A.G. Underwood Announces 242-Count Indictment Charging 17 Individuals With Money Laundering In East Coast Untaxed Cigarette Trafficking Enterprise

 AG Alleges that Near-Daily Runs to Virginia and North Carolina Resulted in the Trafficking of Over 18 Million Untaxed Cigarettes into NYC – Evading Over $3 Million in Taxes 

  Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood announced the indictment of 17 individuals for their alleged involvement in an untaxed cigarette trafficking enterprise operating in Queens, Kings, Bronx, New York, Westchester, and Nassau Counties, as well as in New Jersey, Virginia, and North Carolina. The network allegedly illegally trafficked over 18 million cigarettes from low-tax states, such as North Carolina and Virginia, to various parts of New York City. It is alleged that the defendants evaded over $3 million in tax liability due to New York State and New York City.

“As we allege, the defendants ran a massive criminal enterprise that trafficked over 18 million untaxed cigarettes into New York, cheating New Yorkers out of over $3 million in taxes,” said Attorney General Underwood. “We have zero tolerance for those who try to game the system and cheat New Yorkers – and we won’t hesitate to hold them accountable.”

“Criminals do not concern themselves with city or state lines, so it is critical that the justice system comes together to achieve our shared duty: keeping the people we serve safe,” said New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill. “Along with the NYPD’s Intelligence Bureau, I thank and commend the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, and all of the NYPD’s law-enforcement partners who took part in this case. Cooperatively, we are making the safest large city in the nation even safer.”  

The investigation, which was led by the New York State Attorney General's Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and the New York City Police Department’s Intelligence Bureau, utilized court-authorized wiretapping, GPS tracking, covert cameras, and undercover operations. The takedown was dubbed “Operation Big Wheels” after investigators identified numerous Ford F-350 and F-150 pickup trucks that had been after-market-modified, allegedly utilized by the defendants to transport the cartons of cigarettes across state lines. Wiretaps intercepted the defendants allegedly discussing their illegal transactions in a cryptic and coded manner in hopes of avoiding detection by law enforcement, referring to Virginia as “the V” and North Carolina as “the North” to indicate which state they preferred to source their cigarettes from. 

The 242-count indictment charged all 17 individuals with Enterprise Corruption, Criminal Tax Fraud in the First Degree, and Money Laundering in the Second Degree—all of which are class B Felonies, which each carry a sentencing range of 1 to 3 to 8 1/3 to 25 years in state prison. Additionally, all defendants were charged with counts of possession or transport for the purpose of sale of 30,000 or more unstamped cigarettes, and with conspiracy. 

The ringleader, Mohammed Alsaidi, is facing 165 separate charges, including enterprise corruption, criminal tax fraud, money laundering, and related tax crimes. 

The following defendants were charged:

• Mohammed Alsaidi, 36 years old – Queens, New York

• Basam Hussain, 24 years old – Brooklyn, New York

• Yaheya Ghaleb, 40 years old – Queens, New York

• Wail Asseadi, 27 years old – Queens, New York

• Talal Alsaedi, 24 years old – Bronx, New York

• Yahia Mahases, 35 years old – Richmond, Virginia

• Fattoh Ghaleb, 31 years old – Richmond, Virginia

• Ali Fadel, 43 years old – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

• Mujahid Shawter, 35 years old – Winston-Salem, North Carolina

• Wail Al-Shaabi, 44 years old – Bronx, New York

• Bakil Adlehelfri, 38 years old – Queens, New York

• Ahmed Alsayedi, 43 years old – Baldwin, New York

• Mohamed Elgazali, 50 years old – Bronx, New York

• Naser Alsaidi, 41 years old – Queens, New York

• Adnan Alsayedi, 41 years old – Queens, New York

• Tawfiq Aziz, 43 years old – Queens, New York

• Alaa Alsaidi, 24 years old – Yonkers, New York

16 of the defendants have been arraigned in Queens County Supreme Court; Wail Asseadi is expected to be arraigned next month. The case is being presided over by the Honorable Stephen A. Knopf.

