Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Free Small Business Forum: How to Respond to Notices & Summonses

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce and OATH

invite you to join us on Friday, November 16th

for A Free Small Business Forum Breakfast:

"How to Respond to

Summonses & Notices of Violation"

 Hosted by Fidel F. Del Valle

Commissioner and Chief Administrative Law Judge

NYC Office of Administrative Trials & Hearings

Friday |  November 16, 2018  |  8:00-10:00 AM

Residence Inn by Marriott

1776 Eastchester Road | Bronx, NY 10461

This event will bring together OATH representatives, as well as representatives from the City's enforcement agencies that issue alleged violations, to discuss some of the most commonly issued summonses and notices, how to avoid violating conditions and how to contest summonses at OATH hearings.

There will be a Q&A session.

A light breakfast will be served.

Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Please RSVP to Phil Cardone or Sashee Rivera By November 13, 2018.

 

 Click here for printable copy of event handout

Click here to download press release

  

 

   

Phil Cardone

Events, Communications & Grants Director

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

"The Network for Business Success"
1200 Waters Place, Suite 106
Bronx, NY 10461 - 718-828-3900

Real Estate Developer Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Defrauding Investors Out Of $58 Million In Years-Long Real Estate Investment Scheme

Michael D’Alessio Also Pled to Making False Claims and Concealing Assets in Connection with His Bankruptcy Case

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that MICHAEL D’ALESSIO pled guilty today to operating a years-long scheme to defraud investors in his luxury real estate development projects in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester, and elsewhere, and to making false claims and concealing assets in connection with his bankruptcy case.  D’ALESSIO pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jesse M. Furman.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Real estate developer Michael D’Alessio admitted today to misappropriating investor funds intended for specific luxury development projects by funneling them into shell accounts he controlled.  In typical Ponzi-like fashion, D’Alessio comingled over $58 million of investor funds and used them to cash out early investors, cover debts, and pay his own personal gambling debts.  When D’Alessio eventually went into bankruptcy, he perpetrated yet another fraud by trying to conceal assets.  Today this fraudster has taken responsibility for his actions and faces time in a considerably less luxurious property – federal prison.”

According to the Indictment, Superseding Information, and statements made in court:           

MICHAEL D’ALESSIO, a real estate developer and general contractor, served as the president and chief executive officer of a real estate investment and development firm specializing in the design, construction, and management of both residential and commercial real estate properties (“Company-1”).  D’ALESSIO and Company-1 developed, and purported to develop, luxury residential real estate properties in Manhattan, the Hamptons, Westchester, and elsewhere.

D’ALESSIO typically followed the same pattern in each real estate investment project:  he sought investments by offering for sale shares in a newly formed limited liability company (“LLC”) named after the location of the parcel of real estate to be developed and sold (the “Target Property”).  In exchange for a purchase of shares in the LLC, D’ALESSIO promised a guaranteed monthly interest payment and a share in the profits from the sale of the Target Property.  In soliciting investors, D’ALESSIO made numerous representations to potential investors, including that investor funds would be used only to develop the relevant Target Property and to cover related business expenses of the relevant LLC.

However, in reality, from at least in or about 2015 through in or about April 2018, D’ALESSIO misappropriated investor funds for his own use and benefit, and made other material misrepresentations.  Upon receiving investor funds, D’ALESSIO typically channeled those funds through a series of bank accounts held in the name of shell companies owned and controlled by D’ALESSIO.  D’ALESSIO then used much of those investor funds for his own benefit, including to pay off debts and prior investors, and to fund significant gambling and other personal expenses.  D’ALESSIO took steps to conceal his fraud, including deceiving investors regarding the progress of various real estate projects and using money raised from investors to make monthly payments to investors in different projects in the manner of a Ponzi scheme.  D’ALESSIO defrauded investors out of approximately $58 million.

In 2018, D’ALESSIO went into involuntary bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of Title 11 of the United States Code.  In connection with this bankruptcy proceeding, captioned In re Michael D’Alessio, No. 18-22552 (Bankr. S.D.N.Y.), D’ALESSIO submitted forms that fraudulently omitted money and property belonging to his estate, and made a false declaration under penalty of perjury concerning his money and property.      

