A DOZEN CITY & STATE ELECTED OFFICIALS ANNOUNCE THEIR ENDORSEMENT OF JUMAANE WILLIAMS FOR NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE

  New York City Council Member Jumaane Williams (D-Brooklyn) today announced that his campaign to become the city's next Public Advocate has received endorsements from a dozen local Council Members, Assembly Members and State Senators. The announcement comes after the current Public Advocate, Letitia James, won her election on Tuesday to become New York State's Attorney General-elect.

"We witnessed history this week with the election of our state's first black woman Attorney General, and I am honored to be endorsed as her successor by so many of my colleagues in government," said Jumaane. "Since announcing my intention to run for Public Advocate several weeks ago, I've had many conversations with activists, elected officials, community leaders and organizations, and have received an incredible outpour of support. As we continue to build out our campaign's infrastructure and gear up for a special election, I look forward to meeting with New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs to share my vision of becoming a Public Advocate for the people."

The elected officials who today announced their endorsements of Williams' campaign include:

NEW YORK STATE SENATE

State Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has been a fearless leader in government who has worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of New York. I've seen that first hand, working beside him to take on many issues within our shared community, like fighting for affordable housing, better schools and safer streets. I'm excited by the prospect of working with him as our city's next Public Advocate."

State Senator James Sanders Jr. (D-Queens) said, "New Yorkers need a Public Advocate who will fight for more affordable housing, safer streets, improved public safety and better schools. I've served with Jumaane in the Council and have seen him tackle these hard issues head on. His background has well positioned him to be an extremely effective Public Advocate, so I am proud to support him in this race." 

NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY

Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has proven to be a bold and progressive leader who fights for justice, inclusion, equity and more for the people of Brooklyn and beyond. It has been a privilege to work with him to advance a truly progressive agenda in the city and state, and I am proud to endorse him as our next Public Advocate-- the People's Advocate."

Assembly Member Walter Mosley (D-Brooklyn) said, "New York City needs a Public Advocate who will stand up for all of us, that's why I'm supporting my friend and colleague, Jumaane Williams. Jumaane has been a fierce activist for tenants and has been on the front lines pf criminal justice reform. He's never wavered from a fight, no matter how big. Over the years, I have worked hand in hand with Jumaane on issues affecting residents in Brooklyn, and I know that he is the right person to continue this work as our city's next Public Advocate."

Assembly Member Diana Richardson (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane Williams has a proven track record that speaks for itself. He has made a substantial impact on our city by lifting the voices of unheard New Yorkers and advancing reforms that bring transformational change to Brooklynites and New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs. He is the activist elected official we need as New York's next Public Advocate, and I am proud to endorse his grassroots campaign."

Assembly Member Helene Weinstein (D-Brooklyn) said, "Our city's government requires a strong and vocal Public Advocate, and Jumaane has proven his ability to be both. He is an effective legislator and uses his role as an activist to raise the voices of underserved communities. I have worked closely with him and seen him demonstrate a concern and improve the quality of life for constituents throughout our overlapping districts. He is the Public Advocate we need"

Assembly Member Jamie Williams (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane is one of a kind. I admire his dedication to his constituency and the democratic ideals of which our country is founded on. I know that Jumaane is always on the front lines advocating and crusading for those who can't; even while his safety may be in jeopardy. Jumaane is the person who will be there fighting the good fight for the ideals that are fair and just; making sure that the citizens of New York City are not being taken advantage of. If there is one person who embodies the ideals of the quintessential Public Advocate that is and will always be Jumaane Williams. The success he brought to the 45th Council District as a distinguished member of the City Council will only help further his successes as the Public Advocate. I can think of no one better and nor would I want to have anyone else there to insure the protection of New York City as the Public Advocate." 

Assembly Member-elect Mathylde Frontus (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane is an activist elected official who has worked relentlessly to advocate for the people of this city. His bold leadership is exactly what we need as our city's next Public Advocate, and I'm excited to endorse his grassroots campaign."

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL

New York City Council Majority Leader Laurie A. Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) said,"For over a decade, Jumaane has been a tremendous advocate for working families and communities in Brooklyn and across all five boroughs of New York City. He has been a passionate and effective leader fighting for criminal justice reform, affordable housing, and better wages to build safer and stronger communities. He's a true partner and activist elected official in our communities and he's the candidate New Yorkers should elect as our city's next Public Advocate."

