ASSEMBLYMAN SEPULVEDA HAILS INMATE RE-ENTRY PROGRAM

   Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, chair of the Assembly Subcommittee on Transitional Services, which deals with post-incarceration issues, today hailed Gov. Cuomo's pilot program to increase housing opportunities for the formerly incarcerated.

Sepulveda called it "an important step" in fighting homelessness, enhancing public safety and reducing the risk of recidivism.

 His subcommittee of the Assembly Corrections Committee, deals with legislation to best prepare prison inmates for reentry to the community, prevent recidivism, enhance public safety, and provide the support network and training to help former prisoners become self-sufficient, responsible community members.

Under the new pilot program, funded by the state Department of State and supported by the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision, carefully screened and monitored individuals with criminal convictions will be allowed to rejoin their families in public housing in Schenectady, Syracuse and White Plains.

In announcing the pilot program, the governor pointed to a 2016 study by the Vera Institute which showed that not one of the 85 individuals who participated in an ongoing housing pilot program in the New York City Housing Authority has been convicted of a new crime since enrollment.

Assemblyman Sepulveda also hailed NYCHA's Family Reentry Program.

"I call on NYCHA to continue to work at modifying some aspects of this program in order to increase the number of participants in this already worthy program," he said.

 

"I hope both the governor's and NYCHA's pilot programs become successes, opening the door to expansion," said Sepulveda. "For too long, there has been a blanket stigma against all former inmates, even though they have paid for their crimes and shown they are worthy of acceptance back into general society. This can only benefit all concerned."

                                                 

Assemblyman Sepulveda represents the 87^thAssembly District covering Parkchester, Castle Hill, West Farms, Van Nest and Stratton Park.

STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL TO EXPAND LAW THAT REGULATES CHARITABLE BAIL ORGANIZATIONS IN NEW YORK STATE

Successful Charitable Bail Organization Across The State Will Help A Greater Number of New Yorkers Avoid Unnecessary Time Behind Bars Under New Bill

   State Senator Gustavo Rivera introduces bill S4776 in the New York State Senate. This bill expands the current scope of the law regulating charitable bail organizations, which was sponsored by Senator Rivera and signed into law by Governor Cuomo in 2012, by enabling charitable bail organizations to provide greater assistance to low-income New Yorkers who cannot afford bail. This bill is sponsored by Assemblymember Michael Blake in the New York State Assembly. 

Bill S4776 will seek to implement the following measures:

1. Reducing the certification fee required by the New York State Department of Financial Services from $1000 to $500. The current $1,000 certification fee has been a financial burden for the charitable bail organizations operating in the State. Their limited funds would be better utilized in the operation of their organization.

2. Raising the cap for which charitable bail organizations can post bail for from $2,000 to $5,000. Under the current charitable bail law, organizations are only able to post bail for individuals charged with a misdemeanor. However, a number of counties across the State tend to set bail at a significantly higher rate for misdemeanor charges.

3. Removing the regional/geographical limit that currently states that charitable bail organization can only operate in one county in Upstate New York and Long Island.

"No one should be forced to sit in jail awaiting trial or plea to a charge they did not commit because they cannot afford bail. This bill will further strengthen our State's current charitable bail fund law by expanding how these organizations can operate and lower the financial barriers that hinder more organizations from obtaining the appropriate certification," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "Expanding these cost-saving programs will provide countless of struggling New Yorkers with a fairer alternative to navigating our criminal justice system." 

"No one should be denied an opportunity for Justice because they couldn't afford it.  Kalief Browder and countless others were waiting on a chance to be heard just because of economic hardships, and that injustice cannot continue. An estimated half million people daily remain in custody due to the inability to post bail, nationally. The cost of keeping individuals detained is not only a burden on taxpayers of New York, but also has a tremendous impact on the detainees, their families and their communities. In response to this, nonprofit organizations have begun to raise money via individual and private donations, creating charitable bail organizations. During the 2011 legislative session, the Assembly and Senate voted to officially recognize and regulate these charitable bail organizations.  This bill continues the regulation of charitable bail organization and further advances assistance by increasing the ceiling on the bail posted by individuals. The  New York State Assembly has already passed this vital piece of legislation. With Senator Rivera's  sponsorship , we hope that this bill will soon pass the Senate and become law." said State Assemblymember Michael Blake.

