Racketeering Kingpin Sentenced To Life In Prison

Manuel Geovanny Rodriguez-Perez Committed 9 Murders, 10 Attempted Murders, Marijuana Trafficking, and Money Laundering

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MANUEL GEOVANNY RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ, a/k/a “Shorty,” was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain to spend the remainder of his life in prison for his role as a leader of a massive and violent racketeering organization (the “Rodriguez Enterprise”) whose members sold large quantities of marijuana, murdered and attempted to murder nearly 20 people, transported and laundered millions of dollars, obstructed justice and committed perjury, and engaged in firearms offenses. 

RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ was previously charged in connection with “Operation Green Venom,” a coordinated multi-agency investigation that was led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“ICE HSI”), and first announced in October 2010.  On June 7, 2016, RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ pled guilty before Judge Swain to one count of racketeering conspiracy, and accepted responsibility for dozens of illegal acts associated with that conspiracy, including nine murders and 10 attempted murders in the United States and the Dominican Republic.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “By his own admission, Manuel Geovanny Rodriguez-Perez is a cold-blooded murderer who was responsible for the executions of nine people and attempts on the lives of 10 more.  He ruled over his drug enterprise with an iron fist and ruthlessly protected his turf.  Today Rodriguez-Perez received a sentence that will ensure he poses no further danger to the people of New York – life behind bars.”

According to the allegations contained in the criminal Indictment and Information, other documents in the public record, and statements made in court:  RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ was the highest ranking leader of a narcotics organization involved in a wide range of criminal activity, including the murders of the following victims: 

• Francisco Perez, a/k/a “Francie,” on October 26, 1997:  Perez was murdered at RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s direction and under his watch after RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ decided that Perez was a rival with whom RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ no longer wished to compete.  Perez was shot and killed outside a nightclub in upper Manhattan.  Rodriguez watched this murder from the safety of a nearby pool hall and later informed a cooperating witness that he had “given himself” this murder as a “birthday present.” 
• Antonio Kasse, a/k/a “Toasty,” on December 13, 1998:  RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ murdered Kasse because RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ suspected Kasse in the theft of a relatively small amount of marijuana from one of RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s stash houses.  In the shooting that resulted in Kasse’s death, the hitmen hired by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ also struck an innocent bystander, permanently paralyzing that victim.
• FNU LNU, a/k/a “Carlos Valentin,” a/k/a “Campi,” in or about 2000:  Campi – whose true identity remains unknown – was strangled to death by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ and his underlings in a public park in the Bronx.  Campi was a low-level employee of RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s drug business whom RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ suspected of having stolen a small amount of marijuana.  RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ buried Campi in a pre-dug grave, and later returned in an unsuccessful effort to locate, exhume, and destroy his victim’s remains.
• Noel Herrera, on December 29, 2001:  Herrera was a rival drug dealer murdered by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ in order to increase the Rodriguez Organization’s profits.  He was murdered in the Dominican Republic at RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s direction by a team of paid assassins.
• Kelly Perez, a/k/a “Red” on September 16, 2002:  RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ ordered the murder of this low-level employee of his business because he believed Perez to have stolen a small amount of marijuana and money, with which he had purchased a particular firearm.  Before attempting multiple times to murder Perez, RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ forced Perez to return that firearm and, in spite, ensured that Perez died from a shot fired by the same weapon.   
• Marino Molina, on January 11, 2003, and Wilfredo Molina, a/k/a “Willie,” on May 3, 2004:  The Molina brothers were rivals of the Rodriguez Organization and associates of RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s first victim, Francisco Perez.  Marino was murdered by a team of hitmen in the Dominican Republic while attending a baseball game, and Wilfredo was murdered in the drive-way of his family home in the presence of his young son.
• Manuel Rivas, a/k/a “Tony el Mono,” on October 29, 2005:  Rivas was a former employee of the Rodriguez Organization whom RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ believed to be cooperating with law enforcement in the investigation of his drug empire.  Rivas was murdered in the Dominican Republic by hitmen hired by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ. 
• Richard Cabrera, a/k/a “Bori,” on January 16, 2006:  The murder of Richard Cabrera demonstrates RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s ruthlessness in support of his narcotics business.  Cabrera had been a hitman for RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ in the murder of Francisco Perez, described above, and RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ murdered Cabrera in order to safeguard against the possibility of Cabrera revealing RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s role in that earlier murder.

