Here the New York City Council Goes Again

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Councilman, Rubén Díaz Sr.

Bronx County, New York

  You should know that instead of passing laws to protect our senior citizens and decent, law-abiding citizens, the New York City Council is planning to pass a law to stop the city from testing people who are on probation for marijuana use.

In an article titled “Pols set to back end of probation pot tests” in today’s New York Daily News, Graham Rayman reports that Council’s Public Safety Committee Chairman Donovan Richards stated: “ We’re trying to build stable communities … We want to stabilize peoples’ lives as much as possible.”

Oh really? Does another law that discourages people from obeying the law really make our communities stable? Will this law improve the lives of senior citizens, families and drivers?

You should already know that the purpose of putting someone on probation is to monitor their behavior when the district attorney has decided not prosecute.  Good behavior is required.

Since the recreational use of marijuana is still illegal, why would this criminal offense be acceptable for someone who is on probation?

Should we just sit back quietly and watch some of New York’s elected officials support lawlessness by weakening punishments for people who jump the turnstile, urinate in public, or drink alcohol in public, and now, smoking pot while on probation?

You should know that efforts to lower our quality of life do not protect our senior citizens, our families, our neighbors or our business communities.

How is it okay for someone who jumps the turnstile to not get arrested? How is it okay for someone to urinate in an elevator or in public right in front of a Mom with a young child and not get arrested? How is it ok for someone who is on probation to smoke pot?

It’s not!

My dear reader I cannot understand some of our politicians so quick to unite their efforts and embolden people to violate the law, and excuse violators when they do.

There should be a greater effort to promote respect for ourselves, our families and our neighbors so we can protect our senior citizens, our families, our drivers and our business communities?

Ladies and gentlemen, we need to start passing laws that actually create stability in our city, and stop finding ways to make it easier for people to destroy our quality of life.

This is Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know. 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES COMMISSIONER’S ORDERS TO ALL YESHIVAS IN WILLIAMSBURG TO EXCLUDE UNVACCINATED STUDENTS OR FACE VIOLATIONS AND POSSIBLE CLOSURE

The measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish community is now at 285 cases since it began last October. 246 cases are children 18 and under, and 39 are adults; 21 people have been hospitalized

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Measles is preventable with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine

  The Health Department today announced it has issued Commissioner’s Orders to all yeshivas in Williamsburg affected by the school exclusion mandate. This means that any school out of compliance will immediately be issued a violation.

• In December, the Health Department ordered yeshivas and childcare centers serving the Orthodox Jewish community in the affected ZIP codes in Brooklyn to exclude all unvaccinated students from attending school or daycare until the outbreak is declared over.
• In January, one yeshiva in Williamsburg fell out of compliance with the Department’s exclusion mandate, allowing unvaccinated children back into school or daycare. This single yeshiva is connected to more than 40 cases, resulting in a large increase in measles cases and the continuation of the outbreak.
• The Health Department has since issued Commissioner’s Orders to all yeshivas in Williamsburg to comply with the mandatory exclusion of unvaccinated children or face violations subject to fines and possible school closure.

The measles outbreak in the Orthodox Jewish community continues to increase at an alarming rate. To date, 285 cases have been confirmed since the beginning of the outbreak in October, with many of these new cases being confirmed in the last 2 months. The vast majority of cases are children under 18 years of age (246 cases), and 39 cases are adults. Most of these measles cases were unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated individuals. There have been no deaths associated with this outbreak, although there have been complications, including 21 hospitalizations and five admissions to the intensive care unit.

Ahead of Passover, the Health Department is urging all New Yorkers—especially those in the Orthodox Jewish community—to get the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine to prevent further spread of the virus. Individuals traveling to areas with ongoing large outbreaks, including Israel, Europe, Upstate New York, and other parts of the United States should make sure they and their children are appropriately vaccinated with MMR.

“As a pediatrician, I know the MMR vaccine is safe and effective. This outbreak is being fueled by a small group of anti-vaxxers in these neighborhoods. They have been spreading dangerous misinformation based on fake science,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot. “We stand with the majority of people in this community who have worked hard to protect their children and those at risk. We’ve seen a large increase in the number of people vaccinated in these neighborhoods, but as Passover approaches, we need to do all we can to ensure more people get the vaccine.”

