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Monday, October 5, 2020
City Council votes to Expel Councilman Andy King
Councilman Andy King with his lawyers and supporters outside his office Friday answering the charges of the City Council Ethics Committee to be voted on today.
By a vote of 48 - 2 the New York City Council has taken steps to expel City Councilman Andy King of the North East Bronx from the New York City Council.
It is now unclear what will happen since the last time the council held such a vote was eighty or ninety years ago according to one councilman who voted in favor of the expulsion.
Will there be a special election, just who will be running the 12th City Council District, and what will happen to the current staff of the 12th City Council District>
There is also the probability of a lawsuit by Councilman King as was said in a press conference that was held on Friday by his lawyer who claimed that Councilman King was being accused of things that he did not do.
City Council Votes for Expulsion of Councilman Andy King.
https://council.nyc.gov/livestream/?fbclid=IwAR1SPgZil2ZB4JVCf6yqPM9H9iJfsLGppOySqG1kIs_-fJd-iAM7p3qXJYY
The city council has voted for expulsion of Councilman Andy King. The link to the live hearing is above.
Councilman Andy King with his lawyers claiming that the City Council held a Kangaroo Court where he was not given due process, and the witness for the City Council changed their testimony.
INDICTMENT CHARGES MAN FOR TRAFFICKING DANGEROUS, UNUSUAL DRUG MIXTURES OF HEROIN, FENTANYL, TRAMADOL AND METHAMPHETAMINE
Nearly four pounds of narcotics and packaging equipment recovered from maintenance area of residential building near public school in Fordham Heights
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 Dermot F. Shea, Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, and New York State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett announced today the indictment and arrest of an individual accused of trafficking in multi-kilogram quantities of opioids and methamphetamine mixed together in highly unusual and potentially lethal combinations.
An indictment filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges JUAN PEREZ-PICHARDO with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First, Second, Third and Fifth Degrees and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree. The indictment was unsealed this afternoon at an arraignment before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Ann E. Scherzer in Part 93.
PEREZ-PICHARDO was arrested on August 13, 2020 by members of the DEA’s New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, Group Z-13, following a court authorized search of his basement apartment at 2400 Walton Avenue. The six-story residential building is located in Fordham Heights on the same block as a public elementary school.
The New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers of the DEA, the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York, the New York State Police, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, the Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. The Strike Force is partially funded by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), which is a federally supported crime fighting initiative and part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force program.
When agents and officers arrived at 2400 Walton Avenue, they entered through the rear courtyard area of the apartment building and observed a sign posted on the door of the target apartment indicating a storage/maintenance area. PEREZ-PICHARDO was inside the apartment.
During the search, agents and investigators discovered a hidden compartment carved into the wall of a shower area, located adjacent to the kitchen. The compartment contained multiple brick-shaped packages of a brown powdery substance. Another brick-shaped package wrapped in a comforter was found in a bedroom closet. In total, nearly four pounds of suspected narcotics were recovered, as well as 10 bottles of liquid ketamine (a general anesthetic), quinine (an anti-malaria agent) and $1,000 cash.
Subsequent testing by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Laboratory determined that two of the brick-shaped packages contained a mixture of heroin, fentanyl and tramadol (all opioids) and methamphetamine (a stimulant). A third brick contained heroin, fentanyl and tramadol.
The dangerous and highly unusual combination of opioids with a stimulant could easily cause an unsuspecting user to overdose. Moreover, at least half of all overdose deaths in New York City involve illicit fentanyl, which is approximately 50 times stronger than heroin. The seizure in this case came at a time when drug fatalities reached an all-time high across the country due to aggravating factors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The apartment also contained all of the equipment necessary to mix the substances, including a kilo press, scales, grinder, ink pads, stamps and thousands of empty individual-dose glassine envelopes. The drugs seized could have yielded at least 50,000 individual doses worth approximately $500,000 on the street.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and commended SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and all of the agencies involved in the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force, including DEA New York Division, the NYPD, HSI New York and the New York State Police, for their work on the case.
“The excellent investigative work of attorneys and law enforcement officers undoubtedly saved lives. We seized large quantities of a substance with highly lethal potential – a combination of highly potent stimulants mixed with powerful narcotics - and all the equipment needed to put 50,000 stamped bags filled with it out on the street for sale,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan.