Noel Herrera, Marino Molina, and Manuel Rivas were each murdered by or at the command of RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ in the Dominican Republic.  Wilfredo Molina was murdered at the command of RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ in New Jersey, and the remaining victims were murdered in New York City.  

Additionally, RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ was ordered to pay $25 million as a forfeiture penalty, which is the approximate amount of gross proceeds received by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ derived from racketeering activities, properties in New York, Florida, and the Dominican Republic, and cash and jewelry seized by law enforcement officers.

RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ, age 43, has been in federal custody since October 15, 2010, when he was arrested during a takedown of more than 50 members of a massive marijuana trafficking ring that transported ton-quantities of marijuana from Florida and California for distribution in the greater New York area from the early 1990’s to 2010.  

In sentencing RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ, Judge Swain said a life sentence was warranted because of the “breadth and violence” of his criminal conduct, which showed an “immense willingness and capacity to exact vengeance and violence.”  Judge Swain described the “collateral damage caused” by RODRIGUEZ-PEREZ’s crimes as “catastrophic and immeasurable.”

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of ICE HSI, the New York City Police Department, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.  He also thanked the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bergen County, New Jersey, Prosecutor’s Office, the Englewood, New Jersey, Police Department, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the New York City Department of Investigation for their assistance, and added that the investigation is continuing.

Cardiologist, Neurologist, And Others Charged In $50 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme, And Civil Suit Filed Against Clinic And Participants In The Fraud

Defendants Provided False Patient Medical Information and Used the Identities of Doctors Who Did Not Work at the Clinic to Submit More Than $50 Million in Fraudulent Health Care Claims

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Scott J. Lampert, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Regional Office of the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (“HHS-OIG”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”),  announced today criminal and civil actions relating to a 12-year scheme to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, and other private health insurance companies out of more than $50 million.  Today’s actions include the unsealing of an Indictment charging ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, EMAD SOLIMAN, and ARIF HAMEEDI with, among other things, health care fraud, identity theft, and making false statements, and the filing of a civil fraud lawsuit against CITY MEDICAL ASSOCIATES, P.C., and ASIM HAMEEDI, among others, seeking treble damages and civil penalties under the False Claims Act for the fraudulent claims for reimbursement submitted by CITY MEDICAL ASSOCIATES to Medicare and Medicaid between 2003 and November 2015.

 ASIM HAMEEDI was arrested this morning in Manhattan.  FAWAD HAMEEDI was arrested this morning on Long Island.  LANDOY and SCOTT were each arrested this morning in Queens, New York.  SOLIMAN was arrested this morning in Westchester County.  ARIF HAMEEDI is outside the United States and has not yet been arrested.  All of the defendants in custody will be presented later today in Manhattan federal court before Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said:  “As alleged, these defendants that included a cardiologist and neurologist ran a medical practice that for years bilked public health care programs and private insurance companies of more than $50 million.  Thanks to the hard work of federal and state investigators, this fraud has been revealed and the alleged perpetrators forced to face the consequences of their actions.” 

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. stated: “Public health insurance programs, like Medicare and Medicaid, are not a personal pocketbook for criminals seeking to exploit a program designed to help those who need these programs the most. As alleged, the six defendants carried out a massive health care fraud scheme against these programs and private insurance companies for over twelve years and submitted more than $50 million in fraudulent claims. The FBI is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to bring to justice those who defraud taxpayer funded programs.”

HHS-OIG Special Agent-in-Charge Scott J. Lampert said:  “Health care fraud schemes like the one alleged here loot government health programs, compromise patient well-being, and undermine the public’s trust in the health profession.  You can bet our agents will continue to thoroughly investigate such allegations and hold fraudsters accountable for their crimes.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “As alleged, this investigation revealed numerous calculated actions that occurred for more than a decade which resulted in more than $50 million in fraudulent claims.  I commend the NYPD investigators and FBI agents who uncovered these criminal activities and whose efforts resulted in a thorough investigation and arrests related to this ill-fated scheme.”

