Wednesday, November 17, 2021

46 Days and Counting - Get Vaccinated


 


That's it Doctor Chokshi give me another shot,. I might as well take advantage of my medical plan as mayor before I leave office. This way people see me getting vaccinated so maybe they will say that it is finally time for them to be vaccinated. I want to be known as the Mayor who vaccinated the city, thus protecting it from the virus.


Since I am a city employee I receive five-hundred dollars for every vaccination. How many vaccination or booster shots can I get before I leave office? What's that one every six months, but I am going to be out of office in 46 days. Can't you give me a couple of extra shots to last me through my grueling bid for Governor, now that the Public Advocate has entered the race. Like he has a chance, all he is going to do is make it easy for David Patterson, I mean Kathy Hochul to get re-elected. Dr. Chokshi why do I mix up Kathy Hochul with David Patterson? Is it because they both were not elected governor?

NEW YORK CITY’S FIRST-IN-NATION RIGHT-TO-COUNSEL PROGRAM EXPANDED CITYWIDE AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

 

Overwhelming majority of tenants who have City-funded legal representation are successful in their legal proceedings, 84 percent of households represented by a Right to Counsel lawyer able to remain in their homes.


 The de Blasio Administration today released its annual Right to Counsel Progress Report for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21), which found that through the citywide implementation of the Right to Counsel program in 2020, 100 percent of tenants with calendared eviction cases had access to legal services, and 71 percent of tenants who appeared in Housing Court had full representation by attorneys – nearly double the pre-pandemic rate of 38 percent, and an exponential increase over the 1 percent of tenants who had lawyers in 2013. To date since 2014, the City has provided legal services to more than half-a-million New Yorkers, including approximately 100,000 New Yorkers who utilized this program during the COVID-19 pandemic period in FY21. To educate New Yorkers about housing instability, raise awareness of right to counsel, and promote the availability of these anti-eviction resources for tenants, which have achieved proven positive results, the City is also launching a public awareness campaign.

 

“Building the fairest big city in the country means making sure all tenants can continue to call New York City home,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “This game-changing program has yielded staggering results – protecting families from harassment and providing legal services to all tenants facing eviction, cementing its status as a national model for increasing housing stability and preventing homelessness.”

 

“In New York City, through our innovative Right to Counsel program, we have modeled for the nation what it means to protect tenants – and we’re proud of our results, driving down evictions, providing more New Yorkers with lawyers in housing court, and proving that preventing homelessness is possible,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Melanie Hartzog.  “Now more than ever, we need cities across the country to develop creative solutions to our most pressing challenges – and New York City will continue to lead the way, bringing new vital tools and programs like these to the table to level the playing field for all.”

 

“The Right to Counsel initiative is a proven and successful program that has helped thousands of New Yorkers avoid eviction and keep their homes, which is more important than ever amid the current economic challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “With evictions on the rise throughout the country pre-pandemic and the looming expiration of eviction moratoriums on the horizon in numerous cities and states, our Right to Counsel program provides jurisdictions across the country with a replicable framework that can achieve positive outcomes for tenants experiencing housing instability – all while promoting the preservation of affordable housing and neighborhood stability.”

 

Increased investments expand proven-successful anti-eviction program citywide – ahead of schedule

 

Established in 2017, New York City’s Right to Counsel initiative provides free legal services, including representation, to tenants facing eviction in housing court. The data shows that the overwhelming majority of tenants who have City-funded legal representation are successful in their legal proceedings, with 84 percent of households represented by a Right to Counsel lawyer able to remain in their homes.

 

Through this initiative, the Administration’s has increased investments in tenant legal services more than 25-fold, from $6 million in 2013 to $166 million today, and expanded the program citywide, making eviction legal defense services available to all tenants in New York City facing eviction in housing court, regardless of ZIP Code. This citywide expansion was achieved ahead of the planned 2022 expansion schedule – and during an historic emergency period in New York City.

