Owner Of Consumer Electronics Wholesale Business Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Operating An Unlicensed Money Transmitting Business

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that AMIT AGARWAL, the operator of an international wholesale consumer electronics business based in New Jersey, pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business that operated primarily between Colombia and the United States.  AGARWAL pled guilty before United States District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer.   

Miguel Cespedes, Omar Mogollon, Luis Felipe Gonzalez Arcila, Ivan Rojas Acosta, Alex Barrera Forero, and David Ortiz Villamizar were previously charged in three separate indictments for their roles in the scheme.  They were arrested in Colombia, and the United States Government is seeking their extradition to the United States.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As he admitted today, Amit Agarwal was a key player in a shadow financial network that allowed the movement of drug traffickers’ profits into our banking system and across our borders.  Now he awaits sentencing for his crimes.”           

According to the Indictments, the superseding Information, and statements made in open court:

From at least in or about June 2018 through at least in or about 2019, AMIT AGARWAL participated in a scheme to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business to move funds between the United States and Colombia, among other places.  Among other things, the purpose of the scheme was to enable clients with cash located in the United States to transfer the value of that cash to other countries, principally Colombia, without the need for physically transporting United States currency across an international border or directly depositing large amounts of cash into the legitimate financial system.

To effectuate the scheme, “clients,” i.e., the owners of funds located in the United States, utilized the services of money brokers operating primarily in Colombia (the “Money Brokers”).  The Money Brokers offered “contracts” typically requiring (a) the pick-up of United States currency from couriers throughout the United States and the receipt of international wires in the United States, and (b) the delivery of a corresponding amount of pesos in Colombia to the Money Brokers.  In exchange for successfully delivering on a contract, the Money Brokers earned a commission, taken from the pesos received by them in Colombia.  The person(s) with whom the Money Brokers contracted to arrange for the pick-up and receipt of United States currency also received a commission taken from the pesos received by the Money Brokers in Colombia.  Although the payment of commissions from the funds collected pursuant to a contract meant that the clients did not receive the full value of the funds that the clients owned in the United States, this scheme enabled the clients to avoid the risks of having large quantities of cash detected at international borders and to avoid triggering financial reporting requirements.

Cespedes, Mogollon, Gonzalez, Rojas, Barrera, and Ortiz engaged in the scheme as Money Brokers.  As Money Brokers, working at times independently and at times together, they offered and executed upon multiple contracts requiring the pick-up of funds throughout the United States, and the delivery of a corresponding value of pesos to them in Colombia.  In exchange for their work as Money Brokers, they received a commission taken from the pesos delivered to them in Colombia, as did the individuals with whom they contracted.

AGARWAL was the chief executive officer of a consumer electronics products business based in East Hanover, New Jersey (the “Agarwal Electronics Business”).  Among other things, the Agarwal Electronics Business exported consumer electronics to purchasers throughout the world, including purchasers located in Colombia.  In connection with its business activities, the Agarwal Electronics Business maintained a bank account in the United States, controlled and operated by AGARWAL (the “Agarwal Bank Account”). 

Typically, as part of the scheme, the funds collected in the United States pursuant to contracts offered by Cespedes, Mogollon, Gonzalez, Rojas, Barrera, and Ortiz were deposited in a bank account located in the United States (“Bank Account-1”), and then transferred to the Agarwal Bank Account.  AGARWAL agreed to accept these funds into the Agarwal Bank Account, and AGARWAL also agreed to accept funds into the Agarwal Bank Account that had been wired to Bank Account-1 from foreign locations, including Mexico. 

 Upon receiving confirmation that funds collected pursuant to a Money Broker contract issued by Cespedes, Mogollon, Gonzalez, Rojas, Barrera, or Ortiz were available for deposit into the Agarwal Bank Account, AGARWAL arranged for the export of a roughly equivalent value of consumer electronics products to certain consumer electronic product suppliers located in Colombia (the “Colombian Electronics Suppliers”).  The Colombian Electronics Suppliers, in turn, arranged to pay for the products by delivering pesos to an individual in Colombia, who then delivered those funds to the Money Brokers.  In this way, funds collected in the United States were remitted to Colombia, without requiring that they be reported, declared, or smuggled over international borders.

During the execution of the scheme, federal law enforcement agents working in an undercover capacity, and persons operating at the direction of federal law enforcement agents, informed AGARWAL that the funds he agreed to receive in the Agarwal Bank Account from Bank Account-1, pursuant to the scheme, represented the proceeds of narcotics trafficking activity.  AGARWAL, however, continued to accept the funds into the Agarwal Bank Account while facilitating the Money Broker contracts.   

