A.G. Underwood And Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Indictment Of Former NYC Council Candidate Albert Alvarez And Former Non-Profit Director Anna Mendez

Alvarez and Mendez Allegedly Orchestrated Straw Donation Scheme Involving Employees of Bronx Non-Profit

Mendez Also Allegedly Made False Disclosures with Mayor’s Office of Contract Services 

 Attorney General Barbara D. Underwood and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli  announced the indictments of former New York City Council candidate Albert Alvarez and former Tremont Crotona Day Care Center Executive Director Anna Mendez for seven counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree, a class E felony, in New York County Supreme Court. Alvarez is also charged with one count of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Mendez was indicted for three additional counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree.

“As we allege, the defendants orchestrated a scheme to collect straw donations, steal public matching funds, and submit false filings – undermining the public's trust in our government and political process,” said Attorney General Underwood. “These indictments should send a clear message that we will not tolerate those that skirt the law for their own benefit.”

“Mr. Alvarez and Ms. Mendez allegedly schemed to funnel straw donations to Mr. Alvarez's campaign and steal matching campaign funds from New York City,” said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. “Thanks to the work of my investigators in partnership with Attorney General Barbara Underwood and the New York City Department of Investigations, both of these individuals have been indicted and will face the consequences of their actions.”

Alvarez previously served as Chief of Staff to New York City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera. In 2013, Alvarez ran for Rivera’s seat in the 15^th Council District, but was unsuccessful in the Democratic primary. While running for office, Alvarez is alleged to have knowingly accepted straw donations orchestrated by Mendez and one of her employees at the Tremont Crotona Day Care Center in the Bronx.

Mendez and the employee are alleged to have provided funds to other employees of the non-profit to contribute to Alvarez in 2013. Mendez and her colleague allegedly distributed contribution cards to these employees, which the employees were instructed to falsely make out in their own names while Alvarez watched; Alvarez then allegedly collected the money and false contribution cards from the straw donors and falsely submitted them to the New York City Campaign Finance Board in order to steal at least $4,500 in public matching funds.

Mendez later left Tremont Crotona Day Care Center to form A&G Early Child Care Community Network. Mendez allegedly filed three distinct VENDEX forms with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Contract Services over the period from September 22, 2015 to October 4, 2016. The forms, which were filed on behalf of A&G Early Child Care Community Network, Inc., allegedly contained false disclosure statements related to the fact that she was the subject of an ongoing investigation by the Attorney General’s office.

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

Since 2011, the Attorney General and State Comptroller have worked together to fight corruption through their Joint Task Force on Public Integrity. They have brought charges against dozens of individuals implicated in public corruption schemes around the state – resulting in the return of over $11 million in restitution to taxpayers through these convictions.

The Attorney General and the State Comptroller would also like to thank the New York City Department of Investigation for its partnership on this investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Kevin B. Frankel of the Attorney General’s Public Integrity Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Daniel Cort and Deputy Bureau Chief Stacy Aronowitz. The Criminal Justice Division is led by Executive Deputy Attorney General Margaret Garnett.

The investigation was led by Investigator Steven Broomer of the Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau, under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Michael Leahy and Deputy Chief Investigator John McManus. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Dominick Zarrella. Legal Support Analyst Rachel Demma of the Public Integrity Bureau also assisted in the investigation. 

The Comptroller’s investigation was led by his Division of Investigations. 

 EDITOR'S NOTE:

As we looked at the top the name of the Attorney General listed is Eric Schneiderman.

We hope that this is the first thing New Attorney General Letitia James changes when she is sworn in.   

NYPD Unveils New Unmanned Aircraft System Program

  The NYPD announced its Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program, which will be comprised of newly acquired Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or drones, and the licensed NYPD officers of the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) who will operate them. Whether it's a search and rescue mission, an inaccessible crime scene, a hostage situation, or a hazardous material incident, this technology will undoubtedly help keep New Yorkers and officers safe. These devices will be deployed solely by licensed members of TARU who have gone through vigorous training.

The Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU) provides specialized investigative equipment and tactical support to all bureaus within the NYPD, from officers on patrol to the Emergency Service Unit (ESU). The unit's expertise in audio/visual technology helps: enhance investigations through the recovery of surveillance video footage; record police action at large-scale demonstrations and arrest situations; and provide crucial live video to incident commanders during ongoing emergency situations.

"As the largest municipal police department in the United States, the NYPD must always be willing to leverage the benefits of new and always-improving technology," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "Our new UAS program is part of this evolution – it enables our highly-trained cops to be even more responsive to the people we serve, and to carry out the NYPD's critical work in ways that are more effective, efficient, and safe for everyone."

This cutting edge technology is another tool that the NYPD can deploy in select circumstances to help keep New Yorkers safe, and also enhance officer safety. The UAS program can help NYPD gather crucial information as situations unfold without putting officers at risk and lessen harm and danger to civilian bystanders and other involved parties.

Across the country there are more than 900 state and local police, fire and emergency units with UAVs. During the NYPD's research and development stage, NYPD officials met with other police departments to learn about their programs. Additionally, the Department solicited feedback from City Council members and advocates.

Key facts about the NYPD UAS program

Types of UAVs:

UAVs on Hand	Quantity	Key Benefits
DJI Mavic Pro quadcopter	11	Quick deployable small drone for tactical operations
DJI M210 RTK quadcopter	2	Larger, weather resistant drone with 30x zoom camera and thermal imaging capabilities, 3d mapping, search & rescue
DJI Inspire 1 quadcopter	1	Used for training and testing purposes

Uses

Acceptable Uses	Unacceptable Uses
Search & Rescue Collision & Crime Scene Documentation Evidence Search at Large/Inaccessible Locations HAZMAT Incidents Traffic & Pedestrian Monitoring at Large Events Assistance at Hostage/Barricaded Situations Other emergency situations with approval of Chief of Department	Routine Patrol Traffic Enforcement Immobilizing Vehicles or Suspects Never Used as a Weapon or Equipped with a Weapon Search without a warrant

Annual Bronx Democratic County Christmas Party and Ugly Sweater Contest

  Even Mayor Bill de Blasio knew that the Annual Bronx Democratic County Christmas Party was the place to be Tuesday night. The mayor was also influential in choosing the winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest. This party was a who's who of Bronx politics, and even a few of the many declared candidates for the soon to be vacant Public Advocate seat were 'In the House'. 

Above - BDCC Political Director Dan Johnson looked like a front runner with this sweater.

Below - Before the Ugly Sweater Contest began Mayor de Blasio called up Uley Martinez, and said that this has to be the ugliest sweater in the room.

Above - Councilman Fernando Cabrera beamed down with this sweater, but was told by Assemblyman Marcos Crespo the contest was down to the two finalist.

Below - Angel Santana with this Ugly Sweater was given high praise by the crowd when asked to voice their opinion by contest Judge Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie.

Above - Assemblyman Crespo asked for the crowd to voice ther opinion on Uley Martinez's ugly sweater.

Below - As Assemblyman Crespo announces Uley Martinez as the winner of the Ugly Sweater Contest Mayor de Blasio whispers something in Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s ear. 

Above - After the Ugly Sweater Contest Assemblyman Crespo began calling up some of the elected officials up to speak.

Below - As Congressman Jose Serrano is speaking Mayor de Blasio whispers something into BP Diaz's ear again.

Above - Everyone wanted their photo with Mayor de Blasio before he left.

Below - Councilman Andrew Cohen with the two District Leaders from the 81st Assembly District, Randi Martos and Eric Dinowitz. Eric has already opened up a campaign committee to replace Councilman Cohen who is term-limited out of office in 2021.

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Annual Chanukah Menorah Lighting

   The auditorium at the Riverdale Y is full of people who came to see the Annual Bronx Menorah Lighting by Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and the Bronx Jewish Community Council. 

