Senior FARC Commander Pleads Guilty in Brooklyn Federal Court to Conspiring to Distribute Massive Quantities Of Cocaine for Importation into the United States

Martin Leonel Perez Castro, also known as “Richard,” pleaded guilty today in federal court in Brooklyn to conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally, intending and knowing that the cocaine would be illegally imported into the United States.  The proceeding was held before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan.  Perez Castro, the commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) 30th Front, a group that operated in southwestern Colombia, was extradited to the Eastern District of New York in June 2022.  When sentenced, he faces up to life in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Thomas M. Fattorusso, Special Agent-in-Charge, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, New York Field Office (IRS-CI), announced the guilty plea.

“The defendant was a senior FARC leader who financed the group’s violence and terrorism through the production and distribution of thousands of kilograms of cocaine on a global scale,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Today’s guilty plea is a powerful reminder to drug trafficking organizations all over the world that this Office and our law enforcement partners will bring them to justice for the harm and misery they have caused in the United States and elsewhere.” 

Mr. Peace extended his appreciation to the DEA’s office in Bogota, Colombia, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS) Judicial Attaché Office in Bogotá, Colombia, the Colombian National Police, and the Government of Colombia.

“As a senior FARC leader, Perez Castro used violence, power and notoriety to import tons of cocaine from Colombia into New York City,” stated DEA Administrator Milgram.  “Today's guilty plea reflects DEA’s unwavering commitment to hold all drug traffickers accountable and should send a clear message to drug networks across the globe that we will investigate and dismantle organizations that threaten the safety and health of the American people.”

“This FARC senior official maintained a revenue stream that used extortion and direct sales to cocaine dealers to fund the para-military group.  In his position, Perez Castro is responsible for distributing thousands of kilos of cocaine in and around the United States.  Today’s guilty plea is the result of the great investigative work of DEA and IRS-CI Special Agents and incredible law enforcement partnerships globally,” stated IRS-CI New York Special Agent-in-Charge Fattorusso. 

As set forth in the indictment, court filings, and statements made in Court, the FARC’s 30th Front, led by Perez Castro, generated revenue by directly selling cocaine to drug traffickers or extorting payments from traffickers operating in the 30th Front’s territory.  The cocaine trafficked by the 30th Front was later smuggled into the United States, Europe, and elsewhere.  The 30th Front also attacked rival drug trafficking groups or Colombian government forces to protect or expand FARC territory.  As part of his plea, Perez Castro will take responsibility for the distribution of more than 75,000 kilograms of cocaine.    

The FARC was founded in 1964 as a left-wing paramilitary group dedicated to the violent overthrow of the Government of Colombia.  Over decades of conflict, the FARC attacked Colombian government forces and used targeted killings, kidnapping, and other terrorist tactics to achieve its ends.  In October 1997, the U.S. Secretary of State designated the FARC as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO), pursuant to Title 8, United States Code, Section 1189.  After the Government of Colombia and the FARC entered into a peace accord in 2016, the FARC formally dissolved.  On November 30, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of State revoked the designation of the FARC as an FTO.   The defendant’s conduct occurred prior to the 2016 peace accord. 

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF 

Emergency Executive Order 477

 

August 13, 2023 

WHEREAS, over the past several months, thousands of asylum seekers have been arriving in New York City, from the Southern border, without having any immediate plans for shelter; and 

WHEREAS, the City now faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires it to take extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of the asylum seekers while continuing to serve the tens of thousands of people who are currently using the DHS Shelter System; and 

WHEREAS, additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022; and 

WHEREAS, the state of emergency based on the arrival of thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022, and extended most recently by Emergency Executive Order No. 474, dated August 8, 2023, remains in effect; 

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency: 

Section 1. I hereby order that section 2 of Emergency Executive Order No. 474, dated August 8, 2023, is extended for five (5) days. 

2 - This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date. 

 

Eric Adams 

Mayor 

UBS Agrees to Pay $1.435 Billion for Fraud in the Sale of Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities

 

Settlement Brings Total Amount of Civil Penalties Paid by Banks, Originators, and Ratings Agencies for Such Securities to Over $36 Billion 

UBS AG and several of its U.S.-based affiliates (together, UBS) have agreed to pay $1.435 billion in penalties to settle a civil action filed in November 2018 alleging misconduct related to UBS’ underwriting and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) issued in 2006 and 2007. This settlement resolves the last case brought by a Justice Department working group dedicated to investigating conduct of banks and other entities for their roles in creating and issuing RMBS leading up to the 2008 financial crisis.

