Reports that U. S. Attorney Preet Bharara Has Been Fired?

   Reports are coming in that 46 U.S. Attorney's from all over the country have been asked to resign by the new administration. All 46 are holdovers from the Obama administration, and as is the right of a new president to ask for the termination of any person from the previous administration. 

   What makes this all to interesting is that Prett Bharara who met with new President Donald Trump and was asked by President Trump to stay on is one of the 46 U. S. Attorneys that have been asked to resign according to news reports. 

   It was U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara who had an official long conversation with current NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio just recently on questions of fundraising by the mayor. Mayor de Blasio seemed to have come out of the discussion O.K. with reporters no longer asking him questions about his fund raising exploits.  

   Over three weeks ago at the Grand Re-Opening of the Bronx Republican Party headquarters possible Republican Mayoral candidate John Catsimatidis said that he would make an announcement concerning his candidacy for mayor in a few weeks. Mr. Catsimatidis also mentioned that he was good friends with President Donald Trump. 

   Wednesday Night at the Bronx Republican Party Dinner John Catsimatidis was a guest speaker. Since the Bronx GOP Dinner would be a suitable place to announce his candidacy for mayor, I was able to ask Mr. Catsimatidis if he was indeed going to be candidate for Mayor Catsimatidis. I and the entire audience were told that he would announce in a few weeks what his decision would be. I got the feeling that night that Mayor Bill de Blasio was not going to be indicted by the U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for anything. 

   Fast forward a few days and the announcement that the new administration has called for the resignation of 46 U. S. Attorney's, with one of them being Preet Bharara makes me wonder, and should make Mayor Bill de Blasio a little worried. I guess we are going to have to wait and see how this plays out now, and when John Catsimatidis announces his intention to run for mayor, if indeed he does. The new U.S. Attorney who replaces Preet Bharara could be ready for Mayor de Blasio just in time before the November general election. Imagine that, a hint of or even an indictment right before the general election. Where did we see that one before?

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Extradition Of Defendant Charged With Fraud And Money Laundering In Connection With Deceiving Homeowners Into Selling Their Homes

Herzel Meiri is Charged with Advertising Help to Those Seeking to Avoid Foreclosure in Order to Deceive Homeowners into Selling Their Homes

   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”), Christy Goldsmith Romero, Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (“SIGTARP”), and Maria T. Vullo, Financial Services Superintendent for the New York State Department of Financial Services (“DFS”), announced today the extradition from Ukraine of HERZEL MEIRI, who was indicted on March 16, 2016, on fraud and money laundering charges in connection with a scheme to fraudulently induce distressed homeowners to sell their homes to a company he owned and controlled. MEIRI, who arrived in the District yesterday, had been arrested by Ukrainian authorities on October 27, 2016. He will be arraigned in front of Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis today. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Edgardo Ramos. MEIRI was the seventh defendant to be indicted in connection with the scheme.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “Herzel Meiri allegedly concocted a callous scheme to swindle desperate homeowners out of their homes. As alleged, Meiri lied to his victims, who thought that they were getting the financial help they needed but instead were being tricked into signing over their homes. Thanks to our law enforcement partners – the FBI, SIGTARP, and DFS – Meiri is now in U.S. custody and will have to answer for his alleged crimes.”

Assistant Director-in-Charge William F. Sweeney Jr. said: “When desperate homeowners fall prey to false relief schemes, their vulnerabilities are often exploited by those who seek to benefit from their misfortune. As alleged, Meiri’s behavior caused serious damage to struggling families who unknowingly funded his extravagant scheme. The FBI continues to support partnerships within the financial industry and law enforcement as we work together to combat this serious crime.”

Special Inspector General for TARP Christy Goldsmith Romero said: “Herzel Meiri is charged with preying on struggling homeowners trying to avoid foreclosure. Meiri and his co-conspirators allegedly promised victims mortgage modifications when in fact they were swindling them out of their homes. SIGTARP thanks U.S. Attorney Bharara, Superintendent Vullo, and the FBI for their commitment to protecting taxpayers from TARP-related crime.”