   The Consul General of Israel Ambassador Dani Dayan, along with Bronx elected officials Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. (Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.'s father), City Councilman Andy King, Councilman Andrew Cohen, and Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz were in the front row. 

Master of Ceremonies Mark Engel introduced the speakers and performing schools, leading up to the lighting of the Bronx Menorah. 

Above - The Kinneret Day School.

Below - The Riverdale Y Nursery School. In the lower right hand corner is Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz the proud grandfather taking a picture of his twin grandchildren performing. 

Above - The lighting of the Bronx Menorah with Rabbi Israel Greenberg of the Bronx Jewish Community Council saying the Chanukah prayer.

Below - Known for his sporty Bow-Ties, Councilman Andy King shows off his Chanukah Bow-Tie.

Annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr Invites you to the Annual Bronx Christmas Tree Lighting Sing Christmas carols with Santa & Mrs. Claus Enjoy hot chocolate, cookies, and a special treat from Santa !!! WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

Thursday Dec 6,2018 5:30 PM  Bronx County Building 851 Grand Concourse East 161st Street

Join us by calling 718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

COUNCIL MEMBER RUBEN DIAZ SR. PRESENTS CHECK TO 43RD POLICE PRECINCT

 

  City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. signs a check for $212,000.00 made out to the 43rd Precinct to purchase four new Police vans. the vans will be one for the Auxiliary police, one for Community Affairs, and two for patrol duty. 

Below is a map of the 43rd Precinct and its five sectors.

Bronx Hous and Pelham Parkway Menorah Lightings

  Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and New State Senator Alessandra Biaggi wait to light the Bronx House Menorah as Rabbi Fuchs says the Chanukah prayer.

Above - The children from the Bronx House after school program sang a special Chanukah song.

Below - L-R, Howard Martin (Executive Director Bronx House), Rabbi Fuchs, Brad Silver (Executive Director Bronx Jewish Community Council), Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, new State Senator Alessandra Biaggi, Alan Edelstein (BJCC).

It was then off to White Plains Road for Menorah lighting # 2.

Above - Rabbi Fuchs again said the Chanukah prayer for this menorah lighting on Pelham Parkway at White Plains Road. With Rabbi Fuchs are Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, Councilman Mark Gjonaj, and new State Senator Alessandra Biaggi.

Below - Senator Biaggi brought up a few local children to help with the lighting of this menorah.

AFFORDABLE HOMES FOR HOMELESS FAMILIES: CITY ADVANCES PLAN TO CONVERT CLUSTER UNITS TO PERMANENT HOUSING

Nearly 500 cluster units targeted for conversion will become permanent affordable housing in early 2019

  Mayor Bill de Blasio today announced that the City has made progress towards an agreement for the acquisition and conversion of nearly 500 cluster units across 17 buildings into permanent affordable housing for over 1,000 New Yorkers in need, as part of this administration’s broader initiative to address the homelessness crisis in New York City.

Over the past 18 years, New York City has used the cluster site program to provide shelter for homeless families, an ineffective stop-gap practice that the de Blasio Administration committed to ending once and for all as part of its comprehensive Turning the Tide on Homelessness in New York City plan.

“Homeless families have for decades been haphazardly sheltered in temporary accommodations that are too often poorly maintained and disconnected from services,” said Mayor de Blasio.“We’re converting these buildings into higher quality, permanent affordable housing for formerly homeless New Yorkers turning their lives around.”

“Today's unprecedented announcement means nearly five hundred families will soon wake up in homes of their own,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Herminia Palacio. “Addressing housing instability strengthens the fabric of families and communities citywide—and this initiative represents our Administration’s unwavering dedication to ensuring that our families and children thrive.”

Last year, the City announced that it would negotiate and finance the acquisition of cluster buildings by trusted locally-based not-for-profit developers, who will work with the City’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development to rehabilitate the buildings and preserve them as affordable housing. The new owners will enter into regulatory agreements with HPD to ensure the long-term affordability of the apartments as housing for homeless families and other low-income New Yorkers.

