Sunday, March 10, 2019

BP Ruben Diaz Jr Hosts Annual Dominican Heritage Celebration



Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. with Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez.

On Thursday, February 28, 2019, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. hosted his annual Dominican Heritage Month celebration at the Beverly Hills Manor on Jerome Avenue, honoring individuals who have contributed to the growth and promotion of Dominican and Dominican-American community and culture.
 
"The Dominican Republic is a land of hard-working people, excelling in different walks of life and business. A great number of prominent Dominican Americans right here in The Bronx are setting examples and paving the way for other Dominicans in New York City by working hard towards their goals," said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
 
This year's honorees include Supreme Court Appellate Division Presiding Justice Hon. Rolando Acosta, New York State Senate Secretary Alejandra N. Paulino, Esq. and Dr. Amarilis Jacobo

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Police-involved Shooting in the 106 Precinct, Queens




March 9, 2019
Remarks as prepared for Chief of Patrol Rodney K. Harrison
The information I'm going to provide you is preliminary and subject to change, as the investigation continues.
This morning, at approximately 3:58 a.m., there was a 911 call for a dispute with weapons in front of the RRR Bar and Lounge, located at 87-18 Liberty Avenue, where a 32-year-old male victim was shot in the left foot by a 38-year-old male suspect.
Members of the 106 Precinct Anti-Crime team, consisting of one sergeant and three police officers, all in plain clothes, in the immediate vicinity, were driving past the location, when they observed the 32-year-old victim involved in a physical altercation with the 38-year-old suspect.
As the officers exited their unmarked police vehicle, they observed the victim and suspect fighting for control of a firearm.
The officers ordered the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect refused the officer's demands, at which time the officers discharged their firearms. The suspect was shot in the torso and arm.
Both the victim and suspect were taken to Jamaica Hospital, and both are listed in stable condition.
The suspect's 9mm firearm was recovered at the location. A knife was also recovered at the location.
There is body-worn camera footage of the incident, which is being reviewed by our Force Investigation Division, who is handling the investigation.

Bronx Gang Member Convicted Of Racketeering And Related Offenses, Including 2014 Shooting Of Three Individuals


  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHRISTOPHER HOWARD, a/k/a “Juju,” a member of a violent, Bronx-based street gang known as “Money, Bitches, Guns” (“MBG”), was convicted yesterday of racketeering conspiracy, assault with a deadly weapon in aid of racketeering, and a firearms offense.  HOWARD was convicted following a one-week trial before U.S. District Judge Robert W. Sweet.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “Christopher Howard was a member of a violent street gang that operated in and around NYCHA’s Mill Brook Houses.  In August 2014, he shot into a crowd of people in the Mill Brook Houses, injuring three individuals.  Now he stands convicted for his crimes.  We thank the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their tireless efforts to secure this important conviction.”
As reflected in the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:
From 2007 through October 2017, HOWARD was a member of MBG, a local street gang based in the Mill Brook Houses in the Bronx that was responsible for narcotics trafficking and several acts of violence.  As part of his membership in MBG, Howard boasted about his gang membership on social media and shot at a rival gang member.  Specifically, in the early morning hours of August 17, 2014, HOWARD, aiming for a rival gang member who had previously broken HOWARD’s jaw, shot into a crowd of people gathering in a small courtyard in the Mill Brook Houses. Three people were injured as a result of the shooting, including HOWARD’s intended target.
HOWARD, 26, of the Staten Island, New York, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential sentence of life in prison. 
Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Announces Charges Against Former NYC Department Of Homeless Services Police Sergeant For Violating The Constitutional Rights Of NYC Resident


