A.G. Schneiderman Announces Guilty Pleas Of Leaders Of Heroin, Cocaine And Illegal Prescription Drug Trafficking Ring; Defendants Will Each Be Sentenced To 15 Years In Prison

A.G. Schneiderman’s Operation Uptown Red Alert Takes Down Defendants For Shipping Over $550k Worth Of Narcotics From New York City To The Capital Region

Last Month, The AG Launched The SURGE Initiative To Crack Down On Violent Heroin and Opioid Traffickers In Suburban And Upstate New York

Schneiderman: We Have No Tolerance For Dangerous Drug Trafficking Rings That Fuel The Cycle Of Addiction

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the guilty pleas of Juan Ramos and Noemi Maldonado, the leaders of a large-scale narcotics trafficking ring that served as a multi-state heroin, cocaine, and prescription drug pipeline from New York City to the Capital Region, as well as Maine and Pennsylvania. Ramos and Maldonado, both from Brooklyn, pled guilty yesterday to Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a class A-1 felony; they will each be sentenced on July 20^th to 15 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.

Last month, Attorney General Schneiderman announced a Suburban And Upstate Response To The Growing Epidemic – (“S.U.R.G.E”) Initiative – a new law enforcement effort that brings together the AG’s Organized Crime Task Force and local and state law enforcement to disrupt New York’s widening heroin and opioid distribution networks.

“We have zero tolerance for dangerous drug trafficking rings – and those who deal drugs and violence in our communities should be on notice: we won’t hesitate to bring you to justice,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “Our S.U.R.G.E Initiative is utilizing out state’s most effective law enforcement resources to crack down on the violent, expansive heroin and opioid networks around the state. We’ll continue to aggressively prosecute criminals who fuel the cycle of addiction, part of our multipronged approach to fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic that is tearing families apart across New York.”

Ramos and Maldonado led a drug trafficking ring that trafficked hundreds of thousands of dollars of heroin, cocaine and illegal prescription medication from New York City to the Capital Region, as well as Maine and Pennsylvania. During the underlying investigation, law enforcement seized more than two pounds of bulk heroin, capable of being packaged into 50,000 bags of heroin to be sold on the street—giving the heroin an approximate street value of $500,000. Law enforcement also seized more than a pound of bulk cocaine with an approximate street value of $50,000, a homemade heroin kilogram press, 1,067 Oxycodone pills, over $21,000 in cash, two shotguns, and one handgun. The investigation also revealed that Ramos and Maldonado transported narcotics to customers in a BMW valued around $120,000.

The investigation, called “Operation Uptown Red Alert,” was conducted by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force, the City of Albany Police Department, and the New York State Police, and led to the indictment of 27 people, all of whom have now pled guilty with the exception of two defendants that still have active warrants for their arrests. The charges against those remaining two defendants are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II said, "Thanks to the hard work and partnership of our law enforcement members at the state, federal and local level, we have successfully shut down another illegal drug trafficking operation that was bringing dangerous narcotics into our communities. The sentencing of these two individuals serves as reminder that we will not tolerate the sale of illegal narcotics nor the criminal activity that is associated with them. Furthermore, we will aggressively pursue any criminal that threatens the safety of our neighborhoods and continue to do what it takes to protect our communities from the infiltration of these illegal substances.”

Attorney General Schneiderman’s Organized Crime Task Force has partnered with state and local law enforcement to bring over 800 accused drug and gun dealers to justice, since 2010. In addition to prosecuting major drug trafficking rings, the Attorney General has taken numerous steps to combat the opioid crisis in New York including but not limited to:

• Creating the Internet System for Tracking Over-Prescribing Act (“I-STOP), an online Prescription Monitoring Program (“PMP”) that enables doctors and pharmacists to report and track controlled narcotics in real time.
• Aggressively enforcing laws that require parity in health plan coverage of mental health and addiction treatment and reaching agreements with five companies: Cigna, MVP Health Care, EmblemHealth, Excellus, and ValueOptions.
• Obtaining settlements with Cigna, Anthem, and BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS), who all agreed to remove prior authorization requirements for medication-assisted treatment (“MAT”) nationwide.
• Reaching agreements with Purdue Pharma and Endo Pharmaceuticals Inc. to ensure that these opioid manufacturers engage in responsible and legal marketing.

Most recently, Attorney General Schneiderman launched the Suburban and Upstate Response to the Growing Epidemic (“S.U.R.G.E.”) Initiative, which target gangs and individuals who deal heroin and opioids and commit acts of violence in suburban and upstate communities across New York State, in partnership with local and state law enforcement. As part of the S.U.R.G.E Initiative, Attorney General Schneiderman announced the take down a 52-person heroin and opioid ring in Operation Bricktown last month.