   

According to the allegations in the Indictment and the Civil Complaint:[1]

ASIM HAMEEDI, a board-certified interventional cardiologist who was the president and owner of City Medical Associates, a cardiology and neurology clinic based in Bayside, New York (“CMA””), together with others employed by CMA, conducted a massive health care fraud scheme spanning 12 years and involving more than $50 million in fraudulent claims.  ASIM HAMEEDI conducted this scheme with others employed at or associated with CMA, including ASIM HAMEEDI’s nephew, FAWAD HAMEEDI, ASIM HAMEEDI’s brother, ARIF HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, and DESIREE SCOTT, who were also employees of CMA, and EMAD SOLIMAN, a board-certified neurologist with his own practice in Westchester, New York.

The multi-faceted scheme included, among other things: (1) making false representations to insurance providers, including providers paid through Medicaid and Medicare, about the medical condition of patients in order to obtain preauthorization for medical tests and procedures; (2) submitting false claims to insurance providers for tests and procedures that were not performed and/or medically unnecessary, as well as for drug items not used or provided; (3) paying exorbitant kickbacks to local primary care medical offices in exchange for lucrative referrals from these offices; (4) and accessing, without authorization, electronic health records of patients at a particular hospital based on Long Island, New York (“Hospital-1”), in violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) in order to identify patients to be recruited to CMA.

In furtherance of the scheme, and to hide from the insurance providers the huge volume of claims, including fraudulent claims, being submitted by CMA, ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, ARIF HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, and DESIREE SCOTT submitted claims to the insurance providers falsely representing that medical tests had been ordered or performed by doctors who did not work at CMA and who had not ordered or performed the tests.  These doctors included EMAD SOLIMAN, who knowingly participated in the scheme to allow CMA to submit false claims to the insurance providers in his name, as well as two other doctors who did not know that their identities were being used to further the fraud (“Doctor-1” and “Doctor-2”). 

In addition, ASIM HAMEEDI and FAWAD HAMEEDI, with the assistance of ARIF HAMEEDI, used various unlawful means to obtain and maintain a high volume of patients for use in the fraudulent scheme, including, among other things, paying exorbitant kickbacks to local primary care offices and practitioners in exchange for referrals of patients by those offices and practitioners to CMA.  Moreover, ASIM HAMEEDI and FAWAD HAMEEDI repeatedly, and without authorization, accessed information in electronic health records of patients of Hospital-1 to identify and recruit patients to the practice of ASIM HAMEEDI and CMA.

The charges against the defendants alleged in the Indictment, and the maximum penalties for those charges, are set forth in a chart below.  Also set forth below is a chart with the defendants’ names, ages, and residences. 

The Civil Complaint joins a civil fraud lawsuit previously filed under seal by a whistleblower under the False Claims Act.  The civil case is pending before Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, HHS-OIG, the NYPD, and the New York State Department of Financial Services.

The criminal case is being handled by the Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisha J. Kobre is in charge of the prosecution.  The civil case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob M. Bergman of the Office’s Civil Frauds Unit.

CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAXIMUM PENALTIES
Count One
Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Wire Fraud in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1349	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, EMAD SOLIMAN, and ARIF HAMEEDI	20 years in prison
Count Two
Health Care Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1347 and 2	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, EMAD SOLIMAN, and ARIF HAMEEDI	10 years in prison
Count Three
Wire Fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1343 and 2	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, EMAD SOLIMAN, and ARIF HAMEEDI	20 years in prison
Count Four
False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1035 and 2	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, EMAD SOLIMAN, and ARIF HAMEEDI	5 years in prison
Count Five
Conspiracy to Violate the Anti-Kickback Statute, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, and ARIF HAMEEDI	5 years in prison
Count Six
Conspiracy to Wrongfully Obtain and Disclose Individually Identifiable Health Information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 371	ASIM HAMEEDI and FAWAD HAMEEDI	5 years in prison
Count Seven
Conspiracy to Commit Fraud in Connection with Identification Information, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028(f)	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, DESIREE SCOTT, and EMAD SOLIMAN	15 years in prison
Count Eight
Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, and ARIF HAMEEDI	20 years in prison
Count Nine
Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A	ASIM HAMEEDI, FAWAD HAMEEDI, MICHELLE LANDOY, and DESIREE SCOTT	Mandatory minimum of 2 years in prison
Count Ten
False Statements to a Federal Agent, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001	EMAD SOLIMAN	5 years in prison

