Four Arrested in Sixteen-Defendant Oath Keeper Conspiracy Case for Activities Leading to U.S. Capitol Breach

 

Fourth Superseding Indictment Identifies Additional Conspirators, Alleges Obstruction and Assault on Law Enforcement

  Three Florida men and one Alabama man were arrested for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, which disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress in the process of ascertaining and counting the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Joseph Hackett, 50, of Sarasota, Florida; Jason Dolan, 44, of Wellington, Florida; William Isaacs, 21, of Kissimmee, Florida; and Jonathan Walden, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, are charged with federal offenses that include conspiracy, among other charges, related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. Dolan was arrested on Thursday, May 27, and Isaacs self-surrendered the same day. Hackett was arrested on Friday, May 28. Walden was arrested today, June 3. Hackett, Dolan, Isaacs and Walden are the latest four of 16 defendants to be arrested in this case.

As alleged in the indictment, the defendants agreed to plan and participate in an operation to interfere with the certification of the electoral college vote by coordinating in advance with others, using websites and social media to recruit participants, and traveling to Washington, D.C., with paramilitary gear and supplies including firearms, tactical vests with plates, helmets and radio equipment. As early as Jan. 3, Hackett, Dolan and Isaacs joined an invitation-only encrypted Signal group message titled, “OK FL DC OP Jan 6”.

Sometime before Jan. 5, Walden sent a message to co-defendant Joshua James expressing his interest in joining the quick reaction force team. His message to James reads, “I am interested in the QRF team in D.C. I am a former Firefighter, EMT-B and have a K-9 trained for security patrol (82 ib. German Shepherd named “Warrior”) I have a Jump Bag with Trauma supplies and have ALL the necessary 2A gear that the situation may require. PLEASE ADVISE. As soon as I hear from you I can hit the road and join up! Jonathan Walden,” followed by a phone number.

On the afternoon of Jan. 6, Walden and others rode in a pair of golf carts toward the Capitol, at times swerving around law enforcement vehicles. After they arrived at 2:33 p.m., Walden and others aggressively berated and taunted law enforcement officers in riot gear guarding the perimeter of the building. At 2:35 p.m., Hackett and Isaacs joined together with others known and unknown to form a column or “stack” of individuals wearing Oath Keepers clothing, patches, insignia and battle gear, each keeping at least one hand on the shoulder of the other in front of them. Dolan joined the stack at the top of the steps and the group collectively and forcibly entered the Capitol.

Hackett, Dolan, Isaacs and Walden are each charged with conspiracy, obstruction of an official proceeding and aiding and abetting, and entering and remaining on restricted grounds. Hackett, Dolan and Isaacs are also charged with destruction of government property and aiding and abetting. Isaacs is also charged with civil disorder and aiding and abetting as well as assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers.

The superseding indictment adds charges for previously arrested defendants, including Joshua James, charged with one count of obstruction of justice and assaulting and interfering with law enforcement in addition to conspiracy, civil disorder and other allegations. As alleged, James deleted evidence of offenses from his cell phone and assaulted Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers who blocked his path into the Capitol Rotunda.

Kelly Meggs and Kenneth Harrelson are additionally charged with one count of obstruction of justice for deleting evidence of these offenses from their cell phones.

Donovan Crowl, Jessica Watkins, Sandra Parker, Graydon Young and William Isaacs are jointly charged with one count of interfering with law enforcement during a civil disorder and aiding and abetting for helping to push a crowd into MPD riot police officers who had formed a line blocking the hallway that leads from the rotunda north towards the Senate chamber.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Middle District of Florida, Southern District of Florida and Middle District of Alabama.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, as well as the Metropolitan Police Department, with significant assistance provided by the FBI’s Tampa, Miami and Birmingham Field Offices. 

In the first 120 days after Jan. 6, approximately 440 individuals were arrested on charges related to the Jan. 6 Capitol breach, including over 125 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing.  

