Members Of Bronx Street Gang And Their Hitman Charged With Racketeering, Firearms Offenses, And Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced additional charges against six alleged members of a street gang known as the “Young Bronx Money Getters” or “YBMG” in the Bronx, New York.  SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, a/k/a “White Mike,” YELTSIN BELTRAN, a/k/a “Yells,” BORIS BELTRAN, a/k/a “Bebe,” JEREMY CEDENO, a/k/a “Jerm,” FRANCISCO ORTEGA, a/k/a “Fresh,” and IVIS PERDOMO, a/k/a “Light,” all of whom are members of YBMG, were charged in a Superseding Indictment with racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses.  HAXHAJ, YELTSIN BELTRAN, BORIS BELTRAN, CEDENO, and PERDOMO were also charged with engaging in violent crimes in aid of racketeering.  LUCAS CHAJECKI, a/k/a ‘Luc Luc,” whom members of YBMG allegedly hired to commit a murder, HAXHAJ, and BORIS BELTRAN, are additionally charged with the August 16, 2019 murder of Isael Lagares in the Bronx.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.

SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, YELTSIN BELTRAN, BORIS BELTRAN, JEREMY CEDENO, FRANCISCO ORTEGA, and IVIS PERDOMO were already in custody in connection with charges contained in a previous indictment related to this prosecution.  LUCAS CHAJECKI is in state custody in connection with his alleged murder of Isael Lagares and will be transferred into federal custody.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, YBMG was an extremely violent street gang that brutalized the Bronx with guns and drugs for at least 15 years. Among YBMG’s many victims was Isael Lagares, who was allegedly gunned down at the age of 27 by Lucas Chajecki at the direction of Shpendim Haxhaj and Boris Beltran. With this superseding indictment, we take another step towards holding YBMG’s members and leaders accountable for their alleged crimes.”

Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Office of DEA Frank A. Tarentino III said:  “The DEA’s mission is to keep people safe and healthy.  We accomplish this by holding accountable those who cause the most harm in our communities. Just like defendants in this investigation who are charged with some of the most serious violent crimes imaginable. I applaud the tenacity of the investigative team in bringing these violent offenders to justice and holding them accountable.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment filed today in federal court:[1]

From at least in or about 2006 to in or about 2021, YBMG was a criminal enterprise centered in the Bronx, New York.  In order to make money for the gang, protect the gang’s territory, and promote the gang’s standing, members of YBMG engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and violence, including murder.  To that end, YBMG members sold heroin,  cocaine, and marijuana, promoted their gang affiliation on social media, possessed firearms, and engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership and narcotics trafficking. 

As alleged in the Superseding Indictment, on or about August 16, 2019, SHPENDIM HAXHAJ and BORIS BELTRAN hired LUCAS CHAJECKI to murder a rival gang member, and CHAJECKI then shot and killed Isael Lagares in the Bronx, New York.

YBMG members also participated in a conspiracy to distribute narcotics in New York and elsewhere. SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, YELTSIN BELTRAN, BORIS BELTRAN, JEREMY CEDENO, FRANCISCO ORTEGA, and IVIS PERDOMO participated in a conspiracy with other individuals to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, and marijuana from at least in or about 2006 up to and including 2021.

Between in or about 2006 and in or about 2021, SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, YELTSIN BELTRAN, BORIS BELTRAN, JEREMY CEDENO, FRANCISCO ORTEGA, and IVIS PERDOMO also possessed, used, brandished, and discharged firearms in furtherance of the narcotics conspiracy in which they all participated. SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, YELTSIN BELTRAN, BORIS BELTRAN, JEREMY CEDENO, and IVIS PERDOMO are further charged with engaging in violent crimes in aid of racketeering, and using, brandishing, and discharging firearms in furtherance of these crimes of violence.

A chart containing the names of the defendants who were charged today, and the charges and maximum penalties they face, are attached.  The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the FBI and DEA.

