Women.NYC: DEPUTY MAYOR ALICIA GLEN AND MAYOR’S OFFICE OF MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCE INAUGURAL ROUND OF GRANT RECIPIENTS OF GROUNDBREAKING “MADE IN NY” WOMEN’S FILM, TV & THEATRE FUND

The Fund is part of the City’s women.nyc initiative to economically empower women.

63 Women-Led Projects Selected to Receive a Combined $1.5 Million in Funds.

14 theatre projects and 10 feature-length documentaries are among the awardees receiving up to $50,000

  Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen and the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) Acting Commissioner Anne del Castillo today announced the first round of grant recipients of the “Made in NY” Women’s Film, TV & Theatre Fund. Funds were awarded to 63 film, TV, theatre and digital media projects made by creative entrepreneurs who identify as women. This is the first round of a $5 million, three-year program funded by MOME and administered by New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA).

The Fund is part of the City’s women.nyc initiative, which helps women succeed by connecting them with resources and tools, including free expert legal advice, financial assistance, networking and mentorship opportunities.

“Today, exceptional women creators, directors, and producers are still not getting the recognition and professional success they deserve.” said Deputy Mayor Alicia Glen. “As a leading entertainment capital, New York City is no longer willing to accept this status quo. With our groundbreaking Women’s Fund for Film & Theatre, more women will be able to fund their creative ventures and secure the resources they need to see their work on the big screen or stage. We are proud to close the industry’s opportunity gap and open doors for women of all backgrounds.” 

The Women's Film, TV and Theatre Fund is the centerpiece of a groundbreaking series of initiatives by MOME to address the underrepresentation of women in film, television, and theatre. These initiatives are unique, making New York the first city in the country to launch a multi-faceted program to help female-identified creatives in film, TV and theatre.  

“By making significant investments in women-led projects, the Women’s Fund seeks to increase the pipeline of female-identified creatives in front of and behind the camera, and on stage,” said Media and Entertainment Acting Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “The 63 projects receiving this first round of grants portray the complexity and variety of human experience as told by an incredibly diverse group of women. This milestone affirms New York City’s commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry.”

A total of 544 applications were received and evaluated by esteemed panels of industry experts. Projects in the following categories were awarded finishing grants:

·         14 Theatre Productions – each received up to $50,000

·         11 Documentary Features  – each received up to $50,000

·         4 Fiction Features – each received up to $50,000

·         10 Fiction Short – each received up to $25,000

·         9 Documentary Shorts – each received up to $25,000

·         9 Fiction Webisode/Webseries – each received up to $20,000

·       6 Documentary Webisodes/Webseries – each received up to $20,000

The projects selected for funding explore a broad range of topics. A documentary feature follows 40 Central American women who make an annual journey to search for children who went missing while crossing the border. A comedic web series features a young Asian-American woman beginning a journey of sexual discovery after reluctantly enrolling in a Women’s Studies class. A dramatic feature explores the relationship between a trans Filipina working as a caregiver in Brighton Beach and a Russian-Jewish man. Among the theater projects is a musical based on the origin story of Hildegard von Bingen, one of Medieval history’s most powerful and creative women. The Negro Ensemble Company received funding for three plays one of which is a reimagined work by the late Ntozake Shange. For a full list of projects click here.

Applications were evaluated by industry experts, including Tracey Scott Wilson, playwright and Executive Producer on “The Americans” series, actors Daphne Rubin-Vega and Kathleen Chalfant, screenwriter Amy Fox, and Lesli Klainberg, the executive director of the Film Society of Lincoln Center.  The full list of panelists can be found here.

“We’re honored that the Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment entrusted us to administer this groundbreaking program,” said Michael L. Royce, Executive Director, NYFA. “NYFA has a long history of supporting artists at all stages of their creative careers, including many female or female-identifying artists and artists of color who have made a significant impact in their fields and in the larger cultural sphere. It’s exciting for us to continue to support unique voices and perspectives through the Women's Film, TV and Theatre Fund.”

Women in TV accounted for only 27% of all creators, directors, writers, executive producers, producers, editors and directors of photography in the 2017-2018 season; and women comprised 20% of all directors, writers, producers, executive directors, editors and cinematographers in the top 250 films in 2018, according to the Center for the Women in Television and Film at San Diego State University. This past season, only 19 percent of Broadway productions were helmed by women, a record high.