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

The charges contained in any criminal complaint or indictment are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

BXDA- National Gun Violence Awareness Day March & Resource Fair

 

The Henry Tops Out At 2395 Palisade Avenue In Spuyten Duyvil, The Bronx (Riverdale)

 

Construction is now topped out on The Henry, a new rental property at 2395 Palisade Avenue in Spuyten Duyvil, The Bronx. The building will eventually comprise 55 apartments, a sub-grade parking lot, a communal lounge, a fitness center, and a shared roof deck with outdoor cooking areas and a landscaped garden.

The Henry is the latest rental property from developer Timber Equities, which confirmed that construction is on schedule for completion and delivery by early 2022.

Designed by Kutnicki Bernstein Architects, the façade is constructed of gray and tan masonry with large windows encased in dark metal framing. When complete, many of the units will offer a private balcony or a terrace facing the Hudson River.

“Given the breathtaking bridge and river views and unrivaled proximity to transit, The Henry stands out as a best-in-class destination for luxury, waterfront living,” said Timber Equities principal Mitch Perle. “The volume of leasing inquiries we’ve received to date, well in advance of completion, underscores the interest in high-quality new construction residences in this location.”

Timber Equities has retained Bohemia Realty Group as its exclusive leasing and marketing agent.

Waterfront and other views of ‘The Henry’ (2395 Palisade Avenue) – Courtesy of Timber Equities

213 Days and Counting - Go Brooklyn Nets

 

Well well, the Brooklyn Net advanced to round two of the NBA playoffs, and the Knicks were eliminated, Boo Hoo for the Knicks they didn't belong in the playoffs anyway, and now they are gone. Go Brooklyn all the way to the championship.

The mayoral debate was last night, and you have a tough choice as voters. I will tell you my choice after the election as I have written it down and put it in a sealed envelope. Charlene you marked each envelope so I know which one to choose after the winner is known so I will be right. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces $692,000 Settlement Resolving Fraud Claims Against Contractor And Its Owners For Failing To Comply With Dbe Rules On The Tappan Zee Bridge Replacement Project

 

Defendants Repeatedly Failed to Disclose That a Non-DBE Subcontractor Performed Work Exclusively Attributed to Their DBE

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Brian C. Gallagher, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General Northeastern Region (“DOT-OIG”), announced today that the United States filed and settled a civil fraud lawsuit against NAUGHTON ENERGY CORPORATION (“NAUGHTON ENERGY”) and two of its owners, its president, MARIETTE NAUGHTON, and her husband, JOSEPH NAUGHTON (collectively, “Defendants”).  NAUGHTON ENERGY, a Pennsylvania-based fuel distributor, supplied diesel fuel to vehicles and equipment used in connection with the federally funded New NY Bridge Project (the “NNYB Project”), a construction project to replace New York’s Governor Malcolm Wilson Tappan Zee Bridge.  The settlement resolves the United States’ allegations in a False Claims Act lawsuit that Defendants fraudulently caused the submission of false claims by causing the prime contractor on the NNYB Project (the “Prime Contractor”) to misrepresent compliance with Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) rules, which require participation of businesses owned by women and minorities.  Specifically, the United States alleged that NAUGHTON ENERGY, MARIETTE NAUGHTON, and JOSEPH NAUGHTON misrepresented to the Prime Contractor that NAUGHTON ENERGY was solely performing millions of dollars of work on the NNYB Project when in fact much of that work was performed by a non-DBE subcontractor.  As part of the settlement approved yesterday by U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni, NAUGHTON ENERGY, MARIETTE NAUGHTON, and JOSEPH NAUGHTON admit and accept responsibility for conduct alleged in the Government’s complaint and, pursuant to the terms of a settlement based on their ability to pay, have agreed to pay $692,000 over the next five years to the United States.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “DBE participation goals create opportunities for DBEs to work on federally funded construction projects.  When DBEs fail to disclose the involvement of non-DBEs in their work, they effectively divert resources to ineligible firms and undermine the DBE program’s goal of creating an environment in which businesses owned by women and minorities can compete fairly for United States Department of Transportation-assisted contracts.”