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

Defendant	Age	Charges	Maximum Penalties
SHPENDIM HAXHAJ, a/k/a “White Mike”	30	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Murder for Hire; Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Use of a Firearm Resulting in Death; Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence	Mandatory life in prison
YELTSIN BELTRAN, a/k/a “Yells”	30	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy; Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence	Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 30 years in prison (20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence)
BORIS BELTRAN, a/k/a “Bebe”	24	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy; Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Murder for Hire; Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Use of a Firearm Resulting in Death; Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence	Mandatory life in prison
JEREMY CEDENO, a/k/a “Jerm”	36	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy; Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence	Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 30 years in prison (20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence)
IVIS PERDOMO, a/k/a “Lite”	40	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy; Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence	Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 30 years in prison (20 years to run consecutive to any other sentence)
FRANCISCO ORTEGA, a/k/a “Fresh”	33	Racketeering Conspiracy; Narcotics Conspiracy; Use, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Narcotics Conspiracy	Maximum of life in prison; mandatory minimum 20 years in prison (10 years to run consecutive to any other sentence)
LUCAS CHAJECKI, a/k/a “Luc Luc”	26	Murder in Aid of Racketeering; Murder for Hire; Murder for Hire Conspiracy; Use of a Firearm Resulting in Death	Mandatory life in prison

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

Governor Hochul Warns New Yorkers of Dangerous Heat This Weekend

 

Heat Advisory in Effect Through Sunday From New York City to the Capital Region; High Heat Index Values at or Over 100 Degrees

Most of New York State Expected To See High Heat and Potentially Severe Storms Over the Weekend

Governor Hochul Encourages New Yorkers To Visit Regional Cooling Centers, Stay Indoors and Check on Vulnerable Neighbors

 Governor Kathy Hochul today warned New Yorkers of dangerous heat conditions, which began impacting the State on Tuesday and will last through the weekend. High temperatures and humid conditions are forecast, especially from the Capital Region down the Hudson Valley to New York City. The rest of the State will continue to see warm temperatures over the next several days with chances of isolated severe thunderstorms this weekend. The National Weather Service expects heat index values to exceed 90 degrees across most of the State, with areas from Albany to New York City reaching or exceeding 100 degrees on Sunday.

"New Yorkers are incredibly resilient, but when it comes to extreme heat and humidity in the summertime, there are measures that need to be taken to stay safe including staying indoors, reducing electricity usage and keeping hydrated." Governor Hochul said. "We need everyone to be on alert this weekend, keeping an eye out for any signs of heat-related illness and looking after one another. Cooling centers are open across New York City, and I encourage everyone who needs help staying cool to take advantage of these resources."

State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Unfortunately, the extreme heat is not done with New York yet. We expect the heat to begin to subside on Tuesday, but until then, New Yorkers should take care to stay cool. Limit strenuous activity outdoors, stay hydrated, take care to make sure your pets aren't outside for extended periods of time and know the signs of heat-related illness."

New Yorkers should monitor local weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For a complete listing of weather watches, warnings, advisories and latest forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website.

The New York State Department of Health also reminds New Yorkers that heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet annually many people suffer from the effects of extreme heat. Some individuals are at a higher risk for heat-related illness than others. New Yorkers should learn the risk factors and symptoms of heat-related illness to protect themselves and those they love.

Symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Hot, dry, red skin
• A rapid pulse
• Rapid and shallow breathing
• A body temperature higher than 105 degrees
• Loss of alertness, confusion, and/or loss of consciousness.

You can also find more information about where you can locate a Cooling Center near you and other helpful extreme heat-related advice, by visiting the New York State Department of Health's emergency weather webpage.

New York State Department of Public Service CEO Rory M. Christian said, "It's important for the public to continue to look for ways to lower their electricity usage. It is also important for residents to stay cool and stay hydrated. By taking action now, we can lower electricity usage during this heat wave while staying healthy and safe."

New York State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, "Extreme heat can be dangerous for anyone, but every New Yorker can learn how to protect themselves and their loved ones from heat-related illness by being prepared. Recognizing the signs of illness and responding quickly are vital to avoid serious health repercussions that can be caused by overheating. I urge New Yorkers to follow Governor Hochul's advice to ready for heat and humidity the next few days: Check the weather in your area, learn the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and know where to go if you or your family need to cool down at a cooling center."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "As this heat wave continues across the state and impacting air quality in the New York City and Long Island regions, it's important to remember important safety tips. By Limiting outdoor activity, especially on individuals with respiratory issues and reducing electricity usage whenever possible, we can keep our families safe and help our environment."

Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center continues to monitor weather conditions, including extreme heat and severe weather, communicating with local emergency managers across the state and coordinate any State agency response needs from local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to support missions as needed.

