AHEAD OF JUNETEENTH, MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CREATION OF INTERACTIVE AUDIO TOUR EXPLORING CITY’S ABOLITIONIST HISTORY

 

‘More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk’ Explores Brooklyn’s Role in National Abolitionist Movement and Underground Railroad Across City Landmarks

 

Announcements Build on Adams Administration’s Investment Towards Racial Equity and Justice

Ahead of Juneteenth, New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the creation of “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk,” an interactive audio tour that explores Brooklyn’s history as a critical neighborhood for the National Abolitionist Movement and the Underground Railroad. The audio tour can be accessed on a smartphone, tablet, or other device through the Landmark Preservation Commission’s (LPC) website. The interactive audio tour was commissioned by LPC and created by Kamau Studios and Black Gotham Experience. This project was supported by a grant from the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and financed in part with federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

 

“New Yorkers walk through Brooklyn every day, unaware of the history right under their feet and surrounding them,” said Mayor Adams. “This interactive audio tour allows all of us to celebrate the heroes who stood up against injustice, risked their lives, and fought for the freedom they deserved. To build a better future, we must first examine and understand our past. This Juneteenth, our city recommits to reckoning and recognizing our role in the historic fight for racial equity and justice.”

 

“I congratulate the Landmarks Preservation Commission’s collaboration with Kamau Ware Studios and the Black Gotham Experience for shining a light on Brooklyn’s abolitionist heritage, and the city’s role in fighting against slavery,” said Deputy Mayor for Housing, Economic Development, and Workforce Maria Torres-Springer. “I also thank New York State’s Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation for funding this worthy project.”

 

“New York City’s designated landmark sites and historic districts tell our shared story, and Brooklyn is home to an incredible collection of historic landmark buildings that connect us to our past and highlight the central role New Yorkers played in the fight against slavery,” said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll. “This immersive audio tour lifts up their stories, honoring the memory of those who suffered and fought for justice and freedom. This Juneteenth is a reminder that the fight for equity is part of our collective heritage as New Yorkers and we must work to create a more just and fairer city for future generations to come.”  

 

“Juneteenth provides us the opportunity to reflect on the wrongs of the past while honoring the resiliency of those that came before us and sacrificed so much,” said New York City Chief Equity Officer and New York City Mayor's Office of Equity & Racial Justice Commissioner Sideya Sherman. “We commend the Landmarks Preservation Commission and partners Kamau Ware Studio and the Black Gotham Experience for reconciling our past with our present and showcasing our city’s pivotal role in the national abolitionist movement. Through this interactive heritage walk, New Yorkers can learn from and examine our past while fully immersed in the city we all know and love.”

 

“Our public spaces are where New Yorkers connect — not just with their neighbors and with the great outdoors, but also with our history,” said New York City Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “Thanks to this creative collaboration, New Yorkers will discover Brooklyn’s rich abolitionist heritage while experiencing our historic buildings and treasured greenspaces in a brand-new way. With Juneteenth around the corner, this audio tour is an important contribution to our ongoing efforts to uplift Black history and ensure our city is equitable and just for all New Yorkers.”

New York City played an important role in the effort to abolish slavery nationwide and assist those seeking to escape it. The neighborhoods of Brooklyn Heights, Fulton Ferry, Downtown Brooklyn, and Fort Greene contain a walkable concentration of important historic landmark sites associated with New York City’s abolitionist history, the Underground Railroad, and the larger anti-slavery movement before the Civil War through political and religious activism.

 

The three-part audio experience guides participants through Brooklyn's rich abolitionist history, incorporating 19 stops and highlighting the many landmark sites along a 4.5-mile walkable path, including the residences of abolitionist Lewis Tappan and Harriet and Thomas Truesdell, and religious spaces, including Plymouth Church, Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, and the Friends Meeting House. The audio tour also introduces important local historic figures in the abolition movement, including businesswoman Elizabeth Gloucester, pioneering sisters Dr. Susan Smith McKinney-Steward and educator Sarah J. Tompkins Garnet, and Plymouth Church preacher Henry Ward Beecher, highlighting all their stories to illuminate the multiple ways people and institutions engaged with the anti-slavery movement before the Civil War and the continued fight for freedom afterward.