New York City Council Member Ben Kallos (D-Manhattan) said, "Advocates make the best elected officials because you know what they believed in then and what they will fight for now. I can't imagine a better Public Advocate than Jumaane Williams who has been fighting for tenants and marginalized communities for his entire life."

New York City Council Member I. Daneek Miller (D-Queens) said, "Jumaane Williams has cemented his status as a champion of the people by virtue of his advocacy and many legislative accomplishments over his nine years at the City Council. I proudly support his candidacy, and look forward to working with him on behalf of our City's working families and communities of color."

New York City Council Member Antonio Reynoso (D-Brooklyn) said, "Jumaane has long been an passionate advocate for the people of New York City, in his activism and in the Council. He is a tireless collaborator who uses every tool he has to take on issues, and brings everyone to the table to help develop solutions that work for all. I know that this is the kind of passionate spirit and expertise that he'll bring to as our next Public Advocate."

NYCHA Town Hall Hosted by Lisa Evers - Tonight

Thursday, November 8 at 6:30 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm), Lisa Evers of HOT97/Fox 5 is hosting a Street Soldiers Town  Hall Event: “NYCHA State of Emergency: What’s Changed?” at BronxWorks Pyramid Community Center.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Conviction Of Radio Talk Show Host Craig Carton For Securities And Wire Fraud

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction of CRAIG CARTON for securities fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit those offenses.  CARTON’s co-defendant, Michael Wright, pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron in September 2018 for his participation in the scheme.  CARTON is scheduled to be sentenced on February 27, 2018, at 4 p.m. by Chief U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon, who presided over the one-week trial.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Radio personality Craig Carton solicited investments for his ticket buying scheme by touting his show business contacts and ability to buy blocks of tickets to live events such as Metallica, Barbra Streisand, and others, and sell them for a profit on the secondary ticket market. As a unanimous Manhattan jury has found, Carton was all talk.  Carton fabricated contracts for blocks of tickets and spent the almost $7 million he collected from investors on gambling and personal expenses.  We commend the jury for seeing through Carton’s blatant lies, and holding him responsible for his Ponzi-like scheme. Today’s verdict is a win for investors; lying to them is a federal crime.”

As set forth in the Complaint, Indictment, and the evidence presented at trial:

CARTON and another individual (“CC-1”) worked together to induce investors to provide them with millions of dollars, based on representations that the investor funds would be used to purchase blocks of tickets to concerts, which would then be re-sold on the secondary market.  CARTON and CC-1 purportedly had access to those blocks of tickets based on agreements that CC-1 had with a company that promotes live music and entertainment events (the “Concert Promotion Company”) and that CARTON had with a company that operates two arenas in the New York metropolitan area (the “Sports and Entertainment Company”).  In fact, neither the Concert Promotion Company nor the Sports and Entertainment Company had any such agreement with CARTON, Wright, CC-1, or any entity associated with them.  After receiving the investor funds, CARTON, Wright, and CC-1 misappropriated those funds, using them to, among other things, pay personal debts and repay prior investors as part of a Ponzi-like scheme.   

In the fall of 2016, CARTON, Wright, and CC-1 exchanged emails and text messages regarding their existing debts.  On September 5, 2016, for example, Wright emailed CARTON and CC-1, “for the sake of our conversation tomorrow,” and outlined “the debt past due and due next week.”  Wright listed several apparent creditors, to whom he, CC-1, and/or CARTON were personally indebted for over a million dollars.  Wright listed eight possible options for repaying the debt, including “Run to Costa Rica, change name, and start life all over again – may not be an option.”  CARTON responded to Wright and CC-1, stating “don’t forget I have $1m coming tomorrow from ticket investor[.]  will need to be discussed how to handle.”  On September 7, 2016, CARTON emailed Wright and CC-1, referenced a potential investor (“Investor-1”) in an upcoming holiday concert tour, and suggested “borrow[ing] against projected profits” on that investment. 

Later in the fall of 2016, CARTON began negotiating with a hedge fund (the “Hedge Fund”) regarding a transaction in which the Hedge Fund would extend CARTON capital to finance CARTON’s purchase of event tickets, which CARTON would then re-sell at a profit.  In early December 2016, CC-1 texted CARTON and Wright and discussed using the Hedge Fund’s capital “to repay debts,” and not for the purchase of tickets. 