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

OCTF and NYPD were assisted by Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, the Henrico County Police Department, the North Carolina ALE, and Eagle Services, LLC. 

News From Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR STABBING BROTHER TO DEATH

Defendant Killed Victim Because He was Being Too Loud 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 2016 stabbing death of his brother during a petty argument. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant killed his brother because the victim was being loud and woke him up. Now the defendant will serve 10 years in prison for a senseless crime.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dennis Martinez, 53, of 2160 Seward Avenue, was sentenced today to 10 years in prison and five years post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Lester Adler. A jury found the defendant guilty of first-degree Manslaughter on October 25, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on March 4, 2016, inside the Castle Hill Houses in the Bronx, the defendant was awakened by noise and began to argue with his brother in the apartment they shared. The defendant then stabbed the victim, Jorge Montanez, multiple times in the chest, back and right leg. The 36-year-old victim died of his wounds at Jacobi Medical Center. In an effort to deviate the investigation, the defendant initially told police that a group of men had attacked Montanez in the hallway, and that he tried to help his brother and was stabbed in the leg.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Bronx Homicide Detective Patrick Flatley and Officers Ricot Marcelin and John Ford of NYPD Housing Police Service Area 8 for their assistance in the case.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING SIX-YEAR-OLD CHILD

Defendant Knew Victim and Her Mother; Photographed Sexual Acts

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl left in his care. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant knew the child and her mother and took advantage of their trust. He sexually abused the innocent victim, who was only six years old, and took pictures of his atrocious actions. We hope today’s sentence brings some justice to the victim and the family, who no doubt have suffered from the crimes committed by the defendant.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Carlos Rosario, 39, of 1642 Mace Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio to 20 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision and will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Criminal Sexual Act on September 13, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on August 13, 2016, the defendant sexually abused the victim in his home, after her mother was rushed to the hospital for emergency surgery and left the child temporarily in his care. While the child slept, the defendant engaged in various sexual acts with her. The defendant took multiple photographs of the sexual acts he performed on the child and distributed them online.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Computer Crimes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATAL SHOOTING OF ESTRANGED WIFE, ATTEMPTED MURDER OF HER FRIEND

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for killing his estranged wife as he fired shots at her and her friend. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who was in a rage of jealousy, shot and killed the young mother of his four children in broad daylight. I hope today’s sentence brings some justice to her family.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Amauri Perdomo, 34, of 2335 Walton Avenue, was sentenced today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood to 50 years in prison and 10 years post-release supervision. A jury found the defendant guilty of first-degree Manslaughter, Attempted Murder in the second-degree and second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon on November 1, 2018. 

 According to the investigation, on October 4, 2015, at 2525 Morris Avenue, the defendant fired a Glock 9-mm pistol at his estranged wife, Jennifer Ortiz, 27, causing her death. The defendant had been stalking Ortiz through a smartphone app and found her in the vehicle of Anthony Fergus, 48. After confronting them, Perdomo hit Ortiz in the face, and when Fergus got out of the vehicle, Perdomo fired shots at him. Perdomo then returned to the vehicle and fired multiple shots that struck Ortiz in her chest, buttocks, legs, torso and heart.

 District Attorney Clark thanked her Detective Investigator Modesto Acevedo for his assistance in the investigation.

49th Precinct Council Meeting - Introduction of new Precinct Commander

  The new 49th Precinct commanding officer Captain Andrew Natiw is preparing his remarks before being introduced by 49th Precinct Community Council President Joe Thompson. Former 49th Precinct commander Captain Alps was transferred to the 52nd precinct as other Bronx precinct commanders were promoted or rotated as is the case every few years.

  Captain Natiw spoke of his twenty-two year career in the police force, his various promotions and different duties around the city. He started a in the police force as a rookie officer in the 49th precinct, and was happy to be commanding the precinct where he began in the NYPD.  