“A concealed compartment in an apartment wall held a highly dangerous mixture of opioids and stimulants, something we are seeing more and more of these days,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan. “Drug traffickers are monopolizing on the potency of fentanyl by mixing it with other controlled substances. We have seen fentanyl mixed with heroin, mixed with cocaine, and now being mixed with meth, heroin and tramadol. This is a warning to users that what you think is one drug, when in fact it could be a toxic cocktail.”
“Our work in this case prevented a tremendous amount of illegal narcotics from flooding into our city’s streets. I commend our NYPD detectives and all of our law enforcement partners for their ongoing efforts to stop the distribution of these deadly drugs,” said Police Commissioner Dermot Shea.
“With a half million dollars’ worth of narcotics hidden throughout his apartment, Perez-Pichardo is alleged to have had enough stashed for fifty thousand potential lethal overdoses. These are deadly drugs, made even deadlier by the substances these traffickers were allegedly adding to this “home brew” of narcotics,” said Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent in Charge of HSI New York. “HSI’s partnership with DEA, NYPD and all the Strike Force partners allows for a continuous flow of information in investigations which in turn takes deadly drugs of the street and out of the hands of our city’s most vulnerable.”
State Police Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, “The collaborative work of law enforcement on this case has prevented a potentially deadly mix of narcotics from reaching our streets. This individual had no regard for the lives of those who would have used these dangerous drugs. I applaud our partners on the task force for their outstanding work in this case.”
ALLEGED MAJOR TRAFFICKER AMONG THREE INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH OVER 25 POUNDS OF COCAINE AND $125,000 CASH SEIZED IN THE BRONX
Cocaine bearing dragon symbol recovered from secret compartment in bathroom
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, Keith M. Corlett, Superintendent of the New York State Police, and New York City Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea announced the arrest and indictment of three defendants in connection with the seizure of more than 12 kilograms of cocaine (over 25 pounds) and approximately $125,000 cash.
An indictment filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges defendant CESAR CHAVEZ with Operating as a Major Trafficker for allegedly overseeing the narcotics trafficking operation, which secured large quantities of cocaine in the midst of a pandemic-related shortage. The indictment also charges CESAR CHAVEZ, CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ CHAVEZ AND ROBERTO JAVIER-BATISTA with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees.
The arrests occurred on September 3, 2020 following an investigation by the DEA New York Division, Group D-43, and the New York State Police, with assistance from the New York City Police Department’s 46th Precinct. The indictment was unsealed this afternoon at an arraignment before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Steven Statsinger in Part 22.
In the weeks leading up to the arrests, the New York State Police and DEA Group D-43 established surveillance near 1500 Popham Avenue as part of an ongoing narcotics trafficking investigation. Agents and investigators frequently observed CHAVEZ entering and exiting the residential building, sometimes carrying a bag. On September 3, 2020, investigators observed CHAVEZ leave the building, accompanied by JAVIER-BATISTA, carrying a brick shaped package wrapped in plastic. The pair entered a car and drove off, with CESAR CHAVEZ in the driver’s seat. A short time later, members of the New York State Police attempted to stop the car. JAVIER-BATISTA jumped out of the car with the package and fled. CESAR CHAVEZ took off by car.
Later that evening, agents and investigators saw CHAVEZ exit 1500 Popham Avenue and enter a vehicle driven by his nephew, CRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ CHAVEZ. Soon, they were met by JAVIER-BATISTA, who entered the rear of the car carrying a brick shaped package that appeared to be the same package from earlier in the day.
New York State Police investigators stopped the car and saw JAVIER-BATISTA attempting to push the package under the driver’s seat. Investigators recovered the package, which laboratory tests subsequently determined contained a kilogram of cocaine. Information gathered from surveillance and at the scene of the stop, including but not limited to a set of keys in the possession of CESAR CHAVEZ, led investigators and DEA agents to search 1500 Popham Avenue, Apartment 1G, a two-bedroom apartment. CESAR CHAVEZ was seated in the back of a New York State Police vehicle as the search began and investigators heard him receive a security alert on his cell phone announcing someone was entering his apartment.
