Bronx Man Charged With Kidnapping Girlfriend And Her 7-Year-Old Child

 

 Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the arrest of AQUILINO TORRES in connection with the kidnapping of his girlfriend and her 7-year-old son.  TORRES was arrested yesterday and will be presented in Manhattan federal court later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Aquilino Torres threatened to kill a 7-year-old child in carrying out a brutal kidnapping of the child and his mother.  Torres then allegedly held his victims captive for several days, during which he physically abused both mother and child, and sexually assaulted the woman.  Thankfully, the victims managed to escape, and thanks to the FBI and NYPD, Torres is in custody and facing federal prosecution for horrific crimes.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “The conduct we allege in this case is horrific.  Torres allegedly broke a mother’s jaw, tied her hands to a bed frame after physically and sexually assaulting her, and held her and her seven-year-old child against their will for several days.  In spite of all she endured, the victim was able to escape her captor with her son and bring them both to safety.  The resiliency she and her son showed is commendable, and as a result of their heroic actions, Torres will now face justice.  I sincerely hope that provides them some comfort; we will do everything in our power to help them heal.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “In kidnaping a mother and her son, as alleged in this case, the defendant harmed innocent victims and that will never be tolerated.  I commend our NYPD investigators and federal partners for their hard work to bring justice in this case.”           

According to the allegations in the Complaint[1]:

On or about October 5, 2020, TORRES approached his girlfriend (“Victim-1”) in the vicinity of Harlem in New York, New York, and threatened to kill Victim-1’s 7-year-old son (“Minor Victim-1”) if she did not come with TORRES.  TORRES brought Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to a motel in the Bronx, where he proceeded to lock the door and physically assault Victim-1, including by punching Victim-1 several times in the face and body.  TORRES then had sex with Victim-1 against her will.  The following day, TORRES directed Victim-1 to order an Uber to take TORRES, Victim-1, and Minor Victim-1 to an apartment in Washington Heights (the “Apartment”).  TORRES forced Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 to stay in the Apartment against their will for multiple days.  On at least one occasion, TORRES tied Victim-1’s hands to a bed frame to prevent her from leaving the Apartment while he was away.  TORRES also physically assaulted Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 while at the Apartment.  On or about October 10, 2020, Victim-1 and Minor Victim-1 escaped from the Apartment.  Thereafter, Victim-1 was admitted to a hospital, where she was found to have a broken jaw that required surgery.

TORRES is charged with: one count of kidnapping, which carries a maximum term of life in prison, and one count of kidnapping of a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life.  The maximum potential sentences and the mandatory minimum sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge. 

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD, in particular, the Violent Crimes Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant United States Attorney David Robles is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [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.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 4, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 2.69 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.42 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.59 Percent

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"The surge in cases around the country and the globe is a stark reminder that this pandemic is far from over, and while we are doing a good job keeping our positivity rate comparatively low, the numbers in Western New York are a caution flag," Governor Cuomo said. "We're staying on top of this situation by continuing our aggressive micro-cluster strategy, expanding testing capacity and enforcing compliance of the public health law. But New Yorkers must continue to practice the basic daily behaviors that make such a difference in our ability to slow the spread. Be vigilant, wear a mask, stay socially distanced and wash your hands. We can beat this virus but only if we work together and stay New York Tough."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 2.69 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.42 percent. Within the focus areas, 18,581 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 499 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 114,953 test results were reported, yielding 1,627 positives. Full results for tests reported yesterday, the day prior. 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,253 (+26)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 180
• Hospital Counties - 47
• Number ICU - 284 (+16)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 129 (+9)
• Total Discharges - 80,109 (+119)
• Deaths - 14
• Total Deaths - 25,868

High-Ranking Member Of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods Sentenced To 24 Years In Prison After Trial

 

 Audrey Strauss, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that ANTHONY ELLISON, a/k/a “Harv,” was sentenced to 288 months in prison in connection with his participation in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods (“Nine Trey”), the July 22, 2018, kidnapping of Daniel Hernandez, a/k/a “Tekashi 6ix 9ine,” and the October 24, 2018, slashing of a victim in furtherance of the Nine Trey enterprise.  ELLISON was convicted following a three-week jury trial in October 2019 before U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who imposed today’s sentence.

Acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “Anthony Ellison was a high-ranking member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, a violent gang that wreaked havoc across New York City, and he was convicted of racketeering, kidnapping, and a violent assault with a dangerous weapon.  Now, thanks to the outstanding work of our partners at the NYPD, HSI, and ATF, he will spend the next 24 years in federal prison.”

According to court documents and the evidence presented at the trial of ELLISON and co-defendant Aljermiah Mack:

Nine Trey was a criminal enterprise involved in committing numerous acts of violence, including shootings, robberies, and assaults in and around Manhattan and Brooklyn.  Members and associates of Nine Trey engaged in violence to retaliate against rival gangs, to promote the standing and reputation of Nine Trey, and to protect the gang’s narcotics business.  Members and associates of Nine Trey enriched themselves by committing robberies and selling drugs, such as heroin, fentanyl, furanyl fentanyl, MDMA, dibutylone, and marijuana.

The leadership structure of Nine Trey is divided into two parts: the Prison Lineup, which consists of incarcerated members, and the Street Lineup, which consists of members who are not incarcerated.  ELLISON was a high-ranking member of the Street Lineup.

ELLISON was found guilty after trial of racketeering conspiracy for his participation in the Nine Trey enterprise, kidnapping in aid of racketeering, and maiming and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

In addition to the prison term, ELLISON, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.              

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Ms. Strauss also praised the New York City Department of Correction, Correction Intelligence Bureau, and the Kings County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance in the investigation.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 3, 2020

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 2.63 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.71 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.81 Percent

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

Gov. Cuomo: "New York State's progress is threatened by national surge in cases - we must remain NY Tough." 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

"As cases continue to surge across the country and around the globe, New Yorkers must remember what has worked for us from Day One: being disciplined and smart," Governor Cuomo said. "As our metrics demonstrate, New York State is not immune from the wave of COVID outbreaks currently sweeping across the nation and the increase in cases and hospitalizations over the past weeks must serve as a caution flag that unless we are vigilant and continue wearing masks, washing our hands and remaining socially distant, the viral spread will increase. While the numbers show New York State is comparatively in a better place managing the virus than most other states, our progress is threatened by the national surge in new cases and we must remain New York Tough."

Across the country, COVID rates are spiking - 48 states and Washington, D.C. have seen cases increase over the last two weeks, and the metrics show New York State has also seen new outbreaks and increased spread in certain parts of the state. While New York State's daily positivity and daily number of hospitalizations have shown increases over the last month, overall the metrics continue to show the State's micro-cluster approach has been effective in containing viral spread. Over the past week:

• New York State's statewide positivity has been the 3rd-lowest of any state in the nation, per Johns Hopkins University.
• New York State's rate of new cases per 100,000 people has been the 6th-lowest of any state in the nation.
• New York's State's current COVID hospitalizations per 100,000 people has been the 7th-lowest of any state in the nation.
• New York State's rate of new COVID fatalities per 100,000 people has been the 3rd-lowest of any state in the nation
• New York State has accounted for 10 percent of all of the nation's COVID tests, and just 2.5 percent of the nation's new COVID cases - while representing 5.9 percent of the total U.S. population.

New York State will continue its effective micro-cluster approach, enacting targeted restrictions and focused testing in areas of the state where the metrics show sustained high levels of viral spread.