  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Margaret Garnett, the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging CORDELL FITTS, a former New York City Department of Homeless Services (“DHS”) police sergeant, in the assault of an individual at a homeless shelter.  FITTS was charged with using excessive force against an individual seeking services (“Victim-1”) at the Bellevue Men’s Homeless Shelter in Manhattan (the “Bellevue Shelter”), in violation of Victim-1’s rights under the United States Constitution, and for filing a false report in order to cover up the assault.  During an altercation with Victim-1, FITTS used excessive and unnecessary force, including by kicking, punching, and stomping on the head of Victim-1 more than 10 times.  FITTS was arrested today and is expected to be presented before the U.S. Magistrate Judge Debra Freeman in federal court later today.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Cordell Fitts, a former sergeant in the New York City Department of Homeless Services Police Department, used excessive force against an individual seeking services at a city facility.  Fitts’s alleged conduct not only betrayed his duty as an officer to protect those under his charge, but also violated the law.  When the constitutional rights of individuals experiencing homelessness are violated, particularly by law enforcement officers, we will act aggressively to bring wrongdoers to justice.”
DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said:  “Instead of upholding the law, this sworn officer allegedly broke it by violently attacking a man seeking assistance at a Manhattan homeless shelter, according to the charges.  Shelters should provide a safe environment for the homeless of our City, not one where clients fear the officers employed to protect them.  DOI thanks the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York for its partnership on this investigation and prosecution.”
According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:
The Bellevue Shelter is a men’s homeless shelter located in Manhattan, New York.  It is maintained by DHS and its security is provided for by, among others, DHS police officers.  On the night of March 6, 2017, Victim-1 was seeking services at the Bellevue Shelter.
At the time of the incident Victim-1 was in the lobby of the Bellevue Shelter and interacting with approximately three DHS officers, including FITTS.  In the initial moments of the interaction, FITTS and Victim-1 exchanged words for approximately five to ten seconds, and FITTS gestured toward an exit area of the Bellevue Shelter.  FITTS then reached toward Victim-1, putting his hands on or about the chest area of Victim-1, and Victim-1 responded by swinging at FITTS with what appear to be closed fists.
For approximately 30 seconds, FITTS and other officers struggled with Victim-1 in a physical altercation, which resulted in Victim-1 being taken to the floor of the lobby.  When Victim-1 was taken to the ground, two officers were on the legs and back of Victim-1, and FITTS was standing next to Victim-1.  At this point, with Victim-1 on the ground and two other officers on top of Victim-1, FITTS punched Victim-1 in the area of his head approximately two times.  Subsequently, while Victim-1 remained on the ground, FITTS kicked and stomped on the head of Victim-1 approximately 11 times.
After kicking and stomping on Victim-1’s head, FITTS backed away from Victim-1 for approximately 10 seconds, as two other officers were attempting to place handcuffs on Victim-1 while he was face-down on the floor.  Following that brief period of disengagement, FITTS walked back to Victim-1 and punched him in the area of his head approximately two additional times.
In connection with this incident, FITTS dictated a report about the incident that stated, among other things, that “necessary force” was used to “safely detain” Victim-1.  The Report also stated:  “After initial medical assessment [Victim-1] stated ‘I am off my psych medication and going through a lot.’”  These statements were false and were included in the report by FITTS in order to cover up and justify the assault.
CORDELL FITTS, 34, of Manhattan, New York, is charged with one count of deprivation of rights under color of law through use of excessive force, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and one count of falsifying a report, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The statutory maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.
Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Special Agents at the United States Attorney’s Office and thanked the New York City Department of Investigations for its assistance.
The charges and allegations contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

BRONX CAREGIVER INDICTED IN PHYSICAL ABUSE OF WOMAN WITH TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY


Charges Are Result of Joint Investigation by Bronx DA’s Office and NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for allegedly physically abusing a woman suffering from brain damage while he was working as her caregiver. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “Instead of doing his job as a caregiver and helping the victim, the defendant allegedly put his hand around her neck, pushed her against the wall and dragged her across the room. The defendant allegedly did this to a woman who is diagnosed with Traumatic Brain Injury and has difficulty walking.” 

 New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Executive Director Denise Miranda said, “The conduct this defendant is alleged to have committed is reprehensible. Vulnerable New Yorkers should be able to trust those caring for them, not live in fear. The Justice Center thanks the Bronx District Attorney’s Office for their continued commitment to work together with the Justice Center to hold workers who abuse those in their care accountable.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jamel Hogue, 32, of 1120 College Avenue, was arraigned today on first-degree Endangering the Welfare of an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person; Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person, or an Incompetent or Physically Disabled Person; second-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Vulnerable Elderly Person; and two counts of third-degree Assault before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. The defendant, who is on Supervised Release, is due back in court on April 25, 2019.