DEFENDANT	AGE		RESIDENCE
ASIM HAMEEDI	46		Manhattan, New York and
FAWAD HAMEEDI	31		Long Island, New York
MICHELLE LANDOY	35		Queens, New York
DESIREE SCOTT	37		Queens, New York
EMAD SOLIMAN	47		Westchester County, New York
ARIF HAMEEDI	56		Queens, New York

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

NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer Announces Pre-Litigation Settlement with Claimants Amaury Villalobos and William Vasquez after Convictions Vacated

   New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced today settlements of $9.7 million each for the wrongful conviction claims of Amaury Villalobos and William Vasquez.  In 1980, a fire in a residential building in Park Slope, Brooklyn, killed a mother and her five children. Mr. Villalobos and Mr. Vasquez were arrested in connection with the fire. They were, respectively, 30 years old and 29 years old at the time of arrest.

Each served approximately 32 years in prison after being found guilty of arson and murder at trial in 1982 and sentenced to 25 years-to-life. However, following an investigation, the Kings County District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit (CRU) moved to vacate the convictions of Mr. Vasquez and Mr. Villalobos. Their case represents the longest period of incarceration for any conviction vacated by the CRU and the late Kings County District Attorney Kenneth Thompson, who said before his passing that “this is a case that never should have been brought.”

“Following a careful and thorough review of the facts of this case, my office was able to reach a settlement with the claimants that will serve the best interests of all parties,” Comptroller Stringer said. “I believe late District Attorney Ken Thompson would be pleased with our efforts to reach a settlement with Mr. Villalobos and Mr. Vasquez. We have reached an agreement that recognizes the years these men spent incarcerated and allows them and their families closure, while being prudent in fulfilling my office’s fiscal responsibility to the City of New York.”

Under Chapter 5, Section 93 of the New York City Charter, the Comptroller has the authority to settle any claims against the City.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces $7.9 Million Settlement And State Prison Sentences In Major Illegal Prescription Buy-Back And Money Laundering Scheme

Defendants Paid Off Patients To Forgo HIV Medication And Submitted Millions In False Claims To Medicaid And Medicare

Schneiderman: These Defendants Exploited The Trust Between Healthcare Providers And Patients For Financial Gain

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today the sentencing of two pharmacy owners, a supervising pharmacist and ten corporations for defrauding several government-funded healthcare programs, including Medicaid and Medicare. An investigation revealed that on at least eight separate occasions between November 2013 and February 2014, the defendants paid patients hundreds of dollars in cash to forgo their prescription medications, the vast majority of which were to treat HIV. The defendants then submitted false claims to Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care organizations and were reimbursed for distributing the medications, despite the fact that they were never dispensed to patients. Tarek Elsayed, 50, of Elmhurst Queens, the co-owner of 184th Street Pharmacy in the Bronx, was sentenced today in Bronx County Supreme Court by the Honorable Stephen Barrett to one to three years in state prison. 

“These defendants abused the fundamental trust between healthcare providers and patients by putting their own greed above the health needs of their patients,” said Attorney GeneralSchneiderman. “This blatant theft and abuse of our state and country’s most important healthcare programs is reprehensible and will not be tolerated.”

Previously, in August of 2016, Ahmed Hamed, 39, of Elmhurst Queens, the second co-owner of 184th Street Pharmacy, was sentenced to two to six years in state prison. In October of 2016, Mohamed Hassan Ahmed, 38, of Bayside, the supervising pharmacist at 184th Street Pharmacy, was sentenced to one to three years in state prison and was required to surrender his license to practice pharmacy. Collectively, the three defendants stole over $10 million from government-funded health care programs.