DFS Financial Services Superintendent Maria T. Vullo said: “These allegations paint the portrait of a con artist who cold-heartedly preyed on financially distressed homeowners – some of whom are among our most vulnerable – to satisfy his selfish greed. The Department of Financial Services is proud to have worked with our fellow law enforcement partners in helping to bring this defendant to justice.”

According to the allegations in the Fourth Superseding Indictment, which was unsealed in November 2016, as well as the Complaints previously filed in this action[1]:

Since at least 2013, MEIRI and his co-defendants have defrauded distressed homeowners throughout the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. MEIRI and others falsely represented to these homeowners – some of whom were elderly or in poor health – that they could assist them with a loan modification or similar relief from foreclosure that would allow the homeowners to save their homes. But rather than actually assisting these homeowners, the defendants deceived them into selling their homes to Launch Development LLC (“Launch Development”), a for-profit real estate company owned and controlled by MEIRI.

MEIRI and others lured victims through Homeowners Assistance Service of New York (“HASNY”), which purported to provide assistance to homeowners who were seeking to avoid foreclosure of their homes. As part of the scheme, MEIRI directed employees of Launch Development to solicit owners of distressed properties and invite them to meet with HASNY representatives so that they could learn more about avoiding foreclosure and saving their homes.

When a homeowner arrived at the HASNY office, he or she met with a co-conspirator, who typically advised the homeowner that HASNY could assist him or her with a loan modification. In other cases, the homeowner was advised that a loan modification could not be completed, but that the homeowner could engage in a type of short sale in which the homeowner would sell the property to a third party, Launch Development, and then within approximately 90 days arrange for a relative of the homeowner to repurchase the property from Launch Development. Homeowners were typically advised that they could remain in their homes throughout the entire process. At the closing that followed, a homeowner who had been led to believe that he or she was about to receive a loan modification or transfer the property to a trusted relative was encouraged to sign documents presented by another co-conspirator, which in some cases were blank. Unbeknownst to the homeowners, by signing the documents, they were selling to Launch Development the homes they had hoped to save. Homeowners often were then forced to vacate their homes soon thereafter, and Launch Development re-sold many of the homes, which were purchased at fraudulently deflated prices, for an enormous profit.

In addition, MEIRI and a co-conspirator transferred the proceeds of the home sales from Launch Development to other companies MEIRI owned and controlled, falsely describing the transfers as, among other things, rent payments. The proceeds were ultimately transferred back to Launch Development or spent on luxury items for MEIRI.

MEIRI is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, each of which carries a maximum term of 30 years in prison. In addition, MEIRI is charged with two counts of money laundering, one of which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison and one of which carries a maximum term of 10 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum term 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.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding work of the FBI, SIGTARP, and DFS for their investigative efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.

The prosecution of this case is being overseen by the Office’s General Crimes Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jaimie L. Nawaday and Andrew Thomas are in charge of the case.

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

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

Eight Members And Associates Of Bronx Street Gang Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Racketeering, Narcotics, And Firearms Offenses

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), James J. Hunt, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), today announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging eight members of a Bronx-based street gang, the Beach Avenue Crew, with various racketeering, firearms, and narcotics offenses, including the attempted murders of a rival gang member and rival drug trafficker.

Five of the eight defendants, JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE, DAVID BUCKHANON, JAMMAL LINDO, JALEEL BARON, and KYLE MULLINGS, were taken into federal custody yesterday or this morning and will be presented and arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis today.  ALI HAMILTON, is currently incarcerated in federal custody on related charges, and was arraigned today before Judge Ellis.  NORMAN EDWARDS was taken into federal custody this morning in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and will be presented later today before a magistrate judge in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  MAURICE SIMMONS remains at large.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.             

