Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj - Winter Health and Wellness Fair

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Senator Jeffrey Klein  in conjunction with  Bronx House   present WINTER HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR BRONX HOUSE 990 Pelham Parkway South Bronx , NY 10461 Monday - December 12, 2016 5:30 - 8:30pm

Bronx Jewish Community Council - Breakfast This Wednesday.Nov 30th 8 AM

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Senator Jeffrey Klein  in conjunction with  Bronx House   present WINTER HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR BRONX HOUSE 990 Pelham Parkway South Bronx , NY 10461 Monday - December 12, 2016 5:30 - 8:30pm

Holiday Lights in Riverdale Thanks to Senator Jeff Klein

High School Teacher Arrested For Possessing And Receiving Child Pornography

Nicholas Pagliuca Downloaded Hundreds of Files Containing Images and Videos of Child Pornography

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, the Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), announced the arrest of NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA, a teacher at a high school in the town of Mamaroneck, stemming from his possession and receipt of child pornography.  PAGLIUCA was arrested and will be presented today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy in White Plains federal court. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, Nicholas Pagliuca, a teacher at a local high school, tapped into a website full of illegal child pornography to download images and videos.  Investigation and prosecution of these crimes are critical in protecting our children.”     

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel Melendez said:  “Individuals who take pleasure in downloading videos and photos of young children being sexually exploited need to be brought to justice, especially those whose jobs give them access to children, as in this case.  HSI is putting child predators on notice that we will not stop tracking and arresting these depraved individuals until the threat to children is no more.” 

Superintendent George P. Beach II said:  “Anyone involved in child pornography, promoting the acts of child predators, or who performs predatory acts against children must understand that such crimes will not be tolerated. We will continue to work with our partners to thoroughly investigate and prosecute these illicit activities. Children must be protected, not preyed upon.”

According to the Complaint[1] filed today in federal court:

In October 2012, an individual who was later identified as PAGLIUCA registered for a 30-day subscription to a website that is a popular means for individuals to trade child pornography images and videos.  PAGLIUCA downloaded hundreds of files containing images and videos of child pornography, many of which depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexual activity with adults or other children.  Using the email address PAGLIUCA used to register with the website, agents with HSI and officers of the NYSP confirmed PAGLIUCA’s identity and his occupation as a teacher at a public high school in Mamaroneck, New York.  PAGLIUCA was arrested at his residence in Somers, New York.

NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA, 65, of Somers, New York, is charged with one count of possession of child pornography (Count One), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of receipt of child pornography (Count Two), which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 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 the judge.

Any individuals who believe they have information concerning NICHOLAS PAGLIUCA that may be relevant to the investigation should contact HSI at through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-DHS-2ICE; TTY for hearing impaired: (802) 872-6196. This hotline is staffed around-the-clock by investigators.

Mr. Bharara praised the efforts of HSI and the New York State Police in this investigation.  He added that the investigation is continuing.

This case is being handled by the Office’s White Plains Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Gillian Grossman is in charge of the prosecution.

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.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Arrest Of New Jersey Man For Selling Designer Drug Over The Internet In Violation Of The Federal Analogue Act

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Carl J. Kotowski, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, announced today the arrest of ANDREW COOK on a charge of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute methoxetamine hydrochloride (“MXE”), an illegal analogue of the hallucinogenic drug. 

The defendant had an initial appearance in the District of New Hampshire today before Magistrate Judge Andrea K. Johnstone.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, Andrew Cook was the sole proprietor of an illegal online distributor of MXE, a dangerous hallucinogenic drug.  Thanks to the work of the DEA, Cook has been arrested and his illegal business taken offline.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski said:  “Today, the men and women of DEA have arrested a dangerous individual.  Mr. Cook was hiding behind the anonymity of his computer screen.  We will continue to pursue those peddling their drugs whether they are selling them on the street or via the internet.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

MXE, a designer drug, is an analogue of a controlled substance and has been “designed” to circumvent drug laws.  MXE belongs to the same class of drugs as ketamine, phenycyclidine (“PCP”), and PCE.  Drugs in this class produce dissociative anesthetic and hallucinogenic effects.        

