VISION ZERO: WITH WARM WEEKEND WEATHER IN THE FORECAST, MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES NEW MOTORCYCLE-FOCUSED SAFETY EFFORTS

NYPD’s “Warm Weather Weekends” education and enforcement will again be in effect this weekend; Data show strong correlation between rising temperatures and a springtime surge in traffic crashes –serious motorcyclist injuries/fatalities on warm weekends increase by 88 percent

  Mayor Bill de Blasio announced that with warm weather in the weekend forecast, the NYPD and the DOT would continue their new Vision Zero safety campaign, “Warm Weather Weekends.”  The new effort is aimed especially at motorcyclists, whom crash data indicate are a far higher crash risk on warmer spring weekends.

“This weekend and all weekends this spring, we need to keep our Vision Zero focus on safety, particularly among motorcyclists,” said Mayor de Blasio. “On warm weekends, we have seen dangerous driving increase.  So we are telling both drivers and motorcyclists: when and if the sun comes out this weekend, there will still be absolutely no excuse for dangerous driving.  The NYPD will be out in force to ensure you do not travel at speeds that endanger you and your fellow New Yorkers.”

City officials specifically offered data on the increased dangers of motorcycle riding on warmer spring weekends, and DOT also offered helpful tips to both motorcyclists and drivers.

Motorcycle Dangers: Motorcyclists are over–represented among traffic fatalities in New York City.  Motorcycles comprise only 2 percent of registered vehicles in New York City, yet from 2010-14, motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of traffic fatalities in New York City.  In that same period, fatalities among motorcyclists also skewed far younger (56 percent of deaths were under 35 years old) and more male (98 percent of fatalities) than any other mode of travel.

Warm Weather Weekends: The danger in the spring is most pronounced for motor vehicle occupants and motorcyclists on warm weather Saturdays and Sundays.  On spring weekends when high temperatures exceed 60 degrees, the rate for drivers and car occupants killed or seriously injured (KSI) is 41 percent higher than the winter weekend rate.  For motorcyclists, the KSI danger on weekends rises by 88 percent.

Ron Whittaker, Director of Vision Zero Operations in DOT’s Education and Outreach division and a Harley-Davidson rider, offered riders and drivers the following safety tips for motorcycling season.

FOR MOTORCYCLISTS

·         Ensure Proper Licensure and Registration – Motorcyclists must carry a Class M or Class MJ New York State driver’s license.  The most common license, the Class D passenger vehicle license, is not sufficient to legally operate a motorcycle.  Riders also need to verify that their bike is properly registered and insured.  Improper documentation can lead to seizure of the motorcycle by the NYPD.

·         Stay off the White Line – Passing between vehicles is risky, especially this time of year when cars are not used to seeing motorcyclists out on the highways.  Stay in middle of travel lane, and be predictable when passing.

·         Pass on the Driver’s Side – You are much more visible in the driver’s side mirror than the passenger’s side. Make sure you are seen.

·         Get Practice Before Riding the Open Road –  As motorcycling season begins, you should not expect to be at 100%, and should take your time getting on the open road. Take your motorcycle to a parking lot or out-of-the-way street to gradually get your bike under you again. If possible, take a refresher class. 

·         Watch the Tires for Turns – The car in front or you may turn unexpectedly. Look to their front tires for sudden turns and keep a safe distance. Expect the unexpected.

FOR DRIVERS

·         Be Mindful of Motorcyclists -- Especially on warm weather weekends when the number of bikers on the road increase, car drivers should always check their mirrors, look twice for motorcycles and deliberately use direction signals, giving ample time before making turns.

“It is imperative that motorcyclists understand that the exposed nature of a motorcycle leaves him or her particularly vulnerable to serious injury or death,” said Chief Thomas M. Chan, the NYPD’s Chief of Transportation. “The chances of sustaining such injuries are substantially increased when coupled with dangerous or inattentive driving behavior, either by the motorcyclist or another vehicle operator. The Police Department reminds motorcyclists to operate in a safe manner, be alert to all vehicles operating around them, and to be equipped with all the required safety equipment. Additionally, car and truck operators are reminded to be watchful for motorcyclists in their blind spots. Please also keep in mind that speeding is another leading cause of motorcycle collisions, therefore the NYPD will continue its speeding enforcement. Our enforcement efforts will include seizing the motorcycle if necessary.”