Department of Public Service

The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) is tracking electric system conditions and overseeing utility response to any situations that may arise as a result of this week's extreme heat and potential thunderstorm activity. DPS has been in direct contact with utility leaders to ensure they are preparing their systems for the extreme heat and will be tracking system conditions throughout the event. If necessary, DPS will activate the peak load reduction program for all New York State agencies; the New York Independent System Operator will activate their voluntary Emergency Response Demand Program to curtail load as necessary; and New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available, as necessary, to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State, for this heat event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

Heat Tips

Excessive heat is the leading cause of preventable, weather-related deaths each year, particularly among the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat causes more than 600 preventable deaths in the United States every year. To help New Yorkers stay safe during excessive heat, follow the below guidance:

Be Prepared

• Taking precautions to avoid heat exhaustion is important, and this includes adjusting your schedule to avoid the outdoors during the hottest hours of the day and modifying your diet and water intake when possible.
• Reduce strenuous activities and exercises, especially from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., which are peak sunlight hours.
• Exercise should be conducted early in the morning, before 7 a.m.
• Eat less protein and more fruits and vegetables. Protein produces and increases metabolic heat, which causes water loss. Eat small meals but eat more often. Do not eat salty foods.
• Drink at least two to four glasses of water per hour during extreme heat, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• If possible, stay out of the sun and stay in air conditioning. The sun heats the inner core of your body, resulting in dehydration. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine, or go to a public building with air conditioning
• If you must go outdoors, wear sunscreen with a high sun protector factor rating (at least SPF 15) and a hat to protect your face and head.
• When outdoors, wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. Cover as much skin as possible to avoid sunburn and over-warming effects of sunlight on your body.
• Never leave children, pets or those who require special care in a parked vehicle, especially during periods of intense summer heat. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees Fahrenheit quickly. Exposure to such high temperatures can kill within a matter of minutes.
• Try to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are elderly, have young children or have disabilities. Make sure there is enough food and water for your pets.
• Prolonged exposure to the heat can be harmful and potentially fatal. Call 911 if you or someone you know shows signs or symptoms of heat illness, including headache, light headedness, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting.

Conserve Electricity

Taking smart steps to reduce energy use, particularly during periods of peak demand, not only helps to lower the state's peak load but also saves consumers money when electricity is the most expensive. To reduce energy use, particularly during peak periods, the public is encouraged to take some of the following low- or no-cost energy saving measures:

• Close drapes, windows, and doors on your home's sunny side to reduce solar heat buildup.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home and use a timer to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Use advanced power strips to centrally "turn off" all appliances and save energy.
• Fans can make rooms feel 10 degrees cooler and use 80 percent less energy than air conditioners.
• If purchasing an air conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR qualified model, which uses up to 25 percent less energy than a standard model.
• Set your air conditioner at 78 degrees or higher to save on your cooling costs.
• Place your air conditioner in a central window, rather than a corner window, to allow for better air movement.
• Consider placing the unit on the north, east or the best-shaded side of your home. Your air conditioner will have to work harder and use more energy if it is exposed to direct sunlight.
• Seal spaces around the air conditioner with caulking to prevent cool air from escaping.
• Clean the cooling and condenser fans plus the coils to keep your air conditioner operating efficiently and check the filter every month and replace as needed.
• Use appliances such as washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and ovens early in the morning or late at night. This will also help reduce humidity and heat in the home.
• Use energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR qualified light bulbs instead of standard incandescent light bulbs, and you can use 75 percent less energy.
• Microwave food when possible. Microwaves use approximately 50 percent less energy than conventional ovens.
• Dry clothes on a clothesline. If using a clothes dryer, remember to clean the dryer's lint trap before every load.
• Be mindful of the different ways you're consuming water throughout your home. Instead of using 30 to 40 gallons of water to take a bath, install a low-flow showerhead, which uses less than 3 gallons a minute.
• Lowering the temperature setting on your wash machine and rinsing in cold water will reduce energy use.
• Additional tips on how to conserve energy is available on NYSERDA's website here.

Water Safety

Boaters should make sure to take proper safety precautions when enjoying the many boating opportunities New York State has to offer. The State Parks Marine Services Bureau reminds boaters to practice safe and responsible boating, including:

• Wear a personal flotation device whenever they are on the water. State law requires that children under age 12 wear a personal flotation device while on a watercraft.
• Complete a safe boating course.
• Properly equip and inspect their vessel.
• Maintain a prudent speed.
• Refrain from mixing alcohol with boating.
• Check the weather before heading out on the water to learn about potential storms and seek immediate shelter on shore if thunder is audible.

For more information about boating safety, including listings of boating safety courses, and marine recreation in New York State, click here.