If the 2019 Academy Awards are an indication, women’s film projects are gaining even more momentum. A record total of 15 women took home the award this year, including New York City legend Lady Gaga and New York-born Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi, co-director of the winning documentary, Free Solo. Still, only one woman has won Best Director in 91 years of Oscar history, Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker. 

In addition to being “made by, for, or about” all who identify as women, projects were eligible if they feature a strong female perspective; and/or include a female-identified director; and/or include a meaningful female-identified producer credit; and/or include a meaningful female-identified writing credit; and/or include a female-identified protagonist(s).  Projects also had to be "Made in NY"; for film and video projects (1) 75% of its total shooting days take place in New York City, or (2) 75% of its below-the-line production costs are incurred in New York City; theatre projects must be rehearsed and performed in New York City. For a complete listing of the guidelines, click here.

The “Made in NY” Women’s Film, TV and Theatre Fund provides grants to encourage and support the creation of film, television, digital, and live theatre content that reflects the voices and perspectives of all who identify as women, and provides finishing grants for film, television, digital projects and theatre productions.  The next award cycles are scheduled to commence Summer/Fall of 2019 and 2020.  To sign up for updates on the Fund, visit MOME's website.  You can use hashtag #NYCWomensFund to participate in the conversation.

Wave Hill events March 14‒21

On March 17, Arthur Vint & Associates bring a bit of country to the Bronx with tributes to Ennio Morricones’s many iconic “Spaghetti Western” scores on an eclectic mix of instruments. We are also thrilled to invite former Wave Hill Gardener Coralie Thomas, who’s been working at Great Dixter House and Garden in the U.K., to speak at The New York School of Interior Design about her evolution as a gardener, on Wednesday, March 20. Her story will be an inspiring one for budding and seasoned horticulturalists alike.

Sat, March 16

Family Art Project: Springtime Scrolls

What does nature tell you? Join a facilitated walk that will lead us in the different ways we can listen to what nature is telling us about itself. Create a scroll using upcycled materials to capture the cycles, transformations and wisdom that nature shares in its own way. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 17

Family Art Project: Springtime Scrolls

What does nature tell you? Join a facilitated walk that will lead us in the different ways we can listen to what nature is telling us about itself. Create a scroll using upcycled materials to capture the cycles, transformations and wisdom that nature shares in its own way. Free with admission to the grounds.

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, March 17

Pre-Concert Tea

Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Mark Twain Room prior to today’s concert in Armor Hall. The Café at Wave Hill pairs a classic menu with an assortment of green, black and herbal teas. This traditional tea service includes the four classic elements of savory, scones, sweets and tea. The menu, presented by Great Performances, includes an array of tea sandwiches, scones and bite-sized desserts. Afternoon Tea also includes a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea Service is $36. Wave Hill Members receive a 10% discount. Advance registration is required online at wavehillreservations@greatperformances.comor. We will take reservations until 5PM on the Thursday prior to the concert.

Wave Hill House, NOON

Sun, March 17

Winter Workspace Drop-in

Artists in the Winter Workspace program share their studio practice with visitors on this Drop-In Sunday. In their studios today are Nobutaka Aozaki, Tijay Mohammed, Emily Oliveira and Jessica Segall. Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 1–3PM

Sun, March 17

Concert: Arthur Vint & Associates

Arthur Vint & Associates pays tribute to Ennio Morricone’s iconic “Spaghetti Western” themes, honoring the great Italian Maestro’s 90th birthday. Morricone’s remarkable career has spanned seven decades; he has composed over 500 scores for cinema and television and is inarguably one of the greatest film composers of all time. Bronx-based drummer Arthur Vint leads the jazz combo, an 8-piece band featuring an eclectic mix of harmonica, violin and bass clarinet, accompanied by the more traditional jazz instruments of saxophone, guitar, piano and bass, all led from behind the drums by Vint. Together the band explores Morricone’s themes by opening them up and making them vehicles for improvisation in their disassembled-and-reassembled country-jazz style. Arthur Vint moved to the New York area from his hometown of Tucson, AZ, in 2007 to pursue a career in music and is now as busy as any freelance musician could hope to be, performing over 250 gigs a year with bands such as Postmodern Jukebox, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, Zephaniah OHora, GaDaDu,, Arthur Vint & Associates and a good deal more. He lives in Riverdale with his family and is a Member and frequent visitor to Wave Hill! Ticket Prices: Adults: $28 (includes admission to the grounds) / Wave Hill Members 10% discount / $12 children ages 8-18, unless otherwise noted. Order tickets online or onsite at the Perkins Visitor Center. For additional information, please call 718.549.3200 x251.