A.G. Schneiderman Announces Indictment Of Albany Man For Allegedly Running Investment Fraud Scheme To Pay Restitution, Attorney’s Fees For His Other Criminal Cases

David A. Mazzeo Allegedly Stole Nearly $150K To Pay Court-Ordered Restitution To Other Victims, As Well As His Own Attorney’s Fees

Michael C. Caruso Also Charged With Money Laundering And Scheme To Defraud For Allegedly Assisting Mazzeo To Conceal The Stolen Monies

Schneiderman: We Will Fully Prosecute Those Who Defraud Hardworking New Yorkers

  Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman announced the arraignment of David A. Mazzeo, 58, of Guilderland, New York, and Michael C. Caruso, 61, of Schenectady, New York, on a 9-count indictment charging them with fraudulently obtaining nearly $150,000 from multiple individuals to pay attorney’s fees and court-ordered restitution for Mazzeo’s prior crimes. The pair were also charged with allegedly laundering the money through a First Niagara bank account in Caruso’s name, in order to conceal the source of the ill-gotten gains. 

“Defrauding consumers in order to pay off one’s prior scam victims shows a blatant disregard for the law, with no remorse,” said Attorney General Schneiderman. “My office will continue working to root out and prosecute those who defraud hardworking New Yorkers.”

According to statements made by prosecutors and documents filed in court yesterday, Mazzeo was convicted in May 2012 in Fulton County of the crime of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, and sentenced to five years’ probation. As part of his probation sentence, Mazzeo was required to make restitution payments to the victim of his Fulton County crime. 

Also according to prosecutors, shortly after Mazzeo’s first conviction, in June 2012, Mazzeo was again charged with the crime of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree in Montgomery County, for allegedly stealing $25,000 from an individual in an investment scam. Caruso posted bail for Mazzeo on the Montgomery County case, signing a $50,000 bail bond on Mazzeo’s behalf. Shortly thereafter, Caruso opened a personal bank account at First Niagara Bank and allowed Mazzeo exclusive access to the account.

Thereafter, in August 2012, Mazzeo was indicted in Albany County and charged with Grand Larceny in the Second Degree in connection with stealing $150,000 in a real estate investment scam and diverting the money to pay off prior victims. 

In early 2013, Mazzeo pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor on the Montgomery County case and paid $25,000 in restitution to his victim. In February 2013, Mazzeo was convicted of felony grand larceny on the Albany County indictment and sentenced in April 2013 to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to his victims.   

According to prosecutors, a subsequent investigation by the Attorney General’s Office uncovered evidence that in order to pay his attorney’s fees and restitution for his prior criminal cases, Mazzeo allegedly engaged in an elaborate scheme to defraud unsuspecting investors. Between July 2012 and September 2013, Mazzeo approached numerous individuals, many of whom reside out of state, and told them he was developing coal or natural gas projects and needed money to help him with expenses related to those projects. 

Also according to prosecutors, Mazzeo, with Caruso’s assistance, allegedly obtained nearly $150,000 from numerous individuals for these purported energy development projects. However, in reality, Mazzeo instead used the money to pay over $20,000 to his criminal defense attorney, to pay $25,000 restitution to the Montgomery County victim in exchange for the misdemeanor plea bargain, to pay criminal restitution to the Albany County Department of Probation, and to pay other individuals threatening additional criminal charges. Additionally, Mazzeo made nearly $37,000 in cash withdrawals and personal expenditures in the Albany area, such as Victoria’s Secret, liquor, and tobacco products, and payments to Caruso.

Prosecutors also allege that Mazzeo filed a false 2012 New York State personal income tax return in which he failed to report the money he had stolen, and he failed to file a 2013 New York State personal income tax return altogether, thereby evading taxes on the money he wrongfully obtained in his scheme.  

The Attorney General’s indictment charges Mazzeo and Caruso jointly with one count of Money Laundering in the Second Degree (a class C felony) and one count of Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree (a class E felony). Mazzeo is separately charged with three counts of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree (a class D felony), one count of Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree (a class E felony), one count of Securities Fraud under the Martin Act (a class E felony), one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (a class E felony), and one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Fourth Degree (a class E felony). 

Mazzeo and Caruso were arraigned in Albany County Supreme Court before the Honorable Thomas A. Breslin. Caruso is currently being held on $20,000 bond over $10,000 cash bail and Mazzeo is currently being held on $400,000 bond over $200,000 cash bail. Both defendants will be back in court on May 23, 2017 for conference.

