Sunday, October 13, 2019

MULTI-DRUG PACKAGING MILL DISMANTLED IN THE BRONX: OVER 13 LBS. OF FENTANYL AND QUANTITIES OF HEROIN, COCAINE AND METHAMPHETAMINE


      drugs and paraphernalia


   day care

Private Elementary School and Day Care Centers Located Nearby

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Ray Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New York Division, New York City Police Commissioner James P. O’Neill, New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett and Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced the seizure of six kilograms of suspected fentanyl (over 13 lbs.) and quantities of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine destined for distribution in New York City.
On October 8, 2019, members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (DETF) Group T-12 were conducting surveillance in the vicinity of a suspected drug packaging location at 2322 Andrews Avenue North in the Bronx as part of an ongoing investigation. At approximately 3:20 p.m., agents and officers observed defendant WADELY TAVERAS leave 2322 Andrews Avenue North, carrying a black backpack. Agents and officers approached TAVERAS and recovered three brick-shaped packages, each suspected to contain a kilogram of fentanyl, from inside the backpack.
Members of Group T-12 obtained a court authorized search warrant with assistance from the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. At approximately 6:20 p.m., agents and officers conducted a court authorized search of 2322 Andrews Avenue North, Apt. 51, a three-bedroom apartment. Inside the master bedroom closet, agents and officers recovered three additional brick-shaped packages, each suspected to contain a kilogram of fentanyl, and several plastic bags suspected to contain 100 grams of methamphetamine, 200 grams of cocaine and 100 grams of heroin.
Elsewhere in the master bedroom, agents and officers recovered narcotics paraphernalia, including empty glassines used to package narcotics, a scale, grinders and a kilogram press.
A private elementary school and multiple day care centers are located on the same block as the drug packaging mill. The DEA estimated the wholesale value of the drugs recovered at over $300,000 and the street value at approximately $1 million. Results of laboratory analysis of the seized drugs are pending.
A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor charges TAVERAS with three counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, four counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree. TAVERAS was arraigned last night in Manhattan Criminal Court, where a judge set bail at $200,000 cash or bond.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and commended members of SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau, the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, including members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police, and SNP’s Investigators Unit for their work on the case.
DefendantCharges
1Wadely Taveras; Bronx, NY; 3/7/1984CPCS 1st – 3 cts; CPCS 2nd – 1 ct; CPCS 3rd – 4 cts; Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – 2 cts
The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Multiple Homicides in the 77 Precinct, Brooklyn October 12, 2019


Remarks as Delivered by Chief of Detectives Dermot F. Shea
Good morning everyone. I'm joined here by Chief Rodney Harrison, Chief of Patrol, members of the Patrol Services Bureau and Detective Bureau. At about 6:55 this morning a 911 call over for shots fired at 74 Utica Avenue. That's the location over my right shoulder. At this point what it appears to be is an illegal gambling location set up inside that first floor location. When the first calls came over we had members of the 77 Precinct respond.
I [have to] really point out a phenomenal job by the patrol response to set up a scene here, render aid to the individuals. A bit of a chaotic scene. The individuals that in fact responded had just made a gun arrest, were processing it and rand back out here. What they encountered inside this location, we have four males deceased inside. They are still at the scene. We are awaiting the Medical Examiner.
We have an additional three individuals that are shot and receiving treatment at local hospitals. That's two males and one female.Those injuries I would consider at this point non-life threatening. There was a report of an eighth person shot. That person is in fact not shot. They sustained a minor leg injury attempting to flee this location.
It's a very, very preliminary report. Our Homicide detectives are on the scene now. We have some individuals back at the 77th Precinct, and we're trying to piece together exactly what transpired inside that location. We do have at this point, and it's possible that it's going to go up, two firearms recovered. There's evidence of multiple shots fired. All appears at this time to be contained within that location. The ages of the deceased and shot range in age from 32 years of age to 49 years of age.
The identities of the deceased are pending proper family notification.