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. DEC and DOH will issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter, are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100. Information about the Air Quality forecast for New York State can be found here.

Nos Quedamo - Stage Garden Rumba Returns this Saturday, July 23rd, 2PM~5:30PM

 

Nos Quedamos and Pregones/PRTT are proud to announce that STAGE GARDEN RUMBA is back with its 2022 season at South Bronx community gardens starting tomorrow SATURDAY, July 23rd from 2pm~5:30pm (rain or shine) at Pregones Garden, 575 Walton Avenue in The South Bronx. This is a FREE outdoor event.*

This year, the series' theme is "Bronx Bees and Honey," and like the South Bronx, the ultimate symbol of environmental resilience and adaptability!

Hyperlocal and universal, Stage Garden Rumba brings together voices of joy and revolution to fuel our collective imagination and propel us into the future. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?  Get your South Bronx summer glow this Saturday with Stage Garden Rumba!

* Weather forecasts predict it to be unseasonably HOT—so please prepare to remain hydrated!

EMCEE Caridad De La Luz is a multifaceted performer also known as “La Bruja.” She raps, acts, sings, hosts, dances, writes, and teaches others how to do the same. Winner of the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship 2020-2021, she has been one of America's leading spoken word poets for over 15 years. MUSIC DeLaCeiba is an Hondureño born poet/rapper/DJ/scholar/father/husband/activist that grew up in South Central Los Angeles.   Nina Dilet is a vocal powerhouse whose unique fusion of Yoruba sacred song with African-and Afro-Caribbean-inspired dance music lights up any dance floor.   Kumera Zekarias is a multilingual singer-songwriter, producer, and the former band leader of Kino Musica—a five-piece group based in Washington, DC.   Jarana Beat is a 10-piece band that incorporates music and dance into its vibrant live performances, double nominee at the 2020 Independent Music Awards, and winner of the 2015 Mexican Music Award for Best Contemporary Folk Band.   POETRY Advocate of Wordz is a published award-winning performing poet, certified breeder of mythical creatures, and an educator who teaches his students how to talk their way out of detention.   Destiny Padilla is a spoken word artist and poet from the Bronx, New York. Spirituality, NYC, Women, and Latinx/Indigenous identity are the driving forces behind her work.   Brother North Luis Henrique Canyada PKA Brother North is an artist educator from the Bronx. He is the lead vocalist for the Hip Hop Music group Division X.   ACTIVISM Esperanza Martell is a human rights activist, peace educator, organizer, healer, life-skills coach, mother, poet, and accomplished artist.   Gregory Jost is an adopted Bronxite of nearly 30 years, working on campaigns for community control of reinvestment, land and institutions. SPOTLIGHT ON OUR FEATURED ARTISANS — Come ready to be dazzled and ready to support! Karla Mayenbeer Cruz: Author, The Adventures of Pepita Morales at City Hall: The Fight to Save el Jardin.   Olga Ayala: “Hecho A Mano” handmade crafts. Jewelry and functional art in polymer.   StayFree Wellness (Stacey Toro): Herbal crafted body and wellness products including tinctures, salves, body butters & herbal packs.   Saviana Arts: Collaboration of Nuyorican artists Vivian Lipman-Denis and Sara Morales, featuring art prints and crafts.   Carmen Ayala: Paintings and hand-made collectibles.    Mercedes Molina: Traditional and spiritual dolls. “May the spirits of your Ancestors always walk with you.”   Taller Experimental de Arte: Handmade jewelry, garments, paintings, calligraphy and more by local collective featuring Virginia Ayress, Nieves Ayress, Rosita Ayress, Graciela Muñoz, and Adriana Quesada.

NY State Senator Gustavo Rivera Hosts Canvass Kickoff With 1199SEIU, NYSNA, RWDSU Members To Focus On Health Issues

 

Tomorrow, New York State Senator Gustavo Rivera will host a rally focused on healthcare issues alongside members of 1199SEIU, the largest healthcare union in the country, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA), who represent over 42,000 frontline nurses, and the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) to kick off canvassing for his re-election campaign. Senator Rivera is the Chair of the Senate Health Committee and a tireless advocate for increasing access to healthcare coverage for all New Yorkers⁠--especially those in his home district of the Bronx. 

After the kickoff, Senator Gustavo Rivera will canvass with Comptroller Brad Lander. 