Following an extensive investigation, the United States filed a complaint alleging that UBS defrauded investors in connection with the sale of 40 RMBS issued in 2006 and 2007. The complaint alleged that UBS knowingly made false and misleading statements to buyers of these securities relating to the characteristics of the mortgage loans underlying the RMBS in violation of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989 (FIRREA). The FIRREA claims were based on alleged violations of the mail, wire, and bank fraud statutes.

“In the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, people all across the country experienced financial ruin and emotional devastation, and many are still recovering nearly 15 years later,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “As this settlement demonstrates, the department and our partner agencies remain committed to holding accountable those who break the law and undermine the well-being of American families.”

“The results achieved by the RMBS Working Group are a testament to the exceptional dedication and hard work by department attorneys over many years,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are grateful for the outstanding support provided by our partners in federal agencies and states that similarly sought to hold responsible those entities that contributed to the 2008 financial crisis.”

“With this resolution, UBS will pay for its conduct related to its underwriting and issuance of residential mortgage-backed securities. The substantial civil penalty in this case serves as a warning to other players in the financial markets who seek to unlawfully profit through fraud that we will hold them accountable no matter how long it takes,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace for the Eastern District of New York. “The over $36 billion collected for conduct that fueled the 2008 financial crisis reflects the Department of Justice’s deep commitment to protecting financial markets, investors and the public against fraudulent conduct.”

“This settlement represents accountability from those who thought they were above the law,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia. “UBS’ conduct at issue in this case played a significant role in causing a financial crisis that harmed millions of Americans. We will continue to seek accountability when financial institutions – large or small – misrepresent vital information to investors and undermine trust in our public markets.”

The government’s complaint alleged that contrary to UBS’ representations in publicly filed offering documents, UBS knew that significant numbers of the loans backing the RMBS did not comply with loan underwriting guidelines that were designed to assess borrowers’ ability to repay. The complaint further asserted that UBS knew that the property values associated with a significant number of the securitized loans were unsupported, and that significant numbers of the loans had not been originated in accordance with consumer protection laws. UBS was allegedly aware of these significant problems because it had conducted extensive due diligence on the underlying loans prior to the RMBS being issued to determine whether the loans were consistent with representations that would be made to investors. Ultimately, the 40 RMBS sustained substantial losses.   

“The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of Inspector General (FHFA-OIG), together with our RMBS Working Group partners, investigated and held accountable those who sought to victimize Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and investors by selling fraudulent mortgage-backed securities,” said FHFA Inspector General Brian Tomney. “We appreciate our longstanding partnership with the Department of Justice and its vigorous pursuit of justice in this case.”

With the UBS settlement announced today, the Justice Department has collected more than $36 billion in civil penalties from entities for their alleged conduct in connection with mortgages securitized in failed RMBS leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. These resolutions include settlements with the following banks, mortgage originators, and rating agencies: Ally Financial; Aurora Loan Services; Bank of America; Barclays; Citigroup; Credit Suisse; Deutsche Bank; General Electric; Goldman Sachs; HSBC; JPMorgan; Moody’s; Morgan Stanley; Nomura; Royal Bank of Scotland; S&P; Société Générale; and Wells Fargo. 

Collectively, these matters were handled by 11 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Justice Department’s Civil Division, in conjunction with the RMBS Working Group. The RMBS Working Group was a federal and state law enforcement effort focused on investigating fraud and abuse in the RMBS market that led to the financial crisis. Formed in 2012, the RMBS Working Group brought together more than 200 attorneys, investigators, analysts, and staff from dozens of state and federal agencies, including the FHFA-OIG, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the FBI, to investigate financial fraud in RMBS. 

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bonni J. Perlin, Michael J. Castiglione, Richard K. Hayes, Edward K. Newman and Melanie Speight for the Eastern District of New York, Austin M. Hall and Andres H. Sandoval, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Armen Adzhemyan for the Northern District of Georgia handled the case. 

