9 Members Of Bronx Drug Trafficking Organization Charged With Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, And Cocaine Out Of Auto Body Shops

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Raymond Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, (“IRS-CI”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Keith M. Corlett, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that ADALBERTO VELAZQUEZ, a/k/a “Joe,” RAYMOND RESTO, a/k/a “Tone,” SAL CASTRO, a/k/a “Floss,” JOEL LOPEZ, a/k/a “Rompiendoe,” a/k/a “Paul,” a/k/a “Po,” WILLIS LLERAS, a/k/a “Willy,” REINALDO ROMAN, a/k/a “Papo,” JAIME GARCIA, a/k/a “Jimmy,” ANTONIO BURGOS, a/k/a “Anthony,” and MARILYN ADINO have been charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.  The defendants arrested today are expected to be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Ronnie Abrams.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, these defendants were a network that outwardly offered to fix cars but was really an organization that would supply a fix of heroin or cocaine.  Thanks to the work of the DEA and its Strike Force partners, we have delivered a body blow to these allegedly drug-peddling body shops.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan said:  “These arrests will have a significant impact on the heroin/fentanyl supply in the Bronx.  DEA’s goal is to keep the public safe from the dangers of drug abuse.  One way of doing that is to target local distribution organizations responsible for attracting new users, enabling addiction and contributing to overdoses in our city.  I applaud the Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1] and statements made in Court:

The defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that packaged and sold narcotics out of multiple auto body shops and garages in the Bronx, New York.  From 2015 to February 2019, the DTO is estimated to have distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin.  Much of the heroin that the DTO distributed was mixed with fentanyl. 

VELAZQUEZ, 50, RESTO, 43, CASTRO, 39, LLERAS, 63, ROMAN, 55, GARCIA, 53, BURGOS, 46, and ADINO, 49, each of the Bronx, New York, and LOPEZ, 39, of New York, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.  

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA.  The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  

The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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.

U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against 11 Defendants For Sex Trafficking And Related Offenses

Nine of the Defendants Arrested Today; 2 in State Custody on Unrelated Charges

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Geraldine Hart, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 11 defendants with 15 counts of participating in the sex trafficking of, and related conduct victimizing, at least 10 young women.  Nine defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before the Honorable Ona T. Wang, United States Magistrate Judge.  Two additional defendants are in state custody and will be presented in federal court on a future date.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The alleged conduct of these 11 defendants against women is as callous as it is alarming.  Today’s indictment alleges they operated a pay-for-sex business with their clients, while they threatened, intimidated, and coerced their female ‘employees’ to participate in commercial sex acts for money.  The unconscionable crime of sex trafficking is a societal problem that disproportionally preys upon our communities’ most vulnerable: women and children.  If you have knowledge of sex trafficking crimes, you should immediately call 212-384-5000.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “There is a common belief that the victims of human sex trafficking aren’t truly victims.  However evidence in this investigation shows the suspects allegedly used whatever means necessary to control and abuse these victims just to make money.  The FBI New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force not only goes after the pimps and others involved in human trafficking, but we do all we can to help those girls who are being sold to start their lives again.”

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said:  “The takedown of this alleged sex trafficking ring in Suffolk County is crucial in stopping predators who target the vulnerable for financial gain as well as support the victims in getting the necessary assistance they deserve.   The success of this operation is why we work with our law enforcement partners and I commend the commitment of our department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, NYPD, and the FBI, which led the investigation.” 

As alleged, defendants LORENZO RANDALL, JUSTIN RIVERA, DWAYNE ANTHONY CONLEY, RICARDA DIAMOND, and BRIAN SMITH conspired to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.  In furtherance of the conspiracy, RANDALL allegedly punched, choked, and spit on certain of the victims.  The indictment further alleges that RIVERA physically assaulted and brandished a dangerous weapon at a second victim. Allegedly knowing that this second victim was addicted to heroin, RIVERA withheld heroin from her unless she engaged in commercial sex acts at his direction and for his profit.  Similarly, CONLEY is alleged to have physically assaulted a third victim, who was also a heroin addict, and provided her with heroin in exchange for her engagement in commercial sex acts on his behalf.

DIAMOND allegedly conspired with RANDALL to transport a victim to locations where she engaged in commercial sex acts caused by RANDALL’s force and threats of force.  And SMITH allegedly arranged for hotels rooms to be used by women, including the first victim, who were engaging in commercial sex acts on RANDALL’s behalf.

