Governor Cuomo Announces Hospitalizations Drop below 1,000 for First Time since March 18

Down from Peak of 18,825

Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier Will Enter Phase IV of Reopening Tomorrow

1.1 Percent of Yesterday's COVID-19 Tests were Positive

17 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Confirms 749 Additional Coronavirus Cases in New York State - Bringing Statewide Total to 390,415; New Cases in 45 Counties

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that COVID-19 hospitalizations have dropped below 1,000 for the first time since March 18. Yesterday, there were 996 hospitalized COVID-19 patients in New York State. This is down from a peak of approximately 18,825 hospitalizations on April 12. Central New York, the Finger Lakes, the Mohawk Valley, the North Country and the Southern Tier will enter Phase IV of reopening tomorrow, June 26. The number of new cases, percentage of tests that were positive and many other helpful data points are available at forward.ny.gov.

"After three months of New Yorkers working hard, doing the right thing and taking this seriously, the state has its lowest COVID-19 hospitalization rate since this started," Governor Cuomo said. "Facts are facts, even in this crazy political environment, and what we're saying in New York is we did the right thing. New Yorkers have been locked up and closed their businesses. We have the virus under control finally. We had to flatten the curve. We don't want to go back."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 996 (-75)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 68 (-29)
• Hospital Counties - 32
• Number ICU - 270 (-20)
• Number ICU that are intubated - 167 (-23)
• Total Discharges - 70,010 (+110)
• Deaths - 17
• Total Deaths - 24,800

No. 205: Quarantine Restrictions on Travelers Arriving in New York EXECUTIVE ORDER

No. 205

E X E C U T I V E  O R D E R

QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS ON TRAVELERS ARRIVING IN NEW YORK 

WHEREAS, the State of New York has successfully slowed the transmission of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, the State of New York has gone from having the highest infection rate to one of the lowest in the country and is one of only a few states reported to be on track to contain COVID-19; 

WHEREAS, the Governor has undertaken a cautious, incremental and evidence-based approach to reopening the State of New York;  

WHEREAS, other states that may have taken a less cautious approach are experiencing an increased prevalence of COVID-19;

WHEREAS, New York must work in conjunction with its neighboring states of New Jersey and Connecticut, in light of the significant risk posed to the health and welfare of all residents by the further spread of COVID-19 to the tristate area, to protect the progress made; 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the Laws of the State of New York, in particular Article IV, section one, I do hereby order and direct as follows:

The commissioner of the Department of Health to issue a travel advisory to be communicated widely at all major points of entry into New York, including on highway message boards and in all New York airports, that:

All travelers entering New York from a state with a positive test rate higher than 10 per 100,000 residents, or higher than a 10% test positivity rate, over a seven day rolling average, will be required to quarantine for a period of 14 days consistent with Department of Health regulations for quarantine. 

The Commissioner may issue additional protocols for essential workers, or for other extraordinary circumstances, when a quarantine is not possible, provided such measures continue to safeguard the public health. 

The criteria and the protocols will be coordinated with New Jersey and Connecticut Commissioners of Health, in order to ensure that the tristate area is protected from community transmission of COVID-19, while permitting free travel between and among the states. 

The Commissioner of Health in New York shall make public the impacted jurisdictions on its website and such travel advisory will be effective at 12:01 a.m. on June 25, 2020, until rescinded by the Commissioner.

Any violation of a quarantine or isolation order issued to an individual pursuant to the Commissioner of the Department of Health's travel advisory by a local department of health or state department of health may be enforced pursuant to article 21 of the public health law, and non-compliance may additionally be deemed a violation pursuant to section 12 of the public health law subject to a civil penalty of up to $10,000.  

G I V E N   under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany this twenty-fourth day of June in the year two thousand twenty. 

