U.S. Attorney Charges Monroe Prior Sex Felon With Transporting A Minor To West Virginia For Criminal Sexual Activity And With Possession Of A Gun

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), announced the arrest of EDUARDO TALENTINO.  TALENTINO is charged with transporting a minor from Monroe, New York, to West Virginia with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity with the minor.  TALENTINO, who was convicted of Rape of a Child in 1997 in Massachusetts, is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  TALENTINO was arrested yesterday and was presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith McCarthy in White Plains federal court and was detained without bail.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “This case underlines the urgent need for law enforcement to continue its efforts to protect children from those who prey on them.  As today’s arrest shows, we will use every tool available to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute those who allegedly sexually exploit children.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “As alleged, Talentino sexually abused a minor child, one who had been entrusted to his care, in the most horrifying way imaginable.  While today's arrest certainly isn't his first run-in with the law, it is the first time he's been charged with a federal crime – one that carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. There's no excuse for this type of behavior.  The FBI is asking victims in this and all cases to come forward with information that could help put child sexual predators behind bars.  The number to call is 1-800-CALL-FBI.”

According to the Complaint[1] unsealed today in White Plains federal court:

From in or about June 22, 2018, to June 25, 2018, TALENTINO transported a 16-year-old minor (“Victim-1”) from Monroe, New York, to West Virginia, where he engaged, and attempted to engage, in illegal sexual activity with Victim-1.

From in or about August 2018 up to and including in or about February 2019, TALENTINO possessed a Colt Pocket Positive .32 caliber revolver at his home in Monroe, New York.

On or about February 8, 2019, TALENTINO was arrested and charged in Orange County with unauthorized practice of a profession.

In or about August 1997, TALENTINO was convicted in Massachusetts of Rape of a Child, a felony, and sentenced to a prison term of four years and one day.

If you have information to report, please contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 800-CALL-FBI.

TALENTINO, 54, of Monroe, New York, is charged with one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, which carries a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the efforts of the FBI, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Police, the Orange County Child Abuse Unit, Orange County Child Protective Services, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in connection with this investigation.  Mr. Berman also thanked the Sullivan County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance.  He added that the investigation is ongoing.

[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.

Robert Pizarro And Juan Rivera Sentenced To Life In Prison For The Kidnapping And Murder Of A Federal Cooperating Witness

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that ROBERT PIZARRO and JUAN RIVERA were sentenced today for the attempted robbery, kidnapping, and murder of federal cooperating witness Robert Bishun on September 20, 2016.  PIZARRO was also sentenced for his role in an earlier 2015 robbery attempt.  PIZARRO, 39, of the Bronx, received a sentence of life in prison plus 14 years.  RIVERA, 42, also of the Bronx, was sentenced to life in prison plus seven years.  PIZARRO and RIVERA were convicted by a jury following a twelve-day trial before U.S. District Judge Alison J. Nathan, who imposed today’s sentence.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As the evidence at trial established, the defendants viciously kidnapped and murdered Robert Bishun because he was a federal cooperating witness.  While we cannot undo the terrible acts committed by these defendants, we firmly believe that today’s sentences further the cause of justice.  We thank the DEA, NYPD, and the Special Agents of our Office for their extraordinary and tireless efforts in pursuit of justice.”

According to the evidence introduced at trial:

On September 20, 2016, PIZARRO and RIVERA attempted to rob Robert Bishun at gunpoint inside his auto body shop in the Bronx, during which two customers in his shop were bound with zip ties and locked in the trunks of separate vehicles inside the shop.  Upon learning during the robbery that Bishun was a federal cooperating witness, PIZARRO and RIVERA kidnapped Bishun from his shop and strangled him to death with a plastic zip tie, before abandoning Bishun’s body in the back of his own vehicle on the side of the road.

On a prior occasion, in January 2015, PIZARRO and another accomplice stormed into Bishun’s auto body shop and robbed Robert Bishun at gunpoint, taking approximately $10,000 in cash from Bishun.  During the course of the robbery, two customers were bound with zip ties.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department, and the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.

