2 South L.A. Men Indicted on Federal Charges of Robbing Undercover Secret Service Agent during Counterfeit Money Investigation

  A federal grand jury this afternoon returned an indictment that charges two men in a scheme to rob an undercover agent with the United States Secret Service at gunpoint under the pretense of selling the law enforcement officer counterfeit money.

Richard Taron Henderson, aka “Profit,” 22, and Tyre Jordan Simmons, aka “Reckless,” also 22, were named today in a six-count indictment that alleges one transaction involving counterfeit United States currency and an armed robbery of the undercover agent.

Both men are charged with conspiracy, robbery, assaulting a federal officer with a deadly weapon, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Henderson is further charged with dealing counterfeit money, and Simmons is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The indictment alleges an October 18, 2017 incident in which Henderson allegedly sold 250 counterfeit $20 Federal Reserve Notes as part of a Secret Service investigation into the trafficking of counterfeit money.

As the investigation continued, Henderson allegedly negotiated a deal to sell $40,000 in counterfeit money. However, according to the indictment, the deal was a pretense to rob the undercover agent who was attempting to purchase the counterfeit money.

On March 26, Henderson arranged the meeting in South Los Angeles and prepared for it by stuffing clothes into a duffel bag to make it appear that the bag was filled with counterfeit money, according to the indictment. Henderson dispatched Simmons to meet with the undercover agent. During the meeting, Simmons allegedly produced a Taurus 9mm handgun, pointed it in the face of the undercover agent and robbed him of $4,500 in genuine United States currency and the keys to the undercover USSS vehicle. In committing the robbery, Henderson and Simmons put the life of the undercover agent in jeopardy by using a dangerous weapon.

Simmons, who was convicted of robbery in the Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2016, allegedly was a felon in possession of a firearm during the robbery.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

Simmons is scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment on April 19, and Henderson’s arraignment is set for the following day. Henderson and Simmons were previously arrested in this case pursuant to a criminal complaint, and Simmons remains in custody without bond.

If they were to be convicted, Henderson would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years for the counterfeit money charge. Both defendants would face up to 50 years for the charges related to the alleged robbery, plus a mandatory seven-year sentence related to the use of the firearm. And, Simmons would face up to 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This investigation is being conducted by the United States Secret Service.

Two Individuals Charged For Robbery And Carjacking

  SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On April 11, 2018, a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Eddie Ruiz-Vélez, a state correctional officer, and Yissette Burgos-Santiago, for interference with commerce by robbery, and using and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence. Ruiz-Vélez is also facing one count for carjacking, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. The FBI is in charge of the investigation of the case and arrested both defendants without incident.

On January 21, 2018, Ruiz-Vélez and Burgos-Santiago, aided and abetted by others, planned and robbed a Chinese restaurant in the municipality of Yauco, PR. Burgos-Santiago was an employee of the Chinese restaurant. The defendants unlawfully took approximately $1,200  U.S. currency, from and in the presence of persons, against their will by means of actual and threatened force, violence, and fear of injury, immediate and future, to their person.

On that same date, Ruiz-Vélez, aiding and abetting others, with the intent to cause death or serious bodily harm took a 2010 Hyundai Elantra that had been transported, shipped, and received in interstate or foreign commerce, from and in the presence of a male victim by force, violence, and intimidation while carrying and  brandishing a firearm.

If convicted, the defendants face from seven years to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The charges and allegations in the indictment are merely accusations; all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

New York Hispanic Clergy Organization Annual Banquet 2018

    Today was the Annual New York Hispanic Clergy Organization 2018 Annual Banquet. The five Honorees were Revsa Meily De Olmo, Rev. Oscar Giron,Licda. Maria Lusia Tifa De Wally, Rev. Dr. Fermin Medina Colon, and Rev. Roberto Lopez. The elected officials that were in attendance included Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr. (who also was the Master of Ceremonies), New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. New York City Council members Fernando Cabrera and Rafael Salamanca, and New York State Assembly members Marcos Crespo, Victor Pichardo, and Luis Sepulveda.