BY THE GOVERNOR    

     

Secretary to the Governor

Members Of The Mac Baller Brims Gang Charged With Murder

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Dermot Shea, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”), and Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), today announced a Superseding Indictment in United States v. Lawrence, et al. 19 Cr. 761 (JPO).  In the initial indictment, unsealed on October 24, 2019, 13 defendants were charged in connection with the activities of the Mac Baller Brims gang that operated in and around the Mount Hope section of the Bronx between 2017 and 2019.  In the Superseding Indictment, defendants DERRICK CASADO, a/k/a “Big Bank,” a/k/a “Papa D,” and CARLOS ROSARIO, a/k/a “Baby Bottle,” a/k/a “Carlito,” a/k/a “Barlito,” a/k/a “Barlos,” are charged with offenses relating an October 5, 2019 robbery in Manhattan, during which ROSARIO shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez, 27.  A racketeering conspiracy charge was added against defendant JUAN TEJEDA, a/k/a “Gotti.”  The case is proceeding before U.S. District Judge J. Paul Oetken. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As charged in the Superseding Indictment, Carlos Rosario and Derrick Casado were responsible for the murder of Jonathan Rodriguez.  This is one of many acts of violence alleged to have been committed by members and associates of the Mac Baller Brims gang.  Thanks to the outstanding work of our law enforcement partners at the NYPD, HSI, and DEA, Rosario and Casado now face federal charges for murder.”

Police Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “Today’s indictment reflects our continued focus on keeping criminal gangs off the city’s streets.  I thank our NYPD detectives, agents, and prosecutors for their sustained work on this case.”

HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Peter C. Fitzhugh said:  “Members of the Mac Baller Brims allegedly brandished firearms and fired those guns in order to preserve their territory and protect their illicit business.   As alleged, in this case, gang members Derrick Casado and Carlos Rosario are charged with murder, after having shot and killed Jonathan Rodriguez in a Manhattan robbery.  HSI New York’s strong partnerships with the NYPD and DEA, and the continued collaboration in criminal investigations, has led to the arrest of these two individuals and they will now face the consequences for their alleged deadly act.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond P. Donovan said:  “With many acts of violence alleged to be committed by members of the Mac Baller Brims Gang – none were as savage as the murder of Jonathan Rodriguez.  Gang violence threatens the safety of New Yorkers and puts communities in the crosshairs of drug trafficking and drug-related crime.  I applaud our partners at the US Attorney’s Office, the NYPD, and HSI for their diligent work.”

According to the allegations in the Superseding Indictment[1]:

The Mac Baller Brims was a criminal enterprise, and its members and associates committed numerous acts of violence, including shootings, in and around the Bronx.  They engaged in such acts to preserve and protect their power, territory, and profits, and to promote and enhance the gang and its criminal activities.  Members of the gang also enriched themselves by committing robberies and by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and marijuana, including in New York and in Maine.  While conducting their drug business, members and associates of the gang used, carried, and possessed firearms, and members of the gang brandished and fired those guns on multiple occasions since 2017.

On October 5, 2019, CASADO and ROSARIO robbed two victims in the vicinity of 20 East 116th Street in New York, New York, and in the course of that robbery and the immediate flight therefrom, ROSARIO shot and killed a third victim, Jonathan Rodriguez.  The Superseding Indictment charges CASADO and ROSARIO with one count of assault in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same; one count of brandishing a firearm, and aiding and abetting the same; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, and aiding and abetting the same; and one count of murder through use of a firearm, and aiding and abetting the same.  CASADO and ROSARIO face a maximum sentence of life in prison.            

In addition, the Superseding Indictment charges JUAN TEJEDA with conspiring to conduct and participate in the conduct and affairs of the Mac Ballers enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity.  The maximum sentence for this charge is life in prison. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the NYPD, HSI, and DEA on this investigation.

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

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

United States Attorneys Available To Receive Election Complaints

  Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Richard P. Donoghue, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced today that special telephone numbers have been set up to receive complaints of possible violations of federal election laws relating to tomorrow’s primary election in New York City and other counties in their districts. 

Their Offices will be available to receive complaints at the following numbers on Tuesday, June 23, 2020:

(646) 369-4739                       (for Manhattan, Bronx, Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, and Westchester counties) and  

(718) 254-6790                       (for Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau, and Suffolk counties)

In addition, complaints of possible violations of federal election laws may be made directly to the Federal Bureau of Investigation at (212) 384-1000.

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls, and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur.  The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals, and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on Election Day.