Defendants RANDALL, CARL ANDREWS, GERALDINE FAUSTIN, and FRANKLYN FRANCISCO are alleged to have been members of a second conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.  As alleged, FRANCISCO recruited a victim to engage in commercial sex acts on behalf of ANDREWS, knowing that the victim was addicted to controlled substances.  ANDREWS is alleged to have falsely represented to that victim that ANDREWS would compensate her financially for engaging in commercial sex acts on his behalf.  ANDREWS is also alleged to have withheld from that victim the controlled substances to which she was addicted unless she engaged in commercial sex acts at his direction and for his profit.  RANDALL allegedly reserved a hotel room for the purpose of the fourth victim engaging in a commercial sex act, and FAUSTIN allegedly transported the fourth victim to locations where she engaged in commercial sex acts.

In addition, RANDALL is charged with four separate counts of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, in connection with the trafficking of three victims.  ANDREWS is also charged with one count of sex trafficking of a victim by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.

Defendants ANTHONY DARBY and KARI PARKER are charged with two counts of violating the Mann Act for knowingly transporting two victims to multiple states, including New York and Connecticut, with the intent that those victims engage in prostitution.  DIAMOND is also charged with a violation of the Mann Act for knowingly transporting a victim to multiple states, including New York and Connecticut, with the intent that the victim engage in prostitution.

Along with defendant MAGEN MOREAU, DARBY is further charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.  Specifically, MOREAU and DARBY allegedly published advertisements on the Internet offering commercial sex acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

DARBY and PARKER are also charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.  As alleged, DARBY and PARKER used an account held by PARKER with a classifieds website to publish advertisements on the Internet offering commercial sex acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

In addition to the six charges against him discussed previously, RANDALL is charged with two counts of conspiring to violate the Travel Act.  With respect to the first of those conspiracies, RANDALL allegedly used a telephone to direct a co-conspirator not named in the indictment to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of prostitution.  Regarding the second, RANDALL allegedly instructed ANDREWS – who is also charged in the second Travel Act conspiracy – how to purchase and publish an advertisement for a commercial sex act on the Internet, which ANDREWS ultimately did.  Lastly, in the ninth charge filed against him in the indictment, RANDALL is charged with violating the Travel Act, with respect to illegal prostitution.

According to the indictment, at least 10 young women were victims of the defendants’ crimes.  The charged conduct occurred, as detailed in the indictment, between 2012 and 2018. 

Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Special Agents from the FBI’s New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. 

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

COUNT	DEFENDANT(S)	AGE & PLACE OF RESIDENCE	MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1594(c))	Lorenzo Randall Justin Rivera Dwayne Conley Ricarda Diamond Brian Smith	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 50, Bay Shore, NY Age 37, Mastick, NY Age 30, Central Islip	Life
Count Two: Conspiracy to Commit sex Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1594(c))	Lorenzo Randall Carl Andrews Geraldine Faustin Franklyn Francisco	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 45, Bay Shore, NY Age 30, West Babylon, NY Age 38, Central Islip, NY	Life
Count Three: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Four: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Five: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Six: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Seven: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Carl Andrews	Age 45, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Eight: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	10 Years
Count Nine: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	10 Years
Count Ten: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Ricarda Diamond	Age 37, Mastick, NY	10 Years
Count Eleven: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Anthony Darby Magen Moreau	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Twelve: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	5 Years
Count Thirteen: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Fourteen: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall Carl Andrews	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 45, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Fifteen: Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years

News From Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR ABUSING SMALL DOG Defendant Kicked Dog In Head And Sent It Flying Into Brick Wall; Canine’s Eye Had To Be Surgically Removed

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to two years in jail for kicking a small, 10-year-old dog on a Bronx street, leaving the canine with multiple injuries. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant pleaded guilty to kicking a Chihuahua mixed breed dog and will now serve the maximum two-year sentence for the attack. The dog has been traumatized after losing an eye and suffering multiple injuries. We will continue to prosecute those who commit such cruelty against defenseless animals.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dwayne Smith, 28, of 3538 Tryon Avenue, was sentenced today to two years in jail by Bronx Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer. The defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to Animals on November 14, 2018. He cannot own an animal for ten years and must register with the NYC Animal Abuse Registry. 