   The Banquet was opened by Councilman Reverend Ruben Diaz Sr. who had control of the event until it ended almost two hours afterwards. It was nice to see both New York Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli heap praise on the Hispanic Clergy and now Councilman Rev. Diaz Sr. At times Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. seemed to be giving a campaign for Mayor speech, by saying the many things that could be considered problem areas for the current Mayor. However if it was a warm up campaign speech the BP needs to put more meat into it. It is now less than two weeks away from the special election to fill the vacant seat of former State Senator Rev. Diaz Sr., and Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda was right on target with his speech to the clergy. Bronx Democratic County Leader Marcos Crespo gave what I thought was the most heated speech, as Crespo's speech reminded me of those I had seen on television of former Cuba Dictator Fidel Castro. Crespo paced back and forth, turning at times, and I was waiting for him to take off his shoe and bang it on the podium. After he spoke Crespo had to wipe the constant sweat pouring down his forehead. The photos below will tell the rest of the story.

Above - Ms. Evelyn Pichardo Sings the National Anthem.

Below - Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. speaks about some of the problems in New York City today.

Above - Lieutenant governor Kathy Hochul walks into the Banquet room.

Below - Councilman Diaz Sr. introduces the Lieutenant Governor.

Above - Councilman Fernando Cabrera.

Below - Assemblyman Luis Sepulveda.

Above - Assemblyman Marcos Crespo.

Below - Honoree Revsa Meily De Olmo

Above - Honoree Rev. Roberto Lopez.

Below - Honoree Rev. Dr. Fermin Medina Colon

NEWS FROM - Cynthia for New York

In Crushing Blow to Cuomo, Working Families Party Endorses Cynthia Nixon for Governor

In a show of rapidly growing support from progressive activists, WFP votes 91.5% in favor of new leadership for New York’s working families

 

  In a show of massive grassroots power, the Working Families Party voted today to formally back Cynthia Nixon as their candidate for governor of New York. An overwhelming 91.5% of state committee members gathered in Albany voted to endorse Cynthia, a major blow to Governor Cuomo and a rejection of his divisive politics that threaten progressive policies and community groups.

“I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Working Families Party and inspired by the enthusiasm of progressive working-class members of the party,” said Cynthia Nixon. “WFP activists and voters are the heart and soul of our movement to make New York a place that belongs to all of us-- a place with great schools for every child, good jobs, health care for all, and an end to mass incarceration. I've been a supporter of the WFP for years. It’s the party that I’ve always looked to as the political home for progressives in New York State, and a source of grassroots muscle for the movement.”

With chapters and thousands of active grassroots supporters in all corners of the state, sealing the endorsement of the Working Families Party will help bring a broad base of support to Cynthia's campaign. After an extended campaign to pressure the party and state committee members to endorse him, on the eve of losing the vote to endorse, Andrew Cuomo withdrew his name from contention, pretending that he never cared about winning the WFP’s support in the first place.  Cuomo's own words and actions have shown that this is an endorsement he badly wanted to win. He is willing to do absolutely anything to win – except act like a real Democrat.

Following the committee meeting, hundreds of members of the Working Families Party welcomed her to accept the nomination to chants of "Sí se puede," vowing to work alongside her to knock doors, organize and win the nomination. Showing stark contrast in excitement  and momentum compared to her opponent, Cynthia happily accepted the nomination to a cheering crowd and spoke of her platform to fight economic, racial, and gender inequality all across New York.

The WFP endorsement caps off a week of five consecutive progressive community organization endorsements, including New York Communities for Change (NYCC), Citizen Action of New York, Make the Road Action, and the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), representing 30 chapters across the state. Today’s endorsement echoes growing discontent among the progressive community with centrist policies and backroom dealings in Albany that leave working-class and communities of color out in the cold.

After the Working Families Party endorsed Cuomo four years ago, he went back on his promises, and his policies proved to exacerbate economic inequality and prioritize corporate donors over the needs of everyday New Yorkers. In the last 24 hours, Cuomo threatened the funding of the WFP and of community organizations who won’t endorse him, a hallmark of his political brand. In the coming months, Cynthia will work with the thousands of activists and members of WFP to grow a political movement to become New York's first woman governor.