D’ALESSIO, 53, of New York, New York, pled guilty to one count of committing wire fraud, which 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; and one count of concealing assets from a bankruptcy court, which 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.  Sentencing is scheduled for March 22, 2019, at 10:00a.m. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentence for the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Kramer and Daniel G. Nessim are in charge of the prosecution.

Two Men Sentenced In Manhattan Federal Court For Defrauding Investors Of Over $7 Million In Fuel Cell Company Investor Fraud Scheme

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that GEORGE DOUMANIS and EMANUEL PANTELAKIS were sentenced in Manhattan federal court to 53 months and one year and one day in prison, respectively, for defrauding investors in Terminus Energy, Inc., a publicly traded penny stock, of over $7 million.  DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS each pled guilty on December 1, 2017, to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud before U.S. District Judge Andrew L. Carter Jr., who also imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “George Doumanis and Emanuel Pantelakis lured investors for a supposed fuel cell technology they knew was a fiction.  They duped victims into investing over $7 million with misleading documents, and they used more than $1 million of that to pay their own personal expenses.  Today they learned the true price of that kind of criminal deceitfulness.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment filed against DOUMANIS, PANTELAKIS, and their co-conspirator, and statements made in related court filings and proceedings:

From at least February 2008 until at least 2014, DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS, along with their co-conspirator Danny Pratte, who previously pled guilty, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors in the publicly traded company Terminus Energy, Inc. (“Terminus”), by inducing victims to invest in Terminus stock through material misrepresentations and omissions and by misappropriating investor funds for their own purposes.

Terminus was purportedly producing and marketing a commercially viable solid oxide “fuel cell” as an alternative energy source.  DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS sold shares of Terminus to investors through private offerings.  In connection with such sales, DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS provided investors with private placement memorandums (“PPMs”) that contained materially false and misleading statements.  For example, the PPMs falsely stated that (i) Terminus had completed its goal of developing a working fuel cell in mid-2008; (ii) Terminus would use specified investor funds to make payment on third-party development contracts designed to manufacture a working fuel cell; and (iii) Terminus would pay no more than 10 percent in sales commissions.  In truth, and as DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS well knew, (i) there was no working fuel cell; (ii) the third-party contracts had been cancelled after Terminus failed to make payment to the third parties; and (iii) unregistered salespeople were receiving commissions far in excess of 10 percent.  The PPMs also failed to accurately disclose the involvement of either DOUMANIS, who was barred from involvement in penny stocks as a result of a 2003 conviction for conspiracy to commit securities fraud, wire fraud, and mail fraud, or PANTELAKIS, who had been permanently barred by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) following allegations that he had made fraudulent misrepresentations to customers in connection with the sale of securities.  DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS also caused similar misrepresentations to be made in business plans, executive summaries, and presentations shared with potential investors, as well as in publicly available press releases.  Through these false and misleading statements, DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS fraudulently induced investors to purchase over $7 million of Terminus stock.

Rather than use the investor money as promised, DOUMANIS and PANTELAKIS misappropriated the funds for their own use and for use by co-conspirators.  DOUMANIS personally received at least $573,201 and PANTELAKIS personally received at least $428,997.  In addition, the unregistered salespeople collectively received undisclosed commissions of more than $1.5 million.

In addition to their prison terms, DOUMANIS, 60, of Rocky Point, New York, and PANTELAKIS, 43, of Queens, New York, were sentenced to three years of supervised release, forfeiture money judgments in the amount of $573,201 and $428,997, respectively, and restitution in an amount to be determined by the Court at a later date.

Danny Pratte pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and was sentenced by Judge Carter on October 19, 2018.

Mr. Berman praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

JOB FAIR NOV 14th AT STEVENSON HIGH SCHOOL

GET READY FOR NEXT WEEK'S JOB FAIR

After our highly successful job fair last month, we're gearing up to make sure this one is just as, or more successful.

And don't forget, many of these employers also offer part-time work.

So update your resumes, bring a bunch of copies and hope to see you there!

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 2019 Bronx Business Directory & Resource Guide

Bronx Chamber of Commerce

2019 Bronx Business Directory & Resource Guide

Don't Be Left Out!