“We are grateful that we may see some warm weather for Mother’s Day weekend, but we want to once again remind drivers and motorcyclists of the need to stay vigilant about safety,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg.  “Our message to New Yorkers remains simple: go out and play this weekend and all spring.  However, if you are out riding a motorcycle, please follow our safety educator Ron Whittaker’s sage tips for safe riding.  You will not only make your mother happy, you could even save a life -- including your own.”

"It’s getting warmer and motorcycles are out!” said Michael "Rock" Whetstone, President of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education (ABATE) of NY 5 Boroughs Chapter.    “Motorcyclists are nearly 5 times more likely to be injured and 29 times more likely to be killed in a crash than car or truck occupants are.  So Look Twice for Motorcycles…and save a life!"

Last year was the fourth consecutive year of declining traffic deaths under Vision Zero, with the fewest-ever overall traffic fatalities citywide, driven by a 28 percent one-year decline in pedestrian fatalities.  As part of the initiative, DOT implemented its most aggressive street redesign safety program, with increased investment in street redesign and traffic-calming measures citywide.  Unfortunately, even with historic fatality declines, 2017 was marked by increases in both motorcyclist and motor vehicle fatalities – trends that Warm Weather Weekends is designed to address.

For more information about the de Blasio Administration’s Vision Zero initiative, please seewww.nyc.gov/visionzero.

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Breakfast for Champions: Register NOW!

Please join us at the BREAKFAST FOR CHAMPIONS

When: Friday, June 8, 2018 8:00 AM Where: Riverdale Jewish Center, 3700 Independence Ave, Bronx, NY 10463 Purchase Your Tickets Here

Meet Our Honorees: Michael J. Spicer, a health care executive with more than 20 years of hospital and long term care experience, is President and Chief Executive Officer at Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Yonkers, New York. Mr. Spicer was instrumental in the hospital’s dramatic expansion and development over the past 20 years. Mr. Spicer facilitated numerous major construction projects, as well as the addition of new services that have contributed to Saint Joseph’s significant growth and expansion. As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Spicer is providing the strategy, leadership and vision to continue to provide the latest technologies and most comprehensive array of programs and services to meet the ever-changing needs of our community.  He is maintaining the high standards of care and community service Saint Joseph’s reputation is built on. He and his wife, Kathy, have three children and reside in Floral Park, New York. BronxCare Health System is the largest voluntary, not-for-profit health and teaching hospital system serving the South and Central Bronx. It is also among the largest providers of outpatient services in New York City, with more than one million visits annually and an ER that is responding to 139,000 visits, one of the busiest in New York. As an engine for positive change, BronxCare has infused more than $300 million into the Bronx economy, including a 60,000 square foot BronxCare Health and Wellness Center for outpatient care, 56,000 square foot BronxCare Life Recovery Center for chemical dependency services, and numerous other capital projects. The BronxCare Health System is proud of our long standing and successful efforts to deliver the highest quality, comprehensive, compassionate, and accessible services to the Bronx community by leading the way in Promoting and Achieving Health Care Excellence. Hon. Jeffrey Klein was born and raised in the Bronx. His family was a major motivating force in his life and decision to enter politics. The lessons Jeff learned growing up in that house were simple – if you work hard and treat others with respect and honesty you will find success. Those are the very ideals that he fights for every day. Jeff has spent his career building a reputation as an effective and trusted public servant and local leader who protects the vulnerable, fights injustice, promotes equality and defends individual rights. Through Jeff’s leadership, New York’s past state budgets have included full funding for universal pre-kindergarten; increased child care aid; creation of more affordable middle class housing; lowered prescription drug costs for seniors, 12 weeks of Paid Family Leave and a $15 dollar minimum wage. He and his district staff work to resolve hundreds of constituent cases a year and have fought HMOs, utility companies, big banks, shoddy contractors, noisy nightclubs and unscrupulous landlords. Jeff’s primary focus has always been finding common sense solutions to strengthen the communities and to protect, preserve and enhance quality of life for residents of the 34th Senate District.  Dr. Ruth Rosenblatt is Professor Emeritus of Weill Cornell Medical College & New York Hospital where she was a staff radiologist and Division Chief of Woman’s Imaging for a decade, specializing in mammography and the early detection of breast cancer. Together with late husband Lorance Hockert, Ruth made Riverdale her home for three decades, raising two sons, Geoffrey and Kenneth. Ruth’s professional training and work as a radiologist was at Montefiore Medical Center. During her career, Dr. Rosenblatt was active in clinical research, teaching and serving in regional, state and national societies, including serving as president of the New York State Radiological Society and 1st woman president of the New York Roentgen Society. Currently Dr. Rosenblatt works part time consulting in mammography. Since retirement, she is gratefully spending more time with family and friends, hiking, swimming, volunteering, traveling and learning. Register for the Breakfast Now! Bronx Jewish Community Council 2930 Wallace Avenue Bronx, New York 10467 For reservations and more information, please contact Clarice Itshakov at 718-652- 5500 ext. 206 or at citshakov@bjcconline.org