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said: “As alleged, through the sale of crack cocaine and their violent conflict with rival crews, the Beach Avenue Crew wreaked havoc on the streets of the Bronx.  We and our law enforcement partners are determined to combat alleged gang and drug violence in the Bronx through charges like those brought today.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Angel M. Melendez said:  “The Beach Avenue Crew has allegedly tormented our city streets for nearly a decade.  These arrests mean there are fewer alleged gang bangers wreaking havoc, dealing drugs and committing crimes in our communities.  HSI is committed to working closely with its law enforcement partners to keep violent street gangs at bay and our neighborhoods safe.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt said:  “Shootings, turf wars and murders are means to an end for drug crews controlling their distribution strongholds.  Allegedly, the Beach Avenue Crew were the bullies of the neighborhood selling crack and imposing domineering threats on rival drug gangs and innocent neighbors in the Bronx.  These arrests have taken more violent criminals off the streets in order to make our communities safe from drug and gun violence.”                                         

Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “The defendants attempted to control their drug turf through gun violence allegedly carried out across the Bronx, endangering the lives of everyone around them, as alleged in the indictment.  We will be relentless in pursuing those who carry out violence.  I commend the detectives, agents and prosecutors whose work resulted in these arrests and the unsealing of this indictment.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

The Beach Avenue Crew was a criminal enterprise that operated principally in and around the Bronx, New York, from at least 2009 up to and including February 2017.  One of the Beach Avenue Crew’s principal objectives was to sell cocaine base, commonly known as “crack cocaine,” primarily in and around Beach Avenue in the Bronx.  The Beach Avenue Crew controlled crack cocaine sales within this area by prohibiting and preventing non-members, outsiders, and rival narcotics dealers from distributing crack cocaine in the area controlled by the Enterprise.

Members and associates of the Beach Avenue Crew engaged in acts of violence against rival gang members from nearby crews, and rival drug dealers who encroached on the Beach Avenue Crew’s territory.  These acts of violence included assaults and attempted murder, and were committed to protect the Beach Avenue Crew’s drug territory, to retaliate against members of rival gangs who had encroached on the territory controlled by the Beach Avenue Crew, and to otherwise promote the standing and reputation of the Beach Avenue Crew amongst rival gangs.

The violence perpetrated by the Beach Avenue Crew included at least two attempted murders.  On or about August 2, 2016, JAMMAL LINDO, JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE, and JALEEL BARON shot at a rival drug trafficker and another individual (“Victim-1”), resulting in bodily injury to Victim-1.  On or about May 5, 2015, ALI HAMILTON shot at a member of a rival crew on Leland Avenue in the Bronx, causing bodily injury to another individual standing nearby. 

Count One of the Indictment charges ALI HAMILTON, JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE, DAVID BUCKHANON, JAMMAL LINDO, MAURICE SIMMONS, NORMAN EDWARDS, JALEEL BARON, and KYLE MULLINGS with participating in a racketeering conspiracy.

Counts Two charges HAMILTON with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity in connection with the May 2015 shooting at a member of a rival crew.

Count Three charges LINDO, LESSAGE, and BARON with assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity in connection with the August 2016 shooting at a rival drug trafficker.

Count Four charges HAMILTON, LESSAGE, BUCKHANON, LINDO, SIMMONS, EDWARDS, BARON, and MULLINGS with participating in a narcotics conspiracy, in connection with their distribution of crack cocaine in and around Beach Avenue.

Count Five charges HAMILTON, LESSAGE, BUCKHANON, LINDO, SIMMONS, EDWARDS, BARON, and MULLINGS with a firearms offense in connection with the racketeering conspiracy charged in Count One and the narcotics conspiracy charged in Count Four.

Count Six charges HAMILTON with being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm.

Charts containing the names, ages, residences, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of HSI, the DEA, and the NYPD. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Jessica Lonergan, Scott Hartman, and Jason Swergold are in charge of the prosecution.

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

COUNT	CHARGE	DEFENDANTS	MAX. PENALTIES
1	Racketeering conspiracy   18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	ALI HAMILTON JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE DAVID BUCKHANON JAMMAL LINDO MAURICE SIMMONS NORMAN EDWARDS JALEEL BARON KYLE MULLINGS	20 years in prison
2	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity   18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 1959 (a)(5)	ALI HAMILTON	20 years in prison
3	Assault and attempted murder in aid of racketeering activity   18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 1959 (a)(5)	JAMMAL LINDO JEAN BPATISTE LESSAGE JALEEL BARON	20 years in prison
4	Narcotics conspiracy   21 U.S.C. § 846	ALI HAMILTON JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE DAVID BUCKHANON JAMMAL LINDO MAURICE SIMMONS NORMAN EDWARDS JALEEL BARON KYLE MULLINGS	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
5	Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime   924(c)(1)(A)(iii)	ALI HAMILTON JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE DAVID BUCKHANON JAMMAL LINDO MAURICE SIMMONS NORMAN EDWARDS JALEEL BARON KYLE MULLINGS	Life in prison   Mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison
6	Felon in possession of a firearm   18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)	ALI HAMILTON	10 years in prison