Wave Hill House, 2PM

Sun, March 17

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, March 18

Closed to the public.

Wed, March 20

2019 Horticultural Lecture: Coralie Thomas—The Education of a Young Gardener

This year’s three lectures illuminate how deeply an intimate garden like Wave Hill is embedded in the larger world of horticulture. Currently a gardener at Great Dixter House and Garden in the U.K., Coralie Thomas was a John Nally Intern and an Assistant Gardener, both at Wave Hill, before receiving a Chanticleer Christopher Lloyd North American Scholarship to study for a year at Great Dixter and Chanticleer. She has come to her career as a gardener after undergraduate work in political science, followed by garden and research internships in the Rocky Mountains and Panama City. Thomas’ talk will include a conversation with Wave Hill Senior Director of Horticulture Louis Bauer. Wave Hill’s annual horticultural lecture series is held at the New York School of Interior Design. Individual tickets: $30, with a 10% discount for Wave Hill Members and students.  Seating is limited, and advanced reservations are recommended, online. Student tickets available lecture evening only, at the door, space permitting and with a valid ID.

New York School of Interior Design, 6–7:30PM

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.

9 Members Of Bronx Drug Trafficking Organization Charged With Distributing Heroin, Fentanyl, And Cocaine Out Of Auto Body Shops

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Raymond Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), James D. Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division, (“IRS-CI”), Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), Keith M. Corlett, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police (“NYSP”), and James P. O’Neill, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that ADALBERTO VELAZQUEZ, a/k/a “Joe,” RAYMOND RESTO, a/k/a “Tone,” SAL CASTRO, a/k/a “Floss,” JOEL LOPEZ, a/k/a “Rompiendoe,” a/k/a “Paul,” a/k/a “Po,” WILLIS LLERAS, a/k/a “Willy,” REINALDO ROMAN, a/k/a “Papo,” JAIME GARCIA, a/k/a “Jimmy,” ANTONIO BURGOS, a/k/a “Anthony,” and MARILYN ADINO have been charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.  The defendants arrested today are expected to be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Ronnie Abrams.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, these defendants were a network that outwardly offered to fix cars but was really an organization that would supply a fix of heroin or cocaine.  Thanks to the work of the DEA and its Strike Force partners, we have delivered a body blow to these allegedly drug-peddling body shops.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond Donovan said:  “These arrests will have a significant impact on the heroin/fentanyl supply in the Bronx.  DEA’s goal is to keep the public safe from the dangers of drug abuse.  One way of doing that is to target local distribution organizations responsible for attracting new users, enabling addiction and contributing to overdoses in our city.  I applaud the Strike Force and U.S. Attorney’s Office, Southern District of New York, for their diligent work throughout this investigation.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment[1] and statements made in Court:

The defendants were members of a drug trafficking organization (the “DTO”) that packaged and sold narcotics out of multiple auto body shops and garages in the Bronx, New York.  From 2015 to February 2019, the DTO is estimated to have distributed hundreds of kilograms of cocaine and heroin.  Much of the heroin that the DTO distributed was mixed with fentanyl. 

VELAZQUEZ, 50, RESTO, 43, CASTRO, 39, LLERAS, 63, ROMAN, 55, GARCIA, 53, BURGOS, 46, and ADINO, 49, each of the Bronx, New York, and LOPEZ, 39, of New York, New York, are each charged with one count of conspiring to distribute cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  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 DEA.  The arrest was the result of an investigation by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA).  

