hudson Valley, community volunteers are getting out their flashlights, reflective vests, and raingear in anticipation of annual amphibian breeding migrations, which typically begin in mid-March, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today. Volunteers will document the migration and help salamanders and frogs as part of DEC’s Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project.

“The Hudson Valley has remarkable amphibian diversity and during this time of year, road mortality poses a significant threat to the salamanders and frogs migrating from forests to vernal pools for breeding,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “DEC is grateful to the dedicated volunteers ready to assist amphibians attempting road crossings during their annual migration. I encourage all New Yorkers and visitors traveling the state’s roads to be on the lookout for these vulnerable amphibians and the dedicated volunteers keeping them safe.”

Now in its 14th year, DEC’s Amphibian Migrations and Road Crossings Project was initiated by the Hudson River Estuary Program and Cornell University to raise awareness about critical amphibian habitat, engage volunteers to help collect data on the annual migration, and reduce amphibian road mortality. More than 800 volunteers have participated in the effort since 2009, and helped move an estimated 27,390 salamanders, frogs, and toads safely across roads.

In the coming weeks, as temperatures rise and snow melts, forest species like wood frog (Lithobates sylvatica), spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum), and Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex (Ambystoma jeffersonianum x laterale) will emerge from underground winter shelters and head to vernal pools for breeding. Vernal pools are small, temporary wetlands in the forest that are critical breeding habitat for these amphibians. The pools hold water until summer, so the adult amphibians must gather, breed, and deposit eggs early enough to ensure their aquatic young can hatch, grow, and leave the pools before they dry up.

The timing of migration is weather-dependent and in the Hudson Valley, with concentrated activity on the first warm, rainy nights in March, after the ground has thawed and night air temperatures remain above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. The suitability of migration conditions varies throughout the Hudson River estuary watershed, but when it’s just right, there can be explosive "big night" migrations with hundreds of amphibians on the move. On their journeys between forest habitat and breeding pools, these amphibians often need to cross roads, where mortality can be high even when traffic is low.

Project volunteers document road locations where they observe migrations in the Hudson Valley, record weather and traffic conditions, and identify and count the amphibians on the move. Volunteers also carefully help the amphibians to safely cross roads. Since the project started, volunteers have documented 20 species and counted 32,500 live amphibians, as well as nearly 14,000 migrating amphibians killed by passing vehicles. Species reported most frequently during migration nights include spotted salamander, wood frog, and spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer). To a lesser degree, volunteers have also observed Jefferson-blue spotted salamander complex and four-toed salamander (Hemidactylium scutatum), species of conservation concern in New York.

Safety is critical, and project volunteers are expected to take all necessary precautions. Volunteers are advised to wear reflective safety vests and headlamps to increase visibility on dark roads, and should not interfere with passing vehicles. Amphibian safety is also important, and frogs and salamanders should only be handled with care and clean hands, free of hand sanitizer, lotion, and other substances that can be toxic to amphibians’ porous skin.

For more information, including a short video about amphibian migrations, visit DEC’s website. DEC held a virtual training for volunteers in February with 105 participants. New Yorkers interested in volunteering to participate in this annual event are encouraged to watch a series of training videos on YouTube and read the Volunteer Handbook. In addition, potential volunteers can access a recording of the training and use materials available on the project website to learn more, including where groups in the Hudson Valley are helping to organize local volunteers. Anyone interested in receiving project updates and news about the migration can subscribe to the project e-newsletter through DEC Delivers.

DEC supports programs like the Amphibian Migration and Road Crossings Project to educate people about the importance of wetlands and healthy, connected forests, and encourage proactive conservation planning. These habitats are carbon storage and sequestration powerhouses, making them an invaluable tool in New York’s nation-leading fight against climate change. The program is also critical for maintaining the state’s rich diversity of plants and animals, and especially the vernal pool breeding amphibians that are of conservation concern throughout their Northeast range.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS TO NEW YORK CITY DISTRICTING COMMISSION

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced seven mayoral appointees to the New York City Districting Commission. The commission — comprised of seven members appointed by the mayor and eight members appointed by the City Council — will be tasked with redrawing council district boundaries in advance of the upcoming City Council elections in 2023.

“An independent, impartial redistricting process is critical to a healthy democracy,” said Mayor Adams. “This impressive array of public servants will serve the city well and truly reflect New York’s growing diversity. I thank them for answering the call to service and working to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers.”

 

The City Charter requires the City Council and the mayor to appoint an independent Districting Commission every 10 years, following the decennial census. The process ensures council districts continue to reflect population and demographic changes. After the commission is constituted, commission members and their staff will begin meeting to review all relevant laws, regulations, and the most recent census data. After a series of public hearings and meetings, the commission will develop a final plan, which must be submitted to the City Council by the end of the year.

 

Mayor Adams’ appointees are:

 

Hon. Marilyn D. Go

Marilyn D. Go served as a federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York from 1993 to 2019. She previously worked as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Civil Division of the Eastern District of New York from 1978 to 1982. She then joined the law firm Baden Kramer Huffman Brodsky & Go, where she became a partner in 1984. Go began her career as a clerk for Court of Common Pleas Judge William Marutani.

 

Maria Mateo, Esq.

Maria Mateo, Esq. is a solo practitioner based in Queens, New York. She founded her firm in 2011. Previously, Mateo worked at the Immigration Tenant Advocacy Project in 2010 and Sanctuary for Families in 2009. Before that, she worked in the Department of Domestic Violence at the Queens District Attorney’s Office. Prior, Mateo worked for the Presidency of the Dominican Republic as a bilingual attorney. She belongs to several organizations, including the Latino Lawyers Association.

 

Joshua Schneps

Joshua Schneps is the CEO and publisher of Schneps Media — a family-run business — which publishes dozens of local newspapers, magazines, and local websites in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Previously, Schneps was a sales representative with the Forum Courier, a Queens-based local newspaper publisher. He earned a B.S. from Indiana University.

 

Lisa Sorin

Lisa Sorin serves as president of the New Bronx Chamber of Commerce. Previously, Sorkin was executive director of the Westchester Square District Management Association. Prior to that, she was head of LAS Consulting Services, Inc. Sorkin holds a B.A. and an M.S. in Business Leadership from Concordia College.

 

Msgr. Kevin Sullivan

Monsignor Kevin Sullivan is executive director of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York. He previously served as chair of the 9/11 United Services Group, co-founded the Washington Heights-Inwood Coalition and the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation, and served as co-chair of the Partnership for the homeless. Before that, Monsignor Sullivan was a parish priest at St. Elizabeth’s Church.

 

Dennis M. Walcott

Dennis M. Walcott has served as president and CEO of Queens Public Library since 2016. Prior to that, Walcott served as the state-appointed monitor of the East Ramapo School District. In 2014, he was named an Honorary Distinguished Fellow at the University of the West Indies and he has been an adjunct professor at Fordham University’s graduate program, The Fordham Center for Nonprofit Leaders. Walcott previously served as chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. Prior to his appointment as chancellor, he served as deputy mayor for education and community development.

 

Kai-Ki Wong

Kai-Ki Wong is a career civil servant who, most recently, served as assistant chief plan examiner at the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB). Before that, he was a plan examiner for DOB. He holds a B.A. and an M.A. in Architecture from Ecole Speciale d’Architecture.