Friday, October 21, 2022
Former Green Haven Correction Officer Charged With Falsifying Records In Connection With Assault Of Inmate
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 that TAJ EVERLY, a former correction officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility, was charged in White Plains federal court with falsifying records in connection with EVERLY’s May 28, 2020, assault of an inmate at Green Haven. EVERLY was arrested this morning and presented before Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Nelson S. Román.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, Taj Everly abused his position as a correction officer by assaulting an inmate and then lying about his actions in an incident report. This Office has no tolerance for correction officers like Everly who, as alleged, commit acts of violence against inmates in their care and custody and then lie to cover their tracks. Today’s indictment should send a clear message that this Office will continue to investigate and prosecute civil rights abuses wherever we find them.”
FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Michael J. Driscoll said: “As we allege, Mr. Everly violated his oath to uphold the law when he willingly filed a false report to conceal his malicious actions. Individuals in a position of authority in our criminal justice system are not above the law. The FBI will continue to investigate these types of allegations and ensure those who abuse their power are held accountable.”
According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in White Plains federal court:[1]
On May 28, 2020, EVERLY, who was then a correction officer at Green Haven Correctional Facility, located in Stormville, New York, assaulted an inmate (the “Inmate”) in the care and custody of the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (“DOCCS”). As the Inmate exited a room at Green Haven, EVERLY approached the Inmate and, without provocation, punched the Inmate, causing both EVERLY and the Inmate to fall to the ground.
After the assault, EVERLY prepared an incident report, in which EVERLY falsely stated that the Inmate had first punched him and that EVERLY responded with force.
EVERLY, 32, of Cortlandt Manor, New York, is charged with falsifying records in connection with a federal investigation, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is 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 FBI and the DOCCS Office of Special Investigations.
The charge contained in the Indictment is merely an accusation, and the defendant is 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.
MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCE COMPLETION OF $62 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE BRONX
El Borinquen Residence Delivers 148 Affordable Apartments to Morrisania, Including 90 With Supportive Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Governor Kathy Hochul and today announced the completion of a $62 million affordable housing development in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. The El Borinquen Residence will have 148 affordable apartments, including 90 with on-site supportive services for people experiencing homelessness and 29 homes for seniors.
“With the completion of the El Borinquen Residence, more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and mental illness will have a place they can call home,” said Mayor Adams. “Our administration’s Housing Our Neighbors blueprint finally treats homelessness as a housing problem and we’re working to solve it with a housing solution, and supportive housing projects like El Borinquen are a critical part of making that solution reality. Thank you to our partners helping to ‘Get Stuff Done’ for the Bronx and New York City.”
“Affordable and supportive housing is a fundamental component to addressing homelessness across the state,” said Governor Hochul. “Building on the successful opening of the El Borinquen Residence, my administration is implementing our $25 billion, five-year housing plan that will allow us to continue to make important investments in communities like the Bronx. By increasing the supply of high-quality inclusive housing, we can ensure that New Yorkers have not only an affordable place to call home, but also access to the supportive services they need to thrive.”
The El Borinquen Residence consists of a single 10-story building with 148 apartments. The colorful streetside façade along Third Avenue was designed to reflect the Puerto Rican culture of the surrounding neighborhood.
Ninety apartments are reserved for adults formerly experiencing homelessness and youth or young adults aging out of foster care. These residents have access to rental subsidies and on-site services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Supportive services include individual case management, mental health referrals, job readiness training, and financial literacy workshops. Comunilife is the service provider as well as the project’s developer.
In addition to the supportive units, 29 apartments are reserved for seniors aged 62 and older earning at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). The remaining apartments are reserved for households earning at or below 60 percent of the AMI.
Residential amenities include a community space for events, a bike room, a landscaped area on the ground floor for passive recreation, and a roof garden. The development is located within a mixed-use residential and commercial area with access to local amenities and within 10 blocks of four subway lines.
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) provided $14.2 million through the Supportive Housing Loan Program. State financing for the El Borinquen Residence includes $7.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Tax Credits that generated $23.2 million in equity, and $14.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR).
“We are thrilled to welcome 148 individuals and households to their new homes at El Borinquen Residence,” said HPD Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Developed with the community in mind, El Borinquen will provide life-changing services and security to vulnerable New Yorkers. From young adults aging out of foster care to extremely low-income seniors, every new resident here will have the support they need thanks to our partners at Comunilife and our colleagues at the state.”
“Through the provision of state-of-the-art affordable housing and supportive services to vulnerable New Yorkers, the El Borinquen Residence will deliver the stability, comfort, and security that New Yorkers in need deserve,” said New York City Department of Social Services Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “We are committed to connecting New Yorkers in need to high-quality housing opportunities, and projects like this are essential to our efforts to do so. We are immensely grateful to our partners in city and state government, as well as all others who worked so hard to make this development a reality. We look forward to building on these efforts to make New York City more equitable and affordable for all residents.”