 

The “More Than a Brook: Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk” reflects LPC’s ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion in all their work as part of the agency’s Equity Framework; its efforts to preserve places that tell the story of all New Yorkers and reflect their collective heritage, making the significant history embodied in landmarks more accessible; and expanding educational outreach efforts to reach new and diverse audiences. Additional resources can be found on LPC’s website, including LPC’s interactive story maps, “New York City and the Path to Freedom,” which explores New York City’s abolitionist history across all five boroughs through designated landmarks that embody it and “Preserving Significant Places of Black History,” which highlights and explores buildings, sites, and historic districts significant to Black history throughout New York City.

 

Mayor Adams announced new economic data showing that the unemployment rate for Black New Yorkers has significantly decreased since the start of the administration. Between January 1, 2022, and April 1, 2024, the Black unemployment rate in the five boroughs decreased from 10.7 percent to 7.9 percent — a 26 percent decrease. This marks the first time since 2019 that the Black unemployment rate in New York City has been below 8 percent.

 

“Brooklyn Bridge Park is thrilled to be a stop on the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission’s Brooklyn Abolitionist Heritage Walk and audio tour,” said Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau. “By retracing the steps of abolitionists and amplifying their stories, we not only honor their legacy, but also reaffirm Brooklyn’s commitment to justice and equality. This tour sheds light on Brooklyn Bridge Park's role in a crucial piece of this city’s history and will bring us towards a more compassionate and equitable future.”

 

“More Than A Brook is a walk through Brooklyn that connects historic locations to illustrate a portrait of 19th century communities resisting the institution of slavery. The concentration of characters that walked the docks onto city streets is significant to the history of New York State and the United States,” said Black Gotham Experience, founder, Kamau Ware. “It is commendable that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is opening up the layers behind these historic buildings and the liminal spaces between. It has been an honor to work in the community, inspired by the disparate Brooklyn abolitionists that created a rising tide, challenging the presence of slavery in America.”

 

“Congratulations on the launch of this remarkable project,” said New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation Deputy Commissioner for Historic Preservation Daniel Mackay. “More Than a Brook showcases Brooklyn’s abolitionist history through an immersive exploration of local historic landmarks. Bringing this history to life takes creativity, collaboration, and resources — the very ingredients that New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission used to make this audio tour possible. This project is a great example of how certified local government grants through the New York State Historic Preservation Office bring federal funds back into communities each year to support preservation programs and explore history in dynamic and engaging ways.”

 

“For nearly 200 years, New York University has been inextricably tied to New York and its history, said New York University Vice President of Government Relations and Community Engagement Kyle Kimball. “We are proud that Wunsch Hall, formerly the Bridge Street Methodist Church, the first independent Black church in Brooklyn and a stop on the Underground Railroad, is a part of the exciting, new abolitionist heritage walk that the Landmarks Preservation Commission is launching. We congratulate them on this important effort to remind New Yorkers of the vital role our city has played in our nation's history.”

 

Housing Lottery Launches For 2621 Grand Avenue In University Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2621 Grand Avenue, a four-story residential building in University Heights, The Bronx. Designed by Node Architecture Engineering Consulting and developed by Franc Gjini, the structure yields 34 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 11 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $84,755 to $181,740.

Amenities include a garage with assigned parking spaces, recycling center, package lockers, storage, and an on-site resident manager. Residences come equipped with air conditioning, charging outlets with USB ports, intercoms, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are two studios with a monthly rent of $2,472 for incomes ranging from $84,755 to $161,590; and nine one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,520 for incomes ranging from $86,400 to $181,740.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than June 25, 2024.