The first phase of this initiative involves 17 cluster buildings with 468 units designated for conversion to permanent housing. Homeless families would receive services and support from non-profit providers that will help them get back on their feet and transition to living independently. Joint Ownership Entity (JOE) NYC and Neighborhood Restore will be acquiring these buildings and, in conjunction with local non-profit organizations including Banana Kelly, Fifth Avenue Committee, Fordham Bedford, HELP USA, MHANY, Samaritan Village, and Settlement Housing Fund, will stabilize and manage the buildings, coordinate light-touch social services, and prepare for rehabilitation of the buildings in the near future.

Prior to acquisition closing, the cluster apartments will continue to be operated as shelter for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness with funding and services provided by the City’s Department of Homeless Services. Homeless families residing at these locations, who are eligible for rental assistance and prepared for housing permanency at the point of transition to not-for-profit ownership, will be offered the opportunity to remain as tenants with a new rent-stabilized lease if they wish to remain in the building. All non-homeless tenants living in a cluster building at the time of purchase will be entitled to remain in their apartments with rent-stabilized leases and additional protections under HPD’s regulatory agreement.

  

“Transforming a haphazard shelter system decades in the making demands bold action ensuring we do right by our families in need. Today's announcement furthers our commitment to closing the 18-year-old cluster program once and for all while creating permanent affordable housing for hundreds of homeless families for the long-term,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “Working in partnership with HPD, not-for-profit developers, and service provider partners, we’re using every tool at our disposal to deliver the services, supports, and opportunities for success that hardworking New Yorkers deserve as they get back on their feet—and stay tuned for more to come.”

"Addressing the citywide challenge of homelessness requires collaborative citywide solutions. Today, with our development partners, social services partners, and City Agency partners, we’re proud to announce that our collaborative efforts are making a real difference for families in need by creating hundreds of permanent affordable apartments that will help them get back on their feet,” said Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter. "This announcement is a major milestone for families experiencing homelessness, who will now have the opportunity to stabilize their lives in renovated, rehabilitated homes managed by reputable not-for-profit providers—while we continue to wind down the less-effective stop-gap cluster program citywide. There's more work to be done, but our strategies are heading in the right direction, helping us raise the bar and turn the tide." 

“Creating more permanent, affordable housing for homeless New Yorkers is a key goal of the Mayor's housing plan, and a critical pillar of the City's comprehensive strategy to addressing the homeless crisis," said Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Maria Torres-Springer.  "We are proud to partner with DSS to advance an ambitious strategy to end the cluster program, starting with plans to finance the acquisition of a 17 building portfolio with almost 730 apartments, including 468 homes for homeless New Yorkers.   I want to thank the team at DSS and all our non-profit partners for working with us to ensure homeless families and low-income New Yorkers have the stability and opportunity that an affordable home provides.”

In January 2016, at the high point of the cluster program, the City was managing 3,650 cluster units to shelter homeless families. Since then, the City’s Department of Homeless Services has reduced citywide cluster use by more than 50 percent using multiple strategies. After this conversion is complete, there will be approximately 1,400 cluster units remaining, which the City will phase out entirely by 2021.

Assemblyman Marcos A. Crespo said, “There are no easy or simple solutions to addressing the needs of homeless families in New York City, but I am extremely grateful to the Mayor and the agencies involved for taking a major step forward in reducing temporary housing, particularly cluster units, and giving families permanency and stability via this creative approach. It is my hope that we continue to use resources towards permanent housing options.”

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz said: “The end of cluster site housing is a welcome relief for residents of the Bronx who have seen more than our fair share of cluster sites placed in our neighborhoods. These cluster site housing units are often host to some of the worst conditions we could imagine, with unscrupulous landlords taking advantage of homeless families in need who are frequently unable to stand up for their right to a decent place to live. I thank Mayor de Blasio for taking this important step towards ending cluster site housing and look forward to his continued leadership to ensure that people are able to find shelter space in their own communities.