The Strike Force is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations, the U. S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1]   As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against 11 Defendants For Sex Trafficking And Related Offenses

Nine of the Defendants Arrested Today; 2 in State Custody on Unrelated Charges

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James P. O’Neill, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), and Geraldine Hart, Commissioner of the Suffolk County Police Department, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging 11 defendants with 15 counts of participating in the sex trafficking of, and related conduct victimizing, at least 10 young women.  Nine defendants were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before the Honorable Ona T. Wang, United States Magistrate Judge.  Two additional defendants are in state custody and will be presented in federal court on a future date.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The alleged conduct of these 11 defendants against women is as callous as it is alarming.  Today’s indictment alleges they operated a pay-for-sex business with their clients, while they threatened, intimidated, and coerced their female ‘employees’ to participate in commercial sex acts for money.  The unconscionable crime of sex trafficking is a societal problem that disproportionally preys upon our communities’ most vulnerable: women and children.  If you have knowledge of sex trafficking crimes, you should immediately call 212-384-5000.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “There is a common belief that the victims of human sex trafficking aren’t truly victims.  However evidence in this investigation shows the suspects allegedly used whatever means necessary to control and abuse these victims just to make money.  The FBI New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force not only goes after the pimps and others involved in human trafficking, but we do all we can to help those girls who are being sold to start their lives again.”

Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said:  “The takedown of this alleged sex trafficking ring in Suffolk County is crucial in stopping predators who target the vulnerable for financial gain as well as support the victims in getting the necessary assistance they deserve.   The success of this operation is why we work with our law enforcement partners and I commend the commitment of our department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, NYPD, and the FBI, which led the investigation.” 

As alleged, defendants LORENZO RANDALL, JUSTIN RIVERA, DWAYNE ANTHONY CONLEY, RICARDA DIAMOND, and BRIAN SMITH conspired to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.  In furtherance of the conspiracy, RANDALL allegedly punched, choked, and spit on certain of the victims.  The indictment further alleges that RIVERA physically assaulted and brandished a dangerous weapon at a second victim. Allegedly knowing that this second victim was addicted to heroin, RIVERA withheld heroin from her unless she engaged in commercial sex acts at his direction and for his profit.  Similarly, CONLEY is alleged to have physically assaulted a third victim, who was also a heroin addict, and provided her with heroin in exchange for her engagement in commercial sex acts on his behalf.

DIAMOND allegedly conspired with RANDALL to transport a victim to locations where she engaged in commercial sex acts caused by RANDALL’s force and threats of force.  And SMITH allegedly arranged for hotels rooms to be used by women, including the first victim, who were engaging in commercial sex acts on RANDALL’s behalf.

Defendants RANDALL, CARL ANDREWS, GERALDINE FAUSTIN, and FRANKLYN FRANCISCO are alleged to have been members of a second conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.  As alleged, FRANCISCO recruited a victim to engage in commercial sex acts on behalf of ANDREWS, knowing that the victim was addicted to controlled substances.  ANDREWS is alleged to have falsely represented to that victim that ANDREWS would compensate her financially for engaging in commercial sex acts on his behalf.  ANDREWS is also alleged to have withheld from that victim the controlled substances to which she was addicted unless she engaged in commercial sex acts at his direction and for his profit.  RANDALL allegedly reserved a hotel room for the purpose of the fourth victim engaging in a commercial sex act, and FAUSTIN allegedly transported the fourth victim to locations where she engaged in commercial sex acts.

In addition, RANDALL is charged with four separate counts of sex trafficking by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion, in connection with the trafficking of three victims.  ANDREWS is also charged with one count of sex trafficking of a victim by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion.

Defendants ANTHONY DARBY and KARI PARKER are charged with two counts of violating the Mann Act for knowingly transporting two victims to multiple states, including New York and Connecticut, with the intent that those victims engage in prostitution.  DIAMOND is also charged with a violation of the Mann Act for knowingly transporting a victim to multiple states, including New York and Connecticut, with the intent that the victim engage in prostitution.

Along with defendant MAGEN MOREAU, DARBY is further charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.  Specifically, MOREAU and DARBY allegedly published advertisements on the Internet offering commercial sex acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

DARBY and PARKER are also charged with conspiracy to violate the Travel Act.  As alleged, DARBY and PARKER used an account held by PARKER with a classifieds website to publish advertisements on the Internet offering commercial sex acts in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere.