Attorney General James' Statement On Capital One Security Breach

  Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement following news that Capital One’s system was breached, and that the personal information of 100 million consumers was illegally accessed:

“Today, 100 million consumers across America are wondering if they were unfortunate enough to be a victim of the most recent data breach. Though Capital One’s breach was internal, the fact still remains that safeguards were missing that allowed for the illegal access of consumers’ names, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, addresses, and other highly sensitive, personal information.

“It is becoming far too commonplace that financial institutions are susceptible to hacks, begging the questions: Why do these breaches continue to take place? And are companies doing enough to prevent future data breaches?

“My office will begin an immediate investigation into Capital One’s breach, and will work to ensure that New Yorkers who were victims of this breach are provided relief. We cannot allow hacks of this nature to become every day occurrences.”

Last week, Attorney General James led a nationwide announcementproviding restitution to the more than 147 million consumers affected by the breach of Equifax Inc. in 2017.

Additionally, Attorney General James, last week, applauded the signing of the Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security (SHIELD) Act — a legislative priority of the Office of the Attorney General during the 2019 session — into law. This major overhaul of data security laws expands the trigger for data breach notifications, requires all companies that collect or store personal information to maintain appropriate safeguards, and broadens the Attorney General’s oversight and ability to fine companies for failure to protect personal information.

Engel Calls for Formal Impeachment Inquiry

“The American people want, and deserve, the truth…I believe the House must pursue a formal impeachment inquiry.”

  Congressman Eliot L. Engel, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement calling for a formal impeachment inquiry into President Trump: 

“The President abused the power of his office in an effort to stymie a legitimate investigation into his campaign’s involvement with Russia. Mr. Mueller chose to follow Justice Department guidance that a sitting President can’t be indicted. The Constitution empowers Congress with checks and balances to address high crimes and misdemeanors by a sitting President. 

“The American people want, and deserve, the truth. Mr. Mueller’s testimony provided ample evidence that the President committed obstruction of justice, and I believe the House must pursue a formal impeachment inquiry. 

“Questions about the abuses and corruption of this Administration require Congress to press ahead with its investigations and follow the facts where they lead us. As Chairman of one of the six House committees looking into possible acts of wrongdoing in the executive branch, I’ve pushed to get answers about Trump’s cozy relationship with Vladimir Putin, unconstitutional emoluments the President has received, and the President’s deep conflicts of interest around the world. 

“The President’s repeated abuses have brought American democracy to a perilous crossroads. Following the guidance of the Constitution – which I have sworn to uphold – is the only way to achieve justice.” 

YC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AND THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT ADVISE NEW YORKERS TO BEAT THE HEAT

Heat Advisory in effect for New York City Tuesday 7/30

Cooling centers are open across the city today. To find the nearest location call 311 or visit NYC.gov/beattheheat 

  The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department today advised New Yorkers to take precautions to beat the heat. The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory in effect for New York City from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. today. High heat and humidity are in the forecast, with heat index values in the mid-90s.

“The best ways to beat the heat are to stay cool and hydrated,” NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Deanne Criswell said. “Use air conditioning or visit a cooling center, drink lots of water, and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day.”        

“The heat that New Yorkers are experiencing this summer is not just uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous,” Health Commissioner Dr. Oxiris Barbot said. “New Yorkers can greatly reduce the risk of heat-related illness by following a few precautions. If possible, stay near air conditioning, wear light cool clothing, drink lots of water and try to avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day. Also, check in on friends, family members and neighbors who are sick, elderly, or disabled and may need assistance in a heat emergency.”

To help New Yorkers beat the heat, New York City cooling centers are open throughout the five boroughs today.  Cooling centers are air-conditioned facilities such as libraries, community centers and senior centers that are open to the public during heat emergencies. To find a cooling center, including accessible facilities closest to you, call 311 (212-639-9675 for Video Relay Service, or TTY: 212-504-4115) or visit the NYC Cooling Center Finder at NYC.gov/beattheheat.