Most cases have been reported from Williamsburg and Borough Park, Brooklyn. Five cases, including the initial case of measles, were acquired on a visit to Israel, where a large outbreak of the disease is occurring. Two people contracted measles from the U.K. and one from Ukraine.

Measles is a highly contagious disease and can cause pneumonia, encephalitis (swelling of the brain), and death. Measles is easily preventable with the safe and effective MMR vaccine. Newborns, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems cannot get vaccinated, so it is important that everyone around them be vaccinated in order to protect them from contracting the virus which can have severe complications in these susceptible populations. While the MMR vaccine is the safest and most effective method of prevent measles, it is only 97 percent effective, so population wide immunity is a key component to protecting our most at risk New Yorkers from measles. Pregnant women – even if they have received the MMR vaccine – are still at risk of complications including birth defects or loss of pregnancy.

In February, the Department expanded vaccination recommendations for providers serving the Orthodox Jewish community to include an early, extra dose of the MMR vaccine for children between the ages of 6 months to 11 months who live in Williamsburg and Borough Park.

Measles Background

• Measles is transmitted by airborne particles, droplets, and direct contact with the respiratory secretions of an infected person.
• Symptoms usually appear 10 to 12 days after exposure to measles, and in some cases, symptoms can start as early as seven days or as late as 21 days following exposure.
• Early symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.
• Rash and fever are the typical symptoms of measles and usually occur four days following the early symptoms. The rash usually starts on the face and proceeds down the body. The rash lasts several days.
• Infected individuals are contagious from four days before rash onset through the fourth day after rash appearance.
• Anyone can contract measles but the virus is more severe in infants, pregnant women, and people whose immune systems are weak. Complications include:

• Diarrhea
• Ear infections
• Pneumonia (swelling of the lungs)
• Encephalitis (swelling of the brain)
• Premature birth or low birth-weight
• Miscarriage
• Death
• About 1 out of 1, 367 children < 5 years developed a late, fatal complication of measles, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), an average of 9.5 years after recovery from measles infection.

Precautions New Yorkers Should Take

• Measles can be prevented through vaccinations. New Yorkers should call 311 to access a list of facilities that can provide MMR at low or no cost.
• There are large outbreaks of measles in Europe and Israel, as well as in countries in South America, Africa, and Asia. New Yorkers should make sure they have been vaccinated with MMR vaccine before traveling to Europe or Israel. Infants ages 6 to 11 months should also be vaccinated prior to international travel.
• New Yorkers who believe they were exposed to measles or who have symptoms of measles should contact their health care provider before seeking care to prevent exposure to other patients.
• For more information, New Yorkers can visit the Health Department’s Measles page.

Upcoming Events From State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

COMMUNITY CALENDAR:

New York State Senate Bronx Delegation Post Budget Forum, April 11, 6:30 to 8:30 pm. An opportunity for the community to ask about the 2019 State Budget, key issues, impact on the Bronx and the budget process. Sponsored by Senators Alessandra Biaggi (D-34) and Gustavo Rivera (D-33). Fordham University, Flom Auditorium, William D. Walsh Family Library, 441 East Fordham Road, Bronx.

Senator Alessandra Biaggi Mobile Office Hours:

Constituent services are available at the following dates and locations every month. Walk-ins welcome from 11 am to 4 pm or call 718-822-2049 for an appointment:

1st TUESDAY of the Month: Riverdale Senior Services, 2600 Netherland Ave., Bronx.

2nd THURSDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 7, 229-A E. 204th St., Bronx.

3rd TUESDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 10, 3166 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx

Last THURSDAY of the Month: Bronx Community Board 9, 1967 Turnbill Ave. #7, Bronx. 

Daily, Senator Biaggi's Office, 1250 Waters Place, Suite 1202, Bronx. 