Attorney General James' Statement On Shooting In Crown Heights


   Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to this morning’s shooting in Crown Heights:

“Once again, senseless gun violence in our communities has claimed the lives of several individuals. The shooting this morning in Crown Heights is deeply upsetting, and we hope that those injured will make full and speedy recoveries. As the details are still unfolding, I urge anyone with information to please contact the NYPD at 1-800-577-TIPS.”

Wave Hill events Oct 24‒Oct 31


Thu, October 24

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Thu, October 24

On Site Opera Presents The Turn of the Screw: Ticketed Dress Rehearsal    *SOLD OUT*

Just as the chill of fall permeates the air, the acclaimed On Site Opera stages three performances of Benjamin Britten’s haunting tale The Turn of the Screw in October. This roving opera takes guests from the Great Lawn and on to Wave Hill house to watch as a terrified governess struggles to comfort her two young charges. This psychological thriller hurtles to a chilling conclusion as guests follow performers into Mark Twain Room and Armor Hall. In addition to today's dress rehearsal, The Turn of the Screw will be presented at Wave Hill on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, October 25, 26 and 27. All  performances are sold out. $60 for dress rehearsal; Wave Hill Members save 10%.  

On the Grounds & Wave Hill House, 7:30PM

Fri, October 25

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 1PM

Fri, October 25

On Site Opera Presents The Turn of the Screw: Ticketed Dress Rehearsal    *SOLD OUT*

Just as the chill of fall permeates the air, the acclaimed On Site Opera stages three performances of Benjamin Britten’s haunting tale The Turn of the Screw in October. This roving opera takes guests from the Great Lawn and on to Wave Hill house to watch as a terrified governess struggles to comfort her two young charges. This psychological thriller hurtles to a chilling conclusion as guests follow performers into Mark Twain Room and Armor Hall. In addition to today's performance, The Turn of the Screw will be presented at Wave Hill on Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27. All performances are sold out. $60 for dress rehearsal; Wave Hill Members save 10%. 

On the Grounds & Wave Hill House, 7:30PM

Sat, October 26

Family Art Project: Preserving Past and Future Fossils

Travel back in time to prehistoric times and explore ways in which animals and plants have evolved. Then, time travel to the future to document how animals and plants are affected by changing environments. Use clay and imprinting to bring awareness to how animals and plants are affected by, and adapt to, climate change. Free, and admission to the grounds is free until noon. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sat, October 26

Gallery Tour

Tour Glyndor Gallery with Wave Hill’s Curatorial Assistant or Gallery Greeter to get an insider’s view of current exhibitions. A flower’s life cycle of budding, blooming and pollinating, as well as its process of decay, strongly echoes the human condition. The exhibition Figuring the Floral features artists who apply this symbolism to their work—touching on race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexual orientation, aging and other facets of identity. Participating artists are Derrick AdamsNicole AwaiBahar BehbahaniChristian Ruiz BermanSanford Biggers, Cecile ChongMax Colby, Abigail DeVilleValerie HegartyChristopher K. Ho and Kevin ZuckerDiana LozanoNatalia NakazawaEbony G. PattersonBundith PhunsombatlertLina PuertaSimonette QuaminaDavid Rios FerreiraAlexandria SmithKatherine ToukhyLina Iris ViktorWilliam Villalongo and Saya Woolfalk. In the Sunroom, Emily Oliveira creates a vibrant, installation using large-scale, textile pieces, sculpture and video to transform the Sunroom into a devotional space for a decolonized, queer utopia 1,000 years into the future. In the Sun Porch, Duy Hoàng creates a sculptural installation inspired by his research and material experimentation. In his laboratory-like setting, Hoàng creates a shelter and uses intersecting Paracords and tree branches to juxtapose found objects, such as fallen plants and photographs of fauna and flora sourced from Wave Hill.  Free with admission to the grounds.

Glyndor Gallery, 2PM

Sat, October 26

On Site Opera Presents The Turn of the Screw: Ticketed Dress Rehearsal   *SOLD OUT*

Just as the chill of fall permeates the air, the acclaimed On Site Opera stages three performances of Benjamin Britten’s haunting tale The Turn of the Screw in October. This roving opera takes guests from the Great Lawn and on to Wave Hill house to watch as a terrified governess struggles to comfort her two young charges. This psychological thriller hurtles to a chilling conclusion as guests follow performers into Mark Twain Room and Armor Hall. In addition to today's performance,  The Turn of the Screw will be presented at Wave Hill on Friday and Sunday, October 25 and 27. All performances are sold out. $60 for dress rehearsal; Wave Hill Members save 10%. 