 According to the investigation, on February 21, 2018 on the corner of Wayne Avenue and East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, the defendant was in a dispute with the dog’s owner and her family members. Nearby surveillance camera video showed the defendant kick the 11- pound dog, named Pooches, in the head with tremendous force, sending her up in the air for several feet until she hit a brick wall. Pooches then fell to the ground unconscious with her right eye bleeding and bulging out of its socket. The dog suffered a fractured cheekbone, extensive bruising, and had to have her eye surgically removed.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Dr. Alison Liu, Forensic Veterinarian of ASPCA; Erin Satterthwaite, Bronx Legal Advocacy Counsel, ASPCA; and NYPD Officer Nicholas Konner of the 52nd Precinct for their assistance.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPING 64-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN HER APARTMENT Defendant Followed Victim, Who Uses a Walker, Into Her Building

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 64-year-old woman who used a walker. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant forced himself into the victim’s apartment and raped her while threatening to kill her. Today’s sentence keeps a dangerous sexual predator off our streets.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Unga Smith, 41, who was living in the Bronx Psychiatric Center at the time, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. He will continue to be registered as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Rape on January 24, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, on the evening of January 8, 2018, inside a building in Norwood, the defendant raped the victim inside her apartment. Video surveillance showed Smith following the victim into her building and elevator. He then forcefully entered her apartment, dragged her into her bedroom and engaged in multiple sexual acts with her. Smith intimidated the victim by telling her he had a gun and that he would kill her.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Christopher D. Ort, formerly of the Bronx Special Victims Squad, and NYPD Detective Evan Johnson of the Bronx Special Victims Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC SAFETY RE: legalization of marijuana 

  As legalization of marijuana approaches a reality in our state, I and my fellow prosecutors have worked to reform our criminal justice system, including reducing the harmful impacts that the criminalization of marijuana has had on individuals. At the same time, we must maintain public safety. This requires balancing the arc of justice while ensuring the rule of law.

 I am mindful of the disproportionate impact of marijuana arrests on young people of color in the Bronx. In the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, approximately 90 percent of individuals arrested for marijuana possession in the Bronx were either Black or Hispanic.

 As such, until a change in the Penal Law occurs, when an arrest is made for marijuana possession and burning cases, I have instructed Assistant District Attorneys in my Office to decline to prosecute the arrest when only a marijuana charge appears on the complaint, and then direct the police officer to issue a summons.

 This policy carefully weighs the public safety concerns with the realization that far too often these prosecutions create undue obstacles on individuals and the community as whole. 

 When legalization occurs, I stand ready to work with all stakeholders –my fellow district attorneys, the City Council, the Mayor, and others – on successful implementation of legislation such as those pending before the City Council and expunging past misdemeanor marijuana convictions. This helps us move forward by improving public safety, reducing collateral consequences, and creating a fairer and more equitable criminal justice system.

Statement by Council Speaker and Acting Public Advocate Corey Johnson Re: Public Advocate Special Election Results

 “I congratulate my colleague and friend Jumaane Williams on winning last night’s special election and I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition in the coming days. In my brief time as Acting Public Advocate, I found the heart and soul of the office to be in listening to New Yorkers and helping people with the problems they face. I know Public Advocate-elect Williams embodies the spirit of helping the New Yorkers most in need and I wish him the best of luck as he takes office.” 

Comptroller Stringer Statement on the Reversal of Exclusionary Metro-North Restriction in the Bronx

  “For more than a century, New Haven line trains have utterly neglected Bronx and Harlem residents—allowing riders from Connecticut and Westchester suburbs to disembark in the city, but refusing service to local New Yorkers.

“Yesterday, the MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT took an important first step towards addressing and reversing these discriminatory practices—and they should be commended. It was, however, only a first step.

“The Harlem-125th, Melrose, Tremont, Botanical Garden, Williams Bridge, and Woodlawn stations continue to be bypassed by New Haven line trains—leaving Bronx and Manhattan residents with inadequate service. For real transit equity, we need to lower in-city Metro-North and LIRR fares to the $2.75 price of a MetroCard swipe and establish free subway and bus transfers so that New Yorkers aren’t effectively locked out of the 41 commuter rail stations within the five boroughs. We also need to make needed improvements to inaccessible stations that leave mobility impaired passengers stranded.

“Not until these reforms are in place will we have a truly fair and effective commuter rail system worthy of our city and its 8.6 million residents.”

In October, Comptroller Stringer first exposed and demanded an end to the exclusionary MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT policy that denied transit access to Bronx residents.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s report on the need to lower in-city commuter rail fares and expand rail access “in one swipe,” click here 

REP. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT FLOOR SPEECH RECOGNIZING 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF DOMINICAN INDEPENDENCE

Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following remarks on the U.S. House floor in recognition of the 175th anniversary of the Independence of the Dominican Republic:

Watch Video. (One Minute thirteen seconds)

*Below are remarks as prepared for delivery.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the one hundred and seventy-fifth anniversary of Dominican independence, and the birth of the first country I called home.