Federal law protects against such crimes as intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them.  For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them, or by photographing or videotaping them, under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting, may violate federal voting rights law.  Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.

The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. 

The United States Attorneys also noted that the following additional telephone numbers are available for citizens to call for routine inquiries, such as where to vote or how late the polls are open, or to register complaints that may concern violations of New York State election laws:

AG James Sues Saugerties Dump Site Owner Over Continued Environmental Violations

Owners and Operator Repeatedly Ignored Solid Waste and Water Pollution Laws, Risking Public Health and the Environment

   Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against Joseph and Rachel Karolys for persistent and flagrant violations of New York solid waste and water pollutions laws at three separate dump sites in the Town of Saugerties. 

“New York’s environmental laws are in place for a reason: to protect public health and our natural resources,” Attorney General James said. “Mr. Karolys not only didn’t follow our laws, he repeatedly and flagrantly flouted them — ignoring the harms that his illegal conduct posed to the Town of Saugerties and Ulster County. This lawsuit sends a clear message that my office will not tolerate violations of New York’s public health and environmental laws.”

The suit charges that Joseph Karolys has repeatedly accepted and disposed of construction and demolition (C&D) debris at each of the sites, and operated the waste dumps without required state water pollution control permits and in violation of solid waste requirements. These and other violations are ongoing and have continued unabated despite prolonged efforts by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to resolve them.  

“DEC is aggressively taking action to protect our communities by holding polluters accountable. Illegal dumping poses a serious threat to the environment and will not be tolerated in New York state,” said New York State DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “I would like to recognize DEC staff for their dedicated investigative work as part of our ongoing efforts to crack down on illegal dumping across the region and thank Attorney General James and her staff for their strong partnership to bring these polluters to justice.”

In July 2016, Karolys indicated he wished to operate a solid waste management facility accepting and storing up to 1,250 cubic yards of uncontaminated soil, rock, concrete, brick, and block asphalt from Ulster and Dutchess counties. Based on his representations, the DEC issued Karolys a registration authorizing that activity.

However, follow-up inspections by the DEC identified violations of the facility’s registration, including the presence of unauthorized waste, lack of recordkeeping of wastes brought to the site, and failure to implement required measures to prevent water pollution. Analysis of samples taken from the site indicated the presence of lead, mercury, and several other chemicals. The DEC also determined that the amount of waste on-site exceeded the 1,250 cubic yard limit and — in violation of the registration’s restriction that only wastes from Ulster country could be accepted by the facility — wastes that originated in the New York City metropolitan area were being dumped at the site.   

Further, when the DEC sought compliance at this site, rather than comply, the Karolys created two additional dump sites in Saugerties, for which he never sought authorization from the DEC to operate. At one of these sites, DEC staff found approximately 40,000 cubic yards of solid waste, including rock, asphalt, coal, ash, slag, brick, concrete, and glass. Analysis of samples from the site indicated the presence of lead. At the other, approximately 15,000 cubic yards of solid waste, including rock, concrete, coal, ash, slag, brick, plaster, and glass were found and an analysis of samples indicated the presence of lead, mercury, DDT, other pesticides, and several additional chemicals. 

Despite repeated efforts by the DEC to bring the sites into compliance, to date, unauthorized solid waste remains at the three sites, requisite erosion and sediment control measures have not been implemented, and required state water pollution control permits have not been obtained for any of the sites.

The lawsuit filed by Attorney General James seeks civil penalties for violations of multiple provisions of state solid waste laws at the three sites, with maximum statutory penalties for each violation ranging from $7,500 to $22,500 and additional penalties ranging from $1,500 to $22,500 for each day each that violation has continued. The suit also seeks civil penalties of up to $37,500 per day for each violation for operating each of the three dump sites without the required state water pollution control permit. Finally, the suit asks the court to revoke Karolys’ solid waste management facility registration and order Joseph and Rachel Karolys to remove — and lawfully dispose of — all waste from the three sites. 

All three Karolys dumps are on properties adjacent to State Route 212, between the Village of Saugerties and the town center of Woodstock, and in a largely residential area. These sites are located at the foot of the Catskill Mountains and southeast of Overlook Mountain, which is one of the most visited spots in the Catskill Forest Preserve, and is just miles west of Esopus Creek and the Hudson River and north of the Ashokan Reservoir.

The lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court, Ulster County.

Assisting in the investigation in this matter were investigators Mark Rudd, Clint DuMoulin, and Edward Conlan, Supervising Investigator Harry Czosnykowski, and Deputy Chief Investigator Jonathan Wood, under the supervision of First Deputy Chief John Reidy. The Investigation Division is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

DEC investigators and staff also contributed to this investigation. Attorney General James thanks the DEC for its assistance.       

OPERATION GREEN FURY: 26 TRINITARIOS INDICTED FOR CARRYING OUT SLASHINGS, STABBINGS ON RIKERS ISLAND

Defendants are Current and Former Rikers Island Inmates 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that 26 alleged Trinitario gang members—who are current or former Rikers Island inmates—have been indicted for multiple slashings and other acts of violence in jail, following an investigation by the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Department of Correction’s Correction Intelligence Bureau, with assistance from the New York City Department of Investigation. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “During their time in Rikers Island, these defendants allegedly conspired and engaged in numerous slashings and stabbings that caused grievous wounds. They allegedly carried out these attacks in order to preserve and protect the power of the Trinitario gang, meting out punishment to their own members as well as rivals. We will not tolerate such brutality against incarcerated individuals and will hold people accountable even after they have left jail. We will continue to attack the pipeline of violence from Rikers Island to the streets.” 

 Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York, said, “Transnational criminal organizations will operate without boundaries, as in this case with alleged connections to brutal violence, slashings and stabbings while incarcerated. HSI New York will continue to pursue and dismantle transnational gangs like the Trinitarios, wherever they operate. It is with the tremendous collaboration with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office, NYC DOC and DOI that this investigation took down more than two dozen members of a gang that exists only to brutalize and endanger our communities.”

 DOC Commissioner Cynthia Brann said, “We will not tolerate violence in City jails, and are doing everything possible to bring those responsible to justice. The safety and security of the people who live and work in our facilities is our top priority. Our Correction Intelligence Bureau works tirelessly to increase safety in city jails, and we are proud of their hard work in this case, which involved collaboration with fellow law enforcement partners citywide. Gang activity drives a disproportionate amount of violence on city streets and amongst those in custody, and because of the indictments announced today both communities are safer.”

 The 69-count indictment includes five counts of Attempted Gang Assault in the first degree, 14 counts of Attempted Assault in the first degree, 31 counts of second-degree Assault, two counts of Attempted Assault in the second degree, fourth and fifth-degree Conspiracy, 16 counts of third-degree Assault, and Attempted Assault in the third degree. Twelve defendants-- six of them who are inmates in Rikers Island and six who had previously been discharged from custody--were arraigned this week before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. They are due back in court on July 9, 2020. Four defendants have not been apprehended as of yet and the remaining 10 defendants will be produced from State and Federal custody for arraignment.

 According to the investigation, dubbed “Operation Green Fury” for the gang’s color, the defendants allegedly carried out a total of 14 violent acts in the jail between September 2015 and July 2019. Half of those incidents were against rival gang members, and half against fellow Trinitarios who broke rules of the gang and who were not in good standing. Out of the 14 incidents, 12 were slashings and stabbings. Some victims suffered deep lacerations, and one lost a vast amount of blood. The defendants allegedly conspired through various forms of communication, including phone calls and letters, and by using coded language.

 According to the indictment, on September 15, 2017, Jovier de la Cruz, 26, Pedro Valera, 28, and Rafael Perez, 26, all alleged Trinitarios, entered the cell of Joseph Feliciano, an alleged Trinitario in bad standing, and slashed him in the face with a sharp object. On November 16, 2017, Jesus Matos, 22, Kevin Cabrera, 26, Darlin Feliz, 32, and Victor Capellan, 27, allegedly slashed Shawn Stevens, an alleged member of a rival gang, twice in the face and once in the arm.