In addition to the six charges against him discussed previously, RANDALL is charged with two counts of conspiring to violate the Travel Act.  With respect to the first of those conspiracies, RANDALL allegedly used a telephone to direct a co-conspirator not named in the indictment to promote, manage, establish, carry on, and facilitate the promotion, management, establishment, and carrying on of prostitution.  Regarding the second, RANDALL allegedly instructed ANDREWS – who is also charged in the second Travel Act conspiracy – how to purchase and publish an advertisement for a commercial sex act on the Internet, which ANDREWS ultimately did.  Lastly, in the ninth charge filed against him in the indictment, RANDALL is charged with violating the Travel Act, with respect to illegal prostitution.

According to the indictment, at least 10 young women were victims of the defendants’ crimes.  The charged conduct occurred, as detailed in the indictment, between 2012 and 2018. 

Charts containing the names, charges, and maximum penalties for the defendants are set forth below.  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 Special Agents from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, detectives from the Suffolk County Police Department, and Special Agents from the FBI’s New York Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. 

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

COUNT	DEFENDANT(S)	AGE & PLACE OF RESIDENCE	MAX. TERM OF IMPRISONMENT
Count One: Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1594(c))	Lorenzo Randall Justin Rivera Dwayne Conley Ricarda Diamond Brian Smith	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 50, Bay Shore, NY Age 37, Mastick, NY Age 30, Central Islip	Life
Count Two: Conspiracy to Commit sex Trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 1594(c))	Lorenzo Randall Carl Andrews Geraldine Faustin Franklyn Francisco	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 45, Bay Shore, NY Age 30, West Babylon, NY Age 38, Central Islip, NY	Life
Count Three: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Four: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Five: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Six: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Seven: Sex Trafficking by Force, Threats of Force, Fraud, or Coercion (18 U.S.C. §§ 1591(a), (b)(1) and 2)	Carl Andrews	Age 45, Bay Shore, NY	Life; Mandatory Minimum Sentence of 15 Years
Count Eight: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	10 Years
Count Nine: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	10 Years
Count Ten: Mann Act (18 U.S.C. §§ 2421(a) and 2)	Ricarda Diamond	Age 37, Mastick, NY	10 Years
Count Eleven: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Anthony Darby Magen Moreau	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Twelve: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Anthony Darby Kari Parker	Age 26, Mastick, NY Age 22, Mastick,  NY	5 Years
Count Thirteen: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Fourteen: Conspiracy to Violate the Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall Carl Andrews	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY Age 45, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years
Count Fifteen: Travel Act (18 U.S.C. § 371)	Lorenzo Randall	Age 29, Bay Shore, NY	5 Years

News From Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO JAIL FOR ABUSING SMALL DOG Defendant Kicked Dog In Head And Sent It Flying Into Brick Wall; Canine’s Eye Had To Be Surgically Removed

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to two years in jail for kicking a small, 10-year-old dog on a Bronx street, leaving the canine with multiple injuries. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant pleaded guilty to kicking a Chihuahua mixed breed dog and will now serve the maximum two-year sentence for the attack. The dog has been traumatized after losing an eye and suffering multiple injuries. We will continue to prosecute those who commit such cruelty against defenseless animals.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Dwayne Smith, 28, of 3538 Tryon Avenue, was sentenced today to two years in jail by Bronx Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer. The defendant pleaded guilty to Aggravated Cruelty to Animals on November 14, 2018. He cannot own an animal for ten years and must register with the NYC Animal Abuse Registry. 

 According to the investigation, on February 21, 2018 on the corner of Wayne Avenue and East Gun Hill Road in the Bronx, the defendant was in a dispute with the dog’s owner and her family members. Nearby surveillance camera video showed the defendant kick the 11- pound dog, named Pooches, in the head with tremendous force, sending her up in the air for several feet until she hit a brick wall. Pooches then fell to the ground unconscious with her right eye bleeding and bulging out of its socket. The dog suffered a fractured cheekbone, extensive bruising, and had to have her eye surgically removed.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Dr. Alison Liu, Forensic Veterinarian of ASPCA; Erin Satterthwaite, Bronx Legal Advocacy Counsel, ASPCA; and NYPD Officer Nicholas Konner of the 52nd Precinct for their assistance.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 14 YEARS IN PRISON FOR RAPING 64-YEAR-OLD WOMAN IN HER APARTMENT Defendant Followed Victim, Who Uses a Walker, Into Her Building

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for sexually assaulting a 64-year-old woman who used a walker. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant forced himself into the victim’s apartment and raped her while threatening to kill her. Today’s sentence keeps a dangerous sexual predator off our streets.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Unga Smith, 41, who was living in the Bronx Psychiatric Center at the time, was sentenced to 14 years in prison and 20 years post-release supervision today by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio. He will continue to be registered as a sex offender upon his release from incarceration. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Rape on January 24, 2019. 