The success of the charitable bail fund programs has been undeniable. During its first year, the first organization licensed as a charitable bail organization, the Bronx Freedom Fund, helped 140 low-income Bronx residents facing a misdemeanor case where bail is set at $2000 or less. In addition, 98 percent of these clients made all required court appearances, 56 percent of these cases ended in dismissals where all of the charges were dropped, 23 percent of the cases resulted in non-criminal disposition and 9 percent of the clients plead guilty to a misdemeanor.

UNITED AGAINST HATE: LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN MUSLIM AND JEWISH COMMUNITY LEADERS TO RALLY AGAINST RECENT WAVE OF HATE CRIMES

 Senator Klein Highlights the IDC’s Religious Freedom Package

With Muslims across the country facing intolerance in light of bad national immigration policy, along with Jewish communities being bombarded by bomb threats and cemetery vandalism, Senator Jeff Klein, Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj and Councilman Ritchie Torres joined local Muslim and Jewish community leaders to rally against hate at the Bronx Muslim Center on Friday.

After the Trump administration issued a since-blocked immigration executive order, local Muslims have expressed fear and uncertainty over their future in America. Jewish communities centers, meanwhile, have faced roughly 100 bomb threats in 2017, including four this week in the New York City metropolitan area. The elected officials, along with Muslim and Jewish community leaders, spoke against these reprehensible acts and called for unity.

“As elected officials, as community leaders, as religious leaders, as ordinary citizens, we must stand together to condemn these acts of hate against our Muslim and Jewish communities. Such cowardly actions are acts against humanity, and acts against America. We, as Americans, believe acceptance and freedom of religion define us, not hate-filled cowards who aim to spread fear through called-in threats, abhorrent emblems or malicious words of hate, said Senator Klein.

“These acts of hate against the Muslim and Jewish communities are deplorable and contradict what we stand for as Americans. The United States is an inclusive society; a society that must be accepting of more than one idea. We must all come together to condemn these cowardice acts of prejudice and send a message that this will not be tolerated,” said Assemblyman Gjonaj.

“We will stand together against hate and use our positions to denounce acts of violence against Muslims, immigrants, the Jewish community and all communities that face discrimination. Together, we will overcome hate and ensure that perpetrators of hate crimes are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Councilman Torres.

“We, the Muslim leaders and community, condemn all hate crimes and call for human beings to unite under peace and tranquility. We have to stand for justice, freedom, and equality for all, regardless of belief, color, and social status. A great nation prospers by having values and morals that keep the people protected and safe. Hatred and racism fuel violence and corruption. This is a country of diversity and prosperity. Until we come to accept our differences, we will forever live in darkness,” said Dr. Hamud Al-Silwi, Imam of the Bronx Muslim Center.

“As Americans of all faiths, we stand united to condemn the acts of hate and bigotry that has plagued the Jewish and Muslim communities. The hateful few that seek to divide us have betrayed the fundamental values that make America great. Americans are like one body, when one part of the body is in pain, the entire body is in pain,” said Captain Jamiel S. Altaheri,  Highest ranking Yemeni American in the NYPD & Founder of Building Bridges Through Positive Dialogue.

“The recent string of threats against Jewish organizations and vandalizing of Jewish cemeteries - including here in the New York Metropolitan area - has been deeply unsettling and worrisome for America’s Jewish community.  And, indeed, it should be of deep concern to all Americans, irrespective of faith or creed.  We must be exceedingly vigilant in stomping out all forms of bigotry, discrimination and hatred, if we are to live up to the ideals and values that this great country represents.  The response of America’s Muslim community to this string of anti-Semitic threats has been nothing short of inspiring, and it sends a loud and clear message to those who would divide us: no matter how hard you try to pull us apart, you will not succeed,” said Rabbi Elliot Schrier of The Albert Einstein Synagogue.

“I am honored and grateful to have this opportunity to join with my Muslim neighbors to speak out against the hate and intolerance that are epitomized by broad based immigration ‘bans’ and heinous threats of harm against nursery and pre-school programs at Jewish Community Centers. The United States has proven itself to be a haven for religious freedom and for people of all faiths and there is no room in our nation for bigotry or intolerance,” said David Edelstein, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway.

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

The United Against Hate rally precedes a Friday night Know Your Rights forum, which will be hosted by the same elected officials, also at the Bronx Muslim Center. The forum will provide hands-on legal advice and assistance to Muslim community members concerned about their immigration rights.

Above - Senator Jeff Klein Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, and Councilman Ritchie Torres stand with Jewish and Muslim leaders in front of the Bronx Muslim Center located on Rhinelander Avenue.