One Book One Bronx - Building a Community of Readers in the Bronx

One Book One Bronx is an exciting new book discussion group that hosts restorative community conversations related to gentrification, social justice, women’s empowerment, criminal justice, racial inequality and more. Reading selections reflect the racial, economic, and gender demographics of the borough and build bridges to engagement while (re)sparking a love of reading. Click here for details

On Tuesday, April 16, 6:30pm, BronxArtSpace (305 E. 140th St) 

One Book One Bronx will start Training School for Negro Girls by Camille Acker. 

In her debut short story collection, Camille Acker unleashes the irony and tragic comedy of respectability onto a wide-ranging cast of characters, all of whom call Washington, DC, home. A “woke” millennial tries to fight gentrification, only to learn she’s part of the problem; a grade school teacher dreams of a better DC, only to take out her frustrations on her students; and a young piano player wins a competition, only to learn the prize is worthless. Click here for details 

Tuesdays, 6:30pm to 8:00pm 

May 28, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 2019 

The Crazy Bunch By Willie Perdomo 

Location: BronxArtSpace, 305 East 140th St. Bronx In his fourth collection, The Crazy Bunch, Perdomo returns to his beloved neighborhood to create a vivid, kaleidoscopic portrait of a “crew” coming of age in East Harlem at the beginning of the 1990s. In poems written in couplets, vignettes, sketches, riffs, and dialogue, Perdomo recreates a weekend where surviving members of the crew recall a series of tragic events: “That was the summer we all tried to fly. All but one of us succeeded.” Click here for details

Literary Freedom Project is a Bronx-based 501c3 tax-exempt nonprofit arts organization that seeks to restore the importance of social and cultural identity through reading. Towards this goal, LFP publishes Mosaic Literary Magazine; develops literature-based lesson plans and workshops; and presents One Book One Bronx and Mosaic Literary Conference.

March 12, One Book One Bronx meets at BronxArtSpaced 

DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES YOUTH VOTE NYC REGISTRATION DRIVE AND FIRST-EVER CIVICS WEEK ACROSS NYC SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Civics Week will encourage students to register to vote and participate in activities that empower their voices in our democracy; follow the latest with #YouthVoteNYC

  The de Blasio Administration today launched its most robust civic engagement effort at schools of all grade levels and colleges across New York City. The effort will encourage students to register to vote and participate in the City's first-ever Civics Week program, which aims to increase civic participation and empower the voices of New York City students.

During Civics Week, students at Department of Education schools will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that will help students hone their public speaking skills, encourage them to participate in Participatory Budgeting, connect students with community leaders and elected officials, and give students an opportunity to participate in town halls to discuss issues that matter to them and their communities. Hundreds of high schools also will be hosting student voter registration events, with the goal of registering thousands of young New Yorkers. Civics Week and the student voter registration drive are part of Mayor de Blasio's 10-point democracy agenda known as DemocracyNYC, which aims to increase civic engagement and strengthen democracy locally and nationally.

In order to strengthen our democracy and mold the next generation of leaders, we need to begin teaching our kids the importance of civic engagement early in their lives, said Mayor Bill de Blasio. With Civics Week and programs such as Participatory Budgeting, we're empowering our kids and reminding them that they have the power to spark change in their communities by using their voices. I encourage everyone to participate in Civics Week to continue creating a fairer and stronger democracy at home and across the nation.

The best way to achieve real civic participation is by connecting with each community to learn what people need from their elected officials and to have an ongoing dialogue on ways they can get involved, said Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives J. Phillip Thompson. That is exactly what Civics Week and the Student Voter Registration Drive will bring to young New Yorkers in hundreds of schools and colleges this week. I commend Council Member Helen Rosenthal for pioneering student voter registration drive efforts in our city since 2015 and the Democracy NYC team, the Department of Education, CUNY and everyone involved for ensuing our students have the information and tools they need to make their voices heard, especially in these critical times."

New York City public school students have the ideas and passion to improve our communities, and we want their voices to be heard, said Schools Chancellor Richard A. Carranza. Through the first-ever Civics Week and our year-round Civics for All initiative, we are removing barriers that keep students from participating in the democratic process, and fostering the skills and knowledge they need to make a difference.