 According to the investigation, on the evening of January 8, 2018, inside a building in Norwood, the defendant raped the victim inside her apartment. Video surveillance showed Smith following the victim into her building and elevator. He then forcefully entered her apartment, dragged her into her bedroom and engaged in multiple sexual acts with her. Smith intimidated the victim by telling her he had a gun and that he would kill her.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Christopher D. Ort, formerly of the Bronx Special Victims Squad, and NYPD Detective Evan Johnson of the Bronx Special Victims Squad for their assistance in the investigation.

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT TO CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEES ON PUBLIC SAFETY RE: legalization of marijuana 

  As legalization of marijuana approaches a reality in our state, I and my fellow prosecutors have worked to reform our criminal justice system, including reducing the harmful impacts that the criminalization of marijuana has had on individuals. At the same time, we must maintain public safety. This requires balancing the arc of justice while ensuring the rule of law.

 I am mindful of the disproportionate impact of marijuana arrests on young people of color in the Bronx. In the fourth quarter of 2018 alone, approximately 90 percent of individuals arrested for marijuana possession in the Bronx were either Black or Hispanic.

 As such, until a change in the Penal Law occurs, when an arrest is made for marijuana possession and burning cases, I have instructed Assistant District Attorneys in my Office to decline to prosecute the arrest when only a marijuana charge appears on the complaint, and then direct the police officer to issue a summons.

 This policy carefully weighs the public safety concerns with the realization that far too often these prosecutions create undue obstacles on individuals and the community as whole. 

 When legalization occurs, I stand ready to work with all stakeholders –my fellow district attorneys, the City Council, the Mayor, and others – on successful implementation of legislation such as those pending before the City Council and expunging past misdemeanor marijuana convictions. This helps us move forward by improving public safety, reducing collateral consequences, and creating a fairer and more equitable criminal justice system.

Statement by Council Speaker and Acting Public Advocate Corey Johnson Re: Public Advocate Special Election Results

 “I congratulate my colleague and friend Jumaane Williams on winning last night’s special election and I will do everything I can to ensure a smooth transition in the coming days. In my brief time as Acting Public Advocate, I found the heart and soul of the office to be in listening to New Yorkers and helping people with the problems they face. I know Public Advocate-elect Williams embodies the spirit of helping the New Yorkers most in need and I wish him the best of luck as he takes office.” 

Comptroller Stringer Statement on the Reversal of Exclusionary Metro-North Restriction in the Bronx

  “For more than a century, New Haven line trains have utterly neglected Bronx and Harlem residents—allowing riders from Connecticut and Westchester suburbs to disembark in the city, but refusing service to local New Yorkers.

“Yesterday, the MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT took an important first step towards addressing and reversing these discriminatory practices—and they should be commended. It was, however, only a first step.

“The Harlem-125th, Melrose, Tremont, Botanical Garden, Williams Bridge, and Woodlawn stations continue to be bypassed by New Haven line trains—leaving Bronx and Manhattan residents with inadequate service. For real transit equity, we need to lower in-city Metro-North and LIRR fares to the $2.75 price of a MetroCard swipe and establish free subway and bus transfers so that New Yorkers aren’t effectively locked out of the 41 commuter rail stations within the five boroughs. We also need to make needed improvements to inaccessible stations that leave mobility impaired passengers stranded.

“Not until these reforms are in place will we have a truly fair and effective commuter rail system worthy of our city and its 8.6 million residents.”

In October, Comptroller Stringer first exposed and demanded an end to the exclusionary MTA, Metro-North, and Connecticut DOT policy that denied transit access to Bronx residents.

To read Comptroller Stringer’s report on the need to lower in-city commuter rail fares and expand rail access “in one swipe,” click here