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 2.63 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.71 percent. Within the focus areas, 14,332 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 378 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 113,537 test results were reported, yielding 1,943 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

      Patient Hospitalization - 1,227 (+76)

      Patients Newly Admitted - 156

      Hospital Counties - 48

      Number ICU - 268 (-8)

      Number ICU with Intubation - 120 (+4)

      Total Discharges - 79,990 (+75)

      Deaths - 14

      Total Deaths - 25,853

Attorney General James Advises New York Voters With Absentee Ballot Errors

 

Per New York State Law, BOE Must Give Reason for Ballot Rejections 

For Questions and Concerns Regarding Errors With Your Absentee Ballot,

Contact the Office of the Attorney General at 1-800-771-7755

 Attorney General Letitia James today issued an alert to New Yorkers who voted by absentee ballot to inform them of their rights under New York state’s new “notice and cure” law. The law states that voters must be notified if their absentee ballots are being rejected for certain errors they might have made in filling out their ballots, such as the voter forgot to sign the oath envelope (which is the envelope that the completed ballot goes inside, also referred to as the “affirmation” envelope, or “security” envelope). The voter must also be given an opportunity to fix such errors within an allotted time period.

“Voting is a cornerstone of our democracy,” said Attorney General James. “Every voter has a right to have their voice heard, and it’s important that they are empowered with information to make sure their voice is heard. With the record number of first-time absentee ballots, we hope this information proves useful to voters who may need to fix an inadvertent error with their ballot.”

Local Boards of Election must notify voters as soon as possible if their ballots have deficiencies, which would need to be corrected, or “cured,” in order for their vote to count. Among other clerical-type errors, deficiencies could include:

• The oath envelope is unsigned;
• The oath envelope signature does not appear to correspond to the signature on file;
• The oath envelope does not have the required witness to a mark where voter assistance is provided;
• The ballot is returned in the return envelope either with an unsealed oath envelope, or completely without an oath envelope;   
• The oath envelope is signed by the person that has provided voter assistance, but is not signed or marked by the voter; or  
• The voter has failed to sign the oath envelope and someone else has signed the oath envelope (i.e. power of attorney). 

Under the legislature’s amendments to the Election Law, as modified by Governor Cuomo’s Executive Order 202.58, the Boards of Election are encouraged to count ballots “as soon as possible.” However, it is likely that people will receive these notices of deficiencies after Election Day, given the record number of absentee ballots to be processed this year. If voters received a notice of deficiency between October 27 and November 3, they have seven days to address the issue to ensure their vote is counted. If the ballot is received on or after November 3, voters have five days from when they receive notification by email, mail, or phone to cure any deficiencies.

Attorney General James encourages voters with questions or concerns about the absentee ballot notice and cure process to call the office’s Hotline at 1-800-771-7755, submit complaints online, or email election.hotline@ag.ny.gov. 

In addition to providing this guidance to voters, Attorney General James also issued guidance to Board of Election offices and law enforcement entities throughout the state to protect New Yorkers from voter intimidation on, and before, Election Day in October.

Let's See How My Predictions Did On Election Day 2020

 

1 - Prediction - Presidential race will be to close to call Well it is now more than 24 hours after the election (on the East Coast), and there is still no winner announces for President. Law suits have been filed, it is alleged that several states had more people vote than were registered to vote, and it is also claimed that numerous dead people voted either in person or by mail.

Outcome - With all the law suits we may get ti\o know who the president is by Thanksgiving. 

2- The AOC - Cummings race. Cummings will do better than expected, but fall short. Also AOC's primary opponent will ne no factor. 

Outcome - Right on the money 

3 - 80th A.D. race Gene De Francis will be the winner.

Outcome - Wrong on this one.

Two out of three is not bad, and the Yankees would love to have a winning percentage of .667 every season.

Today is Election Day. 100 PERCENT - Election 2020 - Predictions Don't Forget to Vote

The race to watch is the 80th Assembly race where in 2012 now Councilman Mark Gjonaj received more votes than all three of the other candidates including the incumbent (at that time) assemblywoman. Gjonaj then won election to the city council in 2017, and in April of 2018 a special election was held that handed the assembly seat to Gjonaj's former Chief of Staff with a total vote count which was less then the number of votes Gjonaj alone received in 2012. Said assembly member did not have a primary in 2018 or in 2020, and announced her decision to run for Bronx Borough President next year months before her November election which has angered many people that she is taking the people of the 80th A.D. for granted, while she campaigns for Bronx BP. Her leading an anti police march through the district right past the park where hundreds of people showed to support the police has angered others in the 80th A.D. 