The Office of the Attorney General thanks the New York State Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division for its invaluable assistance on this case.

The charges against the defendants are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj's English Tea Party on May 26, 2017

Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj Invites you to the annual English Tea Party Join us for an afternoon tea party on Friday, May 26, 2017 F&J Pine Restaurant 1913 Bronxdale Avenue Bronx, NY 10462 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM Must RSVP by May 24, 2017 For more information please contact the office of Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj at (718) 409-0109 or Lilyanna Pekic at (718) 655-5000

Grounds of Jerome Park Reservoir to be Opened for Limited Access Recreation in May

  The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced that it will open the grounds of Jerome Park Reservoir in the Bronx for special limited access recreation on the weekend of May 20 and 21 from 10am until 2pm. Members of the public will have the opportunity to walk or jog around the 2-mile perimeter of the Reservoir. Phones, bags and cameras will not be permitted on the Reservoir grounds. There will be an opportunity to check phones, but visitors should not bring bags or cameras. Access to the Reservoir Grounds will be through an entrance adjacent to the Gatehouse located on the west side of Goulden Avenue, just south of 205^th Street.

In addition to the public recreation, DEP will continue its partnership with schools located in the vicinity of the Reservoir to provide a pilot education program about New York City’s drinking water system. This includes teacher professional development, classroom visits and guided, interpretive tours of the Reservoir grounds. Since the fall of 2015, so far, more than 2,000 students from Bronx H.S. of Science, DeWitt Clinton H.S., Discovery H.S., P.S. 8, P.S. 86, P.S. 95, AmPark Neighborhood School, and M.S. 244 have taken part in the program.

Jerome Park Reservoir is roughly 93-acres in size, has the capacity to hold up to 773 million gallons of water, and is located in the northwest Bronx. It receives water from the City’s Croton Watershed, located in Westchester and Putnam Counties, and is the last stop for the water before it enters the Croton Water Filtration Plant and goes into the City’s distribution system.

Jeter Day Block Party this Sunday, noon - 5 PM in front of Yankee Stadium on Rivera Avenue.

  Sunday, May 14 is Jeter Day in The Bronx with celebrations, proclamations and parties honoring the retiring Yankee Captain.

  In the evening, inside the ballpark, the team will retire Jeter’s number with a ceremony in Monument Park in front of a sold-out crowd.

  Starting at noon, in front of Yankee Stadium, the 161 st Street BID will celebrate the Yankee future Hall-of- Famer with free cake for the first 1,000 fans, Mother’s Day souvenir postcards and music.

  Fans will get a chance to do The Jeterbug, a new dance by Oman based on Ella Fitzgerald’s 1938 smash hit, The Jitterbug.

  Fans can take a swing in the T-ball batter’s box, exercise in a Parks Department fitness class or play a game in the recreation mobile.

  Fans can add their name to the BID’ “Thank You Captain” mural being created by world- famous street artist and portraitist, Andre Trenier.

 Fans will hear testimonies to Jeter by Cong. Jose Serrano, City Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and The Bronx Borough President, Reuben Diaz, Jr.

  Stan’s, the Dugout, Yankee Tavern and Billy’s will broadcast Jeter programming and provide Jeter cake to their patrons.

  Admission to the block party is free. Sponsored by the 161st Street BID.

  

FBI Director James Comey Fired by President Trump

  There may be many rumors as to just why President Donald Trump fired now former FBI Director James Comey. One such rumor goes to tweets this past weekend that President Trump alleged that Comey was ordered to place a wiretap on the phones of Donald Trump during the presidential campaign by former president Obama.

  One source is saying that the firing of Comey is to restore public trust and to have confidence in the nations highest law enforcement agency. This after an announcement two weeks before the election about e-mails sent out by Huma Abedin to her husband Anthony Weiner which may have been classified, and in the thousands. Since then the number of suspected classified e-mails has dropped sharply to only a few. 

  Comey was appointed by President Obama in 2013 to the position of FBI director, which is a ten year term to be non partisan, since presidential elections are held every four years. The last time an FBI Director was fired was in 1993 by then President Bill Clinton let go of William Sessions for unethical conduct.

  It is uncertain what legal recourse James Comey will have in his dismissal, and who President Trump is to name as Comey's successor as the FBI Director.