In addition, the Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) reached a $4.1 million civil settlement agreement with defendant Elsayed and a $3.8 million civil settlement agreement with defendant Hamed. Defendant Hamed was also required to forfeit a Maserati and BMW he purchased with the proceeds from the scheme. Both vehicles have since been sold and proceeds from the sales returned to the state Medicaid program.

Between March 2013 and March 2014, Medicare, Medicaid and Medicaid-managed care organizations paid 184^th St. Pharmacy over $10 million for medications 184^th St. Pharmacy claimed to have dispensed to patients. MFCU’s investigation revealed however that the pharmacy ordered only $1 million in medications from legitimate pharmaceutical wholesalers. 

During the undercover operations, the defendants advised undercover investigators from MFCU to sell their prescriptions to only the defendants. The defendants also paid the undercover investigators for referrals of new patients who sold their prescriptions to the defendants for cash. 

MFCU’s investigation further revealed that often within days of illegally obtaining funds from government-funded healthcare programs, defendants Ahmed Hamed and Tarek Elsayed funneled their criminal proceeds through several shell companies they owned and controlled, each named to be seem similar to well-known but unrelated companies in healthcare.  One such company pled guilty to Money Laundering in the First Degree, a class B Felony; the rest pled guilty to Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a class C Felony. Each corporation will be dissolved.

Tarek Elsayed pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, a Class C Felony.  Ahmed Hamed pled guilty to two counts of Grand Larceny in the First Degree, a Class B Felony, and two counts of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.  Mohamed Hassan Ahmed pled guilty to one count of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree.  

Attorney General Schneiderman thanks Amida Care Inc., which provided a referral of suspected fraud that led MFCU to perform several undercover investigations; Healthfirst PHSP, Inc.; Express Scripts; and CVS Caremark for their cooperation in this investigation.

The Attorney General also thanks MFCU’s partners in law enforcement, including the New York State Office of the Medicaid Inspector General; the United States Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG); and the New York City Police Department, notably Detective Mike Smyth.

UNITED AGAINST HATE: LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS AND RIVERDALE JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS RALLY AGAINST RECENT WAVE OF ANTI-SEMITISM

Senator Klein highlights the IDC’s Religious Freedom Package aimed at combatting hate crimes

As anti-Semitic hate crimes sweep the nation at alarming rates, Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, Council Member Andrew Cohen and Congressman Eliot Engel, in partnership with the Riverdale YM-YWHA, joined members of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale and other community leaders to condemn the disturbing acts during a rally at the Riverdale YM-YWHA Thursday night.

On Monday four local Jewish institutions in the New York received bomb threats. There have now been nearly 100 such threats to Jewish community centers nationwide since the beginning of the year. The elected officials and Jewish community leaders spoke out against these reprehensible acts and called for unity.

“This country is one built on the principles of freedom and tolerance, and one where so many have come to escape religious persecution. To see acts of hate, acts of anti-Semitism on the rise is chilling, and this behavior must be condemned. We must always stand together against hate, and take action in whatever capacity we can to stop it and to spread the word that it will never be tolerated in our communities,” said Senator Klein.

"An alarming uptick of anti-Semitic attacks has cast a shadow across the United States. Jewish Community Centers have received five mass wave bomb threats in recent weeks, including those in my district. We must take an uncompromising stand against this horrific hatred. Such attacks cannot—and will not—be swept under the rug. I am proud to join with my fellow elected officials to take a stand against anti-Semitism here and across our nation,” said Congressman Eliot Engel.

“We must stand strong and speak out loudly against anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Unfortunately, over the past year there has been a huge increase in incidents of anti-Semitism and discrimination in general. The recent presidential campaign, particularly the new president, has unleashed the worst in many people. The alliance between the new president and the far right and his appointment of Steve Bannon to a powerful position in the White House has, in essence, given permission to some of the worst people in our society to act upon their worst instincts. The shocking refusal of the president to even mention, in his remarks on the Holocaust, the fact that millions of Jews were its victims was a disgrace. I strongly condemn the rash of recent anti-Jewish bomb threats and other incidents of anti-Semitism. We must all unite and speak out loudly against all forms of discrimination including anti-Semitism but also the outrageous acts of this administration with its Muslim ban and the scapegoating of immigrants for the nation's problems,” said Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz.