The next day, December 7, 2016, CARTON emailed the Hedge Fund five agreements between (i) CC-1 and a company controlled by CC-1 (the “CC-1 Entity”) and (ii) the Concert Promotion Company.  In each of the purported agreements, the Concert Promotion Company agreed to sell the CC-1 Entity up $10 million worth of tickets to different concert tours.  However, as alleged, these agreements were fraudulent and had not, in fact, been entered into by the Concert Promotion Company.

The following day, the Hedge Fund and CARTON executed the revolving loan agreement (the “Revolving Loan Agreement”), under which the Hedge Fund agreed to provide CARTON with up to $10 million, for the purpose of funding investments in the purchase of tickets for events.  The Revolving Loan Agreement provided, in sum and substance, that the proceeds of the loan would be used only to purchase tickets pursuant to agreements for the acquisition of tickets, including the agreements with the Concert Promotion Company and for limited business expenses.  The Hedge Fund would receive a share of the profits from the resale of the tickets.

The Hedge Fund then sent $700,000 to the CC-1 Entity to finance the purchase of tickets pursuant to the agreements between the CC-1 Entity and the Concert Promotion Company.  CC-1, however, then sent this money to a bank account controlled by Wright, who then, on December 12, sent $200,000 to CARTON’s personal bank account (the “CARTON Bank Account”), which CARTON then wired to a casino.  Also on December 12, Wright sent another $500,000 to an individual who had previously lent CARTON $500,000, which was due to be repaid that day.

Later in December 2016, the Hedge Fund sent an additional $1.9 million to the CC-1 Entity, to finance the purchase of tickets pursuant to agreements between the CC-1 Entity and the Concert Promotion Company.  Once again, the Concert Promotion Company had not entered into any such agreements.  CC-1, Wright, and CARTON engaged in text messages regarding the disposition of these funds.  Some of the money was used by CC-1 to repay two individuals who had previously invested with CC-1 in a related scheme involving the purported investment in the resale of tickets, and by CARTON to pay casinos and to pay Investor-1 a purported return on an earlier investment in a ticket-related venture.

CARTON also induced the Hedge Fund to wire $2 million to the Sports and Entertainment Company, based purportedly on an agreement he had with the Sports and Entertainment Company (the “Sports and Entertainment Company Agreement”).  The Sports and Entertainment Company Agreement purportedly gave an entity controlled by CARTON (the “CARTON Entity”) the right to purchase $2 million of tickets to concerts at one of the venues operated by the Sports and Entertainment Company.  CARTON, among other things, sent the Hedge Fund a copy of the Sports and Entertainment Company Agreement that purportedly had been signed by the chief executive officer of the Sports and Entertainment Company.  However, this agreement was fraudulent and had never been entered into by the Sports and Entertainment Company or signed by the chief executive officer. 

On December 20, 2016, when the Hedge Fund wired the $2 million to the Sports and Entertainment Company, CARTON contacted the Sports and Entertainment Company and told them, in sum and substance, that the wire had been sent in error and should be sent to the bank account for an entity operated by CARTON and Wright, for which Wright is the signatory.  After the money was rewired to that account, Wright wired $966,000 to Wright’s personal bank account and $700,000 to the CARTON Bank Account.  CARTON then wired approximately $188,000 from the CARTON Bank Account, including at least $133,000 in wires to several casinos.

CARTON, 49, of New York, New York, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and wire fraud, one count of wire fraud, and one count of securities fraud.  The conspiracy count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The securities fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $5 million, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  The wire fraud count carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense.  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. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the Boston Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which has filed civil charges against CARTON and CC-1 in a separate action. 

Two Men Found Guilty Of Wire Fraud And Money Laundering In Connection With Telemarketing Fraud Scheme Targeting The Elderly

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York announced that ANDREW OWIMRIN, a/k/a “Andrew Owens,” a/k/a “Jonathan Stewart,” and SHAHRAM KETABCHI, a/k/a “Steve Ketabchi,” were found guilty today in Manhattan federal court of conspiring to commit wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering in connection with a telemarketing scheme.  OWIMRIN and KETABCHI were convicted following 12-day trial before United States District Judge Sidney H. Stein.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Andrew Owimrin and Shahram Ketabchi conspired to target and victimize elderly people through aggressive and deceptive telemarketing.  The various so-called investment opportunities were really just variations on fraudulent schemes to steal investors’ money.  Now Owimrin and Ketabchi await sentencing for their crimes.”