Corrections Without Protections: The Increasing Dangers Facing New York’s Boldest Officers; IDC to Release Investigative Report on the Rise of Correctional Worker Assaults

Independent Democratic Conference Releases Investigative Report on the Rise of Correctional Worker Assaults

Albany, NY — Members of the Independent Democratic Conference stood with state and local correction officers and released a new report, Corrections Without Protections: The Increasing Dangers Facing New York’s Boldest Officers, on the rising number of assaults and contraband seizures in New York’s jails and prisons.

The report examined inmate assaults on officers between 2007 and 2016, and found that they had risen from a low of 524 in 2012 to a high of 896 in 2015.

“Correction officers in New York hold one of the hardest jobs imaginable. As indicated by the report we’re releasing today their jobs have only gotten more difficult. It is unacceptable to see this rise in assaults on those who are protecting us. We must ensure that dangerous drugs and other contraband are kept out of prisons so that correction officers can feel safe when they go to work every day,” said Senator Jeff Klein.

“Correction officers are truly unsung heroes of our criminal justice system and go too often without recognition of the work they do as they are faced with new challenges that make their work environment extremely dangerous.  Additional protections proposed today will build on my legislation that requires new correction officers and staff who regularly work with inmates with mental health issues to receive at least 8 hours of mental health training related to treatment of inmates with mental disabilities.  Protecting corrections officers in the face of new, more dangerous challenges is a priority for all of us.,” said Senator David Carlucci.

“Many of our correction officers suffer from PTSD and other mental health issues after being assaulted on the job. It’s traumatic to be attacked at the workplace and we want to make sure that our officers are able to get the treatment they need through workers compensation which is why I’m introducing a bill to address this serious issue,” said Senator Marisol Alcantara.

Senator Alcantara’s legislation, S.5954 takes aim at the result of inmates intentionally throwing bodily fluids at correction officers, which may result in post-traumatic stress disorder. Her bill will allow officers facing impairment resulting from such an event be eligible for coverage in workers compensation claims.

“Correction officers do a tremendously difficult job and face increasing on-the-job danger everyday. Our facilities are understaffed, and flooded with contraband including K2 which can lead to dangerous behavior. We want to support our hardworking correction officers who put their lives on the line by passing legislation that enhances their safety and helps them receive mental health treatment if they need it,” said Senator David Valesky.

“Across New York correction officers walk the toughest beat in America. The shocking numbers in this report are likely not a surprise to any of them who face the threat of assault on a daily basis. The IDC will continue to work towards finding solutions that protect these hard working men and women,” said Senator Diane Savino.

“This ‘Corrections Without Protections’ report makes plain the troubling dangers correction officers confront on a daily basis. During Correctional Officers Week, we rededicate our collective efforts to standing with correction officers and NYSCOPBA to ensure safety in facilities, provide support, and Improve training. ‘New York's Boldest’ deserve safe workplaces alongside all New York workers,”  said Senator Jesse Hamilton.

“Correction officers perform a difficult and dangerous job day in and day out. Every day, the job gets tougher and tougher and officers’ safety is continually put at risk. As this report shows, that level of risk is only growing with the rise of contraband and assaults in the corrections system. Our state needs to take immediate action and protect our corrections officers by passing the legislation being put forward by the IDC in this report. I proudly stand behind this legislation and the resolution proclaiming this week as Correctional Officers Week,” said Senator Tony Avella.

In addition to assaults on staff, the report also found an increase in inmate on inmate assaults, peaking in 2016 at 1,134 assaults from a low of 603 in 2009. These assaults included fights between two inmates and large-scale assaults involving over 100 inmates.

During the same period in which assaults increased, an increase in contraband seized by correctional workers was also found. These seizures include a significant rise in the amount of the synthetic drug K2 found in prisons, which is believed to cause uncontrollable inmate behavior when used. The IDC report found that since 2012 K2 confiscations jumped from just three confiscations to 1,247 in 2015. Previous reports from Senator Klein and the IDC found that the products were easily available on the internet and in neighborhood stores.

Senator Klein urged the passage of his legislation to create a state analog act to criminalize substances that are substantially similar to illegal drugs to stem the tide of their entrance into the prison system.

The injuries received from such assaults often result in workers compensation claims that cost state millions of dollars. In its report, the IDC found that the increase in workers compensation claims coincided with the increase in assaults.

	2011-2012	2012-13	2013-14	2014-15	2015-16
Correction Officer	3167	3089	3487	3729	3931
Correction Sergeant	202	217	227	258	298
CO Spanish Language	n/a	13	16	21	50
Totals	3369	3319	3730	4008	4279

From a fiscal standpoint, the amount of workers compensation claims has increased from $16.6 million in 2011-2012 to $19.1 million in 2015-2016, with taxpayers footing the bill.