On the Grounds & Wave Hill House, 7:30PM

Sun, October 27

Family Art Project: Preserving Past and Future Fossils

Travel back in time to prehistoric times and explore ways in which animals and plants have evolved. Then, time travel to the future to document how animals and plants are affected by changing environments. Use clay and imprinting to bring awareness to how animals and plants are affected by, and adapt to, climate change. Free with admission to the grounds. 

Wave Hill House, 10AM–1PM

Sun, October 27

Garden Highlights Walk

Join a Wave Hill Garden Guide for a public tour of seasonal garden highlights. Free with admission to the grounds.

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center, 2PM

Sun, October 27

On Site Opera Presents The Turn of the Screw: Ticketed Dress Rehearsal   *SOLD OUT*

Just as the chill of fall permeates the air, the acclaimed On Site Opera stages three performances of Benjamin Britten’s haunting tale The Turn of the Screw in October. This roving opera takes guests from the Great Lawn and on to Wave Hill house to watch as a terrified governess struggles to comfort her two young charges. This psychological thriller hurtles to a chilling conclusion as guests follow performers into Mark Twain Room and Armor Hall. In addition to today's performance, The Turn of the Screw will be presented at Wave Hill on Friday and Saturday, October 25 and 26. All performances are sold out. $60 for dress rehearsal; Wave Hill Members save 10%.  

On the Grounds & Wave Hill House, 5PM

                         
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–5:30PM, March 15–October 31. Closes 4:30PM, starting November 1.

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.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Sunday, October 13th The Annual Bronx Columbus Day Parade. The Mass 10:00AM at St. Dominic Church & The Parade: 12:00PM at Morris Park Ave & Wallace Ave




Sunday, October 13th, 2019
Mass: 10:00 AM at St. Dominic Church
Parade: 12:00 PM at Morris Park Ave & Wallace Ave
Please Note that the Parade will begin at Morris Park & Wallace Avenue at Noon
And will end at Lydig Avenue and Williamsbridge Road!
Bronx Columbus Day Parade Committee
Chairman, Chris Alessandro 

Friday, October 11, 2019

FIVE MEN SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR MURDER IN STABBING OF LESANDRO “JUNIOR” GUZMAN-FELIZ


  Today Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary sentenced five defendants to prison for the murder of Lesandro “Junior” Guzman-Feliz, 15, on June 20, 2018. 

 The defendants had been found guilty by a jury on June 14, 2019 of first-degree Murder, second-degree Murder, second-degree Conspiracy and second-degree Gang Assault.

 Jonaiki Martinez Estrella was sentenced to Life without Parole for first-degree Murder, 25 years to Life for second-degree Murder, 8 1/3 to 25 years for second-degree Conspiracy and 15 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for second-degree Gang Assault. Sentences to run concurrently.

 Jose Muniz, Elvin Garcia and Antonio Rodriguez Hernandez Santiago were sentenced to 25 years to Life for first-degree Murder, 25 years to Life for second-degree Murder, 8 1/3 to 25 years for second-degree Conspiracy, and 15 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for second-degree Gang Assault. Sentences to run concurrently.

 Manuel Rivera was sentenced to 23 years to Life for first-degree Murder, 23 years to Life for second-degree Murder, 5 to 15 years for second-degree Conspiracy and 15 years in prison and five years post-release supervision for second-degree Gang Assault.

Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice And Former Chair Of Board Of Directors Of Municipal Credit Union Charged With Obstruction Of Justice


 Former New York City Police Department Officer and Supervisory Committee Member Also Charged With Embezzlement, Fraud, and Controlled Substance Offenses

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that SYLVIA ASH, presiding judge of the Kings County Supreme Court, Commercial Division, and former chair of the board of directors of Municipal Credit Union (“MCU”), was charged in Manhattan federal court with conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice, arising from a scheme to seek to influence and impede an ongoing federal investigation into fraud and corruption at MCU, a non-profit, multibillion-dollar financial institution.  U.S. Attorney Berman also announced today that Joseph Guagliardo, a/k/a “Joseph Gagliardo,” a former New York City Police Department Officer and former member of MCU’s supervisory committee, was charged separately with embezzlement, fraud, and controlled substance offenses arising from abuse of his position as a member of the supervisory committee.  Guagliardo was arrested in Brooklyn, New York, yesterday afternoon and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ona T. Wang in Manhattan federal court.  ASH was arrested at LaGuardia Airport this morning and is expected to appear before Magistrate Judge Wang in Manhattan federal court this afternoon.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “The charges announced today reflect the latest in our ongoing work to uncover criminal conduct at the highest levels of MCU, a multibillion-dollar, federally insured credit union.  As alleged, Sylvia Ash, a sitting state court judge, took repeated steps to obstruct a federal investigation into significant financial misconduct at MCU during Ash’s tenure as chair of the board of directors.  Joseph Guagliardo allegedly abused his position as an MCU supervisory committee member to enrich himself and his family.”
According to the allegations contained in the two Complaints unsealed today in Manhattan federal court, publicly available information, and prior court filings:[1]
Municipal Credit Union
MCU is a non-profit financial institution headquartered in New York, New York, which is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”).  MCU is the oldest credit union in New York State and one of the oldest and largest in the country, providing banking services to more than 500,000 members, and with more than $2.9 billion in member accounts, each of which is federally insured for at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is administered by the NCUA.  Membership in MCU is generally available to employees of New York City and its agencies, employees of the federal and New York state governments who work in New York City, and employees of hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities located within New York State.
At all relevant times, MCU was supposed to be overseen by a board of directors (the “Board”) and a supervisory committee (the “Supervisory Committee”), each of which was composed of volunteer members of MCU, who were not to be compensated.  According to New York banking law, the Supervisory Committee’s duties included supervision of the actions of MCU’s Board and officers.  MCU’s written conflict of interest policy, which was regularly distributed to Board members, Supervisory Committee members, and others, provided, among other things, that members of MCU’s “Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee may not do business with the Credit Union, either individually or as representative of any business entity.”
ASH
ASH is a New York State Supreme Court Justice in Kings County.  ASH has served as a judge in the New York State court system since at least approximately 2006, first as a Kings County Civil Court Judge, and, commencing in 2011, as a Kings County Supreme Court Justice.  In or about January 2016, ASH was appointed to be the presiding judge in the Kings County Supreme Court’s Commercial Division.
ASH served on MCU’s Board from in or about May 2008 until on or about August 15, 2016, when she resigned.  ASH also served as a trustee of MCU’s pension plan, a position from which she resigned on or about October 31, 2016.  From in or about May 2015 until her resignation from the Board, ASH served as the chair of the Board.
Guagliardo
GUAGLIARDO is a former officer with the New York City Police Department, who retired in or about 1989.  In or about 1993, GUAGLIARDO joined the Supervisory Committee of MCU, a volunteer position, and remained in that position until he was removed from that position by the New York State Department of Financial Services on or about May 24, 2018, except for a brief period of time when he served as a member of MCU’s Board in or about 2008.  While he was a Supervisory Committee member, GUAGLIARDO sought to and did use his position to oversee aspects of MCU’s security and fraud department, including serving in the role of vice president of MCU’s security and fraud department while that position was vacant.
Kam Wong
From on or about at least 2007 until on or about June 12, 2018, Kam Wong served as MCU’s chief executive officer (“CEO”) and president.  On or about May 8, 2018, Wong was charged and arrested by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, and, on or about June 12, 2018, Wong was terminated by MCU.  On or about December 2, 2018, Wong pled guilty to a multimillion-dollar embezzlement from MCU, and acknowledged, in his written plea agreement, among other things, endeavoring to obstruct and impede and obstructing and impeding the administration of justice with respect to the criminal investigation into this matter, and agreeing with one or more others to do the same.
