Robert Pizarro And Juan Rivera Charged In Violent Robbery And Kidnapping Of Bronx Man, Which Resulted In Man’s Death

   Joon H. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James J. Hunt, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), George P. Beach II, the Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, the Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of ROBERT PIZARRO and JUAN RIVERA on charges of kidnapping conspiracy, kidnapping resulting in death, robbery conspiracy, robbery, and firearms offenses.  The defendants have been remanded and remain in custody.

Manhattan Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said:  “As alleged, Robert Pizarro and Juan Rivera robbed, terrorized, and ultimately killed 36-year-old Robert Bishun.  Today’s arrests mark the end of an exhaustive investigation by the DEA, the NYPD, and the New York State Police, and the beginning of justice for Bishun’s family.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division James J. Hunt said:  “This investigation led law enforcement through a violent series of events leading to a murder by strangulation.  The New York Drug Enforcement Task Force’s REDRUM Group and the U.S. Southern District of New York identified the alleged crimes committed by Pizarro and Rivera and worked collaboratively to arrest them today.”

NYSP Superintendent George P. Beach II said:  “I applaud the hard work of our law enforcement partners on the DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force. Through solid police work, two suspects have been put behind bars and two dangerous men are off of our streets. These men not only allegedly kidnapped a man from his business, robbing him of hard earned money – but they ultimately took his life. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with the Task Force, and bringing those who commit these heinous types of crimes, to justice.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “As alleged, the brazen violence carried out by the defendants named in this indictment demonstrates a blatant disregard for both the law and human life.  I commend the prosecutors, investigators, and agents who diligently brought this case to its swift conclusion.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment[1] and other documents in the public record, and statements made in court:

On September 20, 2016, PIZARRO and RIVERA robbed Robert Bishun at gunpoint in his auto body shop in the Bronx.  They then kidnapped Bishun, forcing him into his own car, and driving it away.  Bishun’s body was found several hours later in the back seat of his car.  The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City concluded that the cause of Bishun’s death was strangulation.

On a prior occasion, in January 2015, PIZARRO robbed Robert Bishun at gunpoint at the same auto body shop, taking approximately $10,000 cash from Bishun. 

PIZARRO, 37, of the Bronx, and RIVERA, 39, of the Bronx, are each charged with one count of kidnapping conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of kidnapping resulting in death, which carries a maximum sentence of death; one count of robbery conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and one count of use of a firearm, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison.  PIZARRO is also charged with one count of robbery related to his January 2015 robbery of Bishun, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants will be determined by a judge

Mr. Kim praised the investigative efforts of the DEA New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, which comprises agents and officers of the DEA, NYPD, and NYSP. 

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

As Tax Day Approaches A.G. Schneiderman Releases Consumer Alert About Frequent Tax Season Frauds

A.G. Provides Tips To Avoid Scams This Tax Season, Urges New Yorkers To Report Potential Fraud

    With this year’s tax day just a month away, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman provided taxpayers with a variety of tips to help them avoid fraudulent tax schemes. The Attorney General also urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and report to his office any suspected scams intended to steal personal and financial information from consumers.

“Too often, fraudsters use tax season as an excuse to exploit consumers,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will won’t hesitate to act if New Yorkers are being ripped off. This is why we ask consumers to remember a few helpful tips and notify my office of any fraudulent tax schemes.”

Each year, the Office of the Attorney General receives complaints from consumers about various tax-related schemes. The Attorney General’s Office continues to receive numerous complaints about scammers who are impersonating IRS officials and attempting to collect bogus tax debts. These often include fraudsters posing as government officials via phone calls or emails. Scammers threaten consumers with lawsuits or arrests if they do not turn over money or provide sensitive personal information. Consumers should not engage this type of caller or provide any personal information. A sample IRS scam call can be found here.

In many cases, the scammers claim consumers owe past tax debts and insist that consumers pay using a pre-paid credit card or gift card. Many scammers insist that would-be scam victims pay using these products, because they are generally difficult to trace. Consumers should not pay – the IRS and legitimate government agencies will never demand immediate payment or payment information over the phone.

New Yorkers can report potential scams to the Attorney General’s office by submitting a complaint here or by calling the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 1-800-771-7755. Scams should also be reported to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.

Taxpayers should be wary of tax preparation businesses that advertise low fees to get the customer in the door but then increase the final fee by hundreds of dollars claiming the tax return was more complicated than anticipated; and of a tax preparer who electronically withdraws more than the agreed upon fee without notice to the consumer.