DEFENDANT		AGE		RESIDENCE
ALI HAMILTON a/k/a “Smiley”		24		Bronx, NY
JEAN BAPTISTE LESSAGE a/k/a “Usher”		35		Bronx, NY
DAVID BUCKHANON a/k/a “Mase”		30		Bronx, NY
JAMMAL LINDO a/k/a “Poppy,” a/k/a “Ghost”		23		Bronx, NY
MAURICE SIMMONS a/k/a “Momoneybagz”		24		Bronx, NY
NORMAN EDWARDS a/k/a “Hollywood”		25		Lehigh County, PA
JALEEL BARON a/k/a “Jah,” a/k/a “Youngin”		24		Westchester County, NY
KYLE MULLINGS a/k/a “Kase”		22		Bronx, NY

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

Personal Injury And Medical Malpractice Lawyer Charged With Tax Evasion

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Kathy Enstrom, Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation (“IRS-CI”), announced today that HERBERT LINDENBAUM, a Manhattan personal injury and medical malpractice attorney, voluntarily surrendered today in Manhattan federal court. LINDENBAUM is charged in a six-count Indictment with engaging in a nearly two-decade-long tax evasion scheme that involved his failure to pay more than $3.3 million in back taxes, penalties, fees, and interest to the IRS.

Mr. Bharara said: “As an attorney, Herbert Lindenbaum should have known better. But as alleged, rather than abide by the law, Lindenbaum engaged in a nearly two-decade scheme to divert and evade millions of dollar in taxes.”

IRS-CI Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Kathy Enstrom said: “As alleged in the indictment, Mr. Lindenbaum intentionally evaded his tax obligations for well over a decade, failing to pay millions he owed in taxes. Fulfilling individual tax obligations is a legal requirement and those who willfully evade that responsibility will be prosecuted.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1] returned today in Manhattan federal court:

From 1999 through the present, HERBERT LINDENBAUM has been a personal injury and medical malpractice lawyer in New York, New York. For tax years 1999 through 2013, LINDENBAUM reported to the IRS that he owed taxes of more than $2.5 million, but voluntarily paid to the IRS only $85,000. Including penalties, fees, and interest, LINDENBAUM currently owes the IRS more than $3.3 million.

To evade paying the IRS, LINDENBAUM engaged in at least five tactics to conceal the extent of his and his law firms’ income from the IRS. First, LINDENBAUM caused business checks for his legal work to be deposited directly into his wife’s personal bank accounts.

Second, LINDENBAUM used his law firms’ bank accounts like his own personal coffers by paying his personal expenses directly from those accounts. He paid approximately $85,000 in alimony, $75,000 in personal loan repayments, $425,000 in apartment rental and utility payments, $25,000 in luxury car payments and parking expenses, $50,000 in tuition and other expenses for his children, and $10,000 in medical expenses directly from his business bank accounts. Some of these business bank accounts were Interest on Lawyer, or “IOLA,” accounts. New York law requires that IOLA accounts hold only client funds. Still, LINDENBAUM used at least two IOLA accounts to pay his personal expenses.

Third, LINDENBAUM paid his son and his wife nearly $150,000 for work for his law firms that they did not actually perform. Fourth, LINDENBAUM cashed checks totaling more than $325,000 made payable to himself from his business accounts.

Finally, in September 2010, the IRS levied two of LINDENBAUM’s business bank accounts, which permitted the IRS to take involuntary payments of LINDENBAUM’s tax liabilities from those accounts. To avoid this levy, LINDENBAUM opened at least two personal bank accounts and deposited more than $160,000 of business receipts into those accounts.

LINDENBAUM’s actions over the course of nearly 20 years have prevented the IRS from collecting the more than $3.3 million that he owed the IRS.