ASH’s Alleged Obstruction of Justice
From at least in or about 2012 through 2016, while serving as an MCU Board member and while Wong was CEO, ASH received annually tens of thousands of dollars in reimbursements and other benefits from MCU, including airfare, hotels, food and entertainment expenses for her and a guest to attend conferences domestically and abroad, as well as payment for phone and cable bills, and electronic devices.  Even after her resignation from the Board, Wong continued to provide or cause MCU to provide ASH with benefits, such as Apple devices. 
In or about January 2018, after Wong had been approached by federal law enforcement agents investigating potential financial misconduct by Wong involving MCU and in an attempt to protect Wong, ASH agreed to and did sign a false and misleading memorandum purporting to explain and justify millions of dollars in payments that Wong had received from MCU, which was then provided by Wong to law enforcement officers.
Subsequently, ASH agreed to and did continue to seek to influence and impede the federal investigation in multiple ways, including by (i) concealing and deleting relevant text messages and email messages and wiping her MCU-issued Apple iPhone in a further effort to destroy and impair the availability of evidence that had been sought by federal grand jury subpoenas, and (ii) making false and misleading statements to federal law enforcement officers in interviews conducted as part of a federal criminal investigation.
            GUAGLIARDO’s Alleged Embezzlement, Fraud, and Unlawful Provision of Controlled Substances to Wong
GUAGLIARDO engaged in a long-running scheme to defraud MCU, with the agreement and assistance of, among others, Wong.  Among other things, GUAGLIARDO defrauded and embezzled from MCU by causing it to direct more than $250,000 to a purported security company created and controlled by GUAGLIARDO, but operated in another’s name, which did little to no real work for MCU.  GUAGLIARDO also defrauded and embezzled from MCU by over-billing for more than $200,000 for purported web advertising services provided by a non-profit organization that GUAGLIARDO also controlled. 
In addition, during substantially the same period in which GUAGLIARDO was committing and concealing these offenses, GUAGLIARDO participated in a scheme to unlawfully distribute controlled substances to Wong, in the form of prescription drugs, some of which were obtained from GUAGLIARDO’s spouse, who worked as a doctor affiliated with a public hospital, and some of which were obtained from a doctor affiliated with the New York City Police Department.
ASH, 62, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; and two counts of obstruction of justice, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
GUAGLIARDO, 62, of Brooklyn, New York, is separately charged with one count of conspiracy to embezzle from a federal credit union, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison; one count of embezzlement, one count of conspiracy to defraud a financial institution, and one count of defrauding a financial institution, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison; and one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, and one count of distribution of controlled substances, each of which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.  
The maximum potential sentences in these cases are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.
U.S. Attorney Berman praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Berman also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and the New York City Police Department Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance.
The charges contained in the Complaints 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 Complaints, and the description of the Complaints set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James On Decision To Block Public Charge Rule From Taking Effect


 New York Attorney General Letitia James released the following statement in response to the decision to grant a nationwide preliminary injunction and stop the Trump Administration’s Public Charge from taking effect. The rule, scheduled to take effect on October 15, 2019, would have had devastating impacts on New York and states across the country. Attorney General James said:

“The history of our nation is inextricably tied to our immigrant communities, and because of today’s decision, so too will be our future. Once again, the courts have thwarted the Trump Administration’s attempts to enact rules that violate both our laws and our values, sending a loud and clear message that they cannot rewrite our story to meet their agenda. This rule would have had devastating impacts on all New Yorkers – citizens and non-citizens alike – and today’s decision is a critical step in our efforts to uphold the rule of law. As long as our communities are under attack from this federal government, we will never stop fighting back.” 
In August 2019, New York Attorney General James filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s Public Charge Rule, a rule that aimed to deny green cards and visas to immigrants that use or have used government assistance programs. In the lawsuit, joined by the States of Connecticut and Vermont and the City of New York and filed in the United States District for the Southern District of New York, the parties argued that such a rule would have short- and long-term impacts on public health and the economy. With the rule set to take effect on October 15, 2019, the coalition filed a motion for a preliminary injunction in September 2019.