On February 27th, 1844, the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic, great statesmen and lovers of freedom and democracy, raised the flag of the new Republic in Santo Domingo and proclaimed their independence from Haiti, bringing another democratic republic into the family of nations.

In the words of Dominican icon and independence leader Juan Pablo Duarte, ‘love of country led us to make sacred commitments with the next generation,’ and the commitment that he and his fellow patriots made 175 years ago live on in the hearts of every Quisqueyano, whether they are still on the island of their birth or whether they have made a new home abroad.

Today is a day for all of us to celebrate the contributions of the Dominican people, just as my compatriots celebrate the independence of our people.

Thank you, I yield back.

NEWS FROM CONGRESSMAN ELIOT ENGEL

The Medicare for All Act

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a founding member of the House Medicare for All Caucus, joined more than 100 colleagues today to reintroduce H.R. 1384, The Medicare for All Act, legislation that would provide comprehensive health care to every person in America. Engel has cosponsored every version of this bill since 2004.

Medicare for All would create a universal health care program that enrolls every American at birth. It expands the wildly popular Medicare program, while also adding dental, vision, prescription drugs, women’s reproductive health services, maternity and newborn care, long term services and supports and more. The bill would simplify the health care system, cut administrative costs, improve payment systems to hospitals, and lower the cost of prescription drugs.

“It’s time. In fact, it’s long past time that we finally provided truly universal, comprehensive medical coverage to every American,” Rep. Engel said. “Health care is a human right, not a privilege reserved for a wealthy few. We are the only developed country in the world that still does not guarantee health care to its citizens. We also happen to be the wealthiest. Medicare for All is a moral imperative that must finally be met.

“The legislation we have reintroduced today will lower costs, including on prescription drugs, and ensure everyone gets the care they deserve. I have supported this bill for years, and was proud to help found the Medicare for All Caucus last year. Now, it’s time to take that next big step for the American people. I am hopeful the Medicare for All Act will be considered in the House soon, and I urge all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to step up and join our call to provide health care to every American.”

Engel Statement on House Passage of H.R. 8 the Bipartisan Background Checks Act

  Congressman Eliot Engel, a member of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, issued the following statement after House passage of H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2019:

“Today’s passage of H.R. 8 marks a significant shift in how the House does business under new Democratic leadership. After years of obstinance and inaction from Republican leaders, our legislative body has finally passed a major piece of meaningful gun violence prevention legislation to help curtail our nation’s gun violence epidemic. And it is just the start for us.

“It’s nice to be able to move the ball forward on gun safety without having to take over the House floor in protest, as we were forced to do 3 years ago while in the minority. H.R. 8 is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will require a background check for every gun sale or transfer, with only very explicit exceptions. It’s supported by a wide range of gun safety and law enforcement groups, and has long been championed by the medical and educational communities. More than 90 percent of the American people support background checks, in addition to 90 percent of gun owning households. The only people who don’t want this are the right wing extremists in the NRA, who held a stranglehold on the House by way of their surrogates in the GOP leadership. But Congress doesn’t work for the NRA. We work for the American people, and today House Democrats have made that clear.

“Gun violence has torn our nation apart for far too long. The price American families have paid for Congress’ inaction is immeasurable. We have a moral obligation to act, and H.R. 8 is exactly the type of legislation we needed. I hope we can soon follow suit by passing a new assault weapons ban.”

DANCE DOMINATES AND MARGA GOMEZ OPENS THE 2019 BAAD!ASS WOMEN FESTIVAL

Festival runs from March 1 – 30

With Dance! Theater! Film! Performance! Featuring Fierce Women Artists!

BAAD! - The Bronx Academy of Arts & Dance forges forward with the 19th annual BAAD!ASS WOMEN FESTIVAL, celebrating the empowerment of women through art, culture and performance.  As BAAD! celebrates “20 years of Being BAAD!,” the festival kicks off on March 1 with the return to BAAD! of the powerful and celebrated comedic theatre/performance artist, Marga Gomez, who first performed for the space in 2002. The festival continues through March 30 with seven evenings, mostly driven by the organization’s anchor art form, dance, and also includes theatre, performance and film featuring strong and poignant women. The festival takes place at BAAD!, 2474 Westchester Avenue in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx. Ticket prices vary from free to $25.  Participants can take advantage of the Five for $5 special (you and four “girlfriends” make a group of five and pay only $5 each with a prior reservation.) BAAD! offers discounts to BAAD! members, BCA cardholders and NALAC members, and free admission to residents of 10474 and 10461 zip codes. Ticket offers cannot be combined. Visit www.BAADBronx.org for more details.