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND CHIP TO IMMIGRANT YOUNG ADULTS

  State Senator Gustavo Rivera, who serves as the Ranking Member of the New York State Senate Health Committee, introduced S8618, which would expand the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) by extending the age that immigrant young adults are eligible for coverage to 29 years old. The introduction of this bill comes as New York faces relentless attacks by the Trump Administration and the Republicans in Congress which will decrease its residents' access to healthcare and make life for the immigrants who call New York home even harder. On Monday, May 7, Trump called on Congress to cut spending on CHIP by several billion dollars, specifically targeting the Child Enrollment Contingency Fund, which ensures states have funds to cover higher than average enrollment. Despite efforts from the federal government to cripple access to healthcare, New York State continues to have the lowest uninsured rate in the nation. This bill would make that rate even lower by expanding access to ensure young immigrants continue to have access to healthcare as they move into adulthood. Additionally, this measure is also in line with New York State's goal of reducing overall health care costs. It would cost the state approximately $81 million a year, which would be substantially less than the financial burden the State would incur if these New Yorkers wait to seek care in an emergency setting rather than accessing primary and preventive care. Assemblyman Dick Gottfried, who serves as the Chair of the Assembly Health Committee, sponsors this bill (A8054A) in the Assembly.

"As our right to health and affordable care is under attack at the Federal level, I am proud to be the Senate sponsor of the Children's Health Insurance Program Expansion bill," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Healthcare should be a right and not a privilege for every New Yorker and every American, and that includes extending coverage to include immigrants. CHIP provides coverage for children and also helps young people just graduating high school and navigating their education, job search, and other opportunities and challenges to not worry about their health insurance coverage. It is irresponsible to restrict access to care for young adults and put their health in jeopardy simply because of their immigration status."

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We can only say to Senator Rivera that we have heard from parents who wanted to know why their children were not covered up to the age of 29 in the past. 

There was a program set up by the Bloomberg administration that gave incentives to schools for signing children into the CHIP program.

Perhaps Senator Rivera should not only look to pass legislation, but how to get the benefits of said legislation to those who need.