Mount Vernon Man Charged With Sex Trafficking Of A Minor

 

Rai Thomas Arrested for Sex Trafficking of a Female Minor Victim at Hotels in the Bronx and Brooklyn

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging RAI THOMAS with sex trafficking of a minor and use of interstate facilities to promote sex trafficking and prostitution.  THOMAS was arrested this morning and will be presented before United States Magistrate Judge Andrew E. Krause.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Rai Thomas exploited a teenage girl who lived at a residential facility for vulnerable and at-risk youth, and caused her to engage in commercial sexual activity at hotels throughout the Bronx and Brooklyn for his own profit.  Thomas’s alleged conduct is particularly insidious given his minor victim’s vulnerable status and living situation.  This Office, along with our law enforcement partners at the FBI, will continue to identify, investigate, and prosecute those engaged in the sex trafficking of minors.” 

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said:  "Human traffickers exploit at-risk teenagers, using their vulnerabilities against them. Make no mistake - these criminals are forcing children to have sex so they can make money. We are doing everything we can to help the victim in this case, but she may not be the only one. Please reach out to us at 1-800-CALL-FBI to report any information that could help ensure Thomas faces justice for his alleged crimes."

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

In January and February 2022, THOMAS recruited Minor Victim-1 to engage in commercial sexual activity and caused her to do so on multiple occasions in hotels within the Bronx and Brooklyn, New York.  THOMAS facilitated and benefited from the scheme in numerous ways, including by recruiting and enticing Minor Victim-1 to engage in commercial sex; coordinating the transportation of Minor Victim-1 to the hotels and reserving the hotel rooms in which she engaged in commercial sex; facilitating the advertisement of Minor Victim-1 on various websites to customers for commercial sex; and profiting from the sex trafficking scheme.

There may be other victims of this alleged conduct.  If you have information to report, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

THOMAS, 27 of Mount Vernon, New York, is charged with (1) sex trafficking of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison, and (2) use of interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. 

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

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, the Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams noted that the investigation is ongoing.

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, constitutes only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Announces $387 Million in COVID-19 Relief Being Delivered to Local Governments

 

American Rescue Plan Act Funding Will Support 1,452 Local Governments Across New York State

Including Identical Distribution in 2021, Payments to Local Governments Will Total $774 Million

Part of State's Ongoing Preparation Efforts to Address Potential Surges this Fall and Protect Public Health

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $387 million is being delivered to 1,452 local governments across the New York State to help boost their pandemic response infrastructure. The announcement is part of the State's ongoing preparation efforts to tackle any potential pandemic-related surges this fall and winter. This financial backing is made possible by the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, part of the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides relief for smaller local governments who have shared in the public health response.

"We have been able to move safely forward through this pandemic because of our close coordination with partners at every level of local government," Governor Hochul said. "I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and our Congressional delegation for their help in securing this critical funding, which will help cities, towns and villages across New York State respond to pandemic-related needs and deliver essential services. As we respond to new variants and plan for any potential surges this fall, this is yet another step we are taking to boost our preparation efforts and we will continue to work with local partners to keep New Yorkers safe." 

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) provided $350 billion for eligible state, local, territorial, and tribal governments to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, including $10.7 billion in relief for New York State's local governments.

While larger municipalities received their funding directly from the U.S. Treasury Department, the State is responsible for distributing allocations on a per-capita basis to non-entitled units of government (NEUs) — cities, towns and villages that did not receive a direct payment.

In July and August 2021, $387.1 million was distributed to over 1,450 local governments. Municipalities have received or can expect an identical amount in a second payment, which will conclude the State's responsibility for distribution.

The Federal guidelines allow New York's cities, towns, and villages receiving ARPA funds to use this aid for purposes including but not limited to:

• Support public health expenditures. For example, funds may be used for COVID-19 mitigation efforts, medical expenses, behavioral healthcare, and certain public health and safety staff;
• Address negative economic impacts caused by the public health emergency; This includes economic harms to workers, households, small businesses, impacted industries, and the public sector;
• Replace lost revenue. Funds may be used to provide government services to the extent of the reduction in revenue experienced due to the pandemic;
• Provide premium pay for essential workers. Additional support may be offered to those who have and will bear the greatest health risks because of their service in critical sectors; and
• Invest in water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. Funds may be used to make necessary investments to improve access to clean drinking water, support vital wastewater and stormwater infrastructure, and to expand access to broadband internet.

The amount being sent to each non-entitlement local government, as well as their total allocation which includes the Summer 2021 payment, is available on the Division of the Budget website.