The release of the report coincided with the introduction of a resolution proclaiming May 7 – 13, 2017 Correctional Officers Week by Senator David Carlucci.

MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO AND MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE THE RETURN OF THE GRAMMY® AWARDS TO NEW YORK AFTER A 15-YEAR HIATUS

The 60th Anniversary of Music's Biggest Night® Will Take Place at Madison Square Garden on January 28th, 2018

New York City will reap an estimated $200 million in economic benefit as host city for the marquee awards show

  After 15 years, the GRAMMY^® Awards are at long last returning to New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio and Media & Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin announced today along with Recording Academy President Neil Portnow, MSG Chairman James Dolan, and CBS Chairman and CEO Leslie Moonves. The prestigious music awards show will celebrate its 60^th anniversary on January 28, 2018, and air on CBS.

“It is incredibly exciting that ‘Music’s Biggest Night’ will return to the world’s greatest city,” said New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. “Playing host to the music industry’s marquee awards show is a unique creative, artistic and economic boon to the rich cultural fabric of our city. We welcome the GRAMMY^® Awards back to New York City with open arms and we look forward to continuing to partner with the music industry that supports access and empowerment in the arts.” 

“After a year of negotiations, it is extremely gratifying to announce that the Grammys are coming back to New York to celebrate their 60^th anniversary,” said NYC Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin. “The Grammys are not only ‘Music's Biggest Night,’ they generate an estimated $200 million boost to our City's economy. As the birthplace of salsa in East Harlem, hip hop in the Bronx and punk rock in the East Village, it's a fitting return to the City that gets the whole world dancing.”

  

The GRAMMY^® awards were last in New York in 2003. Since then the awards show has remained ensconced in the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Relocating the GRAMMY^® Awards to New York involved bridging a significant cost differential which the Mayor’s Office of Media & Entertainment achieved by facilitating contributions from host committee members, in-kind advertising, sponsors and cost savings from labor.

As the music capital of the world, New York City is a fitting choice to host the 60^th Anniversary of the GRAMMY awards.  It is the birthplace and incubator of so many of music’s most popular genres – from salsa music in East Harlem to disco in midtown, from punk rock in the East Village to hip hop in the Bronx.  The city continues to be at the forefront of music innovation with 72 digital music companies – more than San Francisco and Los Angeles combined.

It is an opportune time for the GRAMMY^® Awards to return to New York City. The Mayor’s Office of Media Entertainment recently released a first of its kind study demonstrating the music industry’s critical role in the New York City economy. The report, prepared by the Boston Consulting Group, found that the City’s $21 billion music economy is the most robust and diverse musical ecosystem in the world. The City’s top music venues sold 5.4 million tickets in 2015 – more than Los Angeles, Chicago, and Nashville combined. According to the study, music-related jobs and wages in New York City are growing at an annual rate of 4 and 7 percent – outpacing the City’s overall job growth.

As the home of the 2018 GRAMMY^® Awards, New York will be the host not just of the Grammy Awards itself but of a week’s worth of events leading up to the telecast.  This will include annual celebrations like the MusiCares Person of the Year Tribute and Clive Davis Pre-GRAMMY^® Gala as well as a series of music-related public events leading up to the awards.  Proceeds generated from these events will add to the $400 to $500 million in annual revenue spent by tourists on the City’s music-related events. To commemorate the Grammys 2018 return, the City together with the Recording Academy, commissioned “Welcome to New York City of Music,” a promotional video directed by Spike Lee which will also be released today.

The effort to secure the GRAMMY Awards was made possible through the support of a host committee chaired by Commissioner Julie Menin and co-chaired by Lynn McMahon, Managing Director of Media & Entertainment for North America for Accenture. That committee includes: Adidas, Rudin Management Company, Local One IATSE, the Partnership for New York City, Downtown Music Publishing/NY is Music, NYC & Co. and Town Residential.

The City also thanks the following additional entities and individuals who assisted in this effort: Jonathan Tisch, Citigroup, Glassnote Entertainment Group, New York City Football Club, Spotify, Blackstone Entertainment, Billboard Magazine and New York City Central Labor Council.

About the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment encompasses the key economic and creative sectors of film, TV, theater, music, advertising, publishing, digital content and real estate as it relates to these industries. In total, these sectors account for over 305,000 jobs, and an economic output of $104 billion. The office promotes New York City as a thriving center of creativity, issuing permits for productions filming on public property, and facilitating production throughout the five boroughs. It also oversees NYC Media, the largest municipal broadcasting entity in the country including five television stations and a radio station with a reach of 18 million households in a 50-mile radius.