FORWARDING: HEALTH DEPARTMENT RELEASES DATA ON BLOOD LEAD LEVELS IN CHILDREN SHOWING A 13 PERCENT DECLINE FROM 2016 TO 2017

Data show continued progress in reducing elevated blood lead levels in children

More than 80 percent of New York City children are tested for lead at least once before their third birthday; more than 90 percent 

of New York City children have had a blood lead test by age 6

  

The Health Department today released preliminary data on lead poisoning in children, showing a 13 percent decrease from 2016 to 2017 in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reference level of 5mcg/dL. This decline builds on New York City’s significant progress in reducing childhood lead poisoning. Since 2005, the City has seen an 89 percent reduction in the number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above 5 mcg/dL. This result is a testament to the city’s Local Law 1, the New York City Health Code, and the strong lead poisoning prevention policies and programs the Health Department has in place. Lead paint is the most common source of lead exposure for children in New York City. The Health Code defines lead poisoning as a blood lead level of 10 mcg/dL or greater; however, interventions begin at blood lead levels of 5 mcg/dL or greater. 

“The City has been at the vanguard of addressing child lead poisoning concerns, which began when the Board of Health banned lead in paint in 1960 – 18 years before the federal ban,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett. “New York City continues to make tremendous progress in reducing childhood lead poisoning in children with blood lead levels at or above 5 mcg/dL for children under age 6. As we move forward, we will continue this significant progress.”

Preliminary data from 2017 shows:

·         The number of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above CDC reference level of 5mcg/dL declined 13 percent (from 4,928 to 4,293 children).

·         The rate of children under age 6 with blood lead levels at or above CDC reference level of 5mcg/dL declined 11 percent (from 16.5 to 14.7 per 1,000 children tested).

New York State law requires all children to be tested for lead at ages 1 and 2, and children up to age 6 to be tested if they are found to be at risk. New York City law also requires blood lead testing of children under age 6 who are enrolled in child care.

New York City has one of the highest testing rates in the state – more than 80 percent of New York City children are tested at least once before their third birthday. The Health Department collaborates with Medicaid Managed Care Plan to improve testing and do annual reminders to health care providers.

The Health Department, through its Healthy Homes Program, has developed a comprehensive and proactive approach to childhood lead poisoning prevention and control, which includes:

·         Lead hazard reduction in homes and communities.

·         Education and outreach to families and health care providers to promote prevention and early detection.

·         Care coordination for children with lead poisoning and pregnant women with lead poisoning and their newborns.

·         Environmental investigation and enforcement.

·         Surveillance and research.

MAYOR DE BLASIO CELEBRATES DESIGNATION OF NEW YORK CITY AS AN OFFICIAL COAST GUARD CITY

This distinction recognizes the essential role that the United States Coast Guard plays in keeping New York City’s citizens & waterways safe

  Today, Mayor de Blasio welcomed the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, Admiral Paul Zukunft, to City Hall for a ceremony recognizing New York City as the nation’s largest official Coast Guard City.

Established by Congress in 1998, a Coast Guard City is an honorary designation recognizing special efforts to celebrate the service and sacrifice of Coast Guard men and women. This designation recognizes New York City’s longstanding efforts to embrace Coast Guard men, women, and families stationed at Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island during their tour of duty in New York City.

“The men and women of the Coast Guard serving in New York City are a vital part of our community,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Whether they are escorting the NYC Ferries, conducting search and rescue operations, or protecting our ports, our city is immeasurably stronger and safer thanks to the work of members of the Coast Guard. New York City has always been a Coast Guard City in spirit, and I’m honored the designation is now official.”

“The city that never sleeps will now be our newest Coast Guard City,” said Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard. “Today’s designation deepens our historic partnership with the City of New York, and is a testament to the critical role the Coast Guard plays in helping to keep the city safe, secure and resilient.”

About the Coast Guard in New York City:

The Coast Guard was founded in New York City in 1790 by Alexander Hamilton. They are called to action in times of crisis like 9/11, when the Coast Guard evacuated over 500,000 people from lower Manhattan. They also serve and protect New Yorkers every day by escorting ferries, inspecting shipments, and more. New York City is home to more than 1,000 active duty and reserve Coast Guard men and women charged with ensuring the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of the Port of New York and New Jersey. The Coast Guard partners with the FDNY and NYPD to keep the waterways secure.