“The $62 million El Borinquen Residence is a concrete investment in a stronger, healthier, and more equitable Bronx for the future,” said HCR Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas. “Thanks to our development partner, Comunilife, 148 households now have a safe and stable home with access to the care they need to achieve their goals and improve their health outcomes. Under Governor Hochul’s housing plan, New York will continue building more supportive housing opportunities like this one to fight homelessness, expand community services, and keep the Bronx moving forward.”
“I welcome El Borinquén to our great Bronx family,” said New York State Senator Luis Sepúlveda. “Every time we are able to witness the completion of more housing in our district, it fills me with hope and joy. With this, we add 148 apartments, and they will become homes for our people. I make the reference to home, because a place to live is not the same as a dignified, humane, and safe place that becomes a home. With a $62 million investment, the help of public officials and private enterprise and the convention of improving the lives of our people, today El Borinquén is a reality. This name is very special to me because it speaks of my land and the land of my parents, Puerto Rico. Welcome to your new home, ‘Borinqueños.’”
Governor Hochul and Mayor Adams Announce Completion of $62 Million Affordable Housing Development in the Bronx
El Borinquen Residence Delivers 148 Affordable Apartments to Måorrisania, Including 90 with Supportive Services for People Experiencing Homelessness
Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of a $62 million affordable housing development in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. The El Borinquen Residence creates 148 new affordable apartments, including 90 with on-site supportive services for people experiencing homelessness and 29 homes reserved for seniors.
"Affordable and supportive housing is a fundamental component to addressing homelessness across the state," Governor Hochul said. "Building on the successful opening of the El Borinquen Residence, my administration is implementing our $25 billion, five-year housing plan that will allow us to continue to make important investments in communities like the Bronx. By increasing the supply of high-quality inclusive housing, we can ensure that New Yorkers have not only an affordable place to call home, but also access to the supportive services they need to thrive."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "With the completion of the El Borinquen Residence, more of our neighbors experiencing homelessness and mental illness will have a place they can call home. Our administration's Housing Our Neighbors blueprint finally treats homelessness as a housing problem and we're working to solve it with a housing solution, and supportive housing projects like El Borinquen are a critical part of making that solution reality. Thank you to our partners helping to 'Get Stuff Done' for the Bronx and New York City."
The El Borinquen Residence complements Governor Hochul's sweeping plans to make housing more affordable, equitable, and stable. In the FY 2023 State Budget, the Governor introduced and successfully secured a new $25 billion, five-year, comprehensive housing plan that will increase housing supply by creating or preserving 100,000 affordable homes across New York including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes.
The El Borinquen Residence consists of a single ten-story building with 148 apartments. The colorful streetside façade along Third Avenue was designed to pay tribute to the neighborhood's Puerto Rican heritage.
90 apartments are reserved for formerly homeless adults and youth or young adults ageing out of foster care. These residents have access to rental subsidies and on-site services funded through the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative.
Supportive services include individual case management, mental health referrals, job readiness training and financial literacy workshops. Comunilife is the service provider, as well as the project's developer.
In addition to the supportive units, 29 apartments are reserved for residents aged 62 and older with incomes at or below 30 percent of the Area Median Income. The remaining apartments are for households earning at or below 60 percent of the AMI.
Residential amenities include a community space for events, bike room, landscaped area on the ground floor, and a rooftop garden. The development is located within a mixed-use residential and commercial area with access to local amenities and within ten blocks of four subway lines.
State financing for the El Borinquen Residence includes $7.7 million in permanent tax-exempt bonds, Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits that generated $23.2 million in equity and $14.3 million in subsidy from New York State Homes and Community Renewal. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development provided $14.2 million through the Supportive Housing Loan Program.
In the last five years, New York State Homes and Community Renewal has invested more than $1 billion to create or preserve nearly 7,500 affordable apartments in multifamily buildings in the Bronx.
Permits Filed For 2180 Walton Avenue In Fordham Heights, The Bronx
Permits have been filed for a nine-story mixed-use building at 2180 Walton Avenue in Fordham Heights, The Bronx. Located between East 182nd Street and Anthony Baez Place, the lot is two blocks west of the 182nd-183rd Streets subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Arben Mitaj of Euro Tech Developers is listed as the owner behind the applications.
The proposed 82-foot-tall development will yield 38,251 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 63 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 607 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a 30-foot-long rear yard but no accessory parking.
Badaly Architects is listed as the architect of record.
Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.