Above - New 49th Precinct commander Captain Andrew Natiw tells of his twenty-two years on the police force, which began at the 49th precinct.

Below - Captain Andrew Natiw the new Commanding officer at the 49th Precinct.

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES HISTORIC LOW FOR NEW HIV DIAGNOSES, DOWN 64 PERCENT SINCE REPORTING BEGAN IN 2001

More New Yorkers with HIV receiving care and achieving viral suppression

  The de Blasio Administration announced the annual number of new HIV diagnoses in New York City has reached an all-time low, with 2,157 New Yorkers getting newly diagnosed last year. According to data from the 2017 HIV Surveillance Annual Report, newly diagnosed cases declined last year, down 5.4 percent from 2016. The number of new HIV diagnoses in New York City has decreased by 64 percent since HIV case reporting began. New York City is on track to achieve its ambitious NYC Ending the Epidemic goals by 2020.

“Our City has been on the frontlines of the HIV and AIDS epidemic for decades,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Reaching our goal to end the AIDS epidemic by 2020 in New York City is a good start, but we won’t rest until we eradicate the epidemic once and for all.”

“As we commemorate World AIDS Day, we remember those who lost their battle to AIDS and those who continue to fight it,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “As someone who is HIV positive, I'm proud to lead a Council that has made the fight against AIDS/HIV a priority, including investing $6.9 million for Ending the Epidemic in 2020.  Although we have made great progress in this fight, the battle is far from over. We will continue to fight for all New Yorkers affected by this disease.”

In addition to tracking new HIV diagnoses in the city, the Health Department estimates the number of new HIV infections. The estimated number of new HIV infections in New York City also continues to decline, with a 35 percent decrease among men who have sex with men (MSM) and a 36 percent decrease overall since 2013. New York City continues to expedite connection to care for people newly diagnosed with HIV, while estimated new infections continue to decrease at a historic, accelerated pace due to a combination of prevention strategies (including HIV treatment, pre- and post- exposure prophylaxis, known as PrEP and PEP), and NYC Condom distribution.

“We are very energized by the City’s progress in reducing HIV diagnosis and are laser-focused on reaching our goal of ending the epidemic by 2020,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “New Yorkers have come a long way in the fight against HIV and AIDS, and the stigma around it, and we will not rest until every New Yorker has the education and resources to prevent and treat this disease.”

“New York City is achieving the Ending the Epidemic vision supported by the investment made by the de Blasio Administration and City Council to enhance HIV-related services for treatment and prevention,” said Acting Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “Although we have seen declines in groups such as Black and Latina women, we must continue to address that men who have sex with men of color are disproportionately affected by HIV. I would like to thank the Mayor and The City Council for their unwavering dedication in making sure that HIV rates continue to decline in New York City.”

According to the report, from 2016 to 2017, the number of new HIV diagnoses among women, including cisgender and transgender women, decreased by 11.6 percent, with declines among Latina, Asian/Pacific Islander, and Black women (28 percent, 21 percent, and 8 percent declines, respectively). From 2016 to 2017, the number of new HIV diagnoses among men, including cisgender and transgender men, decreased by 3.6 percent, with those among MSM remaining stable. MSM, particularly MSM of color, continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. In 2017, of all men newly diagnosed with HIV in New York City, 74 percent were MSM; of all new diagnoses among MSM, 73 percent were among Black or Latino MSM. The Health Department’s data also show a 6.7 percent decrease in new HIV diagnoses among transgender individuals in New York City from 2016 to 2017.

More New Yorkers with HIV are receiving care and achieving viral suppression. In 2017, 80 percent of people were linked to care within 30 days of their HIV diagnosis, compared to 65 percent in 2013; and among people receiving HIV medical care in New York City in 2017, 85 percent were virally suppressed, compared to 79 percent in 2013. This progress is especially important in light of “Undetectable = Untransmittable,” or “U = U,” the evidence-based finding that individuals with HIV who are taking antiretroviral medicines and maintain an undetectable viral load for at least six months do not sexually transmit HIV.