New York is the largest operational Coast Guard command on the east coast – executing operations from Sandy Hook, N.J. north through the Port of New York and New Jersey, continuing up the Hudson River to just south of Lake Champlain and up the East River to the Long Island Sound/Connecticut border.

In 2017, the U.S. Coast Guard in New York:

• Oversaw ports that received 12% of all international goods arriving into the United States, reaching 80 million people

• Maintained responsibility for the security of more than 189 Maritime Transportation Security Act regulated facilities in New York and New Jersey

• Conducted more than 1,200 container inspections and more than 121 high-interest vessel security boardings

• Responded to more than 600 search and rescue calls

“The New York City Department of Veterans’ Services is proud to partner with the United States Coast Guard as we serve New York City’s service members, veterans and their families,” said Loree Sutton, MD, Brigadier General (ret.), Commissioner of the New York City Department of Veterans’ Services. “The 1,000 plus Coast Guard men and women and their families who are stationed in New York City make invaluable contributions to the security and strength of our city, both in their official capacity and as members of our community. We are honored that New York City has been granted the official designation of Coast Guard City, and look forward to continued engagement with the Coast Guard into the future.”

“The U.S. Coast Guard plays a critical role in protecting our City’s waterways, and they are a trusted partner that we work closely with to prepare our coastal residents before hurricanes and other emergencies,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “This designation is an honor and we are proud to celebrate the men and women who work tirelessly to keep New Yorkers safe.”

“On September 11th, during Hurricane Sandy, and hundreds of times each year, the United States Coast Guard has been there to protect and rescue New Yorkers,” said Fire Commissioner Daniel A. Nigro. “FDNY members are proud to work and train closely with the men and women of the Coast Guard, and we join all of our partners who protect New York Harbor in celebrating this well-deserved honor.”

“I thank the US Coast Guard for recognizing New York City as an official Coast Guard City. Brooklyn’s rich maritime history is reflected by our vibrant ports and waterways, which collectively serve a critical role as our borough’s gateways to the world,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “The women and men of the Coast Guard protect essential commercial, environmental, and transportation interests on a daily basis, and I am proud to work in partnership with them in charting a safe future for our waterfront.” 

“The Coast Guard plays a vital role in keeping New Yorkers safe, and we are forever thankful for their work,” said Congressman Dan Donovan. “Our City will always support the brave men and women who defend our seas and shores, and today’s designation emphasizes the strong commitment our community and service members have to one another.” 

“It is a great honor to have New York City recognized as the largest official Coast Guard City in the country,” said State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr., ranking member of the Senate Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs Committee. “The men and women of the Coast Guard have served and protected the people of New York City for decades, and their presence is truly important to the city, especially given our proximity to waterways. It is long overdue that we acknowledge the hard work and dedication of these fine service men and women.”

“As Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, I feel it is extremely appropriate that New York City, which has an extensive, active port be designated as an official Coast Guard City,” said Assembly Member Michael Dendekker. “I am proud of this designation which honorees the efforts and service of the men and women who serve in the Coast Guard.”

For more information on the United States Coast Guard in New York City, visit https://www.atlanticarea.uscg.mil/.

Five Members Of New York Area Drug Trafficking Organization Charged With Diverting And Selling Tens Of Thousands Of Oxycodone Pills

Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, the Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police, announced an Indictment charging RICKY RIOS, JEANETTE SANTIAGO, ADRIEL VASQUEZ, CINDY GARCIA, and ULTIMO MONTILLA with a conspiracy to distribute oxycodone pills.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, these defendants created a network spanning New York City to Connecticut for the distribution of tens of thousands of highly addictive and dangerous pills, helping to fuel the opioid epidemic plaguing our nation.  We are committed, along with our law enforcement partners, to stopping the diversion of prescription opioids.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said:  “This organization monopolized on opioid addiction by pushing tens of thousands of oxycodone pills throughout the Northeast, allegedly.  Every day, more than 100 Americans die from opioid overdoses; both law enforcement and our community members are focused on bringing to justice drug trafficking organizations that exploit addiction for profit.” 