NOTICE OF CHARTER REVISION COMMISSION FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY FORUM & MANHATTAN PUBLIC INPUT SESSION

 

Fiscal Responsibility Forum & Manhattan Public Input Session

TIME AND LOCATION:

June 13, 2024, 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

New York Law School

185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

Virtual location: See link to Zoom meeting posted at nyc.gov/charter.

 

NOTICE OF PUBLIC INPUT SESSION

The New York City Charter Revision Commission (“CRC”) will host a Fiscal Responsibility Forum and Public Input Session in Manhattan to discuss proposed changes to the New York City Charter.

What is this Forum & Public Input Session about?

The New York City Charter (“Charter”) provides the structure of City government and key powers of City elected officials and agencies. The CRC is empowered to review the entire Charter. It may recommend changes that would help City government to work more efficiently and better serve all New Yorkers.

The public is invited to testify about any matter of importance to City government and to suggest changes to the Charter, while experts will provide testimony on municipal finance and fiscal responsibility. You can find out more about the New York City Charter Revision by visiting us at our website: www.nyc.gov/charter.

Who can give input?

This meeting is open to the public, and the public will have the opportunity to testify before members of the Commission. Any member of the public may testify about their ideas for improving the City Charter, for up to three (3) minutes. The Commission will hear testimony from people who attend the meeting in person and also from people who attend by Zoom. A group, organization or institution wishing to testify shall select a single designated representative. New Yorkers from any of the five boroughs may testify. The CRC will attempt to accommodate everyone who signs up to speak at this hearing, but if time does not permit that, the public is encouraged to utilize other opportunities to testify at

subsequent public input sessions of the CRC or submit written comments to charterinfo@citycharter.nyc.gov.

Is there a deadline to submit written comments?

The public may submit written comments to charterinfo@citycharter.nyc.gov instead of or in addition to testifying live at a hearing. Written testimony must be received by 5:00 pm on Friday, July 12.

When and where is the hearing?

Doors open to the public, and the Input Session may be accessed virtually via the Zoom link posted to www.nyc.gov/charter, at 5:00 pm on Thursday, June 13 at the following location:

New York Law School

185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013

The public may join the meeting at the Zoom link posted to www.nyc.gov/charter at that same time.

New York Man Charged with Smuggling Protected Turtles

 

A federal grand jury charged a New York man in a three-count indictment alleging he illegally shipped eastern box turtles and three-toed box turtles, both protected wildlife species, from the United States to China for the global pet trade black market.

Russell Milis, 26, of Brooklyn, is charged with two counts of smuggling goods from the United States and one count of violating the Lacey Act. 

The indictment alleges that, between November 2019 and November 2020, Milis exported turtles without obtaining the necessary license or declaring the wildlife to customs officials as required by the Endangered Species Act. Both species of turtles are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), an international agreement to protect fish, wildlife and plants that are or may become threatened with extinction. The United States and China are parties to this agreement. The indictment alleges that Milis shipped the turtles to Asia without the mandatory CITES permits.

The indictment also charged Milis with shipping the turtles in packages that were falsely labeled as to their contents in violation of the Lacey Act. The Lacey Act is the nation’s oldest wildlife trafficking statute and prohibits, among other things, shipping wildlife, fish or plants in interstate or international commerce without accurate information as to the contents.

The eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a subspecies of the common box turtle and is native to forested regions of the eastern United States with some isolated populations in the Midwest. The three-toed box turtle (Terrapene triunguis) is also a subspecies of the common box turtle and is native to woodlands and grasslands in the central and southern United States. Turtles with colorful markings are especially prized in the domestic and foreign pet trade market, particularly in China and Hong Kong, where they can sell for several thousand dollars.

If convicted, Milis faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each smuggling count and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the Lacey Act violation. A court could also order a fine of up to the greater of $250,000 or twice the defendant’s financial gain from the criminal activity charged in each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Office of Law Enforcement made the announcement.