COOK was the sole owner and operator of an internet business, called Downlow Labs, which shipped various drugs, including MXE, to individuals across the country.  COOK operated a drug manufacturing facility at his home in Long Branch, New Jersey.  A search of COOK’s residence uncovered, among other things, numerous baggies labeled “methoxetamine,” a pill press, masks, beakers, rubber gloves, shipping supplies, invoices, approximately $14,500 in cash, and approximately 395 grams of MXE.

COOK, 23, of Long Branch, New Jersey, was charged with one count of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, 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 the judge. 

U.S. Attorney Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA New Jersey Tactical Diversion Squad, the New Jersey State Police Hazardous Material Unit, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Long Branch Police Department, and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney Dina McLeod is in charge of the prosecution.

[1] As the introductory phase 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.

A.G. Schneiderman Issues Fraud Alert On Immigration Scams

Attorney General's Office, Immigration Groups Have Received An Increased Number Of Reported Scams In Recent Weeks

With Increased Anxiety In Immigrant Communities Due To Political Climate, Immigrants Should Be Aware Of Potential Scammers Offering Immigration Service

   In light of increased fear and anxiety in immigrant communities as a result of the current political climate, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today issued a fraud alert warning immigrants to be aware of potential scammers offering immigration services. Immigration fraud affects large segments of communities and involves individuals or companies who target vulnerable immigrants by providing unauthorized and fraudulent immigration services. In recent weeks, the Attorney General’s office and many legal aid organizations that work with immigrant communities have received an increased number of calls and reported scams.

“In the past two weeks, we’ve seen intense fear and anxiety in immigrant communities. New York has zero tolerance for anyone who would prey on that fear to defraud immigrants and their families,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. “We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring to justice those who commit fraud against our immigrant communities.”

There has been a significant increase in the number of calls to immigration organizations, including regarding potential fraud. For example, since the election, the Northern Manhattan Coalition for Immigrant Rights has received an 266% increase in number of daily calls and 250% increase in number of daily walk-ins; on November 10^th alone, the organization received over 100 calls.

One of the most common scams right now is unsolicited calls from fake immigration officials. For example, one immigrant living in New York recently received a call that is the same as an official government immigration agency. The fraudster told him he was in the country illegally and must immediately pay $1,550. Federal authorities will never demand immediate payment, request personal sensitive information, or threaten you over the phone. If you receive a call like this, hang up immediately and report the possible fraud to our office.

To report complaints regarding immigration services, contact the Attorney General’s Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline at (866) 390-2992 or email Civil.Rights@ag.NY.gov.The Attorney General’s office will never ask for your immigration status or share immigration information with federal authorities if you contact the Immigration Services Fraud Unit Hotline.

Attorney General Schneiderman also highlighted key resources for New York’s immigrant communities to seek immigration and naturalization-related support.  Managed by Catholic Charities Community Services, the New Americans hotline is a toll-free, multi-lingual hotline that provides live assistance in receiving immigration and naturalization information and referrals, regardless of citizenship or documented status. All calls to the hotline are confidential and anonymous. Call 1-800-566-7636 (toll-free) anytime between 9:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Friday.

Attorney General Schneiderman also reminded all New Yorkers of commons forms of immigration fraud to protect them from becoming potential victims:

Unsolicited Calls From Fake Officials: One of the most common immigration services scams are unsolicited calls from someone claiming to be a government official or law enforcement officer that make threats such as deportation. Often times the number on caller ID may look like a legitimate government number. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will never request payment over the phone, so immigrants should be wary of scammers that ask for any sensitive or personal information, demand payment and threaten deportation if you do not comply.

Notario Fraud: In many Latin American countries a “notario” refers to someone who has the authority to render legal services. Unscrupulous “notaries” who are not attorneys often rely on this misunderstanding to exploit immigrants. They charge immigrants excessive application fees without ever submitting applications to the immigration authorities or may induce deportation by submitting applications for relief for which the immigrant is not eligible for or did not request.