“Anti-Semitic threats and acts of violence against the Jewish community are rising at alarming rates.  Not only are Jewish community centers being threatened, but Jewish cemeteries throughout the country are being desecrated,” said Council Member Andrew Cohen. “I condemn these hateful acts and ask that law enforcement provide additional security at JCC’s and synagogues.  America’s strength is our diversity and all Americans must unite together against such hatred.”

"We are grateful to Senator Klein and our elected representatives for supporting the Jewish community and all victims of senseless hatred.  There is no better response than to stand together as a community and show that no bomb threat, no vandalism, no hatred can stop our support of one another.  We all belong here,” said Steven Exler, Senior Rabbi, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale - The Bayit.

“It is reassuring for our community to hear and see the staunch support and clear responses of our government and law enforcement, to recent threats to Jews and acts of desecration to Jewish property.  And, to know that the United States and its citizens will not tolerate anti-Semitism,” said Rabbi Shmuel Zuckerman of Young Israel of Pelham Parkway Jewish Center.

“While we must remain vigilant at this time, we should remember that these threats are being done by a sordid few and we must not allow these incidents to affect the positive attitude and good nature of our community,” said  Dan Padernacht, Chairman of Community Board #8.

“When Jewish Community Centers receive bomb threats, when cemeteries are desecrated, and when individuals are targeted because they are Jewish, we have a duty to speak out.  When the Muslim, Latino, and LGBTQ communities and many others are scared, we have a duty to speak out. And along with our words, we have a duty to act-to support, to stand up, and to love,” said Rabbi Barry Dov Katz, Conservative Synagogue Adath Israel of Riverdale.

Senator Klein highlighted the Independent Democratic Conference’s Religious Freedom Package, a collection of legislation to combat hate crimes. Some of the measures aim to stop hateful graffiti, vandalism in houses of worship, cemetery desecration and discrimination against religious attire.

Above - Senator Jeff Klein welcomes everyone to the United Against Hate rally that was held at the Riverdale Y.

Below - The room was packed to listen to the local elected officials and religious leaders.

Above - Congressman Eliot Engel speaks about the atmosphere in Washington since the new president has taken command of the country.

Below - Councilman Andrew Cohen talks about what the city council and mayor are doing to prevent such issues in the city.

Above - Rabbi  Katz speaks of the unity of the community and all faith leaders to come together to fight hate crimes.

Below  - Mr. Brad Silver Executive Director of the Bronx Jewish Community Council speaks of what the BJCC is trying to do to help those in need. 

Senator Klein, Assemblyman Dinowitz, and other local leaders join in the unity against hate.

After wave of threats against JCCs, IDC announces Religious Freedom Package

Legislative measures crackdown on hate against all religious groups

After four bomb threats were lodged against Jewish Community Centers in New York, members of the Independent Democratic Conference announced their Religious Freedom Package, legislative measures to promote tolerance and combat hate-inspired actions across the state.

The threats in New York are part of an anti-Semitic wave of incidents occurring nationally this year, which include threats to JCCs and Jewish cemetery desecration in 33 other states. Hate-fueled crimes against other religious groups have also been on the rise this year.

“This is a country built on the principles of freedom and tolerance, where individuals are welcome to worship freely. As the grandson of Holocaust survivors, to see this occur in America in 2017 is deeply disturbing and we must send a clear message to anyone who believes that they could strike fear into any religious group: hate will not be tolerated in New York State,” said IDC Leader Jeff Klein.

The Religious Freedom Package includes legislation to:

• Create a specified offense for graffiti making as a hate crime - Currently graffiti is  a class A misdemeanor, but S.4777 sponsored by Senator David Carlucci (D-Rockland) would elevate this offense by one degree to a class E felony, if graffiti is made to target a person’s race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation.