In New York City, most heat-related deaths occur after exposure to heat in homes without air conditioners. Air conditioning is the best way to stay safe and healthy when it is hot outside, but some people at risk of heat illness do not have or do not turn on an air conditioner.

The New York City Emergency Management Department and the Health Department urge New Yorkers to take steps to protect themselves and help others who may be at increased risk from the heat. People at risk are those who do not have access to air conditioning and:

o   Have chronic medical, mental health, cognitive or developmental conditions.

o   Take certain medicines that can affect body temperature. 

o   Have limited mobility or are unable to leave their homes.

o   Are obese.

o   Misuse alcohol or drugs.

Some New Yorkers are at greater risk when it is hot than others. Older adults are more likely than younger New Yorkers to have some combination of the risk factors described above.  In addition, as people get older, their ability to maintain a safe body temperature declines —resulting in an increased risk for heat-related illness. African Americans are twice as likely to die from heat stroke compared to Whites due in part to social and economic disparities, including access to air conditioning. Certain neighborhoods are also more vulnerable to the health impacts of heat than other neighborhoods; visit the NYC Environment and Health Data portal to learn more about the Heat Vulnerability Index.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT:

• Go to an air-conditioned location, even if for a few hours.
• Stay out of the sun and avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Avoid strenuous activity, especially during the sun’s peak hours: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.
• Remember: drink water, rest, and locate shade if you are working outdoors or if your work is strenuous. Drink water every 15 minutes even if you are not thirsty, rest in the shade, and watch out for others on your team. Your employer is required to provide water, rest, and shade when work is being done during extreme heat.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when inside without air conditioning or outside.
• Drink fluids, particularly water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool. Those on fluid-restricted diets or taking diuretics should first speak with their doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Cool down with a cool bath or shower.
• Protect your pets and service animals when extreme heat strikes:
  • Never leave pets in the car. Temperatures rise quickly even with the windows down and can be deadly for your pet. Call 911 if you see a pet or child in a hot car.
  • Be sure your pets have access to plenty of water, especially when it is hot.
  • Make sure your pet has plenty of shady places to go when outdoors.
  • Avoid exercising with your pet outside on extremely hot days.
  • Be sure your pet or service animal has plenty of food and water.
• Participate in activities that will keep you cool, such as going to the movies, shopping at a mall, or swimming at a pool or beach. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim. The NYC Parks Department has free swimming lessons for kids and adults. Visit here for more information on pool and water safety.

·         Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and, in apartments where children live, window guards. Window guards can prevent children from falling out of a window and suffering serious injuries or even death. Screens keep mosquitoes that can spread West Nile Virus out of your home and keep cats from falling out of windows.

• Never leave your children or pets in the vehicle, even for a few minutes.
• Check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, young children, and people with disabilities and access and functional needs.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS:

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know has:

• Hot dry skin.
• Trouble breathing.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Confusion, disorientation, or dizziness.
• Nausea and vomiting.

If you or someone you know feels weak or faint, go to a cool place and drink water. If there is no improvement, call a doctor or 911.

IMPROPER FIRE HYDRANT USE:

The improper opening of fire hydrants wastes 1,000 gallons of water per minute, causes flooding on city streets, and lowers water pressure to dangerous levels, which hamper the ability of the Fire Department to fight fire safely and quickly.

Properly used “spray caps” reduce hydrant output to a safe 25 gallons per minute while still providing relief from the heat. To obtain a spray cap, an adult 18 years or older with proper identification can go to his or her local firehouse and request one.

ENERGY-SAVING TIPS:

During periods of intense electrical usage, such as on hot, humid days, it is important to conserve energy as much as possible to avoid brownouts and other electrical disruptions. While diminishing your power usage may seem inconvenient, your cooperation will help to ensure that utilities are able to provide uninterrupted electrical service to you and your neighbors, particularly those who use electric powered medical equipment or are at risk of heat-related illness and death:

• Set your air conditioner to 78°F or “low.”
• Run appliances such as ovens, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers in the early morning or late at night when it is cooler outside to reduce heat and moisture in your home.
• Close doors to keep cool air in and hot air out when the air conditioner is running.
• Keep shades, blinds, and curtains closed. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through windows.
• Turn off air conditioners, lights, and other appliances when not at home, and use a timer or smart technology to turn on your air conditioner about a half-hour before arriving home. Keep air conditioner filters clean.
• If you run a business, keep your door closed while the air conditioner is running.
• Tell your utility provider if you or someone you know depend on medical equipment that requires electricity.