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “I commend all the dedicated members of the federal task force who investigated and took down the individuals responsible for diverting and selling these pills on the streets of New York.  Cases like this perfectly highlight the value of the NYPD’s law enforcement partnerships at every level of government.”

Superintendent George P. Beach II said:  “Oxycodone is a highly addictive medication, and the operators of this trafficking ring profited by illegally diverting tens of thousands of doses for sale on the streets, knowing it would be abused. I thank our federal and local partners for their efforts to put a stop to this illegal trafficking operation.”

As alleged in the underlying Complaints and the Indictment charging the defendants in Manhattan federal court[1]:

The defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that operated in the Bronx, among other places.  The defendants and other members and associates of the DTO obtained oxycodone pills from individuals with prescriptions, stored and packaged those pills in an apartment in the Bronx, and then resold them.  Between November 2016 and February 2018, the defendants and other members and associates of the DTO were responsible for diverting and selling tens of thousands of oxycodone pills. 

A chart with the names, ages, residences, and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below.  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 the judge.

The Indictment was the result of a long-term investigation by the DEA’s Drug Enforcement Task Force, which comprises agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police.  This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Michael K. Krouse is in charge of the prosecution.

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

DEFENDANT	AGE	RESIDENCE	MAXIMUM PENALTY
RICKY RIOS	49	Seymour, CT	20 years in prison
JEANETTE SANTIAGO	37	Bronx, NY	20 years in prison
ADRIEL VASQUEZ	37	Yonkers, NY	20 years in prison
CINDY GARCIA	40	Yonkers, NY	20 years in prison
ULTIMO MONTILLA	40	Bronx, NY	20 years in prison

 

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

Drug Dealer Charged With Causing December 2016 Overdose Death In The Bronx

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest and unsealing of a Complaint charging THAYSHIKA TORRES with distributing the heroin and fentanyl that resulted in a non-fatal overdose and a subsequent fatal overdose of Elizabeth Stephens in December 2016.  The Complaint also alleges that TORRES distributed heroin between September 2016 and December 2016.  TORRES was arrested this morning by the NYPD, and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate James L. Cott in Manhattan federal court. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Thayshika Torres sold the heroin that resulted in the non-fatal overdose of Elizabeth Stephens on December 2, 2016.  Then, just three weeks later, Torres allegedly sold Stephens a dose of fentanyl that ended her life.  Working with the NYPD, we will continue to target anyone who sells these dangerous drugs in New York City, from large-scale international drug traffickers to street-corner dealers.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “The NYPD, in close collaboration with all of our law enforcement partners, are relentless in pursuing anyone who illegally sells narcotics and preys on people’s vulnerabilities.  It is imperative that we save as many lives as possible while combatting this opioid crisis that knows no boundaries – which touches every aspect of our society, regardless of race, occupation, or economic status.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint[1]:

On December 2, 2016, Elizabeth Stephens, a 39-year-old resident of the Bronx, suffered a non-lethal overdose from heroin inside the apartment building in which TORRES was living.  Emergency Medical Services personnel revived Stephens and brought her to the emergency room.  Just hours after Stephens’s December 2 overdose, she sent a text message to TORRES asking TORRES to “let people know that stuff is strong.” 

On December 23, 2016, Stephens suffered a fatal overdose in the same apartment building.  That morning, Stephens placed three phone calls to TORRES between approximately 10:56 a.m. and 11:57 a.m.  These were the last outgoing calls placed from Stephens’s phone.  Less than an hour after the last call, at approximately 12:49 p.m., a resident of TORRES’s apartment building found Stephens lying outside the elevator in a hallway three floors above TORRES’s apartment.  Shortly thereafter, Stephens was pronounced dead at a local hospital.  An autopsy revealed that Stephens died from a lethal dose of opioids. 

TORRES also sold heroin to undercover officers and confidential informants both before and after Stephens’s overdoses, including on September 2, 2016, October 18, 2017, October 24, 2017, February 22, 2018, and February 27, 2018.  Laboratory testing confirmed that the heroin TORRES sold on October 18 and 24, 2017, also contained fentanyl. 