The schedule for the shows and events is as follows:

Friday & Saturday, March 1 & 2 | 8PM | $25 General Admission, $20 Student/Senior

MARGA GOMEZ in LATIN STANDARDS

Latin Standards was named The New York Times “Critic’s Pick” for its “winning heart and humor.” Written and performed by GLAAD award winner Marga Gomez, the show recalls her childhood in Washington Heights with her father, Willy Chevalier, comedian, producer, songwriter, Cafe El Pico spokesperson, and prominent figure in the golden era of New York’s Latino variety shows. Latin Standards is an energetic, funny and poignant story of perseverance and creative addiction passed down from immigrant father to lesbian daughter. Directed by David Schweizer.

Friday, March 8 | 8pm | Free

TRANSVISIBLE: BAMBY SALCEDO’S STORY

An inspirational documentary about Bamby Salcedo, a Trans Latina woman, now a renowned international leader and Trans community advocate. Bamby's story honors the human spirit and celebrates the victories of winning in the face of adversity, with a special message to Trans immigrant women that face multiple challenges and oppressions. Directed by Dante Alencastre, screening hosted by Barbra Herr.

Saturday, March 9 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior

FLAMENCO TABLAO CURATED BY NÉLIDA TIRADO    

Bronx-based Flamenco dancer and performer, Nelida Tirado, curates a journey to Spain in celebration of the dynamic rhythmic elements of the traditional flamenco art form: baile (dance), cante (singing), toque (guitar) and jaleo (vocals). Born of the old "Café Cantantes" where spectators enjoyed drinks and a great show, Tirado curates a performance that features a collection of NYC's best Flamenco dancers, singers, and instrumentalists.

Friday, March 15 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior

THEATRICAL TREMORS

This shared evening of theatre and performance features three young women pushing boundaries and shaking up stereotypes with Amelia Bande, Julissa Contreras and Qurell-Amani Wright.

Friday, March 22 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior

ALICIA BAUMAN-MORALES presents HURACÁN: STORM MEDICINE

Alicia Bauman-Morales’ huracán: storm medicine is a personal dance story, living altar and town hall about destruction, translation, and the transformative power of storms. Told from the body and voice of a queer, light-skinned Oakland boricua, storm medicine is queer spanglish dance ritual in homage to the unseen powers that trip us up, shake us awake and call us home.

Saturday, March 23 | 8pm | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior​

SOLE SISTERS

The BAAD!ASS Women dance concert is no-holds-barred, daring event with eight choreographers from the Bronx and beyond including Amber Funk Barton, Beatrice Capote, Deborah Conton, Mai Lê Hô and Tamara Williams.

Friday & Saturday, March 29 & 30 | 8PM | $20 General Admission, $15 Student/Senior

DAVALOIS FEARON DANCE presents FOR C.J.

For C.J. is dedicated to Artistic Director Davalois Fearon’s nephew C.J., who was the victim of a fatal asthma attack in 2017. It uses nature to explore themes of loss and remembrance. The dance work celebrates C.J.’s life by telling his story through Fearon’s fluid yet assertive movement vocabulary, with original music by multi-reedist Mike McGinnis, wearable sculpture, costume, makeup designed by interdisciplinary artist Jasmine Murrell and set design by performer and visual artist Myssi Robinson

Crowned “a funky and welcoming performance space” by The New York Times, BAAD! is a performance and workshop space that presents cutting-edge works in dance and all creative disciplines empowering to women, Latinos and people of color and the LGBTQ(lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) community. BAAD! is home to Arthur Aviles Typical Theatre (AATT) and the Bronx Dance Coalition and was founded by Arthur Aviles and Charles Rice-Gonzalez in 1998 in Hunts Point. BAAD! moved to Westchester Square in October 2013 to a gothic revivalist building on the grounds of St. Peter’s Church.

BAAD!/AATT receive support from The Ford Foundation, The NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, The SHS Foundation, The Mertz Gilmore Foundation, The Howard Gilman Foundation, The Lincoln Center Cultural Innovation Fund, The New York State Council on the Arts, Councilmember Mark Gjonaj, The Jerome Foundation, The Emma A. Sheafer Charitable Trust, The New York State Regional Economic Development Corporation, The Yankee Community Benefit Fund, The Rubin Foundation, The Harkness Foundation for Dance, and private donations.

The festival takes place at BAAD!, 2474 Westchester Avenue in the Westchester Square section of the Bronx.