 

“The tremendous progress we’ve made implementing the Right to Counsel initiative demonstrates this Administration’s commitment to strengthening tenant protections for New Yorkers like never before,” said HRA Administrator Gary Jenkins. “Through creative approaches and new solutions like the RTC program, which has become a model nationwide, we are continuing to build on the progress we’ve made helping vulnerable New Yorkers who are our neighbors, fight unlawful evictions, keep their homes, and avoid homelessness altogether, both before and during the pandemic. As our City works to put the pandemic behind us, this essential resource will continue to protect tenants for years to come, helping ensure New York remains a city that anyone can call home, regardless of their economic status.”

 

“Since the start of the de Blasio Administration, New York City has been a national leader in increasing access to justice for those in need, establishing DSS-HRA's Office of Civil Justice to implement the groundbreaking Right-to-Counsel program, which made New York City the first in the nation to guarantee legal services to tenants facing eviction,” said Civil Justice Coordinator Jordan Dressler of OCJ. “As New York City emerges from an unprecedented crisis that highlighted longstanding inequities across communities, OCJ is proud to have expanded this vital resource across all five boroughs and made the right to counsel a reality for all New York City tenants facing eviction in court, thanks to the heroic efforts of dedicated staff and frontline lawyers.  Our latest progress report underscores RTC's game-changing impact – with evictions down, legal representation up, and New York City a fairer place for all.”

 

New campaign will raise awareness and connect more New Yorkers to anti-eviction legal services

 

To increase awareness of the Right to Counsel program and its expansion citywide, and to educate New Yorkers experiencing housing instability about the range of resources available to them via the Tenant Helpline, the City is implementing a large-scale Right to Counsel advertising campaign. The campaign will focus on messaging that lets New Yorkers facing eviction know that they are not alone and they can learn more about Right to Counsel by calling 311. Developed collaboratively by the Public Engagement Unit (PEU), the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants (MOPT), and DSS-HRA’s Office of Civil Justice (OCJ), the campaign will be available in 15 languages and will ​be comprised of targeted advertisements in multiple languages in both print and digital media, including Community and Ethnic Media publications across the five boroughs.

  

In addition, this Thursday, November 18, OCJ will also hold its annual public hearing on the City’s progress protecting tenants through the program.

 

"The Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants is proud to support such a markedly successful program as Right to Counsel, and it’s important to us that as many New Yorkers as possible know the program exists and how to access it. I believe this public education campaign will successfully reach the New Yorkers who need the City’s support in fighting eviction," said Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants Acting Director Ricardo Martinez Campos. "Right to Counsel keeps people in their homes. We are confident that this landmark program will continue to protect New York City tenants even if the State’s eviction moratorium expires in January. I thank all the agencies involved in this effort, and our partners on the ground for making sure the message gets to all New Yorkers.” 

 

Permanent Tenant Helpline within the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit to help New Yorkers navigate available resources

 

The new Right to Counsel advertising campaign will drive tenants in need of assistance to the Tenant Helpline, which was created in 2020 by the Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants and the Public Engagement Unit, with the aim of making sure New Yorkers had access to all the information that could help them stay stably housed. New Yorkers who call 311 and ask for “Right to Counsel” will be directed to the Tenant Helpline, staffed by PEU Housing Specialists who identify a caller’s needs, connect them to a wide array of resources (including OCJ’s legal services and our community partners), and provide hands-on case management support for complex cases. The Tenant Helpline will now become a permanent team within PEU. 

 

The Tenant Helpline is an addition to the City’s array of tools to help prevent evictions and tenant harassment, and it complements PEU’s proactive outreach to tenants in housing court and in rent regulated apartments in fast-changing neighborhoods. PEU conducts proactive outreach through canvassing, phone, and text campaigns to provide tenants with information on their rights, assist with securing repairs, and/or make connections to OCJ’s free legal services that can help tenants facing eviction as well as harassment by unscrupulous landlords or other tenant legal needs.  