Below - Senator Klein standing at the podium he used the night before for a similar rally against hate tells of what he and the IDC propose in the state legislature to help prevent hate, and protect community centers across the state. 

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj the first Albanian-American elected to the state legislature says that all people have the right to be free and safe.

Below - Councilman Ritchie Torres also says that no matter where a person may come from they are entitled to the same rights as all Americans are, and should not be treated differently. 

Above - Dr. Hamud Al-Silwi, Imam of the Bronx Muslim Center says that the Muslim community stand with their Jewish Brothers in the Fight Against Hate.

Below - Captain Jamiel S. Altaheri The highest ranking Yemeni-American NYPD officer who founded the Building Bridges Through Positive Duologue program echos what the IMAM said.

Above - Mr. Charles Landsberg President of the Jewish Community Council of Pelham Parkway thanks his Muslim Brothers for their support in fighting hatred.

Below - A group photo of Muslim and Jewish leaders United Against Hatred.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ON CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST A MISSOURI MAN FOR PATTERN OF ANTI-SEMITIC THREATS MADE TO JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTERS

   “We must not be indifferent to the rising tide of hate crimes we’re seeing in New York City and nationwide. When you attack someone because of who they are, how they worship or who they love, you are attacking our democracy. Today, we thank law enforcement for aggressively pursuing and arresting a suspect in a disgusting series of threats against Jewish Community Centers. Our country was founded to shelter the oppressed and respect all faiths. It’s up to every generation to protect those American values.”

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS JEFFREY D. FRIEDLANDER TO THE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST BOARD

   Mayor Bill de Blasio today appointed Jeffrey D. Friedlander to the Conflicts of Interest Board. Friedlander brings a wealth of experience in the corporate, government and legal fields and is active in professional and community service.

Friedlander was confirmed by the City Council and will serve the remainder of a six-year term starting April 1.

This position requires not only exceptional knowledge and experience of the law, but also the highest regard for ethics and governance, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. Jeff is an excellent leader and has made great strides in each of his previous positions. He is committed to upholding the highest standards of the law.

"At a time when public confidence in our institutions is eroding, it is so important that government officials act in conformance with the highest ethical standards. The COIB plays a vital role in achieving this end, and I am honored that the Mayor and City Council have given me the opportunity to contribute to its important work," said Jeffrey D. Friedlander.

About Jeffrey D. Friedlander

Jeffrey D. Friedlander has served New York City as one of its top and longest-serving municipal attorneys, having worked alongside 13 corporation counsels and under seven mayors.

Friedlander joined the Law Department as a member of its Honors Program in 1970 and in 1995 became the City's First Assistant Corporation Counsel, second-in-command of the New York City Law Department.

As the First Assistant Corporation Counsel, Mr. Friedlander was responsible for the office's corporate side, which includes key divisions like Economic Development, Contracts and Real Estate, and Municipal Finance. Mr. Friedlander also oversaw Affirmative Litigation, Environmental Law and Legal Counsel, the latter of which provides legal advice to City Hall and all City agencies and prepares the City's legislative proposals. He served as the City's Acting Corporation Counsel from 1997 to 1998 and then again in January of 2014. Subsequent to his retirement from the Law Department in 2015, he served as counsel to the Quadrennial Commission for the Review of Compensation of Elected Officials.

Friedlander is the President of the Board of Directors of the Heart and Soul Charitable Fund, Inc., which funds charitable activities in Manhattan that include meal programs for those in need as well as a number of youth programs. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Youth Services Opportunity Project, a non-profit corporation that provides opportunities for high school and college students to serve the homeless community. He is also a member of the Hunter College Pre-Law Advisory Board.

A lifelong New Yorker, Friedlander obtained his B.A. from Hunter College in 1967 and his J.D. from New York University Law School in 1970.

About the Conflict of Interest Board

The Conflicts of Interest Board is the independent New York City agency tasked with administering, enforcing and interpreting Chapter 68 of the New York City Charter, the City's Conflicts of Interest Law, and Section 12-110 of the Administrative Code, the City's Annual Disclosure Law. Through a combination of engaging training, confidential advice, and vigorous enforcement, the Board seeks to prevent ethics questions from becoming ethics problems for public servants.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT URGES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR EXTREME COLD

Frigid weather expected to end the week, as temperatures drop below freezing with single-digit wind chill values Friday and Saturday

Unsheltered homeless individuals, older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are at increased risk of health problems from the extreme cold

  The New York City Emergency Management Department today urged New Yorkers to prepare for upcoming extreme cold weather.