The USFWS investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Senior Trial Attorney Ryan Connors and Trial Attorney Elise Kent Bernanke of the Environment and Natural Resources Division’s Environmental Crimes Section are prosecuting the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York. 

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Man Charged For Carrying Loaded Ghost Gun, Cocaine, And Scale On Bronx Subway Platform

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the filing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging JERMAINE GREENE with firearms and narcotics offenses in connection with a March 28, 2024, incident at the New York City subway station located on Fordham Road and Jerome Avenue in the Bronx (the “Fordham Road Station”).  GREENE was arrested and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Jermaine Greene brought a loaded gun, a drug stash, and tools of the drug trade into the New York City subway system.  I am grateful to the NYPD for its efforts to bring to justice those who endanger their follow passengers and abuse public transportation.” 

NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “Policing methods that focus on relatively minor offenses — in this case, fare evasion — often lead police officers to larger alleged crimes that are putting unsuspecting New Yorkers in danger.  The NYPD refuses to turn a blind eye to criminal recidivists who allegedly continue to act with impunity and vows to keep addressing crime and disorder in every form.  I commend the police officers who made this arrest and thank everyone at the office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for their continued partnership in our public safety mission.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint:[1]

On or about March 28, 2024, at approximately 5:37 p.m., NYPD officers observed GREENE entering the Fordham Road Station without paying a fare and walking upstairs to the southbound subway platform.  The officers arrested GREENE after determining that he was the subject of open arrest warrants.

NYPD officers searched GREENE incident to arrest and recovered a privately assembled 9 mm “ghost” gun loaded with 12 rounds of ammunition.  A photograph of the firearm and ammunition is below:

After transporting GREENE to NYPD Transit District 11 for processing, NYPD officers conducted an inventory search of GREENE.  From inside a bookbag worn by GREENE underneath his jacket, the officers recovered a plastic bag containing approximately 50 grams of cocaine, a scale, and several empty plastic bags.  The officers also found a small plastic bag of cocaine in GREENE’s pants pocket.  A photograph of the scale and bags of cocaine is below:

GREENE was not permitted to possess ammunition because of prior felony convictions, including a Delaware conviction for second degree murder, for which GREENE was under court supervision at the time of these offenses.

GREENE, 42, of the Bronx, New York, is charged with one count of possessing ammunition after a felony conviction, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison; one count of distribution of narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the NYPD in connection with this investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry Ross is in charge of the prosecution.

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

Attorney General James Announces Arrests of Alleged Crime Family Members on Staten Island for Illegal Gambling and Loan Shark Operation

 

17 Individuals Charged for Roles in $22 Million Illegal Gambling Ring and Loan Shark Operation Four Charged for Illegal Mortgage Fraud Scheme

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the arrests and indictments of 17 individuals on charges stemming from the operation of lucrative loansharking and illegal gambling operations on Staten Island controlled by members of the Gambino organized crime family. The individuals were charged in an 84-count indictment for their roles in an illegal sports gambling operation that handled more than $22.7 million in illegal bets and an illegal loansharking operation that brought in weekly loan payments on approximately $500,000 in usurious loans. In addition, four individuals were charged in a separate indictment for an illegal mortgage fraud scheme to purchase a $600,000 home in New Jersey. 

Among those arrested today are alleged Gambino soldiers John J. LaForte, Anthony J. Cinque, Jr., and John Matera, alleged Gambino associates Edward A. LaForte, Frederick P. Falcone, Sr., Giulio Pomponio, Daniel F. Bogan, and alleged Colombo associate Charles Fusco.

“Illegal gambling and loan sharking schemes are some of the oldest rackets in the mob’s playbook,” said Attorney General James. “While organized crime may still be active in New York, today we are putting several Gambino family members out of business. These criminal enterprises took tens of millions of dollars from New Yorkers and trapped many in dangerous amounts of debt. I thank all of our partners in law enforcement for their collaboration in this investigation to bring these individuals to justice and keep New Yorkers safe.” 