• Increase penalties for bias-related graffiti and graffiti on religious property - When vandalism occurs at a house of worship, a chilling effect occurs. This legislation, S.1785, sponsored by Senator Klein adds a penalty of a class E felony and aggravated harassment for this offense. It also allows the courts to order vandals to clean up their graffiti. This overwhelmingly passed in the Senate this year.

• Prohibit discrimination against religious attire - This legislation, S.1503, sponsored by Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) protects wearing any attire, clothing or growing facial hair in accordance with the requirements of a person’s religion.

• Heighten penalties for damaging property in a house of worship or desecrating a cemetery - Criminal penalties are elevated by a degree for damaging property or stealing property in a house of worship and desecrating or raiding valuables from a cemetery, under Senator Klein’s S.1786.

• Prohibit funding to college groups that participate in boycotts of Israel and other countries that have a Regents chartered school - State aid would be prohibited from funding any academic entity or activities if engaged in a boycott of Israel or other countries.

“Threats and acts of hate directed at New Yorkers based on their religious beliefs cannot be condoned. This new legislation increases penalties for those who choose to perpetrate crimes against citizens who only wish to practice their religion in peace,” said IDC Deputy Leader David Valesky.

“Hate crimes were up 31% in 2016 compared to the previous year and there has to be a deterrent to reduce an ugly trend. We will not tolerate those kinds of displays in this community and will come together to fight back against hate and discrimination.  The state must remain vigilant in deterring such conduct and have zero tolerance for such offenses, including graffiti that targets a person because of their identity,” said Senator Carlucci.

“Any religious based violence, discrimination, or hatred is a violation of our most basic human rights. This recent wave of anti-Semitic and anti-Islamic action runs contrary to the values and ideals of our state and our country. This Religious Freedom Package of legislation should not be necessary in the United States of America. However, I am proud to stand with the IDC in putting these protections into law and fighting everyday for the marginalized and threatened of this state,” said Senator Avella.

“I am proud to represent one of the most culturally diverse populations in the entire State. Unfortunately, we have seen an uptick across this country of crimes geared toward instilling fear in communities of people who make this city and state great. Vandalism, destruction of property, and threats of violence against an individual based on their heritage is one of the most reprehensible acts one can carry out,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“President Donald Trump's hostile rhetoric aimed at our immigrant and Muslim communities is dangerous and has serious consequences, as the recent spike in hate crimes has shown. All New Yorkers and all Americans must reject the division and hatred such actions represent, and this legislative package sends a clear message that hate crimes against any nationality or religion are never welcome in this state. In this current climate, we must stand up and speak out against every injustice we see,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

“In our society, there should be zero tolerance for violence. Perpetrating a crime is bad, but doing it in the name of hate is simply deplorable. Fighting hate-inspired crime is a priority, especially now, as we are experiencing a spike in discriminatory violence. We are at the forefront of efforts to promote tolerance and I am glad we are introducing the Religious Freedom Package to tackle senseless acts of hate,” said Senator Jose Peralta.

“These measures are an important part of expressing our solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim friends and neighbors, and anyone facing harassment, intimidation, or hate crimes. We will rise to the challenge of upholding our religious freedoms, even in the face of those who seek to marginalize and intimidate. This Religious Freedom Package serves to unite our efforts and ensure our culture of religious inclusion prevails,” said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

IN JANUARY, MAYOR’S PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT UNIT ENROLLED 14,028 NEW YORKERS IN HEALTH INSURANCE

Thousands of New Yorkers May Still Be Eligible to Enroll for 2017 Coverage

   Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Public Engagement Unit today announced that the GetCoveredNYC initiative enrolled 14,028 New Yorkers during the month of January. This new initiative contributed to the city’s overall increase in health insurance enrollment – 2,004,349 million New Yorkers enrolled through the New York State of Health Marketplace, which was an increase of 386,052 from the previous open enrollment period. In addition, all five boroughs saw an increase in enrollment with the largest increase in Queens. Although open enrollment closed on January 31, many New Yorkers may still qualify for low and no-cost health coverage for 2017. PEU’s GetCoveredNYC team continues to knock on doors, make phone calls and host outreach events in neighborhoods across the city to engage New Yorkers, schedule them for in-person enrollment appointments and help them through every step of the enrollment process.