 

“I want New Yorkers across all five boroughs to know: You do not have to face eviction alone. You have unprecedented access to tenant support, and the Public Engagement Unit is here for you. Your city is here for you,” said Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit Director Adrienne Lever. "PEU Specialists are comprehensively trained and passionate about providing New Yorkers with the one-on-one support they need to stay in their homes. I am thrilled that the success of our Specialists on the Tenant Helpline has helped it to become a permanent fixture of the City’s tenant support infrastructure, and that our new Right to Counsel campaign will help ensure New Yorker know about this resource and their rights”

 

New York City continues to lead the way nationwide supporting New Yorkers in need through progressive policies like these. With the Right to Counsel program, New York City was the first jurisdiction in the country to guarantee legal services for tenants facing eviction, which has served as a model for others. Numerous cities and states across the country have since adopted similar programs, based on New York City’s successful approach. For example, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and several other jurisdictions are following the City’s lead and implementing programs that can help level the playing field for tenants experiencing housing instability.

 

If you or someone you know in New York City is worried about losing your home, the City is here to help. Don’t hesitate – you can reach the Tenant Helpline by calling 311 and saying “tenant helpline” in your language.

 

"At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the main concerns for the City Council was helping New Yorkers keep their homes and stay in their communities. The Right to Counsel initiative, a program created by the City Council that provides free legal representation for New Yorkers facing eviction, has been successful and proven to be a critical tool in preventing evictions. The Council will continue to fight to protect tenants and ensure that all the necessary resources are available to help keep our city affordable to all,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson.  

“The Legal Aid Society is proud to be a leader in New York’s historic right to counsel program, which has protected housing for tens of thousands of New Yorkers and serves as a nationwide model,” said Adrienne Holder, Attorney-in-Charge at the Legal Aid Society (LAS). “Access to counsel in housing court is not only a requirement of civil rights and due process, but also a key tool to mitigate the worst effects of the pandemic. UATC has served as a buffer that has allowed the New Yorkers most impacted by COVID-19, often people of color, to avoid displacement and the attendant risk of serious illness or death.  With the support of OCJ, we have been fighting harassment, neglect, and illegal lockouts, which all have the life-or-death consequence of displacement during a pandemic.”


Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - NOVEMBER 16, 2021

 Clinical specimen testing for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Wadsworth Laboratory

85,170 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours  

30 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 


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

"More and more New Yorkers are getting vaccinated each day, and with the winter months quickly approaching we can't get complacent now," Governor Hochul said. "With the vaccine now available to younger children, we have the opportunity to put an end to this pandemic - but we have to work together. Tell your friends, family and neighbors to get the shot today, so we all can have a safe and happy holiday season."

 
Today's data is summarized briefly below:

·         Test Results Reported - 101,484
·         Total Positive - 4,872
·         Percent Positive - 4.80%
·         7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.40%
·         Patient Hospitalization - 2,051 (+88)
·         Patients Newly Admitted - 252
·         Patients in ICU - 422 (+18)
·         Patients in ICU with Intubation - 231 (+20)
·         Total Discharges - 211,750 (+172)
·         New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 30
·         Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 46,068

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

·         Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 58,635

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

·         Total vaccine doses administered - 28,532,167
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 85,170
·         Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 668,524
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 85.0%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 77.6%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 89.2%
·         Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 79.8%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 72.8%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 65.7%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 76.0%
·         Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 67.7%

Attorney General James Announces Conviction of Brooklyn Man Charged with Stealing Thousands Through Identity Theft Scheme

 

Otis Barnes Convicted of Using the Stolen Identity of a 90-Year Old Staten Island Resident to Cash Forged U.S. Postal Money Orders Barnes to Be Sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 Years in Prison  

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the conviction of Otis Barnes, 29, of Brooklyn, after he used the personal identifying information of a 90-year old Staten Island resident to cash forged money orders at United States Postal Service (USPS) offices throughout New York and New Jersey and defrauding a local bank to steal thousands of dollars. Barnes pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class “E” felony, with a promised sentence of 1 1/2 to 3 years in prison.  