The claims resolved in the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS FABIEN LEVY AS DEPUTY MAYOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Fabien Levy as deputy mayor for communications. As the city’s first ever deputy mayor for communications, Levy will coordinate communications across the whole of city government, instead of just City Hall and ensure city agencies are speaking with a unified message to New Yorkers. In this role, Levy will break down siloes and ensure every city agency is supporting each other and, in turn, highlighting the Adams administration’s vision to support working families across New York City.

“For too long, the good work of this city has been crushed by the boulder of bureaucracy. Our new deputy mayor for communications will make sure that every agency is supporting each other, and delivering for working class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Adams. “There is no one I trust more to amplify and get our message out there than Fabien Levy. A spokesman and champion for working people, Fabien is a passionate communicator. A native New Yorker raised by working-class Jewish-Middle Eastern parents, Fabien will be New York City’s first ever deputy mayor of Persian or Iraqi descent. Deputy Mayor Levy and I will work together to meet the challenges ahead and continue to deliver for New Yorkers every day.”

 

“I want to thank the mayor for trusting me to lead the communications team across this city. As someone originally from New York City, I know there is no higher form of public service than serving New Yorkers and I am thrilled to take on this role overseeing communications across city government,” said Deputy Mayor for Communications Fabien Levy. “This announcement is only possible because of the people who helped get me where I am today, including all my family, friends, and colleagues. Since I was a kid, I knew it was my responsibility to give back, help others, and — like the Jewish tenet ‘tikkun olam’ translates — repair the world. It is that sense of responsibility, that sense of community to leave the world in a better place than when we got here that drives me every day. I know that this new role will help further break down the siloes between our city agencies and City Hall and help provide New Yorkers with a better line of sight into how their city government operates as one as we work to help repair the world. I am ready to hit the ground running, and help build a city that is safer, more equitable, and prosperous for all.”

 

“In January 2022, Fabien Levy stepped up to serve our city as a member of Team Adams to partner and help build a better New York. More than a year and a half later, that’s exactly what he has done,” said Chief Advisor Ingrid P. Lewis-Martin. “I’ve had the pleasure to strategize and work directly with Fabien and have seen firsthand his tireless effort to move our city forward crisis after crisis — during all of which he has kept an even composure and positive mindset to do what is absolutely best for our city. With his new role as deputy mayor for communications, Fabien will be able to expand those efforts and ensure that city government speaks with a clear, effective voice.”

 

“With two decades of experience across federal, state, and city government, there is no better person to enter into this role than Fabien Levy,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “From day one, Fabien showed a talent for delivering this administration’s vision for the city, a tenacity for engaging with the press, and endless sense of collaboration with this team. Under Fabien’s leadership, we will continue to break down siloes across government communications and tell New Yorkers how we are ‘Getting Stuff Done’ every day.'”

 

“Fabien Levy’s fierce intelligence, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of his fellow New Yorkers have made him an invaluable member of this administration and a central force behind our accomplishments,” said Chief of Staff Camille Joseph Varlack. “More importantly, Fabien’s care and compassion for everyday New Yorkers make him the perfect fit for deputy mayor for communications. I look forward to working with Fabien in this new role to ensure that our city government both listens and speaks to every New Yorker.”

 

“For the first time in the city’s history, we will have a deputy mayor for communications,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne-Williams Isom. “This role will execute Mayor Adams’ goal to streamline the city’s public messaging and to unify agency communications strategies. Ultimately, the role gives the city new capabilities to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for New Yorkers. Fabien is an experienced communications professional who is deeply committed to serving New Yorkers and delivering results. He will advance the administration’s vision to make the city fairer, more just, and more equitable. I look forward to working with him on this new endeavor and to now calling him my brother deputy mayor.”

 

“From day one, Fabien has demonstrated an unmatched work ethic and a profound commitment to the mayor’s ‘Get Stuff Done’ agenda,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres Springer. “As deputy mayor for communications, he will no doubt build on that record and his deep experience working at every level of government to ensure that we bring our agenda directly to the people of New York City, and engage every community in tackling our most urgent challenges.”