Inside 1500 Popham Avenue, Apartment 1G, agents and investigators found approximately 11 kilograms of cocaine and $125,000 cash. A half-kilogram of cocaine was tucked under a chair in the living room and a backpack in a bedroom contained the majority of the cash. A Port Authority Police Department K-9 Unit assisting with the search led agents to examine the area around the bathroom sink. In the wall behind the vanity and medicine cabinet, agents found a hidden compartment containing 11 kilograms of cocaine and the remaining cash. The packages of narcotics were labeled with a Chinese dragon stamp. Also inside the apartment were more than 100 pills and a makeshift pill press.
The cocaine recovered in this case is estimated to carry a wholesale price of approximately $600,000. The DEA has reported that COVID-19 travel restrictions and a decreased flow of narcotics entering New York City during the pandemic have resulted in inflated drug prices. Wholesale prices for cocaine have increased by up to 72% per kilogram, from $25,000 - $30,000 pre-pandemic to a current rate of approximately $48,000 per kilogram.
Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and commended members of SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau, DEA’s New York Division, the New York State Police, the New York City Police Department and the Port Authority Police Department for their work on the investigation.
“The conduct charged in this case is brazen. The defendants’ alleged cocaine business flourished as the Bronx and the rest of New York City struggled with devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said. “After evading police, the defendants immediately returned to the scene of the crime, where agents and investigators were waiting. The recovery of $125,000 in cash and cocaine worth more than a half million dollars from an apartment in Morris Heights will put a dent in their high level trafficking operation.”
“As traffickers navigate COVID-impacted drug markets, their drug stashes are more valuable and their concealment methods more necessary, as evident in this investigation,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Ray Donovan. “I applaud our law enforcement partners on their diligent work and their efforts in safeguarding our nation from the perils of drug use and abuse.”
Superintendent Keith M. Corlett said, "The dedication of law enforcement has once again resulted in a massive seizure of deadly drugs. I applaud our partners at all levels for their strong police work in this case and for their continued dedication to preventing the trafficking of cocaine and other harmful narcotics within our communities. The culmination of this investigation and the disruption of this international illegal drug trafficking operation sends a clear message that we will find and punish the people who are responsible for putting these illegal substances in the hands of our youth and others.”
“This indictment shows our commitment to ending the flow of illegal narcotics by stopping these alleged traffickers who sought to victimize New Yorkers and profit during the pandemic,” said Police Commissioner Dermot F. Shea. “I commend our NYPD detectives and law enforcement partners for their work in this case.”
Attorney General James Obtains Emergency Court Order Prohibiting New York Sports Club and Lucille Roberts from Charging Certain New Yorkers Unlawful Fees
Members Who Submitted Cancellation Requests or Whose Home Gym Remains Closed Can No Longer Be Charged
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that she has obtained a temporary restraining order (TRO) in her recently-filed lawsuit against the parent company of New York Sports Clubs (NYSC) and Lucille Roberts — Town Sports International (TSI) — for unlawfully charging monthly dues to members and for partaking in a variety of illegal and fraudulent practices involving consumers’ cancellation rights. The TRO prohibits both gyms from charging any dues, fines, or penalties to any New York members who submitted cancellation requests since March 16, 2020, and charging any dues, fines, or penalties to any New York members whose home gym remains closed today. The TRO became effective immediately upon entry on Friday and will last, at least, until the court can hold a hearing on the matter at the end of the month. At that time, the court will have the option to renew the order.
“This order stops New York Sports Clubs and Lucille Roberts dead in their tracks and halts these health clubs from continuing to unlawfully charge many of their members,” said Attorney General James. “As so many continue to struggle financially as a result of COVID-19, we will continue to do everything in our power to protect New Yorkers’ wallets from a company that seeks to lift up its dire financial state at the expense of members.”
In the lawsuit filed last week, Attorney General James alleged that the company violated the law by continuing to charge consumers dues and fees, despite the fact that all health clubs and gyms in the state were ordered closed after the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) began to spread widely across New York in March. Further, instead of providing credits to consumers once the gyms reopened in August and September, TSI again charged consumers unlawfully.