According to the Superseding Indictment, other filings in Manhattan federal court, and the evidence presented at trial:

Beginning in at least October 2013 through March 21, 2017, OWIMRIN and KETABCHI worked for telemarketing companies (the “Telemarketing Companies”) that engaged in a fraudulent scheme (the “Telemarketing Scheme”), by which they promised to earn victims (the “Victims”) money in exchange for particular Victims making an initial cash “investment” in business development, website design, grant applications, or tax preparation services.  Many Victims, the majority of whom are over 70 years old, “invested” thousands of dollars with the Telemarketing Companies, but did not earn any of the promised returns.  When Victims sought refunds, or fought credit card charges, the Telemarketing Companies provided explanations and documentation to the credit card companies falsely representing that the Victims had received the promised services.  OWIMRIN worked as a sales representative for two of the Telemarketing Companies, Olive Branch Marketing and A1 Business Consultants.  KETABCHI, who worked for A1 Business Consultants, was responsible for, among other things, the submission of false documentation to the credit card companies in order to challenge the Victims’ attempts to recover their funds.

Thirteen other individuals have been convicted in connection with this case:

Defendant Name	Companies	Count(s) of Conviction
Arash Ketabchi	A1 Business Consultants, Elevated Business Consultants, Element Business Services	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
William Sinclair	Olive Branch Marketing, Paramount Business Solutions	Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))
Michael Finocchiaro	Olive Branch Marketing, Paramount Business Solutions	Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)) Narcotics Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Joseph McGowan	Carlyle Management Group, Vanguard Business Solutions	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
Christopher Wilson	Olive Branch Marketing, Paramount Business Solutions, CTO Consulting	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
Jack Kavner	Carlyle Management Group, Vanguard Business Solutions	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
Daniel Quirk	Carlyle Management Group, Vanguard Business Solutions	Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)) Narcotics Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Peter DiQuarto	Elenchus Business Services Harbinger Capital	Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1343, 1349) Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h)) Narcotics Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. § 846)
Thomas O’Reilly	CTO Consulting	Obstruction of Justice (18 U.S.C. § 1519)
Raymond Quiles	Prestige Worldwide	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
Brooke Marcus	First Trend Tri-Star Elite Business Services	Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)
Anthony Medeiros	Virtual Business Plus	Narcotics Conspiracy (21 U.S.C. §§ 846) Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)

OWIMRIN, 29, of Hackensack, New Jersey, and KETABCHI, 47, of Rancho Santa Margarita, California, were each convicted of one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiring to commit money laundering, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  OWIMRIN and KETABCHI are scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Stein on February 12, 2019, at 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., respectively.

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. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department. 

The prosecution is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Kiersten A. Fletcher, Robert B. Sobelman, and Benet J. Kearney are in charge of the prosecution. 

If you believe to have been a victim of the telemarketing companies listed above, including a victim entitled to restitution, and you wish to provide information to law enforcement and/or receive notice of future developments in the case or additional information, please contact Wendy Olsen-Clancy, the Victim Witness Coordinator at the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, at 866-874-8900. You may also report it to Detective Christopher Bastos at 917-480-7167 or christopher.bastos@nypd.org

Heroin Supplier Convicted After Jury Trial In White Plains Federal Court

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that LEIBYS MERCEDES was found guilty today of conspiring to distribute heroin.  A unanimous jury convicted MERCEDES after a four-day trial before United States District Judge Kenneth M. Karas. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As proven at trial, Leibys Mercedes contributed to the rising tide of heroin that is plaguing Westchester County and its vicinity.  The verdict should send a message to criminals who seek to profit by flooding our community’s streets with lethal drugs.”

According to court documents and the evidence at trial:

From January 2017 up to July 2017, LEIBYS MERCEDES, a/k/a “Celly,” conspired to distribute 100 grams and more of heroin.  MERCEDES supplied heroin to other dealers in the Yonkers area.