 According to the investigation, during the afternoon of June 27, 2018, at the Young Adult Institute located at 3321 Bainbridge Avenue, the defendant, while acting as the 30-year-old victim’s caregiver, physically assaulted the victim. Hogue allegedly pushed her against a wall, grabbed her arm and threw her to floor. He then kicked the victim’s legs, grabbed her shirt and dragged her across the room. The multiple acts of violence were caught on video.

 Additionally, a second video, taken on the same day, shows the defendant slapping the victim twice in the face, causing her to fall to the ground.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Erin Gise, Assistant Special Prosecutor with the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs for assistance in the investigation. 

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

New Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Upcoming Chamber Sponsored Events










News From Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez




IMPORTANT LEGISLATION PASSED IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS

A271 (Seawright) is a women’s rights bill that guarantees equal protection within the laws of New York to persons on the basis of sex.

A290 (Rosenthal L) requires feminine hygiene products to be offered for free in charter schools so that students are provided much needed resources.

A558A (Rosenthal L) increases the age to purchase tobacco products from 18 years old to 21 years old. The key to reducing the number of smokers in New York is to stop them before they start. By raising the smoking age to 21, we aim to remove cigarettes from high school students and eliminates a popular source of tobacco from underage children.

A4204 (Weprin) prohibits discrimination against religious attire. This bill would clarify that the wearing of any attire, clothing, or facial hair in accordance with the requirements of his or her religion is protected under the Human Rights Law.

A5500 (Simon) relates to the eligibility for tuition assistance programs awards for certain undergraduates who must transfer to another institution as a result of a permanent college closure.

A2686A (Paulin), which will expand current requirements that guns are kept in safe storage repositories, especially in households with children.

A1619 (Rozic), which requires insurance companies to provide full coverage for all aspects of eating disorder treatments.

A5981 (Braunstein) establishes the crime of unlawful dissemination or publication of an intimate image.

A1913 (Joyner) establishes a study on the effects of trauma on child development and learning. Concerns were raised that the commissioner of children and family services is better suited to lead the study to ensure expertise in the areas of trauma and child development.

Upcoming Events

March 9th, 10 am-3 pm at Saint Mary's Orthodox Church of India (corner of Bedford Park Blvd and Decatur Ave)
The Bedford Mosholu Community Association is sponsoring a flea market. Show them your support!

Women's History Month Breakfast
March 23rd, 10-12 am at the F&J Pine
Join us at a dinner celebrating the accomplishments of the women in our community and abroad, Please RSVP at (718) 409-0109. Limited Seating.

Our New Office is located at 

2018 Williamsbridge Road

Bronx, NY 10461

(718) 409-0109


43td Precinct Council Meeting




   The 43rd Precinct in the Bronx was recently designated as one of four precincts citywide that has had a spike in crime for the first two months of 2019 by NYPD Commissioner James O'Neil. Because of that Commissioner O'Neil has said that the 43rd precinct will receive eight additional officers from other Bronx precincts to help reduce the increase in crime. 

Wednesday night at the 43rd Precinct Council meeting Deputy Inspector Gurley introduced six Police Academy recruits that will be getting their last month of on the job training at the 43rd Precinct. DI Gurley also said in his crime report that a woman was stabbed to death on West Avenue, that a shot was fired through a door peep hole at 575 Castle Hill Avenue with the victim recovering, and went over information about a bus that ran over a woman identified as Ms. Egan on Havermeyer and Story Avenues. He added that there have been complaints of buses speeding and not stopping at stop signs when heading back to the depots in the afternoon. He said approximately 1,500 school buses go through the area, the precinct has stepped up enforcement of traffic laws, he has spoken with the bus companies, and will continue to monitor the situation. 

New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer was on hand and spoke briefly to the packed room in The Shoprite supermarket community room. 


Above - NYC Comptroller Scott Stringer talks to the audience at the 43rd Precinct council meeting.
Below - Six new Police Academy officers assigned to the 43rd Precinct.  Police Academy Officers, Ewa, Brown Jr., McLaughlin, Adonno, Hughes, and Nynaar.