Mr. Gene De Francis is the head of the Allerton Merchants Association, an officer of the 49th Precinct Community Council, and former Veteran of the armed forces which makes him a formidable opponent to the weak incumbent. The fact that candidate Gene De Francis is running with Conservative minded John Cummings in a conservative minded district is an added plus, including the two Democratic Clubs on the West side of the 80th Assembly District that have endorsed Gene De Francis. We see another Mark Gjonaj type person in Gene De Francis, and for that reason with the added minuses of the weak incumbent who also lost both of the District Leaders on her slate in the June primary we call this race for Gene De Francis by a margin of 54% to 46 %.

 In the 14th Congressional race in 2018 current Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez won a surprising victory over the long time incumbent, and she is now the incumbent. When all the votes are counted I expect AOC to be the winner, but her opponent John Cummings will have come closer than many expect him to, at least in the Bronx. It is the Queens part of the district that will provide the safe margin of victory for the incumbent congresswoman. AOC's primary opponent who is running on a minor third party line should be of no significance in the race.

The biggest race is that of President of the United States. Four years ago I was the only Bronx political reporter to openly call the race for Donald Trump. During the past four years Donald Trump was cruising to an easy victory, that is until the Corona Virus started in China. That virus made its way across Asia into Europe, and finally to the United States. Now every Democrat who blamed Trump from anything to everything blames him for the Corona Virus.

Only four incumbent presidents in post 1900 United States history who served a full four year term were not reelected to a second term. They were William Taft 1909 - 1913, Herbert Hoover 1929 - 1933, Jimmy Carter 1977 - 1981, and George Bush Sr. 1989 - 1993. Only four Vice Presidents have been elected President, George Bush Sr. in 1988, Martin Van Buren in 1856, Thomas Jefferson in 1800, and John Adams in 1796. 

While certain people admonish Trump for his friendships with certain foreign countries he is the only president since Jimmy Carter not to have participated in a war with another country. The national economy has continued to grow even with the pandemic, and Trump is the first U.S. President to recognize  Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

As I did four years ago I predict that Donald Trump will be elected, this time to a second term as president of the United States. As was the case four years ago the race is too close to call, and may not be fully determined until sometime in December. Four years ago Donald Trump won one election district in the 80th A.D. This year Donald Trump should win seven election districts in the 80th and 82nd assembly districts combined. 

The writer Robert Press has an excellent record of calling close political races either exactly or within the margin of error.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - NOVEMBER 2, 2020

 

Positive Testing Rate in All Focus Zone Areas is 3.50 Percent; New York State Positivity Outside All Focus Zone Areas is 1.48 Percent

Statewide Positivity Rate is 1.70 Percent

14 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"New York is in the midst of a sea of division and a national COVID surge. All around us, the COVID infection rate is going up. You see it in states all across the nation, in countries around the globe, and in contiguous states," Governor Cuomo said. "So we should be on high alert and we should be even more diligent, because the virus spreads across state boundaries, and we're in the party season. All I can do is warn New Yorkers and ask them to remember what worked for us: discipline and smarts. And we have to keep it up because these are dangerous times. We're going to stay with the micro-cluster approach because it has worked, but these are dangerous times all around and we need to stay vigilant."

The Governor noted that the positive testing rate in all focus areas under the state's Micro-Cluster strategy is 3.50 percent, and outside the focus zone areas is 1.48 percent. Within the focus areas, 10,503 test results were reported yesterday, yielding 368 positives. In the remainder of the state, not counting these focus areas, 85,598 test results were reported, yielding 1,265 positives.

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Patient Hospitalization - 1,151 (+26)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 130
• Hospital Counties - 50
• Number ICU - 276 (+17)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 116 (-1)
• Total Discharges - 79,915 (+84)
• Deaths - 14
• Total Deaths - 25,838