 

“I am so happy and proud to see New York City’s own fiery, formidable flack Fabien move up to the larger and fitting role of running the entire Adams’ administration communications operation,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Meera Joshi “Fabien has a pulse on what New Yorkers need and want to hear. As deputy mayor of communications, he will keep our entire city up to date, and, most importantly, in ways that are both accessible and interesting to all.”   

 

“I am excited to welcome Fabien Levy to the role of deputy mayor for communications, as he brings a wealth of experience into this leadership position,” said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana Almanzar. “He has been and will continue to be a vital part of our team to bring in new audiences and strengthen the existing connections with all our communities across the New York City.”

 

Reporting to Deputy Mayor Levy will be City Hall’s communications director, press secretary, director of the office of community and ethnic media, research director, and senior advisor for creative communications. Levy will also work closely with communications and press staff across all of city government.

 

About Fabien Levy

 

For the last 19 months, Levy has served as press secretary to Mayor Adams, where he managed the Press Office and response to thousands of press inquiries, as well as helping put together hundreds of mayoral events.

 

Levy brings two decades of communications experience to the role. He previously worked on numerous presidential, U.S. senate, U.S. House, and mayoral races across the country, as well as in California state government.

 

In 2011, Levy worked as communications director on a special election in upstate New York, where he helped elect now Governor Kathy Hochul to Congress. After serving for more than a year in her congressional office as communication director, Levy joined the Obama administration as press secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where he was part of the rapid response team during the Affordable Care Act’s first open enrollment period.

 

Immediately preceding his joining the Adams administration as press secretary, Levy served as press secretary and senior advisor to New York Attorney General Letitia James, where he was the office's chief spokesperson and worked with press on a day-to-day basis on a variety of issues, in addition to helping the team map out Attorney General James’ communications vision.

 

Levy is a native New Yorker, who graduated from Syracuse University with a dual B.A. in Political Science and Broadcast Journalism.

 

Levy will report directly to Mayor Adams.

Governor Hochul Renews Call for Federal Government and Freight Rail Industry to Take Action to Improve Rail Safety

 

Actions Would Accelerate Existing Regulatory Implementation and Increase Transparency

 Governor Kathy Hochul today continued to urge Congress, federal regulators and the freight rail industry to take additional proactive steps to prevent freight rail disasters following last week’s derailment in Montgomery County. These measures, first outlined by the Governor in February, will help create a safer freight rail transportation industry, while increasing state emergency response capabilities through improved federal oversight.

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my number one priority, so we cannot wait for another disaster to happen before we take steps to improve rail safety,” Governor Hochul said. “The train derailment last week in Montgomery County was thankfully free of injuries or spills but demonstrates the incredible need for the federal government and the freight rail industry to take action and protect both residents and the environment.”

Specifically, Governor Hochul calls on Congress, the freight rail industry and federal regulators to take the following actions:

• Expedite the phase-in of safer tank cars (DOT 117's) for hazardous materials in advance of the Congressionally mandated 2029 deadline.
• Modernize braking regulations and increase the use of electronically controlled pneumatic brakes (ECP) to prevent potential rail derailments.
• Require rail roads to provide advance notification to State emergency response teams of hazardous cars moving through their state.
• Expand state and local grants specifically for hazmat preparedness and response planning.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “I applaud the Governor’s continued call for a multi-pronged set of actions on this important safety matter. We all recognize that enhancing rail safety is not something that New York State can address on its own - it requires our partners in the freight rail industry and the federal government to work together with us to achieve these important safety objectives. Strengthening rail safety in New York State will help further protect our communities and the environment, reducing the frequency and severity of rail crashes, which are results that we all seek to achieve.”

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

GOVERNOR KATHY HOCHUL VISITS THE BRONX!

 

It was an honor to welcome Governor Kathy Hochul to the Bronx to discuss the important priorities of our Borough. 

Thank you, Governor Hochul, for being a strong advocate for the needs of the Bronx and for taking the time to come and visit us!

*****

 

¡LA GOBERNADORA KATHY HOCHUL VISITA EL BRONX!

 

Fue un honor dar la bienvenida a la gobernadora Kathy Hochul al Bronx para hablar sobre las prioridades importantes de nuestro municipio.

¡Gracias, gobernadora Hochul, por ser una firme defensora de las necesidades del Bronx y por tomarse el tiempo para venir a visitarnos!

