A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictment Of Non-Profit Executives Charged With Criminal Tax Fraud And Filing False Tax Returns

  Between July 2011 And January 2015, Defendants Wafa Abboud And Marcelle Bailey Allegedly Stole Hundreds Of Thousands Of Dollars And Failed To Pay Taxes On The Proceeds Of Their Crimes 

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the indictment of Wafa Abboud, 48, of Merrick, NY, the former Chief Executive Officer of Human First, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2001 serving the developmentally disabled community in New York City and Long Island, for allegedly failing to pay taxes on money that she is charged with embezzling from Human First. In a related indictment, separately charged defendant Marcelle Bailey, 49, of Garden City, NY, the Chief Executive Officer of MPB Management Services, Inc., was also indicted for Criminal Tax Fraud and Filing False Tax returns relating to alleged embezzlement of Human First money. 

“Tax fraud is a serious crime that harms all New Yorkers and shifts the burden to honest taxpayers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “The crimes alleged in these indictments are troubling, particularly because they involve funds intended to benefit the developmentally disabled community. My office will continue to prosecute those who try to game the system for their own personal gain.”

“Embezzlement of public funds meant to aid individuals with developmental disabilities impacts some of the most vulnerable members of our community,” said United States Attorney Robert L. Capers. “With this indictment, we serve notice that those who engage in such crimes will be vigorously investigated and held to account.”

The two indictments charging each defendant separately with the crimes of Criminal Tax Fraud and Filing a False Instrument, relate to a joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General, the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office For The Eastern District of New York.  In the related investigation, a federal grand jury in Brooklyn returned a seven-count federal indictment charging Abboud and Bailey with embezzling and laundering hundreds of thousands of dollars from Human First. The joint investigation revealed that between January 2011 and May 2016, Abboud allegedly directed Human First to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars in consulting fees to a company controlled by Bailey. Abboud used the funds to pay her personal expenses, including more than $114,000 in personal credit card debt, which included charges for cosmetic surgery, family vacations, jewelry, meals, and spa treatments. She also used the funds to pay property taxes on her Merrick residence and to make large international wire transfers.

Abboud was indicted for two counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony, one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fourth Degree, a Class E Felony, and three counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E Felony.

Bailey was indicted for two counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree, a Class D Felony, and one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a Class E Felony.

The investigation was conducted by Richard Cicero, Supervisor of Financial Investigations, from the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs, and Investigator Steven Broomer of the Investigations Bureau, with assistance provided by Deputy Chief Auditor Sandy Licul Bizzarro of the Forensic Audit Section, and former legal analyst Morgan McCollum of the Public Integrity Bureau.  The Attorney General’s Office thanks the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance for their work on the case. 

The case is being handled by Special Counsel John Chiara, of the Public Integrity Bureau.  The Public Integrity Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Daniel G. Cort and Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz.  The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. The Attorney General’s Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Kelly Donovan.

The Attorney General’s Office thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its work on this case.  

The charges against are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  

COMPTROLLER STRINGER VOTES AGAINST TOURIST HELICOPTER DEAL AT FRANCHISE AND CONCESSION REVIEW COMMITTEE

   At the meeting of the Franchise and Concession Review Committee, New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer voted against amending a concession agreement between the City of New York and Saker Aviation to operate tourist helicopter flights out of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport.

“There should be no tourist helicopters in New York City, period. They provide little economic payback and instead bombard our communities with unrelenting noise and pollution, which is why they’ve been banned elsewhere in the five boroughs.  Beyond that, this flawed compromise fails to give the City the enforceable oversight it would need to restore any semblance of peace and quiet for hundreds of thousands of residents. That’s why today I voted emphatically NO,” Comptroller Stringer said.

The Comptroller outlined four specific inadequacies in the current proposal, which he said fails to:

1. Impose any real accountability on air and noise quality monitoring by spelling out what steps the Economic Development Corporation can take when either exceeds allowable limits.
2. Define what “best efforts” are to reduce idling and its accompanying negative health impacts.
3. Codify how often Saker must research technologies designed to further mitigate helicopter noise and emissions, and to implement them when “commercially feasible.”
4. Update the project’s environmental review, which has not been done since 2007.

“Tourist helicopters provide limited benefits to New York City while imposing significant health and environmental risks on our residents. It’s time to ground non-essential tourist flights once and for all,” Stringer said.

Senator Klein Hosts Second Annual Throggs Neck Houses Basketball Tournament

   State Senator Jeff Klein, joined the New York City Housing Authority, Throggs Neck Residents’ Council, New York City Fire Department, Police Service Area #8, NYPD Housing Bureau, and court officers hosted the second annual Throggs Neck Houses Basketball Tournament at Ferry Point Park this past weekend.