“This historic low in new HIV diagnosis demonstrates that we are well on our way to ending the HIV epidemic in New York City,” said Deputy Commissioner for the Health Department’s Division of Disease Control Dr. Demetre Daskalakis. “We are diagnosing people with HIV earlier and linking them to care, preventing disease progression while harnessing the power of treatment to prevent transmission. The power of ‘U = U’ combined with continued promotion and use of PrEP, PEP, and condoms has set us on the trajectory to achieve our goal of ending the epidemic in New York City by 2020. Our success inspires the nation and the world as a demonstration of what community activism, science, and political will can and do achieve.”

“Our 2017 HIV surveillance data show that we are making real progress in reducing new HIV diagnoses in New York City and improving viral suppression among New Yorkers with HIV,” said Assistant Commissioner for the Bureau of HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Dr. Oni Blackstock. “But we must double down on our efforts to ensure that this progress is felt evenly and equitably across all communities – particularly those that continue to be disproportionately affected by HIV. And this cannot happen unless we expand our sexual health toolkit to include not only NYC Condoms, PrEP and PEP, HIV and STI testing and treatment, and promotion of the ‘U = U’ message, but also a commitment to fighting institutional racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and the many other forms of stigma that put people at greater risk of HIV infection and, for people with HIV, put care and treatment further out of reach. We cannot end the epidemic among New Yorkers without ending the epidemic among all New Yorkers.”

These surveillance data illustrate New York City’s continued progress towards ending the epidemic of HIV. In 2015, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $23 million investment to reduce the number of new infections, improve viral suppression rates and other health outcomes among people with HIV, strengthen the City’s sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention infrastructure, and dismantle HIV stigma – all using a racial justice and health equity approach. Since then, the City has transformed its eight Sexual Health Clinics, all of which currently offer low- to no-cost state-of-the-art STI and HIV services, including STI and HIV testing, emergency PEP, PrEP initiation and navigation, JumpstART (immediate initiation of HIV treatment with navigation to longer-term care), and counseling services. Anyone 12 or older can receive services at a Sexual Health Clinic, regardless of immigration status, insurance coverage, or ability to pay.

This year, the Health Department launched two sexual health marketing campaigns encouraging New Yorkers to consider PrEP as part of their sexual health plan: "Living Sure", which focuses on cisgender and transgender women, and “¡Listos!”, the agency’s first awareness campaign to be conceived of and largely released in Spanish, which focuses on Latinos. The Health Department then launched the second installment of “¡Listos!”, which promotes not only PrEP, but also HIV testing and treatment, with messaging tailored to resonate with Latino MSM. These follow the Health Department’s Be Sure, Play Sure, Stay Sure campaigns, which encourage New Yorkers to know their HIV status and STI status, choose the safer sex combination that works for them, and take medication to treat or prevent HIV.

In addition to the 2017 HIV Surveillance Annual Report, the Health Department released newslide sets and tables updated with 2017 surveillance data. In October 2018, the Health Department released Hepatitis A, B and C in New York City: 2017 Annual Report, which shows that as of January 1, 2017, 4,436 people were living with HIV and current hepatitis C infection (HCV) in New York City, the majority of whom are people of color. People with HIV/HCV coinfection are at high risk for serious liver disease, liver cancer, and premature death. In 2016, the Health Department launched Project SUCCEED (Scaling Up Coinfection Care and Eliminating Ethnic Disparities), which promotes HCV screening and linkage to care and treatment for HCV among people with HIV.

MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES DRAMATIC EXPANSION OF CITI BIKE

Lyft will invest $100 million to improve and expand Citi Bike, which over next five years will double its current service area and more than triple its number of bikes to nearly 40,000

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that New York City had reached an agreement with Lyft to dramatically expand Citi Bike, the nation’s largest bike share program. As part of the agreement that approves its acquisition of Motivate, Citi Bike’s parent company, Lyft will invest $100 million to improve and strengthen the system – which includes doubling Citi Bike’s service area and tripling the number of bikes in the next five years, making it one of the largest bike share systems in the world. Lyft will continue to expand Citi Bike’s transportation equity efforts, including expanded investment in the $5 monthly bike share memberships available to all SNAP recipients and NYCHA residents.