Misrepresenting Legal Credentials: Individuals may falsely claim to be attorneys or wrongly suggest that they are able to appear before the immigration agencies or court. They take advantage of immigrants who will unknowingly pay exorbitant fees for their services. By misrepresenting their qualifications, these individuals can have a detrimental impact on the immigrants with whom they work. For example, immigrants who take advice from and work with these individuals may waive their right to obtain legal residency, be unnecessarily deported, or become subject to civil and/or criminal liability for the filing of false claims.

Fraudulent Promises to Expedite Process: This type of fraud concerns individuals who contend that they know employees at immigration offices who can expedite the processing of their clients applications. Accordingly, they request high fees for this special service, but fail to provide it.

Misinformation Fraud: Under this type of fraud, a provider will typically provide inaccurate or false information to the immigrant concerning his or her eligibility for an adjustment of status under a particular law. In these cases, the immigrant is usually not aware that they have been a victim of fraud until they receive a letter of ineligibility from immigration authorities. The provider knows the immigrant is not entitled to relief, or ineligible, but will file the application with immigration authorities regardless.

Immigration Affinity Fraud: Some providers target immigrants belonging to their same ethnic or racial group. Accordingly, they seek to gain advantage over other providers by claiming to identify with the ethnic, racial, national origin or community-based affiliations of the immigrant group.

Unauthorized Practice of the Law: Individuals may not be licensed to practice law but present themselves as attorneys or immigration law experts capable of providing legal advice and services.

Attorney General Schneiderman provided these key tips to avoid getting scammed:

• Only work with a licensed lawyer or an authorized provider.
• Never sign blank applications or documents you do not understand.
• Do not make payments over the phone or via email.

Additional resources can be found on the Attorney General’s website, including Know Your Rights: Immigration Services Fraud and Don’t Be a Victim of Immigration Fraud brochure. All authorized attorneys will be registered with the New York State Court. To verify an attorney, see here.  

“New York City is committed to protecting immigrant New Yorkers from fraudulent and unscrupulous immigration services providers.  At a time when the uncertainty following the election can create fertile ground for fraudulent providers and fear among immigrant communities, we thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his vigilance.  I look forward to continuing our collaboration with his office, the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, and our community partners to raise awareness about immigration services fraud and connect New Yorkers to safe, free immigration legal services,” said Commissioner Nisha Agarwal, Mayor's Office of Immigrant Affairs.

"DCA is deeply committed to working with partners to educate communities about how to avoid predatory immigration service providers and to identifying targets for enforcement,” said Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Lorelei Salas. “I urge anyone who has paid their hard earned money to an immigration service provider or notario público to provide advice on or prepare immigration documents, to file a complaint—either anonymously or knowing their information is safe with the City—to file a complaint with us by calling 311.”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “The Bronx is home to more than 300,000 immigrants, and we are here to protect them from those who use language barriers or citizenship status to exploit their fears and defraud them in the areas of employment, housing and immigration documentation services. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who preys on immigrants, and we encourage all victims—no matter their status—to seek help from our Immigrant Affairs Unit.”

Attorney General Schneiderman’s Civil Rights Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Lourdes Rosado and the Social Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Alvin Bragg.

640 West 238th Street Construction on Thanksgiving Without any Safety Precautions to People Driving or Walking

   It's bad enough that there was a delivery to the construction site at 640 West 238th Street where an eight story building is going up any day, but on Thanksgiving?

   As you will see in the photos below the company doing the construction work are being their usual bad neighbors, but again are not following New York City Department of Transportation rules by having flag persons on both sides of the closed side of the street which curves around an island in the middle of the street. One photo has the site supervisor talking to the delivery driver as the truck completely blocks one side of street so traffic must go both ways on the other side of the island. NYCDOT requires that flag people be placed on both sides where traffic must travel when both directions of traffic use the same lane to travel. That of course would require holiday pay for the two flag people, is if they were union workers. Another photo has a woman and small child walking in the roadway with no guidance by the construction company as to their safety, especially with the sidewalk being closed where they would usually walk due to the blockage. Then there is the photo of a car being seen by the site supervisor who does nothing as it travels on the wrong lane of traffic around the island without and flag person to guide the car for its safety or any pedestrian who might be walking in the street rather than the blocked sidewalk. 