In order to help New Yorkers avoid tax scams the Attorney General’s Office offers the following additional tips:

• If you owe money, you will receive a legitimate notice in writing that identifies the agency and the reason you owe money;
• Do not give out personal information, including your Social Security number, bank account information, or other payment information, to telephone callers;
• Legitimate government organizations will never threaten arrest or deportation for failure to pay a debt;
• Legitimate government agencies will never insist that consumers pay a debt only via a pre-paid credit card.

The following suggestions will help consumers file their tax returns safely and keep more of their return:

• If you use a tax-preparation service, use only established and recognizable companies;
• Check the tax preparer's qualifications and history through the Better Business Bureau (org);
• Ask for a written estimate of all fees; avoid those who base their fees on a percentage of your refund;
• Avoid tax preparers that promise cash for preparing the return, but in fact merely offer a discount on inflated fees;
• Make sure the tax preparer is accessible, even after the April due date;
• Never sign a blank return;
• Review entire return before signing;
• Make sure the preparer signs the tax form and includes a Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN);
• Consult New York's “Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers.”

Consumers can avoid the costs of refund anticipation loans and checks by filing their return electronically and having refunds either mailed or directly deposited into their own bank account.

The Attorney General is also reminding New Yorkers that there are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites where consumers can get their tax returns prepared free of charge. For more information about how to qualify and identify a VITA location site go to: www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html.

Attorney General Schneiderman reminds New Yorkers that in addition to being vigilant consumers, they should also report instances of fraud to his office. Consumers are encouraged to file complaints to the Attorney General’s office by completing and submitting a Consumer Bureau Online Complaint Form or calling 1-800-771-7755.

A.G. Schneiderman And Comptroller Dinapoli Announce Arrest Of Brooklyn Man For Allegedly Pocketing Over $22K In Deceased Mother’s Pension Benefits

Jimmie Buie Of Brooklyn Allegedly Stole Over $22K In State Pension Benefits Issued To Deceased Mother

Schneiderman: Today’s Arrest Exemplifies Our Commitment To Rooting Out And Fully Prosecuting Pension Fraud

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman and New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today the unsealing of a one-count indictment charging Jimmie Buie, a resident of Brooklyn, with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony. Jimmie Buie is alleged to have stolen over $22,000 in pension benefits issued by the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System to his deceased mother, Sandra Buie, between May 2011 and December 2012.

“It is simply reprehensible to exploit the death of a loved one by stealing their pension benefits,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Today’s arrest exemplifies our commitment to rooting out and prosecuting pension fraud to the fullest extent.”

Buie’s grandmother, Thelma Hairston, was a New York State pensioner who retired in 1995. At the time of her retirement, Thelma Hairston selected to receive her pension as a Pop Up Joint Allowance Half, which provided her with a reduced pension benefit, but allowed her to pass on pension payments to her daughter, Sandra Buie, at the time of her death. Thelma Hairston died in 1996, and Sandra Buie ultimately began to receive her share of monthly pension benefits.

"Jimmie Buie allegedly profited over $22,000 from his mother's death by stealing her retirement checks," said State Comptroller DiNapoli. "Our fight against pension fraud has led to more than 20 arrests and $2.7 million in ordered recoveries. My message is clear: If you try to get away with pension fraud, we will find you and hold you responsible. I thank Attorney General Schneiderman for his continued partnership in rooting out public corruption."

Sandra Buie died on May 15, 2011. According to the investigation, Jimmie Buie is listed as the informant on her death certificate. However, prosecutors allege that Jimmie Buie, who lived in the apartment where the pension checks were mailed to, enlisted four associates to cash nineteen pension checks after Sandra Buie’s death. Jimmie Buie concealed Sandra Buie’s death from the Retirement System in order to continue receiving Sandra Buie’s pension payments.  In total, prosecutors allege Jimmie Buie stole over $22,000 in pension benefits until the Retirement System discovered her mother’s death.

Jimmie Buie was arraigned on the indictment today before Honorable Judge Dineen Riviezzo in Kings County Supreme Court, and entered a plea of not guilty. Bail was set at $15,000 bond or $5,000 cash. If convicted, Jimmie Buie faces up to 3 1/2 to 7 years in state prison.

The charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Comptroller DiNapoli’s investigation was handled by the Comptroller’s Division of Investigations working with the New York State and Local Retirement System.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Guilty Plea Of Former Non-Profit Employee For Diverting $400,000 For Personal Use

Former Human Resources Manager Of Hope Community Inc. Will Be Sentenced To 1-3 Years In Prison

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced the guilty plea of the former Human Resources Manager of the non-profit Hope Community, Inc., Chantel Rodriquez Pierre, for using her position to steal over $400,000 from the organization. Hope Community owns and operates low-income housing in Manhattan and is currently under contract with the New York City Department of Homeless Services for $8.9 million over five years to operate a homeless shelter for families. Rodriquez Pierre admitted that from June 2014 to February 2016, she manipulated the payroll system in order to issue bogus vacation time and additional reimbursements to employees at Hope Community. Instead of sending the money to the employees of the organization, Rodriquez Pierre ended up sending the money into accounts that she controlled. Rodriquez Pierre pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree, and will be sentenced on April 13, 2017 to 1 to 3 years in state prison. Pursuant to a plea agreement, Rodriquez Pierre waived her right to appeal and agreed to pay restitution over time. Rodriquez Pierre pleaded guilty yesterday in front of Acting Supreme Court Justice Abraham Clott.

“We will not let non-profit employees use their organizations for personal financial gain," said Attorney General Schneiderman. "We will continue to work with our partners in government to ensure that taxpayer dollars are put to good use.”

DOI Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, "Enriching oneself by diverting funds from a not-for-profit that provides shelter for the City's homeless is nothing short of shameful. DOI is pleased that through its partnership with the New York State Attorney General's Office this defendant will now pay for her crimes."

The Attorney General would like to thank the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for their assistance with the investigation.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces $185K Suit Against Watkins Glen-Area Vacation Rental Owner Who Allegedly Defrauded Consumers

Suit Seeks Over $185K In Restitution And Penalties From Henry Dean, Owner Of FLGH, LLC, For Misleading Consumers About Vacation Property And Pocketing Deposits

Schneiderman: We Will Keep Working To Root Out And Prosecute Unscrupulous Business Owners

   Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced today that his office has filed legal action against Henry Dean and his company, FLGH, LLC, seeking a permanent injunction prohibiting them from operating their vacation rental home business, which they advertise as being available to the general public. The case also seeks restitution of $102,694.88 for consumers who paid Dean in advance rental fees for a Town of Orange property that was uninhabitable, as well as over $85,000 in civil penalties and costs.

“A vacation is a luxury that hardworking New Yorkers often save for months or years to enjoy,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “It’s just cruel to deceive and defraud those who are trying to get away on vacation or plan a special event with loved ones. I will keep fighting to root out and prosecute unscrupulous business owners.”

The petition alleges that Dean and his company purchased the property in November 2013 for the purpose of renovating the house into a large vacation rental property. Dean began advertising the property on his own website, www.vacationrentalfingerlakes.com, and on various independent websites, including www.VRBO.com. His advertisements claimed that the property was in operation had such amenities as: three hot tubs, outdoor wetbar, fire pit, mountainside private hot tub, exotic pool with gazebo deck, streams, pools, and other amenities. All of these claims proved to be false. Although Dean began renovations almost immediately after he purchased the property, he never completed the house and the claimed amenities. More than three years later, he does not even have a certificate of occupancy for the building.

Consumers, relying on the Dean’s website and the representations he made to them after they contacted him, were induced to pay him thousands of dollars in deposits to secure the property for their long-planned family vacations, weddings, and other events. It was only after consumers went and looked at the property that they discovered it was not in the same condition as represented in the advertisements. When they tried to cancel, Dean would tell them that it would take a little time to refund their money because he had put it in escrow; however, this was a lie because Dean had already spent their money. He was simply trying to buy time until he could convince additional consumers to pay him deposits, so he could use that money to make refunds. Dean now owes refunds of over $100,000.

In addition to restitution, the Attorney General is also seeking over $85,000 in civil penalties and costs.

Consumers who believe they may have been defrauded by or have unresolved disputes with a business are encouraged to call the Attorney General’s Consumer Help Line at (800) 771-7755.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's 3ed Annual Women of Distinction Breakfast

  Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj of the 80th assembly district held his 3rd Annual Women of Distinction Breakfast Saturday morning. The five honorees who live or work throughout the 80th Assembly District were, Ms. Yvette Armstrong (an attorney and community activist), Ms. Mimoza Dajic (Founder and President of the Hope and Peace Organization), Ms. Nora Feury (Secretary and former Chair of Community Board 7), Ms. Monica Major (Director of Education for Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.), and Ms. Norma Lopez (Founder and Chairwoman of the Cruger/Mace Block Association and Executive Board member of BPECA). 