Cynthia Nixon Receives Endorsement from New York Progressive Action Network

The State Affiliate of Our Revolution, the Organization Spun Out of Senator Bernie Sanders's 2016 Presidential Campaign, Backs Cynthia

 Democratic candidate for governor Cynthia Nixon was endorsed today by New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), formally committing to work together to advance election reform, racial and social justice, and take on the democratic establishment in the race for New York governor. NYPAN, the main New York State affiliate of Our Revolution, came out of Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign and has grown to 30 chapters and 8 affiliates throughout the state with thousands of grassroots members.

“I am thrilled to receive this endorsement from NYPAN and my fellow New York progressives. I have seen firsthand the hard work NYPAN have been doing to organize for a better, more progressive New York, and stand up to Governor Cuomo's destructive policies by demanding we take big money out of politics once again. I look forward to fighting alongside NYPAN members every single day.

As governor, Cynthia would fight for a progressive agenda in New York by supporting policies to provide health care for all, legalize marijuana, and take corporate money out of politics.  

NYPAN co-chair Traci Strickland stated: “Cynthia Nixon, who, unlike the incumbent, is not an ambitious career politician, is not deterred by Cuomo’s horde of millions of campaign dollars collected almost exclusively from the 1% of corporate polluters, hedge fund billionaires, real estate speculators and other rich special interests. It is so refreshing to back a candidate who is an activist and not a politician, who believes in something other than their own self-interest, and who, like Bernie, will certainly mobilize thousands of enthusiastic voters to rally behind her historic candidacy”.

Engel Wants Seniors to be Aware of New Medicare Cards

  Congressman Eliot Engel wants all Medicare recipients in New York’s 16^th Congressional District to know that they will soon be receiving new Medicare cards in the mail.

To better protect Americans against fraud, Medicare has begun sending beneficiaries new cards that include a unique Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, or Medicare Number. This new number is specific to you, and will replace the Social Security-based Health Insurance Claim Number (HICN) currently listed on your Medicare card.

Americans enrolling in Medicare for the first time will be the first to receive these new cards this month. If you are already enrolled in Medicare, you will be sent your new card at no cost in the coming months. Mailings to New Yorkers will begin after June 2018.

“These new cards are important to keeping our seniors safe from fraud,” Engel said. “I want all Medicare beneficiaries in my district to be aware that these new cards are coming, and that they are not part of a scam. However, seniors should be on alert for scammers looking to capitalize on this change. Seniors do not need to pay for these cards or provide any new information in order to receive them. If anyone has any questions regarding this change or Medicare in general, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.”

For additional questions regarding this change, please visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800 MEDICARE. If you would like to update your mailing address, visit https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ or call 1-800-772-1213.

STATEMENTS FROM CONGRESSMAN ADRIANO ESPAILLAT

STATEMENT ON FEMA DECISION TO VACATE PUERTO RICAN FAMILIES FROM TEMPORARY NEW YORK CITY HOUSING

  Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement in reaction to news that FEMA will immediately cutoff temporary relocation services for nearly 90 families who sought refuge in communities throughout the United States, including in New York City. 

“In the wake of Hurricane Maria, hundreds of residents and families evacuated Puerto Rico and temporarily relocated for refuge in New York City,” said Rep. Espaillat (NY-13). “New York City has consistently stood with our brothers and sisters from Puerto Rico and the surrounding devastated areas to ensure affected families access to FEMA resources and other emergency services dedicated to helping them rebuild their lives.

“My office was just informed that FEMA will evacuate nearly 90 families who received temporary housing throughout New York City following Hurricane Maria, and these families will immediately lose their Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) benefits and be asked to check out of their temporary hotels by April 21st, which is nearly a month sooner than the anticipated cutoff date of May 14th.

“I have reached out to FEMA and will be sending a letter to urge for an extension of the move-out date to allow these affected families a chance to properly transition to long-term housing as they are still reeling with the aftermath and upheaval caused to their daily lives following the storm. 