TORRES, 37, of the Bronx, is charged with two counts of distribution and possession with intent to distribute heroin.  TORRES faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison on each count based upon her distribution of the heroin that led to Elizabeth Stephens’s non-fatal overdose on December 2, 2016, and her distribution of the fentanyl that led to Stephens’s fatal overdose on December 23, 2016.

The statutory maximum and minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for information purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD in this case. 

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

CEO And President Of New York Credit Union Charged With Embezzlement And Fraud

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that KAM WONG, the chief executive officer and president of the oldest New York credit union (the “Credit Union”), a non-profit financial institution, was charged in Manhattan federal court with fraud, embezzlement, and aggravated identity theft offenses related to defrauding the Credit Union in connection with hundreds of thousands of sham expense reimbursements.  WONG was arrested this morning and is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott in Manhattan federal court later today. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, the CEO and president of New York’s oldest credit union abused his position of trust as a guardian of municipal, state, and federal workers’ financial accounts to enrich himself.  Kam Wong allegedly stole money from the credit union’s earnings that were intended to reward the credit union’s members, not line Wong’s pockets.  I want to thank my Office’s Special Agents for their dedicated efforts in this ongoing investigation.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court and publicly available documents:

KAM WONG, the defendant, is the CEO and president of the Credit Union, a non-profit financial institution headquartered in New York, New York, which is federally insured.  The Credit Union is the oldest credit union in New York State and one of the oldest and largest in the country, providing bank services to more than 425,000 members, including municipal, state, and federal workers in New York City.  The Credit Union’s earnings are intended to be directed back to its members in the form of more favorable rates and fewer and lower fees for products and services.

From at least 2013 through January 2018, WONG engaged in a long-running multi-faceted scheme to obtain money from the Credit Union to which he was not entitled, and took steps to seek to conceal what he had done.  Among other things, WONG allegedly embezzled from and defrauded the Credit Union by submitting sham invoices (the “Sham Invoices”) for dental work never performed on him or paid by him, and, as a result, obtained reimbursement for hundreds of thousands of dollars of such nonexistent dental work, as well as for his alleged personal tax liability for these and other payments or benefits.

In addition to the alleged fraud in connection with dental reimbursements, the ongoing investigation has revealed that WONG obtained numerous other payments from the Credit Union under suspicious or questionable circumstances.  These include millions of dollars in cash payments in lieu of a long-term disability insurance policy, as well as millions more for taxes to cover those payments; reimbursement payments for repairs to a luxury vehicle the Credit Union leased to WONG, which repair work was already covered by insurance; cash withdrawals from a Credit Union business credit card for purportedly “testing” the Credit Union’s ATMs; substantial educational, housing, and living expenses for two of WONG’s friend’s relatives, whom the Credit Union hired at his direction to be interns; tens of thousands of dollars in annual cash advances, for which WONG provided no supporting documentation; and payments for 320 days of purportedly unused sick leave, in violation of WONG’s contract and the Credit Union’s policies. 

WONG generally deposited the proceeds of his scheme into a Credit Union account, from which, between July 2013 and January 2018, he then withdrew approximately $1.9 million from ATMs, over the course of more than 2,500 transactions, an average of more than one-and-a-half transactions per day.  From this account, WONG also spent at least approximately $3.55 million on New York State Lottery tickets.

In or about January 2018, after WONG learned about the investigation, WONG misled federal agents and Credit Union Board members in order to, after the fact, explain and justify some of these payments.  On or about February 22, 2018, WONG was placed on leave by the Credit Union’s Board of Directors upon the recommendation of a Special Committee overseeing an internal investigation prompted by this criminal investigation.

WONG, 62, of Valley Stream, Long Island, is charged with one count of embezzlement from a federally insured credit union, one count of bank fraud, one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identify theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecutive term in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in these cases 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. Berman praised the work of the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. 

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 below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.