The investigation, conducted with the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York Waterfront Commission, and the United States Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, utilized court-authorized wiretaps and bugs, covert video surveillance cameras, search warrants on an offshore illegal gambling website, and search warrants of the residences of some of the defendants. 

Much of the enterprise’s loansharking and bookmaking business, including the collection of illicit revenue from loansharking victims, was conducted during meetings at the Eltingville Shopping Center and the Greenridge Shopping Center on Staten Island.

The investigation uncovered that Frederick P. Falcone, Sr., a former member of the NYPD, and Edward A. LaForte acted as loan sharks who maintained detailed ledgers with the names of victims and their respective usurious loan amounts. At times, Falcone, Sr. and LaForte needed authorization and funding from LaForte’s brother John J. LaForte and Anthony J. Cinque, Jr. to make the usurious loans. Evidence amassed during the investigation, including intercepted communications, showed that both John J. LaForte and Anthony J. Cinque, Jr. are soldiers in the Gambino Crime Family and utilized this role to oversee the illegal operations.

Additionally, the investigation uncovered that Edward LaForte had a managerial role within an illegal sports gambling operation utilizing an offshore illegal gambling website that is not legally sanctioned in New York state. From September 2022 to March 2023, the operation involved over 70 bettors who wagered approximately $22,753,964. The operation was also run with Amy McLaughlin, who allegedly assisted in maintaining and organizing the gambling ring, keeping records of the weekly gambling figures, and collecting and distributing proceeds. In addition to receiving illegal gambling proceeds, John LaForte operated and acted in a supervisory role over the operation. John LaForte and Anthony Cinque, Jr. also funded a portion of the illegal gambling activities to assist with the payment of winning bettors.  

In his role managing the gambling operation, Edward LaForte supervised several sheetholders – individuals who manage the bets and collections for individual bettors – and other individuals who participated in the illegal sports gambling operation. These individuals have been identified as Charles Fusco, Robert W. Carter, Giulio Pomponio, Arthur Geller, Daniel M. Scarabaggio, Daniel H. Shah, Vincent J. Ricciardi, Frederick Falcone, Sr., Frederick Falcone, Jr., Louis A. Palombo, Daniel F. Bogan, and John Matera. Often, the gamblers who were wagering illegally through these sheetholders would fall into debt and the members of this criminal enterprise would exploit this opportunity by providing a usurious loan and charging and collecting illegally high interest on these loans, making a profit off of a gambler who had fallen into debt.

In addition, a separate mortgage fraud investigation originating from wiretap communications of the gambling and loan shark operations revealed that John LaForte and his wife Tracy Alfano recruited his nephew Joseph W. LaForte, Jr. to fraudulently apply for and accept a mortgage loan to purchase a $600,000 home in Monmouth County, New Jersey. Joseph W. LaForte, Jr. acted as a straw purchaser of the property where John LaForte and Tracy Alfano currently reside. John Palladino, acting as a mortgage broker, assisted the others in obtaining the mortgage by guiding them through the process. Palladino coached them through the transfer of money to show mortgage eligibility as well as closing on the loan and the property.

The 84 count indictment related to the loan sharking and gambling operations – unsealed today before Richmond County Supreme Court Judge Lisa Grey – charged 17 individuals with multiple crimes, including Enterprise Corruption, Criminal Usury in the First Degree and Second Degree, and Promoting Gambling in the First Degree. If convicted of Enterprise Corruption, a Class B felony, the defendants face a maximum of 25 years in prison. 