USDOT-OIG Acting Special Agent in Charge Brian C. Gallagher, said:  “The settlement reached today only strengthens our resolve in pursuing those whose spurious actions prevent the legitimate participation of disadvantaged enterprises (DBE) in federally funded transportation projects.  While the integrity of DOT’s DBE program was compromised in this instance, we remain steadfast working alongside our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to ensure funds designated to support disadvantaged small businesses are used for their intended benefit and purpose.”

As alleged in the Complaint, from August 1, 2013, through January 16, 2020, Defendants caused the submission of false claims for payment to the United States Department of Transportation (the “DOT”).  Specifically, Defendants represented that NAUGHTON ENERGY, a certified DBE, provided fuel, trucking, and manpower services without assistance from a subcontractor.  The Complaint alleges that, from the outset of their involvement on the NNYB Project, Defendants represented that they could deliver diesel fuel to the work site wholly independently.  However, Defendants lacked both a fuel truck with sufficient capacity and employees with the necessary union affiliation to effectively make these deliveries.  Defendants, therefore, arranged for a non-DBE subcontractor (“Subcontractor Y”) to supply the required fuel delivery truck (the “Project Truck”) and union personnel.  In exchange, Defendants shared half of their profits from the NNYB Project with Subcontractor Y.  Defendants never disclosed this arrangement to the Prime Contractor, and instead, made concerted efforts to give the false appearance that NAUGHTON ENERGY performed the work unassisted.  These efforts included: (1) arranging a sham transaction wherein Subcontractor Y transferred ownership of the Project Truck, worth over $10,000, to NAUGHTON ENERGY for a mere $1; and (2) placing the owner of Subcontractor Y on NAUGHTON ENERGY’s payroll, to give the false impression that NAUGHTON ENERGY employees performed all of the services at issue.  Even after the Prime Contractor’s DBE program manager directly inquired as to Subcontractor Y’s involvement, Defendants continued to falsely state that NAUGHTON ENERGY performed its work without any subcontractor involvement.

As part of the settlement, Defendants admitted conduct alleged in the Complaint, including that:

*   Prior to beginning work on the project, Defendants contacted a non-DBE company, Subcontractor Y, to assist NAUGHTON ENERGY with providing diesel fuel services to the Prime Contractor.

*   NAUGHTON ENERGY used Subcontractor Y to provide diesel fuel services on the project because: (1) absent an agreement with Subcontractor Y regarding the use of its truck, NAUGHTON ENERGY did not have a fuel delivery truck with sufficient capacity to effectively provide diesel fuel services for the project; and (2) NAUGHTON ENERGY lacked the affiliation with the requisite union necessary to have its own staff work on the project

*   Defendants did not disclose this arrangement to the Prime Contractor.  Instead, Defendants took the following actions that made it appear that no subcontractor was involved in providing NAUGHTON ENERGY’s services: (1) Defendants negotiated with Subcontractor Y to transfer title of the Project Truck to NAUGHTON ENERGY for $1; and (2) Defendants placed an owner of Subcontractor Y on NAUGHTON ENERGY’s payroll.

*   Defendants failed to disclose Subcontractor Y’s involvement in the work performed on the project.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of DOT-OIG.  She also thanked the New York State Office of the Inspector General for its assistance.  This case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica Jean Hu is in charge of the case.

GrowNYC June Volunteer Newsletter

 

June 2021

Need to attend a Volunteer Orientation? Register for our June - Virtual Volunteer Orientation Tuesday, June 9th 5pm-6pm Interested in volunteering with GrowNYC? Join our online orientation where our Volunteer Program Manager will provide information about GrowNYC, local agriculture and food access, safety protocols, and current and upcoming volunteer opportunities. Orientation is open to all, however, GrowNYC volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. The volunteer orientation is required to participate in our volunteer opportunities. (sign up)