“In what is now becoming an annual tradition, I was proud to host the second Throggs Neck Houses Basketball Tournament, which brings together local residents and those sworn to protect them, in order to build a stronger community. Last year’s contest was a slam dunk, and this year’s was no different - it’s wonderful to see people of all ages in this community get outside for some fun and games,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

Hundreds of participants gathered to enjoy the two-day tournament, which focused on building relationships between residents and law enforcement, while fostering a stronger sense of local community.

The teams brought together players of all ages from both city agencies and the community. The final game was played on Sunday, with the court officers claiming victory over the Traveling NYPD team. Both teams are set for a rematch later this summer, at the Throggs Neck Houses Family Day.

"This tournament brought everyone together for a day of fun and community spirit. Agencies and residents must continue to work together.  This event reflects the pulse, the heartbeat of Throggs Neck Houses," said Monique Johnson, president of the Throggs Neck Residents' Council, and PULSE.

Above - Senator Klein waits as Ms. Johnson tries to get the hot and tired children to line up for a photo.

Below Ms. Monique Johnson thanks Senator Klein for his part in a very successful program which keeps at-risk children out of trouble.

Above and Below you can see how beautiful this new park is, which sits adjacent to the Trump Golf Links Course in Ferry Point. The new park was part of the community benefits package for building the new Trump Golf Links Course.

Ulrich Denounces Mayor de Blasio's Handling of Build it Back Program, Calls for Termination or Resignation of Program Director Amy Peterson

   Councilman Eric Ulrich today denounced Mayor Bill de Blasio's poor handling of the Build it Back Program and called for the resignation or termination of Amy Peterson, the program's director since 2014.

 

Standing with Ellen Nichtern, a Rockaway Park constituent, in front of home on Beach 117th Street, Councilman Ulrich blasted the Build it Back Program and the de Blasio Administration for not delivering on their promise to help people get back into their homes after Super Storm Sandy. 

 

"It's sad and unfortunate that nearly four years after the storm the Mayor refuses to take responsibility for the failure of Build it Back. There is a total lack of accountability and compassion," Councilman Ulrich explained.  "Amy Peterson should resign today and allow new leadership to run the program more effectively.  If she won't resign, Mayor de Blasio should fire her." 

 

Ms. Nichtern and her mother have been out of their home for the past five months, during which time Build it Back has not done any work on their home, nor has Build it Back remained in contact with Ms. Nichtern to even let her know the status of the project.  Councilman Ulrich called Build it Back's treatment of Ms. Nichtern and the many people in the same situation "entirely unacceptable."

 

"Like so many of my constituents affected by Super Storm Sandy, Ellen Nichtern has been let down by the bureaucrats at Build it Back.  This program is a complete disaster.  Everyone knows it," Councilman Ulrich concluded. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

Queens Councilman Eric Ulrich is rumored to be a candidate for mayor in the 2017 general election.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - IDNYC Pop-Up Enrollment Site at the Bronx House until July 29

IDNYC  An IDNYC pop-up enrollment site will be in the Bronx House throughout July!

IDNYC is the newly launched New York City municipal identification program. All New York City residents 14 years and older who reside in New York City's five boroughs are eligible for the ID, regardless of immigration status. Bronx House 990 Pelham Parkway South, 2nd Fl, Rm 13 Bronx, NY 1046 Hours Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9am to 5 pm Tuesday, Thursday: 11 am to 7pm Appointments preferred; Walk-ins not guaranteed.

KRVC - Two Movies This Week!

Club KRVC Movie this Thursday

Another Not-to-Miss KRVC Event Outdoor Movie Coming Up ThisSaturday, July 23rd!

Bring your yoga mat and chairs or blankets (limited folding chairs available).  Porta Potties provided.

Senator Ruben Diaz announces the celebration of “Abrazo Dominicano in New York”

  Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, in conjunction with New York State Assemblymen Marcos Crespo, Luis Sepulveda, Michael Blake and Victor Pichardo and newly elected City Council Member Rafael Salamanca, will celebrate the Annual “Abrazo Dominicano in New York.” This banquet is sponsored by all of these elected officials. 

"Abrazo Dominicano" is a completely free annual banquet for 500 people, and it take place at the Eastwood Manor Restaurant, located at 3371 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York, on Friday, July 22, 2016 from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. This event will honor the many contributions the Dominican community has made for the State and City of New York .  

During this Banquet, Senator Ruben Diaz together with elected officials, will be presenting Proclamations and Recognitions to six distinguish members of the Dominican community.

For more information, please call Leila Martinez at 718-991-3161. 

Luis Sepulveda - Please Join Us For This Special Event