LINDENBAUM, 78, of New York, New York, was arraigned in Manhattan federal court today before Magistrate Judge Ronald L. Ellis. The case is assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

LINDENBAUM, who was charged with one count each of obstructing the IRS and tax evasion, and four counts of failure to pay the IRS, faces the following penalties if convicted:

Statute Violated		Counts		Description		Maximum Sentence
26 U.S.C. § 7201		1		Tax Evasion		Five years in prison
18 U.S.C. § 7203		2 to 5		Failure to pay taxes – 2010 to 2013 tax years		One year in prison on each count
26 U.S.C. § 7212(a)		6		Corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue Laws		Three years in prison

The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court.

Mr. Bharara praised the outstanding investigative work of the IRS.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Complex Frauds and Cybercrime Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer L. Beidel is in charge of the prosecution.

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

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Settlements Totaling $480K With 10 Domino’s Franchise Locations For Violating Workers' Basic Rights

Three Franchisees Who Collectively Own 10 Domino’s Locations Must Pay $480,000 In Restitution To Workers At Stores In New York City, Westchester, Long Island, Fulton County, And Montgomery County 

Attorney General Schneiderman Has Now Secured Agreements With Franchisees Who Collectively Own Half Of New York's Domino's Franchise Locations; Franchisees Have Agreed To Pay Nearly $2 Million In Total Restitution To Workers Statewide

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced settlements with three Domino's Pizza franchisees, totaling $480,000 in restitution to hundreds of workers subject to wage and labor violations at ten different franchise locations. The Attorney General filed a lawsuit in May 2016 against these three franchisees and their franchisor Domino's Pizza, Inc., Domino's Pizza LLC, and Domino's Pizza Franchising LLC (collectively, "Domino's") seeking restitution from Domino's and its franchisees for a number of alleged violations, including violations against minimum wage, overtime, and other basic labor law protections.

As part of the settlement agreements, the three franchisees will be dismissed from the lawsuit, and only the franchise Domino's remains as a defendant. The Attorney General has now settled investigations into labor law violations at 71 Domino's franchise locations in New York State, owned by fifteen individual franchisees. These locations comprise more than half of the franchise stores and over a third of the total number of Domino's stores in New York.  The Attorney General's office has secured nearly $2 million in total restitution for Domino's workers statewide through these settlements.

"In the past three years, my office's investigations have revealed a consistent and outrageous record of disregard for workers' rights by franchisees, and as we allege, with the full knowledge of Domino’s Pizza,” Attorney General Schneiderman said. "My office will continue with our lawsuit against Domino's Pizza to end the systemic violations of workers' rights that have occurred in franchises across the State. We will not allow businesses to turn a blind eye to blatant violations that are cheating hard working New Yorkers out of a fair day’s pay.”

Eight of the stores involved in the settlements announced today were owned jointly by Shueb Ahmed and Anthony Maestri, with locations in New York, Nassau and Westchester Counties. Two of the stores were owned by Matthew Denman and located in Montgomery County. 

Shueb Ahmed will pay $150,000 in restitution to workers, Matthew Denman will pay $90,000 and Anthony Maestri will pay $240,000.

In the continuing lawsuit against Domino's, the Attorney General has asserted that Domino's was heavily involved in the employment practices of the three franchisees and, as a result, is a joint employer of the workers at the franchisees' stores and is responsible for underpaid wages to these workers. The Attorney General has also alleged that Domino's encouraged franchisees to use payroll reports from the company's computer system (called "PULSE"), even though Domino's knew for years that PULSE under-calculated gross wages. Domino's typically made multiple updates to PULSE each year, but decided not to fix the flaws that caused underpayments to workers or tell franchisees about the flaws, deeming it a "low priority."