“New York City is one of the world’s great biking cities – and it’s about to get even better,” saidMayor de Blasio. “This expansion means tens of thousands more New Yorkers are going to have a fast and inexpensive way to get around their city. It also means much more reliable service for all the riders who already use Citi Bike. We welcome Lyft’s investment to make Citi Bike bigger and better. We are ready get to work with communities across the city to make this expansion a success.”

"New York is the greatest city in the world, and its residents deserve a bike sharing system to match," said Deputy Mayor Laura Anglin. "Citi Bike's 150,000 riders can look forward to higher-quality service, new valet and docking stations, and an increase in well-maintained bikes. Today's announcement is a positive step toward our goal of delivering affordable and reliable transportation options that improve quality-of-life."

“We are thrilled to announce that the nation’s largest and most successful bike share system will be growing to reach even more New Yorkers,” said DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg. “As a safe, sustainable, and affordable way to get around, cycling in New York City is growing faster than any other mode of travel.  And with today’s announcement, riding a Citi Bike will be an even more convenient way to get to a vastly larger share of the City.  With some of the changes for Citi Bike coming soon, there may in fact be no better gift this holiday season than a new Citi Bike membership.”

“We are thrilled to partner with New York City to support and substantially grow North America’s largest bike share system,” said Lyft Co-Founder and President John Zimmer. “Together with NYCDOT, we will improve mobility in New York City through an equitable expansion of new and existing technologies. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone in Lyft’s growth as a sustainable transportation service that connects communities, and reduces unnecessary driving in urban centers.” 

“Citi Bike has succeeded more than anyone of us could have imagined when it launched five years ago. It is a true public-private partnership and we are proud of our role in helping create what has become a vital, sustainable transportation network and part of the fabric of New York City. The fact that Lyft is willing to make such a large investment in this program shows that we haven’t yet tapped its full potential. We are excited about the future and warmly welcome Lyft as our new partner,” said Ed Skyler, Citi’s Head of Public Affairs.

Highlights of the agreement include:

·         Citi Bike will more than triple in size to nearly 40,000 bicycles, and expand by 35 square miles over five years, more than doubling the size of the current service area.

·         The geographic boundaries of the expansion will be established in the coming months. Expansion will be accompanied by extensive community and elected official outreach to the selected areas.

·         Lyft will immediately invest to restore the existing system to its required fleet level of 12,000 bikes within 90 days of the acquisition (i.e. the end of February).

·         The expanded Citi Bike fleet will include both regular and pedal-assist bicycles, which have proven popular and are a component of DOT’s L train tunnel shutdown mitigation plan.

·         Lyft will add 12 new valet stations and increase bike and dock availability in the busiest areas to improve system performance.

·         The Reduced Fare Bike Share program, presented by Healthfirst, which provides discounted memberships of $5 per month for all NYCHA residents and SNAP recipients will be expanded and enshrined in Lyft’s agreement with the City. The improvement and expansion of Citi Bike will continue to be privately funded with no government subsidy.

·         Lyft’s new micro-mobility division in New York City will support over 1,000 full-time living wage jobs.

·         The City retains its rights to pilot and implement dockless bike share services outside of the expanded Citi Bike service area, including the ongoing three-borough dockless pilot.

·         In addition to the $100 million in capital expenditures over five years, Lyft will also pay associated operating expenses that will be used to improve and expand the system. Lyft will retain the exclusive right to operate bike share within the Citi Bike service area.

"For years, New Yorkers have relied on Citi Bike to be an affordable and convenient way to move around our vast City," said Public Advocate Letitia James. "With this expansion, more of our communities in all parts of the City will have the opportunity to utilize this popular method of transportation. I commend the Department of Transportation, Citi Bike, and Lyft for this important partnership."