“If you’ve packed away your coats, it’s time to take them out again; winter isn’t finished with us yet,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “We urge New Yorkers not to take these temperatures lightly. Stay indoors, and if you have to go out, bundle up. Remember to check in on your family, neighbors, the elderly, or others with increased health risks to make sure they are protected from the extreme cold.”

An arctic blast is forecast to bring bitterly cold temperatures to the New York City area to end the week. Temperatures Friday night are expected to be in the twenties, with wind chill values in the single digits. High temperatures Saturday will be around freezing, with wind chill values in the teens. The coldest period is expected Saturday night, with temperatures in the teens and wind chill values close to zero. High temperatures Sunday are forecast to be in the mid-thirties, with lows Sunday night around thirty degrees. Temperatures are expected to rise into the forties on Monday.

New Yorkers are advised to check on their neighbors, friends, and relatives. People most at increased risk include those who lack shelter, drink heavily or use drugs, or live in homes without heat, and:

·         Are 65 years of age or older.

·         Have chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease. 

·         Have serious mental illness or developmental disabilities.

·         Are socially isolated, have limited mobility, or are unable to leave the house.

Safety Tips

New Yorkers are also encouraged to take the following precautions during extreme cold:

·         Stay indoors as much as possible.

·         If you have to go outdoors, wear dry, warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered.

• Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.

·         Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.

·         Drinking alcohol may make you think you feel warmer, but it actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.

·         Follow your doctor’s advice about performing hard work in the cold if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

·         Workers in construction and utilities, and others who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related disorders. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on health effects of cold weather, proper prevention techniques, and treatment of cold-related disorders.

Health problems resulting from prolonged exposure to cold include hypothermia, frostbite and exacerbation of chronic heart and lung conditions. If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, call 911 to get medical help. While waiting for assistance, help the person by getting them to a warm place if possible, removing any damp clothing and covering them with warm blankets. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite:

·         Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature is abnormally low. Symptoms can begin gradually and get worse without the person realizing how serious it is. Early symptoms include shivering, dizziness, trouble speaking and lack of coordination. Signs of moderate to severe hypothermia include sluggishness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, confusion, and shallow breathing.

• Frostbite is a serious injury to a body part frozen from exposure to the cold. It most often affects extremities like fingers and toes or exposed areas such as ears or parts of the face.  Redness and pain may be the first warning of frostbite. Other symptoms include numbness or skin that appears pale, firm, or waxy.

Homeless Services

A Code Blue Weather Emergency notice is issued when the temperature drops to 32 degrees Fahrenheit or less between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m., including National Weather Service calculations for wind chill values.  No one who is homeless and seeking shelter in New York City during a Code Blue will be denied. Should you see a homeless individual out in the cold, please call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched to offer assistance. Code Blue Weather Emergencies include the following options for the homeless:

·         Shelters: During a Code Blue, shelter is available system-wide to accommodate anyone who is reasonably believed to be homeless and is brought to a shelter by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.

·         Drop-in centers: All drop-in centers are open 24-hours per day when Code Blue procedures are in effect and will assist as many people as possible for the duration of the emergency. Drop-in staff can also make arrangements for homeless individuals at other citywide facilities.

·         Safe havens and stabilization beds: Chronically homeless individuals may be transported directly to these low-threshold housing options.

·         Street homeless outreach: Teams will contact vulnerable individuals on their Code Blue Priority Lists a minimum of once every four (4) hours beginning at 8 p.m. during Code Blue Alerts and once every two (2) hours beginning at 8 p.m. for Enhanced Code Blue Alerts to encourage them to accept transport to a safe place. DHS coordinates Code Blue efforts directly with agencies such as NYPD, DSNY, and the Parks Department, at a borough level.

Safe Home Heating Tips

Improper use of portable heating equipment can lead to fire or dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. Take precautions to ensure you are heating your home safely.

Fire safety tips:

·         Make sure you have a working smoke alarm in every room. Test them at least once a month and change the batteries twice a year.

·         Use only portable heating equipment that is approved for indoor use. Space heaters are temporary heating devices and should only be used for a limited time each day.

·         Keep combustible materials, including furniture, drapes, and carpeting at least three feet away from the heat source. Never drape clothes over a space heater to dry them.

·         Never leave running space heaters unattended, especially around children. Always keep an eye on heating equipment. Turn it off when you are unable to closely monitor it.