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Guilty Pleas Of Two Defendants For Their Roles In Operating Interstate Gun Trafficking Ring

Joint AG-NYPD Investigation Leads To Guilty Pleas For Defendants Donovan Bryant And Shantae Blue; Bryant Will Be Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison And Blue Will Be Sentenced to 4 Years In Prison

Bryant And Blue Participated In Trafficking Ring Which Smuggled Handguns From South Carolina, North Carolina, And Tennessee Into New York Through The Port Authority Bus Terminal

AG Schneiderman Report Found That Nearly Nine Out Of Ten (86%) Of Recovered Handguns -- The Weapon Of Choice For Violent Criminals -- Come From Out-Of-State

Schneiderman: We Won’t Hesitate To Act To Protect Our Communities From Illegal Guns

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the pleas of Donovan Bryant and Shantae Blue for their roles in a high-volume gun trafficking ring that funneled firearms from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee to New York City, often aboard Greyhound buses that ran through the Port Authority Bus Terminal. 

The investigation, led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force and the NYPD’s Gang Squad Brooklyn North, relied on undercover work, wiretaps, and other surveillance and resulted in the seizure of 50 illegal handguns smuggled into New York City from out-of-state. 

Bryant, of Charlotte, NC, pled guilty today to criminal sale of a firearm in the first degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree. He will be sentenced to 12 years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision. Blue, of Charlotte, NC, pled guilty today to criminal sale of a firearm in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, and conspiracy in the fourth degree.  She will be sentenced to four years in prison followed by five years of post-release supervision.

“Even as we work to make our streets safer, we’re undermined by those who illegally traffic guns into New York – and we won’t hesitate to act to protect our communities,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Our first-of-its-kind report and interactive tool make clear the importance of cracking down on gun trafficking. We’ll continue to partner with local law enforcement and remain vigilant against those who seek to undermine the safety of our neighborhoods and make us all more vulnerable to violent crimes.”

The investigation, which began in June 2015, led to the arrests of Donovan Bryant, Shantae Blue, Marlon Manswell, and Colby Inabinet for their participation in the illegal gun ring.  Bryant – with the aid of Blue, Manswell, and Inabinet – were charged with transporting dozens of guns to New York City from South Carolina and selling them to an undercover officer between June 18 and October 21, 2015.  Bryant, who uses a wheelchair, brought guns from South Carolina to the Port Authority bus terminal in Manhattan. He then contacted Manswell, an Uber driver, to pick him up and drive him to meet with the undercover officer in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg and East New York neighborhoods.

Inabinet and Manswell previously pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced on March 15.  Bryant is scheduled to be sentenced on March 29 and Blue will be sentenced on April 5.

In October 2016, Attorney General Schneiderman released a first-of-its-kind report and interactive tool, which provided ground-breaking data and analysis of tens of thousands of “crime guns” recovered by law enforcement – demonstrating how New York’s strong gun laws are undermined by lax laws in other states, including Iron Pipeline states. The new research shows that 74 percent of all crime guns recovered by law enforcement in New York originated out-of-state. Nearly nine out of ten (86 percent) of recovered handguns came from out-of-state.

BRONX MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO KILLING HIS INFANT

Defendant and His Wife Discarded Baby’s Body in the Dutchess County Woods

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a 52-year-old Bronx man has pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter for the killing of his infant son. 

  District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant brutally beat his 7-week-old son and didn’t even call 911 or try to help the infant. For ending an innocent life that had barely begun, he will now spend 21 years in prison.” 

  District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jose Feliciano (AKA Alex Feliciano), 52, of 1849 Bogart Avenue, pleaded guilty today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Margaret Clancy to first-degree Manslaughter and will be sentenced to 21 years in prison followed by five years post-release supervision.

  According to the investigation, on the morning of December 10, 2015, Feliciano struck his infant son on the head after the baby, Mason Whyte, would not stop crying. Feliciano and his wife, Danielle Whyte, then drove from their Morris Park Avenue apartment to upstate New York and disposed of the body of their son in the woods of Dover, in Dutchess County. 

 The infant’s body was found by police after Whyte revealed to officers what had happened following a suicide attempt. Charges are still pending against Whyte.

Wave Hill Events Mar 24–Mar 31

  A wonderful aspect of programs at Wave Hill, whether indoors or out, is that they connect so closely to the natural setting around us. Surrounded by the ever-transforming spring gardens, enjoy a week of workshops―woodworking with a master carpenter, learning to make remedies with an herbalist and, specifically for families, making big monoprints―or come for the talk Saturday afternoon on the impact our presence has had on beaver, box turtles and bald eagles and more with whom share our Hudson Valley habitat.