For more information, visit NYC.gov/beattheheat. New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency communications program. To sign up for Notify NYC, download the free mobile application, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

The Bronx Democratic Party - August Events

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12th Annual Allerton International Food Festival When:  Saturday, 8/17/19 from 12pm-5pm Where: Main Stage Located at Allerton and Barnes A Bronx event for Bronx businesses! Enjoy African, Albanian, American, Asian, Caribbean, Italian, Latin Cuisines and more! Plus, there will be live entertainment, which include pony rides, face painting, kids activities, games and bounce castles.

Assembly Woman Karines Reyes' Summer ReceptionWhen: Wednesday, 8/21/19 from 6pm-9pmWhere: Beatstro at 135 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY 10454 Join Assemblywoman Karines Reyes and friends for a fun and vibrant summer reception! To RSVP for this event, please email:  friendsofaliciahyndman@gmail.com

Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, Assembly Woman Latoya Joyner & State Senator Jose M. Serrano present Senior Appreciation BBQ When: Thursday, 8/29/19 from 12pm-3pm Where: Mullaly Park at  Jerome Avenue and 164th Street  Bronx, NY 10452 Celebrate seniors in the community with a lively BBQ!  For more information please contact district16bronx@councilny.gov

12th Annual Allerton International Food Festival When:  Saturday, 8/17/19 from 12pm-5pm Where: Main Stage Located at Allerton and Barnes
A Bronx event for Bronx businesses! Enjoy African, Albanian, American, Asian, Caribbean, Italian, Latin Cuisines and more! Plus, there will be live entertainment, which include pony rides, face painting, kids activities, games and bounce castles.

 

12th Annual Allerton International Food Festival

When:  Saturday, 8/17/19 from 12pm-5pm

Where: Main Stage Located at Allerton and Barnes

A Bronx event for Bronx businesses! Enjoy African, Albanian, American, Asian, Caribbean, Italian, Latin Cuisines and more! Plus, there will be live entertainment, which include pony rides, face painting, kids activities, games and bounce castles.

Assembly Woman Karines Reyes' Summer ReceptionWhen: Wednesday, 8/21/19 from 6pm-9pmWhere: Beatstro at 135 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY 10454
Join Assemblywoman Karines Reyes and friends for a fun and vibrant summer reception! To RSVP for this event, please email:  friendsofaliciahyndman@gmail.com

 

Assembly Woman Karines Reyes' Summer ReceptionWhen: Wednesday, 8/21/19 from 6pm-9pmWhere: Beatstro at 135 Alexander Avenue, Bronx NY 10454

Join Assemblywoman Karines Reyes and friends for a fun and vibrant summer reception!

To RSVP for this event, please email: 

friendsofaliciahyndman@gmail.com

Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, Assembly Woman Latoya Joyner & State Senator Jose M. Serrano present Senior Appreciation BBQ When: Thursday, 8/29/19 from 12pm-3pm Where: Mullaly Park at  Jerome Avenue and 164th Street  Bronx, NY 10452
Celebrate seniors in the community with a lively BBQ!  For more information please contact district16bronx@councilny.gov

Council Member Vanessa L. Gibson, Assembly Woman Latoya Joyner & State Senator Jose M. Serrano present

Senior Appreciation BBQ

When: Thursday, 8/29/19 from 12pm-3pm
Where: Mullaly Park at 

Jerome Avenue and 164th Street 

Bronx, NY 10452

Celebrate seniors in the community with a lively BBQ! 