Attorney General James asks any New Yorker who submitted a cancellation request or whose home gym remains closed, yet continues to be charged by TSI to immediately contact the Office of the Attorney General and file a complaint with the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. Consumers are encouraged to submit any documentation they have of the unlawful charges along with their complaints.
The TRO obtained on Friday was issued on consent, and only applies to New Yorkers who submitted cancellation requests or whose home gyms remain closed.
Attorney General James Renews Suspension of State Debt Collection for Seventh Time as Coronavirus Continues to Impact New Yorkers’ Wallets
New Yorkers with Student and Medical Debt Referred to AG’s Office
Will Have Payments Automatically Frozen Through November 3, 2020
New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the state has renewed, for the seventh time, an order to halt the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection for an additional 30-day period. In response to continuing financial impairments resulting from the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the OAG again renewed orders from this morning through Tuesday, November 3, 2020. After this period, the OAG will reassess the needs of state residents for another possible extension. Additionally, the OAG will accept applications for suspension of all other types of debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection.
“Coronavirus is not gone, and neither are the financial hardships New Yorkers are facing as a result of it,” said Attorney General James. “It is my hope that by again renewing the suspension of state student and medical debt referred to my office, we can reduce the burden faced by individuals and families during these difficult times. I will continue to do everything in my power to support our state’s economy so that New Yorkers can support themselves.”
Millions of New Yorkers, like Americans across the nation, have been impacted — directly or indirectly — by the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to forgo income and business. Since COVID-19 began to spread rapidly across the country in mid-March, tens of millions of residents across the nation have filed for unemployment, including more than 3.8 million in New York state alone. In an effort to support many New Yorkers economically impacted during this difficult time, Attorney General James today renewed an order — first made in March and renewed in April, in May, in June, in July, in August, and in September — to ease the financial burdens for many workers and families by halting the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection through November 3, 2020.
The OAG collects certain debts owed to the state of New York via settlements and lawsuits brought on behalf of the state of New York and state agencies. A total of more than 165,000 matters currently fit the criteria for a suspension of state debt collection, including, but not limited to:
- Patients that owe medical debt due to the five state hospitals and the five state veterans’ homes;
- Students that owe student debt due to State University of New York (SUNY) campuses; and
- Individual debtors, sole-proprietors, small business owners, and certain homeowners that owe debt relating to oil spill cleanup and removal costs, property damage, and breach of contract, as well as other fees owed to state agencies.
The temporary policy has also automatically suspended the accrual of interest and the collection of fees on all outstanding state medical and student debt referred to the OAG for collection, so New Yorkers are not penalized for taking advantage of this program.
New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG’s coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 800-771-7755 to learn more.
Comptroller Stringer Calls on City to Make NYC Public Schools More Inclusive for Nonbinary and Gender Non-Conforming Students
Stringer spotlights inability of nonbinary and gender non-conforming students to change their name in the DOE’s online system
Stringer calls on the City to allow students to identify as they choose in the DOE’s ecosystem of online learning and to protect LGBTQ+ students from bullying and harassment
New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer called on New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor Richard Carranza to allow nonbinary and gender non-conforming students the ability to choose their own gender identity in the DOE’s administrative remote learning ecosystem. The Comptroller’s letter follows reports from concerned parents that their children are being forced to choose between only male or female in the online portal for students to participate in school instruction. Comptroller Stringer emphasized that as the largest school district in the nation with 1.1 million children, New York City’s public school system should be a leader in ensuring that every child, no matter their gender, gender identity or expression, is treated equally with respect and can learn in a welcoming environment.
Comptroller Stringer requested answers from the City to questions related to what the DOE is doing to accommodate all students in the school system, including nonbinary and gender non-conforming students; how the DOE will recognize nonbinary students in its administrative functions and through the online remote learning environment; what steps the DOE will take to ensure each child feels welcome especially amid a rise in online bullying and as children will be learning remotely at least half of their school time; what ways the DOE is supporting schools to equip students to know their rights and voice their concerns about these and other issues that affect the LGBTQ+ community; whether teachers, administrators, and staff are properly trained on how to create safe and affirming spaces for nonbinary and gender non-conforming students both in the classroom and online through remote learning, and how the DOE will include nonbinary and gender non-conforming students, parents, and guardians in these important conversations.
The full text of the letter can be found here.