Phil Cardone

Events, Communications & Grants Director 

"The Network for Business Success"

Bronx Chamber of Commerce 1200 Waters Place, Suite 106

Bronx, NY 10461 718-828-3900.

REPRESENTATIVE ADRIANO ESPAILLAT SUPPORTS NANCY PELOSI AS SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE

  Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) released the following statement in support of Nancy Pelosi to become Speaker of the House during the 116^th Congress.

“I am proud to lend my support to Nancy Pelosi to become Speaker of the House during the 116th Congress,” said Rep. Adriano Espaillat. “She has more than proven her tenacity and ability to lead the Democratic Caucus to victories on the issues that matter the most to our communities, America’s working families, and the future of our nation.  I am proud to continue to lend my support as I have long stood with Nancy and the leadership she continues to bring to the U.S. House of Representatives.” 

Wave Hill events November 22-29

Thu, November 22

Closed to the public.

Fri, November 23

Black Friday Meditation

Avoid “Black Friday” busyness! Join us for a community meditation focused on gratitude and clearing your mind of holiday clutter. Get inspired by the outdoors and the peace and tranquility that nature evokes, and learn how to work loving kindness into each day. Led by Neem Dewji of Yoga for Bliss. Please bring a meditation cushion and be on time; latecomers will not be admitted. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 11AM–NOON

Sat, November 24

Family Art Project: Natural Weavings for Harvest Time

Gather fall leaves, cones, pods and seed heads. Weave them together with other materials from the gardens and meadows to create a decorative wall hanging celebrating the bounty and beauty of the season. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sat, November 24

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Sat, November 24

Gallery Tour

Meet the artists and curators of our fall exhibitions. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Keren Anavy, creating a conservatory from man-made materials, responds to Wave Hill’s late-fall landscape. Suspended from the ceiling, abstract paintings on translucent Mylar dip into shallow pools of ink and correspond to the changing colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal plants. Anavy is also collaborating with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy on Utopia, a dance performance, which will be presented in the gallery. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Sun, November 25

Family Art Project: Natural Weavings for Harvest Time

Gather fall leaves, cones, pods and seed heads. Weave them together with other materials from the gardens and meadows to create a decorative wall hanging celebrating the bounty and beauty of the season. Free with admission to the grounds.

WAVE HILL HOUSE, 10AM‒1PM

Sun, November 25

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 2PM

Mon, November 26

Closed to the public.

Tue, November 27

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for an hour-long tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

MEET AT PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, 11AM

Tue, November 27

Gallery Tour

Learn about Glyndor Gallery exhibitions on a tour led by Wave Hill’s Curatorial Fellow. In a new collaboration, Wave Hill is partnering with the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) to produce and host ASBA’s 21st Annual International. ASBA’s mission is to provide a thriving, interactive community dedicated to perpetuating the tradition and contemporary practice of botanical art. This juried exhibition consists of two-dimensional original botanical art, including some specimens found at Wave Hill. In the Sunroom Project Space, Keren Anavy, creating a conservatory from man-made materials, responds to Wave Hill’s late-fall landscape. Suspended from the ceiling, abstract paintings on translucent Mylar dip into shallow pools of ink and correspond to the changing colors of Wave Hill’s seasonal plants. Anavy is also collaborating with Valerie Green/Dance Entropy on Utopia, a dance performance, which will be presented in the gallery. Free with admission to the grounds.

GLYNDOR GALLERY, 2PM

Thu, November 29

Members Night 2018

Mark your calendars for Wave Hill’s biggest shopping night of the year! Join us for this exclusive, Members-only event and experience the breathtaking beauty of Wave Hill on an early winter night. Shop for boutique merchandise in The Shop, and find the perfect gift for that special someone—and everyone!—on your list. Iconic Armor Hall will be transformed into a seasonal market with local artisans on hand to share unique and specialty goods and gourmet offers. Dine in The Café, and complete the experience with live music in the warmth of Wave Hill House. This event is not to be missed!

PERKINS VISITOR CENTER, WAVE HILL HOUSE, 5:30–9PM

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

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

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

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

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

  

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

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

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."