“Puerto Rico will rebuild and New Yorkers will continue to be there every step along the way. The constant outpour of support to Puerto Rico has been invaluable and our City has stood in solidarity to help individuals and families – our families – repair and rebuild during this critical time in history. Further displacing these individuals, American citizens who have already lost so much, will only setback our efforts and the progress that has been made so far in this road to recovery.”

STATEMENT ON AIRSTRIKES IN SYRIA

  Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on last night’s airstrikes against Syria following reported chemical attack.

“We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis in Syria following last week's chemical attack on Douma,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat, member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. “As a global leader, united with our allies in the U.K. and France, the United States has to move forward in response to Syria's violation of international law committed against innocent civilians. Congress has a critical role in our nation's efforts to develop a clear diplomatic strategy and a response that will put forth a solution to this crisis and end attacks from the Assad regime once and for all. If the Trump Administration wishes to continue our military response, any strategy must be reviewed and authorized by Congress.”

Senator Klein & NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi Host 3rd Annual SUV Stakeholder Reception

Senator Jeff Klein and Jacobi celebrated the success of the Stand Up to Violence program at a stakeholder reception on April 11 and the announcement of $700,000 in funding secured by Senator Klein in this year’s budget. Christopher Mastromano, Chief Executive Officer of NYC Health + Hospitals and Jacobi Hospital, made opening remarks.

The event also honored five individuals whose contributions to the program have helped lead the way on reducing gun violence, including Reverend Dr. Sydney Hargrave, Assistant Chief Fausto Pichardo, Norma Saunders, Officer Jason Soto, Reverend Rabbi Dr. Keith Elijah Thompson.

“The SUV program has had an incredible impact on reducing gun violence in The Bronx. This innovative model has been able to get at the core of where violence comes from and put a preemptive stop to it. I’m proud that I’ve been able to continue to secure the funding needed to continue this program so that we can see further reductions in the future,” said Senator Klein.

“Whether it is a GSW, stabbing, or some other type of assault, Jacobi treats 470 victims of violence every year. That’s more than one, every single day,” says CEO Chris Mastromano. “But through intervention and defusing conflict, our hospital-based program is mitigating the public health crisis that violence has become in our communities.”

The program includes a team of 10 professionals who work together to reduce violence in Bronx communities. Since the start of SUV, gun violence has reduced dramatically in precincts where it has been introduced:

●       43rd Precinct – 42 percent decrease.

●       49th Precinct – 57 percent decrease.

●       47th Precinct – 52 percent decrease.

Above - A group photo of Senator Klein, Pastor Jay Gooding, police officers from the local precincts, and Inspector Griffin of Bronx Borough Command.

Below - Senator Klein address the audience on how important this program is.

Above - Jacobi Hospital CEO Chris Mastromano tells about the decrease in gun shot wounds, but now the increase in stab wounds the hospital is getting.

Below - SUV workers Tokyo and Shariff are on each end with Pastor Gooding and Rabbi Thompson next in, followed by SUV director Erika Mendelsohn and her assistant Drommo.

DOI INVESTIGATION LEADS TO ARREST OF FORMER HUMAN RESOURCES ADMINISTRATION EMPLOYEE AND METROPOLITAN TRANSIT AUTHORITY TRAIN OPERATOR ON CHARGES OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FRAUD

  Mark G. Peters, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the arrest of five individuals for the theft of over $35,500 in public assistance funds, including a former New York City Human Resources Administration (“HRA”) Job Opportunity Specialist and a Metropolitan Transit Authority (“MTA”) New York City Transit (“NYCT”) Train Operator. DOI’s investigation showed that thousands of dollars of public assistance benefits, including housing and food benefits, were funneled to relatives and acquaintances of the HRA employee even though they were otherwise ineligible to receive those benefits. The investigation began after HRA discovered questionable payments processed by the employee and referred the case to DOI. The office of the Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez is prosecuting the case. 

  DOI Commissioner Mark G. Peters said, “As charged, this defendant exploited her position issuing public assistance benefits, instead stealing these funds and doling out cash to her four associates who did not qualify for assistance. In return for this illegal conduct, this former City employee received kickbacks and other benefits; she now faces criminal charges along with her co-defendants who profited off this charged scheme. DOI and its partners will continue to weed out these bad actors who would steal from funds meant to help our City’s most vulnerable.”

 Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “Public assistance programs are a lifeline for many families. This defendant’s alleged actions violated the public trust and we now intend to hold her accountable. It is imperative that taxpayer money is safeguarded and used for the purpose for which it is designated. I remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners to root out schemes such as this that carry a heavy cost over the long term.” 

 DAWN BATSON, 56, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; and Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year’s incarceration.

 BATSON was employed by HRA as a Job Opportunity Specialist from September 2001 and was receiving an annual salary of $42,346 at the time of her termination in March 2014.

 According to the criminal complaints and DOI’s investigation, from December 2003 through February 2013, BATSON was assigned to several HRA Job Centers in Brooklyn processing applications for public assistance benefits, including cash assistance and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) benefits, formerly referred to as food stamps. According to the charges, BATSON used her City position and access to issue certain benefits to her own family and neighborhood friends, including SNAP benefits, utilities, rent, and other housing-related payments, even though those individuals did not qualify for the benefits they received because they did not file the required HRA applications and/or were gainfully employed. In certain instances, BATSON caused rental payments to be made to a fictitious landlord. In some instances, defendants indicated they provided BATSON with payments in cash or other means in exchange for processing the benefits.

 The following individuals were also charged with Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; and Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor for their alleged roles in the scheme. According to the criminal complaints:

 Between July 2007 and July 2011, SEAN BARNWELL, 40, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was fraudulently issued HRA benefits checks on numerous occasions totaling $19,649. DOI found that BARNWELL was issued rental assistance checks as a landlord of several HRA clients when, in fact, he was never their landlord nor did he live with these individuals. In the vast majority of instances where BARNWELL received checks as a landlord, Batson accessed HRA databases to case files at around the same time that the checks were issued to the defendant.

 BARNWELL has been employed by the MTA as a Train Operator since February 2003 and earns an annual base salary of approximately $73,500 a year.

 Between December 2008 and February 2013, TERRY BOURNE, 41 of Brooklyn, N.Y., fraudulently received HRA benefits through BATSON despite BOURNE’s case file missing some or all of the required documentation. BOURNE received $7,324 in fraudulent benefits through Electronic Benefits Transfer (“EBT”) card issuances and checks. The investigation showed BOURNE approached BATSON for help obtaining benefits, and in exchange, gave BATSON her EBT card and PIN to use, and that Batson did so. TERRY BOURNE was also charged with Bribery in the Third Degree, a class D felony.

 The following individuals were charged with Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class E felony; and Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class E felony is punishable by up to 4 years in prison:

 Between January 2010 and September 2010, GIAN HAZEL, 54, of Brooklyn, N.Y., a family member of BATSON’s, conspired with BATSON to fraudulently receive $1,629 in HRA benefits, including rental and other housing assistance.

 Between September 2011 and February 2012, ALLAN BOURNE, 58, of Brooklyn, N.Y., fraudulently received SNAP benefits, cash assistance for utility arrears, and other public assistance benefits. A portion of BOURNE’s public assistance benefits was granted as relief from a fire or other disaster in BOURNE’s household. DOI found, however, that BOURNE’s household never suffered a fire and BOURNE was not homeless, but rather BOURNE paid BATSON $350 to receive the fraudulent HRA benefits and allowed BATSON to use his EBT card. BOURNE was also charged with Bribery in the Third Degree, a class D felony.

 Commissioner Peters thanked the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, Steven Banks, who oversees the Human Resources Administration, and Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, and their staffs, for their cooperation and assistance in this investigation.

 Criminal complaints are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DOI is one of the oldest law-enforcement agencies in the country and New York City’s corruption watchdog. Investigations may involve any agency, officer, elected official or employee of the City, as well as those who do business with or receive benefits from the City. DOI’s strategy attacks corruption comprehensively through systemic investigations that lead to high-impact arrests, preventive internal controls and operational reforms that improve the way the City runs.

Bribery and Corruption are a Trap. Don’t Get Caught Up. Report It at 212-3-NYC-DOI.