MERCEDES, 37, of the Bronx, New York, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute heroin, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and a mandatory minimum terms of five years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge. 

MERCEDES is scheduled to be sentenced on April 9, 2018, before Judge Karas.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding work of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Westchester Resident Office and the Narcotics Unit of the City of Yonkers Police Department.

Akayed Ullah Convicted In Manhattan Federal Court For Detonation Of A Bomb In New York City

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and John C. Demers, the Assistant Attorney General for National Security, announced that a jury returned a guilty verdict today against AKAYED ULLAH in Manhattan federal court on all six counts of the Indictment, which charged him with offenses related to the detonation of a bomb in a subway station near the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City on December 11, 2017.  ULLAH, who faces a possible sentence of life in prison, is scheduled to be sentenced on April 5, 2019, by the Honorable Richard J. Sullivan, who presided over the one-week trial. 

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Late last year, Akayed Ullah detonated a bomb during the bustle of morning rush hour under the Port Authority Bus Terminal.  Ullah’s sinister purpose was to harm and terrorize as many innocent people in his path as possible, by using deadly violence to make a political statement.  Ullah’s conviction by a unanimous jury of New Yorkers falls on Election Day, which fittingly underscores the core principles of American democracy and spirit:  Americans engage in the political process through votes, not violence.  Today, Ullah stands convicted, he faces a potential life sentence, and his purpose failed.  New York City remains a shining symbol of freedom and hope.”

Assistant Attorney General John C. Demers said:  “Less than a year ago, Ullah constructed a pipe bomb and detonated it in a mass transit hub in the heart of New York City to harm and terrorize as many people as possible, all on behalf of ISIS.  His crime reminds us that the threat of radical Islamist terrorism remains real.  This guilty verdict holds Ullah accountable, and he faces a potential life term in federal prison for his crimes.  I want to thank all the agents and prosecutors whose outstanding work made this result possible.”

As set forth in the Complaint, Indictment, and the evidence presented at trial:

Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham

ISIS is a foreign terrorist organization based in the Middle East and Africa whose publicly stated purpose is the establishment of an Islamic state or caliphate based in the Middle East and Africa that encompasses all Muslims worldwide.  ISIS has pursued the objective of an Islamic state through, among other things, killing and deliberate targeting of civilians, mass executions, persecution of individuals and communities on the basis of their religion, nationality, or ethnicity, kidnapping of civilians, forced displacement of Shia communities and minority groups, killing and maiming of children, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.  ISIS has recruited thousands of foreign fighters from across the globe to assist with its efforts to expand its so-called caliphate in Iraq, Syria, and other locations in Africa and the Middle East, and has leveraged technology to spread its violent extremist ideology and for incitement to commit terrorist acts.

The December 11, 2017 Attack

On December 11, 2017, at approximately 7:20 a.m., ULLAH detonated an improvised explosive device (“IED”) inside a subway terminal (the “Subway Terminal”) in or around the New York Port Authority Bus Terminal located at West 42nd Street and Eighth Avenue in New York, New York (the “December 11 Attack”).  Shortly after the blast, members of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Department (“PAPD”) located ULLAH lying on the ground in the vicinity of the explosion.  Surveillance footage captured ULLAH walking through the Subway Terminal and detonating his IED. 

ULLAH was taken into custody by law enforcement.  During the course of ULLAH’s arrest, law enforcement officers located on his person and in the surrounding area components of an exploded pipe bomb (the “Pipe Bomb”).  Specifically, law enforcement located, among other items, (i) a nine-volt battery inside ULLAH’s pants pocket; (ii) wires connected to the battery and running underneath ULLAH’s jacket; (iii) two plastic zip ties underneath ULLAH’s jacket; (iv) several fragments of a metal pipe, including pieces of a metal end cap, on the ground; (v) the remnants of a Christmas tree lightbulb attached to wires; (vi) metal screws; and (vii) pieces of plastic zip ties, among other items.