Single adults who earn up to $23,760.00 per year, couples and single parents of one child who earn up to $32,040.00 per year and adults in a family of four who earn up to $48,600.00 per year qualify for the Essential Plan. All children up to age 18, regardless of immigration status, qualify for Child Health Plus. Single adults who earn up to $16,394.40 per year, couples and single parents who earn up to $22,107.60 per year, pregnant women who earn up to $35,524.00 per year and adults in a family of four earning up to $33,534.00 per year qualify for Medicaid. Individuals and families who have experienced a qualifying life event—such as giving birth to a baby, adopting a baby, moving to a new county, getting married, loss of coverage, exhaustion of COBRA, placement in foster care, aging out of family plan, getting pregnant, change in salary, change in immigration status or loss of employer coverage—all have access to the Qualified Health Plan. 

The City provides free in-person enrollment assistance in all five boroughs. For a list of enrollment locations, call 929-252-8912 to speak with a GetCoveredNYC specialist or text CoveredNYC or SeguroNYC to 877877 or visit NYStateofHealth.ny.gov to enroll online. In addition, PEU’s GetCoveredNYC Team will be available to help at the following locations:

The Bronx

Wednesday, March 8

11 A.M. - 3 P.M.

Assemblyman Blake’s Office

780 Concourse Village West

Bronx, NY 10451

   

Brooklyn

Wednesday, March 8

9 A.M. - 5 P.M.

Mermaid Family Health Center

2714 Mermaid Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11224

Thursday, March 16

2 P.M. – 6 P.M.

State Senator Persaud’s Office

1222 East 96^th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11236

News From Congressman Eliot L. Engel

Engel, Energy & Commerce Dems Introduce Bills to Improve Consumer Cybersecurity

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a leading Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced the introduction today of his Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act. The bill requires the FCC to create an interagency committee to review cybersecurity incidents, recommend investigations, and issue regular reports on the results of these investigations including relevant findings and policy recommendations.

“Following Russian tampering in last November’s election it is imperative that we redouble our efforts when it comes to cybersecurity,” said Congressman Engel.   “The bill I have authored, the Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act, will require all agencies in the federal government to report cybersecurity incidents to the FCC, which will then recommend investigations and offer periodic reports on their findings to Congress.  This bill is critical to both national security and the preservation of our personal information.  Cybersecurity reforms like these must be a priority in this Congress.”

The Interagency Cybersecurity Cooperation Act is part of a slate of cybersecurity reforms introduced today by Democrats on the Communications and Technology Subcommittee, including the Cybersecurity Responsibility Act offered by Rep. Yvette Clarke of New York, and the Securing IoT Act, offered by Rep. Jerry McNerney of California.

“House Democrats are offering concrete ideas to protect our networks and our private information from bad actors,” Engel said. “If Republicans are willing to set aside partisan politics and cooperate, we can make real progress on cybersecurity.”

Engel On House Republicans Not Publicly Releasing Their ACA Repeal Draft

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, a top member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement in response to reports that House Republicans will not publicly release their draft to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA):

“Earlier this week, we were told that the White House and Congressional Republicans would engage in an open process to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with something, they promised, that would be much better.

“It turns out that their pie-in-the-sky promises aren’t limited just to policy, but to process as well. Rather than put their legislation through regular legislative procedures, Republicans have chosen to hide their draft in a basement, away from the eyes of their Democratic colleagues and – most importantly – their constituents.

“What’s more, they’re gearing up to advance the legislation next week. Not only have they denied Americans the chance to learn more about their plan through even a single substantive hearing – they are ramming it through before the Congressional Budget Office can assess its cost or even the number of Americans it would insure.

“House Democrats held 79 hearings and markups on the ACA, because Americans deserve better than a basement. I urge my Republican colleagues to come out of the shadows and take part in an open process – if not for the sake of transparency, then for the sake of our constituents.”