Those charged in today’s indictment include: 

1. John J. LaForte, 56, of Monmouth County, New Jersey 
2. Anthony J. Cinque, Jr., 39, Richmond County, New York
3. John Matera, 53, Monmouth County, New Jersey
4. Edward A. LaForte, 58, Richmond County, New York
5. Frederick Falcone, Sr., 66, Richmond County, New York
6. Giulio Pomponio, 61, Richmond County, New York
7. Charles Fusco, 49, Richmond County, New York 
8. Daniel F. Bogan, 41, Richmond County, New York
9. Robert W. Carter, 56, Richmond County, New York
10. Louis A. Palombo, 61, Richmond County, New York
11. Arthur Geller, 62, Ocean County, New Jersey 
12. Daniel M. Scarabaggio, 62, Ocean County, New Jersey 
13. Daniel H. Shah, 38, Hudson County, New Jersey 
14. Vincent J. Ricciardi, 59, Ocean County, New Jersey 
15. Amy L. McLaughlin, 44, Richmond County, New York
16. James Miranda, 23, Richmond County, New York
17. Frederick Falcone, Jr., 41, Richmond County, New York

Another four-count indictment was unsealed before Richmond County Supreme Court Judge Lisa Grey charging four individuals, including Gambino soldier John LaForte, with Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second and Third Degree, and Falsifying a Business Record in the First Degree. If convicted of Residential Mortgage Fraud in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony, the defendants face a maximum of 15 years in prison. 

Those charged in this indictment include: 

1. John J. LaForte 56, Monmouth County, New Jersey 
2. Tracy Alfano, 38, Monmouth County, New Jersey
3. Joseph W. LaForte, Jr., 34, Richmond County, New York 
4. John Palladino, 54, Monmouth County, New Jersey

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

“This case is a stark reminder that organized crime continues to thrive in the New York metropolitan area,” said Commissioner Paul Weinstein of the New York Waterfront Commission. “The Gambino Crime Family has historically exerted its influence on the Port of New York. Disruption of its profits from gambling and loansharking weaken that family’s grip. We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners to combat corruption and racketeering and to keep the public safe.”

“As we have seen for over a century and once again here, illegal bookmaking is often intertwined with organized crime,” said New York State Gaming Commission Chairman Brian O’Dwyer. “This is why we have regulated gaming with strong safeguards, player protections, and revenue to make our communities better. With the numerous legal gambling opportunities available in our state, there is no legitimate reason to wager with offshore operations and blindly line the pockets of alleged gangsters. I applaud Attorney General James and our partners in government for working together to bring this important case.”

“These arrests reflect the commitment of the NYPD and our law enforcement partners, at all levels of government, to keep our communities safe by dismantling organized crime and protecting the public from its insidious effects,” said NYPD Commissioner Edward A. Caban. “I commend all of our investigators and everyone at the state Attorney General’s office for their dedication to this long-term case and their ongoing commitment to our shared public safety mission.” 

“While sports betting may be legal in the state of New York, operating an off-the-books multi-million dollar gambling enterprise, engaging in blatant usury and intimidation, and sinking countless New Yorkers into crippling debt is not,” said Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon. “Illegal gambling is by no means a victimless crime and these 17 defendants, including nearly a dozen Staten Islanders, stand accused of raking in tens of millions of dollars from our neighbors while engaging in brazen loansharking and mortgage fraud. I commend our partners in the New York State Attorney General’s Office, NYPD, Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor, and U.S. Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General for their incredible investigatory efforts and commitment to holding these individuals accountable in the courtroom.”

The investigation was led by NYPD Sergeant Jack Dagnese, formerly of the Criminal Enterprise Investigations Section, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Joseph Rivera, Lieutenant Jason Forgione, Inspector Osvaldo Nunez and Assistant Chief Jason Savino of the Criminal Enterprise Investigations Section, and under the overall supervision of Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. 

For the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the investigation was led by Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) Detectives Shavaun Clawson and Ramon Almodovar, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Detective Paul Grzegorski, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez, and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss, with special assistance from the detective specialists from the OAG Special Operations Unit, led by Deputy Chief Sean Donovan. The Attorney General’s Investigations Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

For the New York Waterfront Commission, the investigation was conducted by Detective Joseph Curran and Detective William McCabe, under the supervision of Sergeant Andrew Varga and under the overall supervision of Executive Director Phoebe Sorial.