After ULLAH was taken into custody, he was transferred to Bellevue Hospital, where he made statements to law enforcement officers after waiving his Miranda rights.  During that interview, ULLAH stated, among other things, the following:  

• ULLAH constructed the Pipe Bomb and carried out the December 11 Attack.  ULLAH was inspired by ISIS to carry out the December 11 Attack, and stated, among other things, “I did it for the Islamic State.”
• ULLAH constructed the Pipe Bomb at his residence in Brooklyn (“the Residence”).
• The Pipe Bomb was composed of a metal pipe, which ULLAH filled with explosive material that he created.  ULLAH used Christmas tree lights, wires, and a nine-volt battery as a trigger to detonate the Pipe Bomb.  ULLAH filled the Pipe Bomb with metal screws, which he believed would cause maximum damage.  ULLAH used zip ties to secure the Pipe Bomb to his body.
• ULLAH carried out the December 11 Attack in part because of the United States Government’s policies in, among other places, the Middle East.  One of ULLAH’s goals in carrying out the December 11 Attack was to terrorize as many people as possible.  He chose to carry out the attack on a work day because he believed that there would be more people present.
• ULLAH’s radicalization began no later than approximately 2014.  ULLAH viewed pro-ISIS materials online, including a video instructing, in substance, that if supporters of ISIS were unable to travel overseas to join ISIS, they should carry out attacks in their homelands.  He began researching how to build IEDs on the Internet approximately one year prior to the attack.
• On the morning of December 11, 2017, shortly before carrying out the attack, ULLAH posted a statement on his Facebook account referring to the President of the United States, stating, in substance, “Trump you failed to protect your nation.”  ULLAH also posted a statement that he believed would be understood by members and supporters of ISIS to convey that ULLAH carried out the attack in the name of ISIS.

Items Recovered from ULLAH’s Residence

On December 11, 2017, law enforcement agents searched the Residence pursuant to a judicially authorized search warrant.  Law enforcement agents recovered, among other items, (i) multiple pieces of metal pipes; (ii) pieces of wire and fragments of Christmas tree lights; (iii) multiple screws consistent with the screws recovered at the scene of the December 11 Attack; and (iv) a passport in ULLAH’s name with multiple handwritten notations, including: “O AMERICA, DIE IN YOUR RAGE.” 

ULLAH, 28, of Brooklyn, New York, was convicted of one count of provision of material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; one count of using and attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of bombing and attempting to bomb a place of public use, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison; one count of destruction of property by means of fire or explosives, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a potential maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, the use and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction, which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 30 years in prison and potential maximum of life, all in connection with ULLAH’s alleged detonation of an explosive device in New York City.

 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 Judge Sullivan.

Mr. Berman and Mr. Demers praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and the PAPD.  ULLAH’s conviction is the result of the close cooperative efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force – which consists of law enforcement officers of the FBI, NYPD, HSI, PAPD, and other agencies – and the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Security Division.

100 PERCENT - How Did We Do With Our Election Day Predictions?

100 Percent Election Day Recap

  So how did we do with our Election Day predictions? 

  First, we said there would be no surprises in the Bronx on Election Day, and there were none. All incumbent elected officials won, and almost all with percentages of over 90 percent. 

 There were no upsets in either the 14th Congressional or 34th State Senate districts, and all three ballot proposals passed by large margins. 

 The problem with the ballot scanning machines has been around since they first came into use. 

  Once newly elected New York State Attorney General Letitia James vacates the position of Public Advocate for New York City City Council Speaker Corey Johnson will also become the acting Public Advocate until an election is held to fill the vacant position. We would not be surprised to see Speaker Johnson run for the position of Public Advocate and win. That would then set off a flurry of deal making as to just who would then become the next City Council Speaker. 

  We can't wait for 2019.

BIAGGI BIAGGI BIAGGI

  I was asked by a Bronxnet technician at 8:30 PM last night at Patsy's on Morris Park Avenue what I thought Alessandra Biaggi would receive once the numbers came out. I thought for a while and wrote down the number 78%.. All the votes still have not been counted twenty-four hours later and new State Senator Biaggi has 73.5 %. It was a wonderful day for Senator Biaggi criss crossing the district to make sure voters would see that even in the rain she was there with them. Our best wishes to our new State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. The editor lives in the 34th State Senate District was excited to vote for my new State Senator Alessandra Biaggi. 

  By the way newly elected Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez received 78 % of the vote in the 14th Congressional District, and Patsy's is in the 14th Congressional District. 

Above - New State Senator Alessandra Biaggi speaks at her victory party.

Below - State Senator Biaggi is being  interviewed by the News 12 reporter.