·         Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip. Do not plug anything else into the same outlet when the space heater is in use. Do not use space heaters with frayed or damaged cords.

·         If you are going to use an electric blanket, only use one that is less than 10 years old from the date of purchase. Also avoid tucking the electric blanket in at the sides of the bed. Only purchase blankets with an automatic safety shut-off.

Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

·         Carbon monoxide comes from the burning of fuel. Therefore, make sure all fuel-burning devices such as furnaces, boilers, hot water heaters, and clothes dryers are properly vented to the outdoors and operating properly. If you are not sure, contact a professional to inspect and make necessary repairs.

·         Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Most homes and residential buildings in New York City are required by law to have carbon monoxide detectors installed near all sleeping areas. Owners are responsible for installing approved carbon monoxide detectors. Occupants are responsible for keeping and maintaining the carbon monoxide detectors in good repair.

·         If you have a working fireplace keep chimneys clean and clear of debris.

·         Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven, charcoal barbecue grill, kerosene, propane, or oil-burning heaters. Kerosene heaters and propane space heaters are illegal in New York City.

·         The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are non-specific and include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. Severe poisonings may result in permanent injury or death.

If a carbon monoxide detector goes off in your home get outside immediately and call 911. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, get outside immediately and call 911.

What to Do if You Lose Heat or Hot Water at Home

Building owners are legally required to provide heat and hot water to their tenants. Hot water must be provided 365 days per year at a constant minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat must be provided during the “Heat Season”, between October 1 and May 31 under the following conditions:

·         Between the hours of 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., if the outside temperature falls below 55 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

·         Between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., if the outside temperature falls below 40 degrees, the inside temperature is required to be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Any New York City tenant without adequate heat or hot water should first speak with the building owner, manager, or superintendent. If the problem is not corrected, tenants should call 311. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (212) 504-4115. The center is open 24-hours a day, seven-days a week. You may also file a complaint via mobile app, 311MOBILE, or online at 311ONLINE.

The Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) will take measures to ensure that the building owner is complying with the law. This may include contacting the building’s owner and/or sending an inspector to verify the complaint and issue a violation directing the owner to restore heat and hot water if appropriate. If the owner fails to comply and does not restore service, HPD may initiate repairs through its Emergency Repair Program and bill the landlord for the cost of the work. HPD may also initiate legal action against properties that are issued heat violations, and owners who incur multiple heat violations are subject to litigation seeking maximum litigation penalties and continued scrutiny on heat and other code deficiencies.

Take measures to trap existing warm air and safely stay warm until heat returns, including:

• Insulate your home as much as possible. Hang blankets over windows and doorways and stay in a well-insulated room while the heat is out.
• Dress warmly. Wear hats, scarves, gloves, and layered clothing.
• If you have a well-maintained working fireplace and use it for heat and light, be sure to keep the damper open for ventilation. Never use a fireplace without a screen.
• If the cold persists and your heat is not restored call family, neighbors, or friends to see if you can stay with them.
• Do not use your oven or fuel-burning space heaters to heat your home. These can release carbon monoxide, a deadly gas that you cannot see or smell.
• Open your faucets to a steady drip so pipes do not freeze.

If You Need Emergency Heating Assistance

The Human Resources Administration (HRA) administers the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which can help low-income renters and homeowners with heating bills and other energy expenses. HEAP can help with:

·         Regular heating bills from a variety of heat sources (even if heat is included in your rent or you live in subsidized housing).

·         Emergency payments to keep you from losing your heat.

·         Replacing damaged furnaces, boilers and heating units.

Eligibility for HEAP is based on your household income, family size and energy costs. If you are homebound and need help with your heating bills, you can call the NYC Heat Line at 212-331-3150 to arrange a home visit. For more information, call 311.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/EmergencyManagement. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can receive phone calls, text messages, and/or email alerts about winter weather conditions and other emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit NYC.gov/notifynyc, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

Cyberstalking Charge Brought In Manhattan Federal Court Against Missouri Man For A Pattern Of Harrassment Involving Threats To Jewish Community Centers

Juan Thompson’s Campaign to Harass and Intimidate His Victim Allegedly Included Eight Threats Made to Jewish Community Organizations

   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 Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of a complaint charging JUAN THOMPSON with cyberstalking a particular woman (“Victim-1”), by, among other things, communicating threats to Jewish Community Centers (“JCCs”) in Victim-1’s name. THOMPSON was arrested in St. Louis, Missouri, this morning and is expected to be presented there later today.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Everyone deserves to be free from fear and discrimination based on religion, race, or ethnicity; that is fundamental to who we are as a nation. Together with the FBI and the NYPD, we have been investigating the recent threats made on Jewish Community Centers in New York and around the country. Today, we have charged Juan Thompson with allegedly stalking a former romantic interest by, among other things, making bomb threats in her name to Jewish Community Centers and to the Anti-Defamation League. Threats of violence targeting people and places based on religion or race – whatever the motivation – are unacceptable, un-American, and criminal. We are committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who foment fear and hate through such criminal threats.”

FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “Thompson’s alleged pattern of harassment not only involved the defamation of his female victim, but his threats intimidated an entire community. The FBI and our partners take these crimes seriously. I would also like to thank the NYPD and the New York State Police, who continue to work shoulder to shoulder with us as we investigate and track down every single threat and work together to achieve justice for our communities that have been victimized by these threats.”

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said: “The defendant allegedly caused havoc, expending hundreds of hours of police and law enforcement resources to respond and investigate these threats. We will continue to pursue those who peddle fear, making false claims about serious crimes. I'm grateful for the collaboration between the NYPD detectives, FBI agents, and prosecutors whose cross-country investigation led to this morning's arrest.”

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

In recent months, the FBI and this Office have been investigating a series of threats across the country principally targeting JCCs, schools, and other organizations that provide service to and on behalf of the Jewish community (the “JCC Threats”). Based on the investigation, THOMPSON appears to have made at least eight of the JCC Threats as part of a sustained campaign to harass and intimidate Victim-1. THOMPSON’s harassment of Victim-1 appears to have begun shortly after their romantic relationship ended and to have included, among other things, defamatory emails and faxes to Victim-1’s employer, false reports of criminal activity by Victim-1, and JCC Threats in Victim-1’s name.

In July 2016, an email was sent to Victim-1’s employer that made false allegations about Victim-1, including that she had broken the law, using an internet protocol (“IP”) address that THOMPSON had previously used to access his social media account. On October 15, 2016, an IP address that traced back to THOMPSON’s residence was used to report falsely that Victim-1 possessed child pornography. When confronted by law enforcement on November 22, 2016, THOMPSON claimed that his email account had been hacked a few weeks earlier.

In January and February 2017, THOMPSON appears to have made at least eight JCC Threats as part of his campaign of harassment against Victim-1. For instance, on or about February 21, 2017, the Anti-Defamation League (“ADL”) received an emailed threat at their midtown Manhattan office, which indicated that “[Victim-1’s name and birthdate] is behind the bomb threats against jews. She lives in nyc and is making more bomb threats tomorrow.” The next day, the ADL received a phone call claiming that explosive material had been placed in the ADL’s midtown Manhattan office.

Some of THOMPSON’s JCC Threats appear to have been made in his own name, as part of an effort to claim that Victim-1 was trying to frame THOMPSON for a crime. For instance, on or about February 7, 2017, a JCC in Manhattan received an emailed bomb threat from an anonymous email account, which stated: “Juan Thompson [THOMPSON’s birthday] put two bombs in the office of the Jewish center today. He wants to create Jewish newtown tomorrow.” The email’s use of the phrase “Jewish newtown” appeared to refer to a December 2012 school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, in which a gunman murdered 26 victims, including 20 children.

In February 2017, a Twitter account that appears to be used by THOMPSON (the “Thompson Twitter Account”) was used to accuse Victim-1 of responsibility for the JCC Threats and claim that Victim-1 was trying to frame THOMPSON for her crimes. For instance, on February 24, 2017, the Thompson Twitter Account posted: “[s]he [Victim-1], though I can’t prove it, even sent a bomb threat in my name to a Jewish center, which was odd given her antisemitic statements. I got a visit from the FBI. So now I’m battling the racist FBI and this vile, evil, racist white woman.” On February 26, 2017, the Thompson Twitter Account posted “The hatred of Jews goes across all demos. Ask NYC’s [Victim-1’s employer]. They employ a filthy anti-Semite in [Victim-1]. These ppl are evil.”

THOMPSON, 31, of Saint Louis, Missouri, is charged with one count of cyberstalking, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the New York City Police Department, as well as the United States Secret Service, the St. Louis Police Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri, and the Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section of the United States Department of Justice for their ongoing investigative assistance. This investigation, as well as investigations into the other threats made to the Jewish community organizations in New York City are ongoing.

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s Terrorism & International Narcotics Unit and the General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Warren is in charge of the prosecution.

 

[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.