Giving every New Yorker a voice involves working closely with government and community partners to develop and strengthen structures for people all over the City to engage in our democracy, said Chief Democracy Officer Ayirini Fonseca-Sabune. Youth of every age are key stakeholders in this process and Civics Week and the Youth Vote NYC registration drives are ideal platforms to help engage and empower them. I am thrilled to work with the Department of Education, the City University of New York and other partners in these efforts.

We must give the next generation the tools to take an active role in their community", said Marco A. Carrion, Commissioner of the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit. "Student Voter Registration Drive is part of our broader commitment to empowering and engaging young people here in New York City. 

"Today's students are the future of our society and we must make it as easy as possible for them to participate in our democracy," said Omar Khan, Director of the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit. "Whether it's taking a leadership role at school or voting, being civically engaged is the best way to ensure our community and government hears all of the diverse voices that make this city so strong."

"CUNY has a long history of voter registration on our campuses. This week's Student Voter Registration Drive is a continuation of that history and yet another opportunity for our students to register to vote. It is important for our students to recognize that their voice is in their vote," said Staci Emanuel, CUNY's University-wide Voter Registration Coordinator.

To support Civics Week and participating schools, the Department of Education developed instructional guides to help schools host voter registration drives and design activities that encourage civic participation. Schools interested in participating can access the guides here andhere. Civics Week is part of the Department of Education's Civics for All initiative, which teaches students about the foundations of American government and the democratic process.

Some of the activities schools across the City will host include:

Participatory Budgeting: Civics for All Participatory Budgeting In Your School will provide $2,000 for high school students to identify priorities and direct spending at 48 New York City public high schools. Students at these schools will engage in a participatory budgeting experience by identifying and proposing projects that are voted on by the entire school community. Each participating school will receive,

 A $2,000 allocation to fund the selected proposal.

Training on how to integrate the project into a social studies course and, in partnership with Participatory Budgeting Project, how to successfully engage students in generating and voting on ideas.

SoapboxNYC: A K-12 public speaking competition that calls on students to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. SoapboxNYC is led by Mikva Challenge's Project Soapbox and helps students develop, practice and hone their public speaking skills. School winners will compete in borough-wide contests later this year.

Poster Contest: Students will have an opportunity to participate in the City's Civics for All poster competition in which students are invited to showcase their artistic talent and civic engagement beliefs by exploring and creating posters that speak to important social issues, exercising student voice and examining the importance of voting and civic participation.

Guest Speakers: A variety of schools will host forums where student activist groups can connect with other students to speak about the importance of civic engagement and a variety of issues, including racial and gender equity, the environment, social media, how to write a petition and gun violence. Teams of activists from other American cities will also be visiting schools throughout the week to discuss issues of national significance and their related activism.

Town Halls: Students will be able to participate in town halls hosted by their schools to talk about issues that matter to them and their communities.

Additionally, the City will be working with DOE Schools, CUNY and other colleges to host Youth Vote NYC voter registration drives. College students will also have the opportunity to take a Civic Engagement Pledge to make a commitment to become more involved in their communities. For more information, visit nyc.gov/youthvote to download "how to host a drive" toolkits and watch videos of student activists speaking about the importance of participating in our democracy. Outreach specialists from the Mayor's Public Engagement Unit also will be at 70 high schools to support voter registration efforts.

NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ANDY L. KING TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE PUNISHMENT FOR SALE OF K2

  New York City Council Member Andy L. King will introduce legislation at tomorrow's Council Stated meeting that will modify statutes involving punishing the sale of K2 in local businesses.  

This legislation will increase the maximum penalties and will add landlords to any persons who are subject to penalties for K2 sales.  It will also make a new requirement that local community planning boards are be notified so they can recommend termination of alcohol licenses to the state liquor authority.  This legislation modifies subdivision of section 10-203 of the administrative code of the city of New York, as added by local law number 97 in the year 2015, with language increasing the maximum civil liability of $50,000 to $100,000.  