“Fraud is never acceptable, but it is all the more heinous for an individual to steal the identity of an elderly man to line his own pocket,” said Attorney General James. “Today’s conviction should serve as a message to all that we will not allow illegal schemes like this to go unchecked, and that we will hold those accountable to the fullest extent of the law. My office is committed to protecting consumers, which is why we will continue to vigorously stamp out fraud and deliver justice to New Yorkers.”

“Mr. Barnes thought his low-tech money order scam would let him fly below the radar and avoid attention and detection of his crimes,” said USPS Inspector in Charge Philip R. Bartlett. “He was wrong; and today’s plea is recognition by Mr. Barnes that Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners have no tolerance for this behavior and will aggressively investigate crime regardless of its scope or complexity.” 

A joint investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the USPS Inspection Service revealed that, between March 2018 and July 2018, Barnes assumed the elderly victim’s identity on several occasions by presenting himself as the victim at several USPS offices and at a check cashing establishment. As proof of his stolen identity, Barnes used a forged New York State Driver’s License that listed the elderly victim’s name, home address, and date of birth, but that contained Barnes’ photograph in order to cash several forged USPS money orders in the victim’s name. Prior to cashing the forged money orders, Barnes used a mobile depositing app to deposit the same money orders — under his own name — into a bank account he controlled. Barnes then withdrew the money out of the account before the bank became aware of the fraud. Because mobile deposit enables a customer to take a picture of a check or money order while maintaining possession of the check or money order itself, Barnes was able to then alter the money orders to substitute the name on the order and cash them a second time at local post offices. 

The OAG’s indictment charged Barnes with the crimes of Identity Theft in the First Degree, Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument in the First and Second Degrees, and Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree.

Today, before the Honorable Alexander Jeong, Barnes pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class “E” felony. On January 20, 2022, Barnes is scheduled to be sentenced to 1 1/2 to 3 years in state prison.  

Tips for Consumers

The OAG recommends the following tips to New Yorkers to safeguard their personal information and prevent most forms of identity theft:

Secure Personal Information:

  • While it's generally safe to share one’s name or phone number, sharing a date of birth, Social Security number, or any account numbers can expose individuals to identity theft. New Yorkers should also avoid disclosing any information used as a “backup” answer for websites when they've forgotten a password.
  • Consumers should never provide personal information to someone who contacts them out of the blue, even if they claim to be from a trusted institution, as that is a common practice for those employing “phishing” scams. A phishing scam is an attempt to get an individual to provide personal information, such as a username, password, or credit card number. Scammers typically contact consumers by text, phone, or email, and often pose as a government agency, bank, or well-known company. They typically demand personal information to resolve some problem or emergency, or say they just need to “confirm some information” before they can offer any information in return. None of these organizations actually contact consumers this way for important information. If a consumer is unsure about outreach, they should contact the company themselves — using a published number or email address — to verify it's actually them.
  • Some phishing attempts also direct consumers to visit a website or download an attachment. Consumers should NOT download attachments or click on links from untrusted sources. These links or attachments may contain viruses that will infect a computer or steal personal information.

Delete Unneeded Data:

  • Destroy any records of personal information once no longer needed. Shred physical documents like tax returns, and financial or medical records.
  • Delete or deactivate digital accounts and delete digital files. Remember that even deleted files can still be stored on a hard drive, so consumers will need special security software to erase all the personal data if getting rid of an old computer.

Monitor Credit Reports:

  • All consumers are entitled to one free copy of their credit report each year from each of the major credit reporting agencies. If consumers see accounts or inquiries they didn't initiate or don’t recognize, it may indicate that someone else is using their identity.
  • Consumers can schedule reports from different agencies at different times of the year. Consumers can obtain this regular coverage online or by calling 877-322-8228.

The OAG wishes to thank the USPS Inspection Service for their valuable assistance in this matter and the New York State Police for their arrest of Barnes.