  The breakfast was opened by Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj who spoke for a short while, reminding everyone of the woman behind him who gives him inspiration every day, that being his wife Roberta Gjonaj. Pastor Peggy Smalls then gave a rousing invocation. the photos below will show the honorees, and the keynote speaker Councilwoman Anabelle Palmer. At the end of the Breakfast Assemblyman Gjonaj thanked everyone who came, and wished them well.

Above - Assemblyman Gjonaj thanks Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez for attending.

Below - Assemblyman Gjonaj thanks a former honoree Ms. Edith Blitzer of the Pelham Parkway Community Association for attending. 80th A.D. State Committeeman Joe McManus is seated.

Above - Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj with his lovely wife Roberta.

Below - Pastor Peggy Smalls gives the invocation.

Above - Assemblyman Gjonaj with honoree Ms. Nora Feury.

Below - Both Gjonaj's Mark and Roberta with honoree Ms. Mimoza Dajci.

Above - Councilwoman Palma stands between Mark and Roberta Gjonaj.

Below a photo of all five honorees, Councilwoman Palma, and both Mark and Roberta Gjonaj.

Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim Statement On The Investigation Into City Hall Fundraising

   “In response to allegations of misconduct, this Office, along with the FBI, has been investigating fundraising by and on behalf of Mayor Bill de Blasio for his 2013 election campaign, the Campaign for One New York, and the 2014 State Senate effort. We have conducted a thorough investigation into several circumstances in which Mayor de Blasio and others acting on his behalf solicited donations from individuals who sought official favors from the City, after which the Mayor made or directed inquiries to relevant City agencies on behalf of those donors. In considering whether to charge individuals with serious public corruption crimes, we take into account, among other things, the high burden of proof, the clarity of existing law, any recent changes in the law, and the particular difficulty in proving criminal intent in corruption schemes where there is no evidence of personal profit. After careful deliberation, given the totality of the circumstances here and absent additional evidence, we do not intend to bring federal criminal charges against the Mayor or those acting on his behalf relating to the fundraising efforts in question. Although it is rare that we issue a public statement about the status of an investigation, we believe it appropriate in this case at this time, in order not to unduly influence the upcoming campaign and Mayoral election.”

Abrazo Garifuna 2017 By TEAM DIAZ

  It was flag waving, and dancing by the Garifuna Folkloric Dance Company with a few political speeches thrown in by some members of TEAM DIAZ as they hosted the Abrazo Garifuna 2017 in honor of Garifuna-American Heritage Month. There are now six members of TEAM DIAZ who are State Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr., Assemblyman (and Bronx Democratic County Leader) Marcos Crespo, Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda, Assemblyman Victor Pichardo, Assemblyman Michael Blake, and Councilman Rafael Salamanca. Each of the six members of Team Diaz had one person that they selected to be their honoree. 

  The honorees were Mr. Pablo Gomez by State Senator Diaz Sr. Ms. Linda Lino by Assemblyman Crespo. Mr. Felipa Manaiza by Assemblyman Sepulveda, Mr. Edson Arzu by Assemblyman Pichardo. Ms. Mirtha Colon by Assemblyman Blake, and Ms. Morphy Valentine by Councilman Salamanca. 

Above - State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda hold each others arm high in celebration of their many years of friendship. If you enlarge the photo, you can see that Senator Diaz Sr's cowboy hat is green for St. Patrick's Day.

Below - Five of the six members of TEAM DIAZ 2017. Assemblyman Michael Blake who is missing from the photos was returning from Washington where he was recently elected a Democratic National Committee Vice-Chair. Blake arrived right before the ceremony ended and is pictured in a few photos at the end.

Above and Below - Before the ceremony there was time to get in a few photos with some of the attendees.

Above - Pastor Andrew Nunez gives the Invocation.

Below - Ms. Lucy Blanco sings the U. S. National Anthem.

Above - The six honorees for the evening.

Below - The elected officials hold the awards for the honorees. Being that it was St. Patrick's Day on the right side is State Committeeman for the 80th A.D. Joseph McManus a real Irishman is there for good luck. Just like a leprechaun as you turned around he was gone and off to another event.

Above and Below - The Garifuna Folkloric Dance Company danced up a storm.

Yes these two lovely ladies were two of the dancers who performed.