VCJC News & Notes 10/21/22
Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes
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Thursday, October 20, 2022
MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR JOB DATA SHOWING CONTINUED JOB GROWTH, ONE PERCENTAGE DROP IN UNEMPLOYMENT
New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement on new data from the New York State Department of Labor showing continued job growth in New York City and a one percentage point drop in the city’s unemployment rate to 5.6 percent:
“I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: New York City isn’t just coming back, it’s back. We’re seeing the highest labor force participation in 12 years, with more New Yorkers reentering the workforce and more New Yorkers finding jobs. Every day, I hear about another business launching or moving to the five boroughs. In fact, one in 10 businesses in New York City has opened in the past year. And today, the New York State Department of Labor announced that the city’s unemployment rate dropped a full percentage point in the last month. My administration is making big investments in our city’s workforce — like the Science Park and Research Campus coming to Kips Bay — and reducing burdensome regulations on small businesses so we can keep the incredible momentum going.”
Financial Advisor Pleads Guilty To Fraud And False Statement Charges
Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ADAM BELARDINO, the chief executive officer of the Maddox Group, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud and one count of making a false statement to the Internal Revenue Service in connection with separate schemes to defraud clients and to fail to pay contributions made by Maddox Group employees to the Maddox Group 401(k) plan. BELARDINO pled guilty before the Honorable Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court today.
According to the allegations in the Superseding Information to which BELARDINO pled guilty and other court documents:
Embezzlement from Victim 1
BELARDINO had managed Victim 1’s investments at another firm before he founded Maddox in July 2019. In August 2019, BELARDINO convinced Victim 1 to liquidate some of her portfolio and to transfer the liquidated funds to Maddox for investment. Victim 1 then transferred more than $313,000 to Maddox in eight separate transactions between August 2019 and October 2020. Instead of investing Victim 1’s money as he had promised, BELARDINO used her money to pay the operating expenses of Maddox, including payroll and office rent; to pay down prior debt; to pay credit card charges, which consisted primarily of personal items; and to pay for personal travel.
In September 2021, Victim 1 directed BELARDINO to transfer her portfolio at Maddox to her brokerage account at another firm. From September 2021 to February 2022, BERNARDINO indicated to the victim and her family members that he was liquidating the portfolio and would return the funds shortly. He additionally provided documents suggesting that he had made a wire transfer of Victim 1’s funds to her bank and deposited checks drawn on a checking account held by Maddox into Victim 1’s bank account for what he claimed was the full value of her portfolio. Nevertheless, Victim 1 never received any funds by wire, and the checks BELARDINO had deposited were returned due to insufficient funds in Maddox’s account.
Scheme to Obtain Fraudulent Life Insurance Commissions - Victim 2
In or about May 2019, BELARDINO served as the agent for Insurance Company 1 in connection with an application by Victim 2 for a life insurance policy with a face amount of $1 million, which amount was eventually increased to $18 million. As an agent, BELARDINO received commissions from Insurance Company 1 once Victim 2’s application was approved.
In or about April 2020 and January 2021, respectively, BELARDINO applied for two additional life insurance policies with a face amount of $3 million and $5 million on behalf of Victim 2 without Victim 2’s knowledge or authorization. While applying for these policies, BELARDINO made materially false statements regarding Victim 2’s income, net worth, and health. In or about August 2020 and May 2021, respectively, BELARDINO increased the face amount of one insurance policy to $6 million and the other to $12.1 million, again without Victim 2’s knowledge or authorization. He additionally paid and attempted to pay the policy premiums of $194,280 and $105,000 with Victim 2’s funds, and ultimately received approximately $197,497 in commissions from the two Insurance Companies.
False Statement in Connection with Fraudulent Withholding of Employee 401(k) Contributions
BELARDINO adopted a retirement savings plan (the “Plan”) on behalf of the Maddox Group that became effective on January 1, 2020. He served as the trustee of the Plan.
From on or about November 1, 2020, through on or about August 13, 2021, BELARDINO withheld $8,004.67 from the paychecks of the four Maddox employees other than himself who chose to participate in the Plan. BELARDINO failed to deposit these withheld funds into the Plan’s trust account and instead converted those funds to his and Maddox’s use.
On or about October 14, 2021, BELARDINO authorized the Plan administrator to file with the Internal Revenue Service a Form 5500-SF for the 2020 calendar year in which he falsely answered in the negative when asked “During [2020]: Was there a failure to transmit to the plan any participant contributions...?”
BELARDINO, 37, of New York, New York, pled guilty to two counts of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of making a false statement to the Internal Revenue Service, which carries a maximum sentence of five years 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 defendant will be determined by a judge. BELARDINO will be sentenced by the Honorable Kenneth M. Karas.
Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents of the FBI and Criminal Investigators of the Employee Benefits Security Administration of the United States Department of Labor.