Former Employees At State Administrator Of Medicaid Transportation And Business Owner Charged With Submitting Fraudulent Claims

 

 Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), and Ricky J. Patel, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging PATRICK NDUKWE, DAVID TRAVERS, and MICHELLE MARTIN with participating in a fraudulent scheme in which TRAVERS and MARTIN improperly routed trips for Medicaid-funded transportation to NDUKWE’s company, Quality Service Medical Transportation (“Quality”) and facilitated fraudulent Medicaid claims by Quality.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Every day, thousands of government employees and private contractors around New York are entrusted with handling, disbursing, and guarding public funds.  As alleged, David Travers and Michelle Martin, who were employees at the state manager for Medicaid-funded transportation, abused their roles and the public’s trust when they took payments to steer business to a private company and helped that company submit fraudulent Medicaid claims.  This Office and our law enforcement partners will always investigate and prosecute the illegal abuse of public programs for unjust enrichment.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent in Charge Scott J. Lampert said: “The defendants in this case allegedly engaged in a greed-fueled fraud scheme that undermined the Medicaid program and diverted taxpayer funds from their intended purpose of providing health care benefits to low-income individuals and families.  Together with our law enforcement partners, HHS-OIG will continue to vigorously pursue those who steal from government health programs for personal gain.”

HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel said: “As alleged, these defendants lined their pockets by abusing a program created to provide assistance to the sick and injured in our communities.  Working with our partners, HSI will seek out and bring to justice those that attempt to undermine any federal or state program, explicitly those designed to help millions of our most vulnerable in New York.”

As alleged in the Indictment, which was unsealed today, public filings, and statements in court:[1] 

In New York, individuals who are enrolled in the state’s Medicaid program are eligible to have Medicaid pay for their transportation to and from medical appointments if they are not able to safely take public transportation.  To obtain Medicaid-funded transportation, the enrollee or their health care professional must schedule transportation by contacting the private company that is contracted to manage Medicaid-funded transportation in the New York City area (the “Transportation Manager”).

NDUKWE, 56, was the owner and operator of Quality.  From in or about May 2017 to March 2020, Quality was paid more than $7.3 million for more than 120,000 trips the company purportedly provided for Medicaid-enrolled customers in the New York City area.  However, many of these trip claims were fraudulent and never actually performed.  In some instances, the Medicaid-enrollee who purportedly used Quality to travel to a medical appointment had, in fact, never heard of or used the company for any transportation services.  In other instances, the driver who Quality said performed the trip had never actually worked for the company.  In yet other instances, Quality paid a periodic “kickback” to a Medicaid enrollee to use that enrollee’s personal identifying information to submit a trip claim.

TRAVERS and MARTIN were customer service representatives at the Transportation Manager.  Both were responsible for, among other things, receiving calls from Medicaid enrollees who needed transportation and then randomly assigning those trips among the dozens of eligible transportation companies in the New York City area.  However, both TRAVERS and MARTIN steered a disproportionately high volume of their trips to Quality.  In addition, when certain enrollees requested to be moved from Quality to another transportation company, TRAVERS and MARTIN ensured that the customers were eventually reassigned back to Quality.  TRAVERS and MARTIN also scheduled trips for Quality that they knew would not be performed and would allow Quality to submit fraudulent claims for payment.  For their fraud, both TRAVERS and MARTIN received payments from NDUKWE.

NDUKWE was arrested this morning in the Bronx and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang in Manhattan federal court.  TRAVERS was arrested this morning in Syracuse, New York, and Martin was arrested this morning in East Syracuse, New York.  Both TRAVERS and MARTIN will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Therese Wiley Dancks.

NDUKWE, TRAVERS, and MARTIN are each charged with one count of theft of government funds, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 641; one count of health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347; one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349; and one count of violating the Anti-Kickback statute, in violation of 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b. In addition, NDUKWE is charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, in violation 18 U.S.C. § 1028A. In February 2020, as part of the same investigation, the Government charged 13 defendants involved in a different transportation company.