Volunteer of the Month! This month we will highlight our amazing Greenmarket volunteer, Kate. GrowNYC: How long have you been volunteering with us? Kate: I have been volunteering with GrowNYC since October 2020. GrowNYC: Tell us about yourself, what interests you and how do you spend your time? Kate: During the week, I work as a Grants & Finance Specialist at World Resources Institute, an environmental & developmental nonprofit organization. In my free time, other than volunteering & shopping at the farmers market, I enjoy reading, running, doing yoga, and walking in the park with friends. GrowNYC: Why did you decide to volunteer with GrowNYC especially now? Kate: I decided to volunteer with GrowNYC as a way to get more involved with my community. I was drawn to GrowNYC by my interests in environmentalism, and I love that the Greenmarkets provide equitable fresh food access. I was pushed to volunteer especially during the pandemic, which made this need for food access even more urgent, and provided me with more time to help out! GrowNYC: What has been your favorite moment/memory volunteering with GrowNYC so far? Kate: My favorite memory from volunteering has been making friends with GrowNYC staff, volunteers, and farmers. They made my experience fun & joyful, and I will always hold them and the Greenmarkets in a special place in my heart!

Highlighted Volunteer Opportunities! Fluent in Cantonese!? Volunteer at the Bensonhurst Greenmarket - Sundays (sign up)

Looking to work with finished Compost? Volunteer with GrowNYC's Compost Program! In preparation for the Compost Giveback Event in mid-June, we are seeking one volunteer who is willing to come down to the Demonstration Garden at McCarren Park! (sign up)

Greenmarket Volunteer Opportunities Every week we are working to keep our Greenmarkets open with proper safety procedures to continue to provide food access sites for New Yorkers. You can help our staff inform and direct the public, from a safe distance, to practice awareness and social distancing. Volunteers will be provided with single-use gloves, hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks if needed, but we request that you bring your own mask. These events are outdoors, rain, or shine. Please dress for the weather. Sign up for one or more opportunities at the following Greenmarkets (GM): Brooklyn: Brooklyn Borough Hall GM - Saturdays (sign up) Fort Greene GM - Saturdays (sign up) Grand Army Plaza GM - Saturdays (sign up) McCarren Park GM - Saturdays (sign up) 7th Ave Sunset Park GM - Saturdays (sign up) Manhattan:  Inwood GM - Saturdays (sign up) Tucker Sq GM - Saturdays (sign up) Tompkins Sq GM - Sundays (sign up) Columbia GM - Thu & Sun (sign up) 82nd St GM - Saturdays (sign up) Abingdon Sq GM - Saturdays (sign up) Union Sq GM - Saturdays (sign up) 79th Street GM - Sundays (sign up)                Queens: Sunnyside GM - Saturdays (sign up)

Compost Volunteer Opportunities! Food scrap collection allows New Yorkers to take part in waste reduction and turn their waste into compost to grow food and care for New York City parks and trees. Please visit our website for the dates and times of collections for sites that have already reopened as well as those that are soon to do so. Volunteers will be provided with single-use gloves, hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks if needed, but we request that you bring your own mask. Volunteer Opportunities Include Manhattan: 97th Street GM - Fridays (sign up) William B. Washington Memorial Garden - Fridays (Sign up) Inwood GM - Saturdays (sign up) 79th Street GM - Sundays (sign up)  Brooklyn: McCarren Park GM - Saturdays (sign up) Fort Greene GM - Saturdays (sign up) Cortelyou (Flatbush) GM - Sundays (sign up) Carroll Gardens GM - Sundays (sign up) Queens Jackson Heights GM - Sundays (sign up)

Be a Fresh Food Box Site Assistant  GrowNYC's Fresh Food Box Program is a food access initiative that allows communities to purchase fresh, healthy, locally grown produce in pre-packed boxes containing the best of what’s seasonally available from regional farms. Volunteers are needed to help our Fresh Food Box sites run efficiently as essential food access for New Yorkers. Volunteers will work with Fresh Food Box staff to implement proper safety protocols to ensure that the public, staff, and volunteers stay safe, and they will also pack Fresh Food Boxes. Volunteers will also help pack Fresh Food Boxes in paper grocery bags. Volunteers will be provided with single-use gloves, hand sanitizer, wipes, and masks if needed, but we request that you bring your own mask! Bronx: Montefiore (Longwood) - Fridays (sign up) Brooklyn: Bed Stuy FFB - Saturdays (sign up) Manhattan: Lenox Hill FFB - Tuesdays (sign up) Uptown Grand Central FFB- Wednesdays (sign up) East Harlem FFB - Thursdays (sign up)