 According to the investigation, Jesus Zapata, 30, was the alleged leader of the Trinitario gang on Rikers Island from 2017 to 2018, and Hector Hernandez, 25, allegedly took command between 2018 to 2019. As alleged in the indictment, they ordered an attack against Steven Ayala, an alleged Trinitario gang member, and on April 10, 2018, Valera slashed Ayala in the face and back. About a month later, Hernandez allegedly slashed Michael Franco, an alleged member of a rival gang, in the face.

 According to the indictment, on October 8, 2018, Francisco Nunez, 22, and Paul Corporan, 21, slashed alleged rival gang members Tyreek Covington in the arm, back and neck, and Deontay Boyd in the face. On July 28, 2019, Ernie Garcia, 22, Diogenes Hernandez, 19, Jerry Polanco, 21, Ariel Tavarez, 22, John Polanco, 21, and Jose Paniagua, 19, allegedly slashed Julian Diaz in the arm. On December 16, 2018, Jeremy Bello, 29, and Jonathan Davila, 21, allegedly slashed Carlos Capellan, an alleged Trinitario who was in bad standing, in the face.

 District Attorney Clark also thanked DOC CIB Investigators Charles Acosta, Richard Troche, Jose Romero, and Scott Frank; and HSI Special Agents Tara Mulkearns and Luis Diaz; and DOI Chief Investigator Enio Bencosme.

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

Defendants: 

1. Jesus Zapata, AKA Jeezy, AKA Jeezy Hendrix, 30, Manhattan 

2. Hector Hernandez, 25, NYS DOCCS 

3. Jesus Matos AKA Savage, 22, NYS DOCCS 

4. Pedro Valero, AKA Cuzzo, AKA, Montro, AKA Monstro, 28, NYC DOC 

5. Francisco Nunez, AKA Buenon, AKA Buenom, AKA Buenon Pretty, AKA Sesenta, 22, NYC DOC Custody 

6. Jeremy Bello, AKA Pistola, AKA Pitola, AKA Coro, 29, NYS DOCCS 

7. Brayan Lloret, AKA Brayon Lloret, AKA E.T., 22, Manhattan 

8. Daniel Hernandez, AKA Twitch, AKA Rico, 19, NYS DOCCS 

9. Jonathan Davila, AKA Jonathan Davilla, AKA J.O., AKA J.O. Baller, 21, NYC DOC 

10.Victor Capellan, AKA Tecato, 27, NYC DOC 

11.Paul Corporan, AKA Grande, AKA El Cata, 21, NYC DOC 

12.Marcos Espinal, AKA Ito, 23, NYS DOCCS 

13.Darlin Feliz, AKA D-Block, 32, NYS DOCCS 

14.Leonardo DelaCruz, AKA Peetie Po, 21, Bronx 

15.Antonio Mora, AKA Chucky, 27, Federal Custody 

16.Braian Chu, AKA Briann Chu, AKA Braian Berrea, AKA Brian Berrea, AKA Chino, 21, Bronx 17.Dennis Miller, AKA Menace, 26, Queens 

18.Jovier DelaCruz, 26, NYS DOCCS 

19.Kelvin Cabrera, AKA Kevin Cabrera, 26, Bronx 

20.Rafael Perez, AKA Haivita, 26, NYS DOCCS 

21.Ariel Tavarez, 22, Queens 

22.Ernie Garcia, 22, Manhattan 

23.Diogenes Hernandez, AKA J.J., 19, Bronx 

24.Jerry Polanco, 21, Brooklyn 

25.Jose Panigua, AKA Bad Bunny, 19, NYC DOC 

26.John Polanco, 21, Manhattan

BRONX MOTHER SENTENCED IN MURDER-FOR-HIRE PLOT

Enlisted Undercover Cop to Kill Man to Keep Him from Testifying Against Her Son, Who Allegedly Shot Him 

  Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx mother has been sentenced to prison for hiring a hitman to kill a man to keep him from testifying against her son, who is charged in the non-fatal shooting of the man two months earlier. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, a Bronx mother whose son allegedly shot a man, hired a hitman to finish the job. She paid $1,000 to the supposed hitman, who was actually an undercover detective. The defendant will now go to prison for trying to end someone’s life and for trying to subvert the criminal justice system.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Annette Spann, 45, of 1010 East 178 Street, was sentenced today to two and one-third years to seven years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Robert Neary, via video. The defendant pleaded guilty to second-degree Conspiracy on May 26, 2020. 