The crimes of theft of government funds, health care fraud, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and violating the Anti-Kickback Statute each carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  The crime of aggravated identity theft carries a mandatory two years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of DHHS-OIG and HSI.  He also thanked the Office of the New York State Medicaid Inspector General, New York Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, United States Customs and Border Protection, the Syracuse Police Department, the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service, the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Probation Office for the Northern District of New York for their assistance in the case.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment are herein are only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

In Honor of Transgender Awareness Week; Governor Hochul Signs LGBTQ+ Protection Bills

 

S.674/A.459 Relates to Vacating Convictions for Offenses Committed Due to Being a Victim of Sex Trafficking, Labor Trafficking and Compelling Prostitution

S.5325/A.6193 Requires Utility Companies to Allow Customers to Use Their Preferred Name and Pronouns


 Governor Kathy Hochul today signed legislation at the LGBT Community Center aimed at expanding protections for the LGBTQ+ community and those who have been victims of sex trafficking. The START Act relates to vacating convictions for offenses committed due to being a victim of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and compelling prostitution. Bill S.5325/A.6193 requires utility companies to allow customers to use their preferred name and pronouns.

"As we witness attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and protections around the country, New York is once again declaring that we are a state for all - one where we don't needlessly criminalize victims and where our trans, gender non-binary, and gender non-conforming communities are affirmed," Governor Hochul said. "My administration is committed to equality and safety for everyone and New York is able to lead the way because of the work of our tireless advocates and our partners in the legislature. Together we will continue to build a state that is welcoming to all." 

Legislation S.674/A.459, the START Act, strengthens protections for victims of sex trafficking, labor trafficking, compelling prostitution, and trafficking in persons, who are convicted of a range of offenses as a result of that trafficking or compelling. This legislation builds on a law passed in 2010 in New York allowing victims of human trafficking to vacate prostitution-related criminal convictions that were directly tied to their victimization.

Join Senator Biaggi For A Food And Health Empowerment Fair on 11/20/21

 

Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Dear Community, 

Hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I am thrilled to invite you to a Food and Health Empowerment Fair this Saturday hosted by myself and Councilmember-Elect Marjorie Velázquez. The event will take place Saturday, November 20th from 12-5 PM at the Huntington Free Library located at 9 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461.

The Fair will feature a panel discussion of elected officials and community leaders to discuss government and community-based solutions to combat food insecurity in the Bronx, followed by a food justice resource fair and turkey and produce distribution. We hope to bring the community together as we approach the holiday season, host an educational conversation regarding the issue of food insecurity, promote local food resources, and provide turkeys and grocery items to meet the needs during the November holiday season.

Click here to RSVP and reserve a turkey! 

Masks are required for the entirety of the event and will also be provided. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me and my team at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling our office at 718-822-2049.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!

With Gratitude, 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

NYS Office of the Comptroller - DiNapoli: Woman Arrested for Stealing Deceased Sister's Pension Checks

 

Pocketed Nearly $8,000 in Stolen Pension Payments


 State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez today announced the arrest of Latrenda Dixon for the alleged theft of her deceased sister’s retirement checks.

Dixon, 52, of the Bronx is charged with illegally cashing 20 checks in Brooklyn for nearly $8,000 issued by the New York State and Local Retirement System to her deceased sister, Linda Dixon. She cashed the checks using her sister’s state employee ID at a check cashing location.

“Ms. Dixon attempted to scam the pension system by allegedly pretending to be her deceased sister,” DiNapoli said. “My thanks to District Attorney Gonzalez for his continued partnership in safeguarding the New York State and Local Retirement System.”

“Stealing from the state pension system is not a victimless crime; law abiding taxpayers end up paying the price,” said Brooklyn District Attorney Gonzalez. “I would like to thank State Comptroller DiNapoli for all of the work his agency did to bring this defendant to justice. We will now seek to hold her accountable for her alleged actions.”

Dixon was charged with grand larceny in the third and fourth degree; scheme to defraud in the first and second degree; identity theft in the first and second degree; 20 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the first degree; 20 counts of criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, and criminal possession of stolen property in the third and fourth degree.

She was arraigned in Kings County court and released without bail on her own recognizance. Dixon is due back in court Nov. 30, 2021.

This case was investigated by the Office of the State Comptroller’s Division of Investigations in partnership with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office.