For more information please contact district16bronx@councilny.gov

CITY FINANCES RECORD NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING FOR NEW YORK CITY’S MOST VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

City pushes forward on its goal to create 300,000 affordable homes and produces a record number of affordable units for homeless, seniors, and those in need of supportive services

  Mayor de Blasio today announced that the City financed 25,299 affordable homes in Fiscal Year 2019, and a total of 135,437 affordable homes since 2014, significant strides toward the Mayor’s goal to create 300,000 affordable homes by 2026 through the Housing New York (HNY) plan. FY 2019 saw the highest production of units for homeless, seniors, and supportive housing of any year on record.

“We are making tremendous progress in our goal to expand affordable housing in our city, and this year we’ve produced a record number of homes for our most vulnerable friends and neighbors,” said Mayor de Blasio. “Each affordable home secured is a family served, and we’re going to continue to push forward on our goal to make New York a fairer city for all.”

“All New Yorkers deserve safe and stable housing opportunities that are not only within their means, but meet their needs. Creating homes for seniors, the homeless, and those in need of supportive services has always been a priority, and this year we’ve reached a milestone that makes our commitment to the most vulnerable among us crystal clear,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “I want to thank our many partners on all levels of government, as well as our deep bench of committed development partners who have worked with us to deliver on our goal to create 300,000 affordable homes for New Yorkers.”

“HDC is proud to have contributed $1.8 billion in bond financing towards affordable housing this fiscal year,” said HDC President Eric Enderlin. “With a deep commitment to meeting the diverse needs of our communities, we are delivering more housing to our lowest income individuals and families, formerly homeless households, aging seniors, and those in need of supportive services. The ongoing success of the Housing New York plan is made possible thanks to the steadfast leadership of the administration, as well as the countless contributions of our many dedicated partners.  As we celebrate this latest milestone, I’d like to congratulate everyone who continues to work tirelessly to make New York City a more affordable place to live.”

Since its inception, Housing New York has prioritized stabilizing the lives of New Yorkers in need by increasing access to affordable housing opportunities. In the past Fiscal Year, the City financed the construction and preservation of more permanent housing for formerly homeless New Yorkers than any other Fiscal Year on record.

Commitment to New York City Seniors

The City financed nearly 2,000 affordable homes for seniors in this fiscal year alone, for a cumulative total of 8,476 senior restricted units financed since the beginning of the de Blasio administration.  HPD also recently launched its Affordable Independent Residents for Seniors (AIRS) program which will leverage the zoning code to accelerate the creation of affordable, rent-stabilized homes for seniors throughout the five boroughs.

Affordable Housing with Supportive Services

Supportive housing combines affordable housing with specialized programmatic supportive services for chronically homeless individuals and families. This fiscal year also marked the highest number of supportive housing units financed in this Administration, with the creation and preservation of over 1,330 homes that offer critical supportive services for New Yorkers in need.

Delivering on Deeply Affordable Housing

Of the 25,299 homes financed this past Fiscal Year, which ended June 30th, 54 percent will serve very low-income families earning less than $48,000 per year, including more than 5,300 homes for families of three earning less than $28,800 per year.  Over 4,000 of the 25,299 affordable homes financed this year, and over 36,000 of the total 135,437 HNY units financed to date will remain affordable permanently. All other units are subject to binding regulatory agreements that ensure affordability for at least a generation.

A snapshot of HNY production to date:

Construction Type	FY 2019 Starts	%	HNY Totals	%
New Construction	9,029	36	43,930	32
Preservation	16,270	64	91,507	68
Total	25,299		135,437

Borough	HNY New Construction Total	HNY Preservation Total	HNY Total
Manhattan	7,437	32,953	40,390
Bronx	15,562	24,925	40,487
Brooklyn	14,378	25,444	39,822
Queens	6,032	6,498	12,530
Staten Island	521	1,687	2,208
Total	43,930	91,507	135,437

The full numbers for FY 19 are available here.

THIS THURSDAY: STATE SENATOR GUSTAVO RIVERA HOSTS HIS FIRST BACK-TO-SCHOOL CELEBRATION AT SLATTERY PLAYGROUND!

Children between the ages of 4 and 13 must be accompanied by an adult.