"My legislation sends a strong message to communities that businesses need to take a stand against the illicit activity that we've seen," said Council Member King.  "In adding landlords to the discussion, we acknowledge you can't be out of sight out of mind allowing crime, and landlords can and should be people who are subject to penalties for K2 sales. You can't make your money collecting rent in the suburbs benefiting from drug sales in our communities.  Not on my watch."

OVER 77 POUNDS OF SUSPECTED HEROIN AND FENTANYL AND APPROXIMATELY $200,000 CASH SEIZED IN HARLEM: PACKAGES LABELLED “PABLO ESCOBAR”

      

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York Division, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, Keith M. Corlett, Acting Superintendent of the New York State Police, and Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York announced the seizure of approximately 35 kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl (over 77 pounds), worth over $10 million.

Two defendants were arrested and subsequently arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court the evening of Friday, March 29 and the morning of Saturday, March 30, 2019. ARIEL HERNANDEZ faces charges of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees. LUISUIDYN GARCIA MENA is charged with Conspiracy in the Second Degree and False Personation.

At approximately 8:50 pm on Thursday, March 28, 2019, members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-22 and HSI conducted a court authorized search of 630 Lenox Avenue, Apt. 10A, in Harlem, Manhattan as part of an ongoing investigation into a narcotic trafficking group. Agents seized 32 kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl in brick form from inside a bedroom closet.

Kilogram-sized packages were wrapped in brown, black and clear tape, with various labels affixed on top. Among the labels was a photo of the notorious drug trafficker Pablo Escobar, as well as pieces of paper with the names “Pablo” and “Escobar.” Other labels bore recipient code names and images of airplanes. Several clear plastic bags were also filled with loose powder. Additionally, agents and investigators recovered approximately $200,000, a money counter, drug records and a kilogram press.

Earlier that day, agents and investigators were conducting surveillance in the vicinity of 506 West 145th Street in Manhattan at 1:00 p.m. as part of a short-term investigation into narcotics trafficking when they observed HERNANDEZ and GARCIA MENA meeting inside a black 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe. A short time later, agents observed HERNANDEZ leave the vehicle and enter the apartment building located at 630 Lenox Avenue.

GARCIA MENA drove off in the 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe and agents stopped him a short time later. Agents recovered approximately $1,200 cash and two cellphones from the center console of the vehicle. The cellphones had their respective phone numbers written on the outside of each phone. Agents also recovered two allegedly false pieces of identification in different names from the vehicle.

Officers later observed HERNANDEZ exit 630 Lenox Avenue with a blue and gray backpack. Agents stopped HERNANDEZ and recovered three kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl from the backpack along with keys to 630 Lenox Avenue, Apt. 10A. The Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office drafted a search warrant and received court authorization to enter the apartment.

The DEA estimates the black market value of the suspected heroin/fentanyl ranges from $10.5 million to $20 million depending on the potency. The heroin/fentanyl will be tested and analyzed in the DEA’s Northeast Regional Laboratory.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan commended members of her office’s Special Investigations Bureau, DEA’s New York Division, NYDETF Group T-22 and HSI for their work on the case. The NYDETF is comprised of agents and officers with the DEA, the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Brennan said, “The amount of fentanyl and heroin seized is a chilling reminder of the daunting threat lethal opioids pose to vulnerable substance users and those tempted to try readily available drugs. Thank you to the dedicated attorneys and enforcement officers who work tirelessly to protect our neighborhoods.”

“Opioid-related deaths are at a record high and it is our job to investigate those responsible for illicit drug distribution,” said Ray Donovan, DEA Special Agent in Charge. “This organization used the image and name of Pablo Escobar, who was known as the King of Cocaine, to mark their product. Albeit, this seizure was not cocaine, it shows a sign of the times, that heroin/fentanyl are the traffickers’ most profitable and plentiful product and the public’s deadliest threat.”

“The NYPD and our law enforcement partners never stop working to intercept illegal drugs like heroin and fentanyl," said NYPD Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "These drugs are highly addictive, and they're deadly. The people who deal these drugs should know that we'll do everything in our power to identify them and hold them fully responsible for the destruction they cause. I want to thank the members of the NYPD, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force and HSI for their contributions to this investigation.”

"Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. When mixing with heroin, there is no way for the consumer to know just how much fentanyl is laced in the product, which leaves for a deadly game of Russian Roulette," said Angel M. Melendez, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York. "HSI’s Border Enforcement Security Task force, together with the DEA, has been able to remove nearly 35 kilos off New York City streets, potentially mitigating thousands of overdoses and possible drug related deaths."

	Defendants
1	Ariel Hernandez; New York, NY; 11/11/1983 Charges CPCS 1st – 1 ct; CPCS 3rd – 1 ct
2	Luisuidyn Garcia Mena; Yonkers, NY; 1/23/1978 Charges Conspiracy 2nd – 1 ct; False Personation – 1 ct

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

DOI ARRESTS LICENSED FILING REPRESENTATIVE ON CHARGES OF SUBMITTING FORGED DOCUMENTS TO THE CITY BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT IN CONNECTION WITH DOZENS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

  Margaret Garnett, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced today the arrest of a Licensed Filing Representative on charges of forging the credentials of a Professional Engineer on documents filed with the City Department of Buildings (“DOB”). The forgeries made it appear that the Professional Engineer prepared the submitted documents when, in fact, the Professional Engineer did not authorize the use of his stamp for those documents. DOI’s investigation began on a tip that the defendant was submitting forged documentation to the City. The office of Queens County District Attorney Richard A. Brown is prosecuting the case.

 EVELYN DELLUTRI, 55, of Forest Hills, N.Y., was arrested and charged today with multiple counts of Forgery in the Second Degree, a class D felony; Perjury in the Second Degree, Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, class E felonies; and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree and Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree, class A misdemeanors. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison; a class E felony is punishable by up to four years in prison; and a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year’s incarceration.

 DOI Commissioner Margaret Garnett said, “In allegedly forging the credentials of a professional engineer, this defendant potentially compromised the integrity of commercial construction projects and attempted to circumvent a process meant to keep City construction safe, according to the charges. These actions led to plans being submitted with missing drawings and other problems that could have posed risks to the reliability of the construction work. DOI thanks the Queens District Attorney’s Office for their partnership in ensuring the safety of construction in New York City is protected.”

  Chief Assistant District Attorney John M. Ryan said, "The defendant in this case is accused of using a professional stamp in a fraudulent manner, sidestepping procedures and a key safety feature. These professional stamps are a key component in verifying that a competent, licensed professional has certified that construction plans are in compliance with applicable City code and rules. This kind of malfeasance will not be tolerated."

  According to the criminal complaint and DOI’s investigation, between November 2014 and August 2015, the defendant submitted a variety of documents to DOB, which were necessary for construction in Queens, including a PW-1 or Plan/Work Application, which is an application for a DOB construction permit, construction plans submitted as part of that PW-1, and a TR-1, or Technical Report Statement of Responsibility, which are the results of the engineer’s inspection of the completed construction. Approximately 70 of these forged documents were submitted to DOB in connection with commercial construction; and which fraudulently bore the stamp of a Professional Engineer who had not authorized his stamp to be used on those documents. On some of the filings, “Evelsons Consultant, Inc.” is listed as the Professional Engineer’s business name; however, the Professional Engineer stated that he has never done business under that name. DOB records connect Evelsons Consultant, Inc. with the defendant. The investigation resulted in the recovery of the Professional Engineer’s stamp in the defendant’s residence.

  DOI requested that DOB conduct an audit of these jobs and as a result of that audit six Notice of Objections were uncovered raising the following issues: missing items from the drawings, the need for cost estimates for proposed work to be verified, the need for a new Certificate of Occupancy and approved plans, and a sprinkler head did not match the drawings. These projects were put on hold and remain pending.

 The investigation was conducted by DOI’s Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Buildings, specifically, Senior Investigator Jeanette Torres, under the supervision of First Deputy Inspector General Kim Ryan-Flores, Inspector General Gregory Cho, Associate Commissioner Jay Flaherty, Deputy Commissioner / Chief of Investigations Dominick Zarrella and First Deputy Commissioner Daniel Cort.

  A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.