Above - The site supervisor of the construction site at 640 West 238th Street is talking to the driver of a truck making a delivery on Thanksgiving.

Below - The site supervisor continues to talk as he is oblivious to anything that comes near him as he and the delivery truck block one side of the island in the street. Notice there are no barriers or flag people anywhere. 

Above - The site supervisor finally sees me as I am right near him.

Below - The site supervisor obviously did not see this woman and her child walking around the island in the street where there was no flag person to guide them. The line you see is not a lane divider as one may think, but the remnants of a cement truck after dropping off its load.

Here you can see a car coming down the wrong side of the island, as the site supervisor notices it, and me taking his photo as he does nothing for anybody's safety. The car proceeded one or two minutes after the woman and her child walked down on the same side of the island in the middle of the street. Had they been walking at the time the car came, it is possible that the driver may not have seen them since there was no one from the construction company controlling the traffic flow.

As President-elect Trump Prepares to Take Office, Comptroller Stringer Releases Initial Analysis of Federal Funding to NYC

Over $7 billion annually could be at risk under a Trump Presidency

Eliminating even a small portion of Federal funding would have an extraordinary impact on New Yorkers in need

Record homelessness crisis could further worsen

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer today released an initial analysis of Federal funding for City programs to help identify what’s at stake for New Yorkers as President-Elect Trump prepares to take office. President-Elect Trump recently said that one of his first acts, within his first 100 days, will be to “cancel all Federal funding to Sanctuary Cities.” The Comptroller recently directed staff to explore the ramifications if that were to happen.

This initial breakdown demonstrates that cutting off all Federal funds would have a devastating impact on the City’s budget. The early analysis shows that Federal aid to New York City accounts for almost one out of every 10 operational dollars that the City spends, and many of those dollars go directly to the most vulnerable among us.

Some City agencies – and their respective programs and services – depend more heavily on Federal aid than others, and would be therefore be more vulnerable to cuts. A handful of agencies – eleven out of more than 40 mayoral agencies total – account for 59 percent of all City spending but receive 92 percent of all Federal grant aid. Those agencies include the Department of Homeless Services and the Administration for Children’s Services, among others. The NYPD budget for intelligence and counter-terrorism would also be at risk.

“What we know with absolute certainty is that any cuts in Federal aid to New York will have a devastating impact. We have a record homelessness crisis that will be made much more challenging with any decrease in funding. I urge President-elect Trump to remember that behind every Federal line item is a human face – a family in need, a victim of domestic violence, an AIDS patient, a hungry school child,” Comptroller Scott M. Stringer said. “We are a City that welcomes immigrants—we don’t turn people away based on where they’re from or what language they speak, and that must not change.”

The breakdown shows that the City’s homelessness crisis could worsen, the City could become less safe due to cuts to the NYPD, at-risk children would face cuts to critical programs, and more:

• There are currently more than 39,000 households who benefit from Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers, which are fully funded by the Federal government. If Federal funding ended, the City would either have to cover the $482 million line item, or tens of thousands of New Yorkers might be without a home at a time when the City is already facing a record homelessness crisis.

• The New York City Police Department receives 61 percent of its $380 million Intelligence and Counter-terrorism budget from the Federal government, providing equipment and training to continue to keep our City safe from terrorism.

• Public Assistance Grants through the Human Resource Administration serve more than 600,000 New Yorkers. Of the $1.5 billion in grants, 38 percent is covered by the Federal government.

• Child Protective Services, delivered by the Administration for Children’s Services, could see almost half of its $247 million budget slashed should Federal aid end tomorrow. That would put society’s most vulnerable children at even greater risk of abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.

• The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment program – with a more than $194 million budget – is funded almost entirely by the Federal government. Eighty-six percent of patients enrolled in Ryan White-funded City programs receive an antiretroviral (ARV) prescription.

“We are going to remain vigilant, because these cuts could have devastating impacts to the heart and soul of our City. We are going to do everything possible to protect our most vulnerable,” Comptroller Stringer said.

To view the full analysis, click here.