“This Citi Bike expansion is welcome news for a city in desperate need of as many mass transit options as possible,” said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. “In just a few years bike share has become a part of the fabric of New York City, making getting around easier, greener, healthier, and more fun all at once. The main issue was that more people and neighborhoods wanted in on the fun, which is why I am thrilled to hear that Citi Bike will double its geographic coverage and continue to make major investments in accessibility for low income residents. The more New Yorkers who are able to enjoy Citi Bike, the better for all of us and our city.”

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. - Chanukah Celebration & Menorah Lighting Ceremony

RSVP

Wave Hill events December 13 - 20

Thu, December 13

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Fri, December 14

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sat, December 15

Family Art Project: Wintery Birdy Marionettes

Have you seen any downy woodpeckers, chickadees or eastern towhees lately? See which of these black-and-white winter birds can be spotted setting up house at Wave Hill this winter. Make fun, bird marionettes to hang on a group indoor tree display or take home to dance around and decorate your house. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, December 15

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 16

Family Art Project: Wintery Birdy Marionettes

Have you seen any downy woodpeckers, chickadees or eastern towhees lately? See which of these black-and-white winter birds can be spotted setting up house at Wave Hill this winter. Make fun, bird marionettes to hang on a group indoor tree display or take home to dance around and decorate your house. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, December 16

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Sun, December 16

Garden and Conservatory 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, December 17

Closed to the public.

Tue, December 18

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Wed, December 19

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM

Thu, December 20

Members Sale in The Shop at Wave Hill

Enjoy a peaceful shopping experience, with personalized service and a thoughtfully curated selection of beautiful, botanically inspired gifts. Members enjoy 20% off all their seasonal shopping! Wave Hill Members enjoy a discount of 20% on all their purchases in The Shop through December 23.

Perkins Visitor Center, 10AM–4PM 

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 – $10 adults, $6 students and seniors 65+, $4 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.

New York Woman Pleads Guilty to Providing Material Support to ISIS

  Zoobia Shahnaz, 27, of Brentwood, New York, pleaded guilty to providing material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization. 

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York, Assistant Director in Charge William F. Sweeney, Jr. for the FBI’s New York Field Office, and Commissioner James P. O’Neill for the NYPD announced the guilty plea.  The guilty plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Joanna Seybert.

According to court filings and facts presented at the plea hearing, between March 2017 and the date of her attempted travel to Syria on July 31, 2017, the defendant engaged in a scheme to defraud numerous financial institutions.  Specifically, Shahnaz obtained a loan for approximately $22,500 by way of materially false pretenses, representations and promises.  She also fraudulently applied for and used over a dozen credit cards, which she used to purchase approximately $62,000 in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies online.  She then engaged in a pattern of financial activity, culminating in several wire transactions totaling over $150,000 to individuals and shell entities in Pakistan, China and Turkey that were fronts for ISIS.

During the time she was committing bank fraud and laundering money overseas, the defendant was accessing ISIS propaganda online, including violent jihad-related websites and message boards, and social media and messaging pages of known ISIS recruiters, facilitators and financiers.  Additionally, the defendant conducted numerous internet searches for information that would facilitate her entry into Syria, but ultimately was intercepted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in Queens, New York, while attempting to board a flight with a multi-day layover in Istanbul, Turkey – a common point of entry for individuals travelling from Western countries to join ISIS in Syria. 

As part of her plea agreement with the government, Shahnaz admitted to defrauding numerous financial institutions and laundering the stolen proceeds out of the country with the intent to support a specified unlawful activity, namely the provision of material support to ISIS, after which she attempted to leave the United States and travel to Syria. 

When she is sentenced, Shahnaz faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as restitution, criminal forfeiture and a fine.  The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes.  Any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Mr. Demers and Mr. Donoghue extended their grateful appreciation to the FBI’s JTTF, which comprises a number of federal, state and local agencies from the region.