 According to the investigation, on the night of November 14, 2019, Spann met with an undercover detective who she believed was a hitman. Spann is seen on video counting money and paying the detective $1,000 for the hit job. Spann provided specific information about the intended victim’s whereabouts and associates. Spann was arrested on November 22, 2019. Her son, Candido Lizarro, AKA Candido Lizarra, 26, was arrested on December 11, 2019 in Florida for allegedly shooting the victim on September 2, 2019 and was extradited to the Bronx. The case against him is pending.

 District Attorney Clark thanked Vladimir Kocheulov, Chief of the Crime Strategies Bureau, and Analysts of the Crime Strategies Bureau for their assistance in the case. District Attorney Clark also thanked Detective Ravi Narayan of the NYPD Firearms Suppression Division, Detective Victor Cardona of the NYPD Intelligence Bureau, Detective Randy Kyrk of the NYPD Bronx Warrant Squad and Detective Andrew Nash of the 48th Precinct.

How Did It go On Primary Day?

  There are still tens of thousand absentee ballots that have to be counted in the Bronx. As long as the envelope is postmarked June 23, 2020 the ballot must count. There were close to 70,000 Absentee ballots requested in the Bronx and over 700,000 citywide. There was a claim that the Board of Elections didn't have enough envelopes for all the requested absentee ballots, and another that not all were sent out on time. At the time of the petition hearings, there were claims that candidates received notices of hearings after the hearings. The answer from the Chief Law Clerk to candidates was that the BOE can not be held responsible if the USPS can not deliver the mail on time. Let's see what happens here.

That said Congratulations to New 15th District Congressman Ritchie Torres who leads by over four thousand votes, and to the Bronx Democratic County organization. If you thought Councilman Ruben Diaz was the county candidate you were wrong. I like many others thought that until I saw the Torres FEC Pre-Primary filing. As for the three now two incumbents money talked in the 14th District. Incumbent AOC had over ten million dollars and even after the absentee ballots are counted, AOC should be close to the election day seventy-two percent mark. In the 13th District, Adriano Espaillat was not as fortunate getting less than sixty percent of the vote against two unknowns. The third incumbent in the 16th District, Eliot Engel is trailing by well over seven thousand votes which should be impossible to beat New Congressman Jamaal Bowman. 

32nd State Senate District, incumbent Luis Sepulveda holds a lead of over three thousand votes, which should hold up after the absentee ballots are counted.

79th Assembly District, this was an open seat due to soon to be former Assemblyman Michael Blake's decision to run for congress. Here Chantel Jackson leads by two-hundred and forty votes over county backed female District Leader Cynthia Cox. Ruben Diaz backed George Alvarez is short of five-hundred votes behind Cox, and the voters weren't as forgiving to forth place finisher Eric Stevenson who will not return to his old seat. Two others finished behind him. There is well over one-thousand absentee votes that were cast in this assembly district, and the question is, can Cynthia Cox get enough of them to beat Chantel Jackson.

In the last race I had mentioned was worth watching, there will be two new district leaders in the 80th A.D. Former Male District Leader Marcos Sierra has regained his position with a lead of four-hundred and fifty votes over soon to be former male District Leader John Zaccaro Jr.. In the open Female District leader race the winner with a lead of well over one-thousand votes is Irene Estrada.

I left out the 78th A.D. where Assemblyman Jose Rivera demolished his opponent, but his votes did not drop down to his running mates. Female District Leader candidate Jasmin Clavasquin-Cruz trails Maria Gonzalez by over seven-hundred votes, while incumbent Male State Committeeman Oswald Feliz trails Emmanuel Martinez by over three-hundred and fifty votes.

The figures stated come from the New York City Board of Elections unofficial election night results. The results will not be official until all absentee, military, and affidavit votes are counted which may take two weeks or more due to the sheer volume of the ballots to be counted by hand. Any ballot can also be challenged in court as to alleged fraud which the Board of Elections does not rule on.