PETE NATER AND EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO!

The second night of our ‘52 Park Salsa Concert Series’ closed out with a bang thanks to Pete Nater & Associates, and surprise guests from El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico Jerry Rivas, Richie Bastar, and Freddie Rivera!

Thank you to all the Bronxites who came out to enjoy some ‘Salsa In The Park’ with Team Salamanca, Freddy Perez Jr, the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Acacia Network, Bronx Community Board 2 & El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico!
 

*****

PETE NATER Y EL GRAN COMBO DE PUERTO RICO!
 

La segunda noche de nuestra Serie de Conciertos de Salsa en '52 Park ' cerró con fuerza gracias a Pete Nater & Associates, y los invitados sorpresa de El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico Jerry Rivas, Richie Bastar y Freddie Rivera!

Gracias a todos los habitantes del Bronx que vinieron a disfrutar de 'Salsa In The Park' con el Equipo Salamanca, Freddy Pérez Jr, el Departamento de Parques y Recreación de la Ciudad de Nueva York, Acacia Network, Bronx Community Board 2 y El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico !

KINGSBRIDGE ARMORY REBUILD

I was proud to join my colleagues from city and state government as we announced plans to repurpose and rebuild the Kingsbridge Armory. 

In total $200 million has been allocated for this project, with $100 million each coming from Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams. 

Thank you, CM Pierina Sanchez and Northwest Bronx Community & Clergy Coalition, for your determined work in ensuring we could make this project a reality.

*****
 RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE LA ARMERÍA DE KINGSBRIDGE
 

Me enorgulleció unirme a mis colegas del gobierno de la ciudad y del estado cuando anunciábamos planes para reutilizar y reconstruir Kingsbridge Armory.

En total, se han asignado $200 millones para este proyecto, con $100 millones cada uno provenientes de la gobernadora Kathy Hochul y el alcalde Eric Adams.

Gracias CM Pierina Sanchez y la Coalición de la Comunidad y el Clero del Noroeste del Bronx por su trabajo determinado para garantizar que pudiéramos hacer realidad este proyecto.

MORRISON AVENUE FESTIVAL IN SOUNDVIEW
 

I had a wonderful time attending the Morrison Avenue Festival in Soundview. 

Thank you, Assemblymember Kenny Burgos, Hispanic Federation, and Freddy Perez Jr, for putting on such a great event for the Bronx community.

*****

FESTIVAL DE LA AVENIDA MORRISON EN SOUNDVIEW
 

Pasé un tiempo maravilloso asistiendo al Festival Morrison Avenue en Soundview.

Gracias, al Asambleísta Kenny Burgos, Federación Hispana y Freddy Pérez Jr, por organizar un gran evento para la comunidad del Bronx.

UPCOMING EVENTS '52 PARK SALSA CONCERT SERIES   I am proud to be partnering with the Acacia Network and Freddy  Perez to bring the 2023 ‘52 Park Salsa Concert Series’ to the Bronx  this August. Our third concert will be this WEDNESDAY, August 16th,  featuring BRENDA K. STARR. I hope to see you all there! *Please make a note of all dates listed on the flier for  specific artist performance dates* ***** SERIE DE CONCIERTOS DE SALSA DEL  '52 PARQUE    Me enorgullece asociarme con Acacia Network y Freddy Pérez  para traer la Serie de Conciertos de Salsa en  '52 Park  de 2023 al  Bronx este mes de Agosto. Nuestro tercer concierto será este MIÉRCOLES 16 de Agosto,  con BRENDA K. STARR. ¡Espero verlos a todos ustedes allí! *Tome nota de todas las fechas enumeradas en el volante  para las fechas de presentación de artistas específicos* Council Member Salamanca District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Permits Filed For 1320 Inwood Avenue In Mount Eden, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a 14-story mixed-use building at 1320 Inwood Avenue in Mount Eden, The Bronx. Located between West 170th Street and Clarke Place West, the lot is near the 170th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Ralph Fasano of the Concern for Independent Living is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 144-foot-tall development will yield 139,972 square feet, with 88,892 square feet designated for residential space and 51,080 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 113 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 786 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 39-foot-long rear yard, and eight enclosed parking spaces.

Dattner Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.