SAT, MARCH 25    WOODWORKING: POTTING BENCH WORKSHOP—DAY 1

Calling all urban gardeners—stop repotting plants on your kitchen table! Construct your very own potting bench with master carpenter and Director of Facilities Frank Perrone. This unique bench is designed with folding components for easy transport. No previous carpentry skills required. Space is limited. $95/$75 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. The second day of this two-day workshop takes place on Sunday, March 26.

MEET AT WAVE HILL HOUSE, 9:30AM–4PM

SAT, MARCH 25    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BIG BUD MONOPRINTS

With spring fast approaching, think about the budding occasion ahead. Have you spotted any tree buds yet? Observe the unusual shapes of tree and flower beginnings. Then, working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy large-scaled monoprints! Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SAT, MARCH 25    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

SAT, MARCH 25    WINTER WORKSPACE SESSION 2 OPEN HOUSE

This winter, Glyndor Gallery is transformed again into studio spaces for artists to develop new work and offer opportunities for public interaction in the context of the garden. Individual artists share their studio practice with the public on this open studio day. This year’s Session 2 artists are Leenda Bonilla, Cecile Chong, Elisabeth Condon, Tommy Nguyen, Alison Owen and Michael Kelly Williams. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, NOON–3:30PM

SAT, MARCH 25    NATURE TALK: WILDLIFE HISTORY OF NEW YORK

Over a century of human settlement and development have brought many changes to the Hudson Valley, as well as to the wildlife in the region. Environmental Educator Megan Hoffman from the Hudson Highlands Nature Museum highlights five native animals whose natural histories have been significantly impacted by human activity. A closer look at the sturgeon, beaver, box turtle, coyote and bald eagle illustrates how pollutants, habitat loss and preservation, over-hunting and other human interventions have affected their populations over time. Ages 10 and older welcome with an adult. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 2PM

SUN, MARCH 26    FAMILY ART PROJECT: BIG BUD MONOPRINTS

With spring fast approaching, think about the budding occasion ahead. Have you spotted any tree buds yet? Observe the unusual shapes of tree and flower beginnings. Then, working with large pieces of construction paper, simple templates and contrasting backgrounds, we’ll make simple, bold and brushy large-scaled monoprints! Free with admission to the grounds. 

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

SUN, MARCH 26    WELLNESS WORKSHOP: NATURE’S MEDICINE CABINET

Working with herbalist Tina Triburgo, formulate all-natural remedies to soothe general pains, sleeplessness, allergies and other spring maladies. Go home with custom-made salves, tinctures, medicinal oils and teas, and recipes and resources for creating them on your own. Ages 10 and up welcome with an adult. $55/$45 Wave Hill Member. Registration required, online at wavehill.org or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10:30AM–1PM

SUN, MARCH 26    GARDEN & CONSERVATORY HIGHLIGHTS WALK

Join us for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

MON, MARCH 27    

Closed to the public.

A 28-acre public garden and cultural center overlooking the Hudson River  and Palisades, Wave Hill’s mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscape, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

HOURS  Open all year, Tuesday through Sunday and many major holidays: 9AM–5:30PM, starting March 15.  Closes 4:30PM, November 1–March 14.

ADMISSION  $8 adults, $4 students and seniors 65+, $2 children 6–18. Free Saturday and Tuesdaymornings until noon. Free to Wave Hill Members and children under 6.

PROGRAM FEES  Programs are free with admission to the grounds unless otherwise noted.

Visitors to Wave Hill can take advantage of Metro-North’s one-day getaway offer. Purchase a discount round-trip rail far and discount admission to the gardens. More at http://mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_wavehill.htm

DIRECTIONS – Getting here is easy! Located only 30 minutes from midtown Manhattan, Wave Hill’s free shuttle van transports you to and from our front gate and Metro-North’s Riverdale station, as well as the W. 242nd Street stop on the #1 subway line. Limited onsite parking is available for $8 per vehicle. Free offsite parking is available nearby with continuous, complimentary shuttle service to and from the offsite lot and our front gate. Complete directions and shuttle bus schedule at www.wavehill.org/visit/.

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at www.wavehill.org.