AGARWAL, 39, a citizen of India, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmitting business, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  AGARWAL will be sentenced by Judge Engelmayer on July 14, 2021, at 2:30 p.m.            

Cespedes is charged in United States v. Miguel Cespedes, 19 Cr. 839, with one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmission business, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.           

Barrera and Ortiz are charged in United States v. Alex Barrera Forero and David Ortiz Villamizar, 19 Cr. 840, with one count of conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business, and one count of operation of an unlicensed money transmission business, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.           

Mogollon, Gonzalez, and Rojas are charged in United States v. Omar Mogollon, et al., 19 Cr. 837, with conspiracy to operate an unlicensed money transmission business and operation of an unlicensed money transmission business, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  Mogollon is also charged with one count of international money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  

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

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of the DEA, and thanked authorities in Colombia, and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs of the Department’s Criminal Division for their assistance. 

This case is being handled by the Office’s Money Laundering and Transnational Criminal Enterprises Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Tara M. La Morte and Cecilia E. Vogel are in charge of the prosecution.

The allegations in the Indictments charging Cespedes, Mogollon, Gonzalez, Rojas, Barrera, and Ortiz are merely accusations, and they are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNAPOLI: CHATHAM POLICE CHIEF PLEADS GUILTY TO PENSION DOUBLE-DIPPING AND DEFRAUDING VILLAGE

 

 State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Columbia County District Attorney Paul Czajka, and the New York State Police today announced the guilty plea of former Village of Chatham Chief of Police Peter Volkmann following a joint investigation. As a result of his conviction, Volkmann is required to leave public office. 

“Instead of upholding the law, Volkmann, the chief law enforcement officer of the village, defrauded the state retirement system and his community,” said DiNapoli. “Taxpayers have the right to expect their public officials, including law enforcement officials, will act with honesty and integrity. I thank District Attorney Paul Czajka and the New York State Police for their partnership in rooting out public corruption.” 

“All New York State taxpayers should be grateful for the hard work and diligence of the Comptroller’s Division of Investigations, which, together with (New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation) NYSP BCI Livingston, has been responsible for conducting this extremely complex investigation under difficult circumstances,” said Czajka. “Having worked with this unit innumerable times over many years, it is my humble recommendation to the Legislature that it increase its funding. These highly dedicated public servants, by obtaining restitution and providing deterrence, pay for themselves many times over.”

“This case serves as a reminder that those who abuse their public position for their own personal benefit, while violating the trust of those they serve, will be brought to justice,” said State Police Acting Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen. “Public corruption will not be tolerated in any form, and we thank the Comptroller’s Office and the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office for their continued partnership.”

Volkmann pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the fourth degree for circumventing New York state’s post-retirement income restrictions and cheating the New York State and Local Retirement System out of $74,222. Volkmann hid public-source income from 19 municipalities and school districts in excess of the statutory limit by funneling the earnings through a private business, PF Volkmann & Associates. He also plead to official misconduct, a misdemeanor, for stealing $18,607 from the Village of Chatham by falsifying mileage vouchers and other reimbursements to increase his income. Volkmann will pay a total amount of restitution prior to sentencing in the amount of $92,829 as part of his plea and as a result of his conviction has been removed from office.

Volkmann, 57, of Stuyvesant, served as a Chief of Police for the town of Stockport until 2016. He was also the Chief of Police for the Village of Chatham since the fall of 2013 and he served as unpaid Commissioner of the Hudson Police Department from January 2020, until this investigation became public. He is due back in court on July 19, 2021.  

Governor Cuomo Announces Statewide COVID-19 Positivity is 3.54%, Lowest Since November 25 - FEBRUARY 11, 2021

 

7,342 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide - Lowest Since December 26

1,402 Patients in the ICU; 941 Intubated

Statewide 7-Day Average Positivity is 4.16% - Lowest Since December 1
 
34 Consecutive Days of Decline, Down 48% Since Early January Post-Holiday Peak
 
New York City 7-Day Average Positivity 4.95% - Lowest Since December 27; Down 23% Since Early January Post-Holiday Peak

122 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.

"Across the state, from hospitalizations to infection rate, our numbers are continuing to decline - a sign of hope to all and proof of the dedication New Yorkers have shown to defeating this beast," Governor Cuomo said. "We are headed in the right direction, but we are not at the end of the tunnel yet. Until the day the war is won and everyone who wants one has the vaccine, we must continue to practice the guidelines we know work - washing your hands, wearing a mask and avoiding gatherings. I know we will remain New York Tough and see that day together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 285,499
• Total Positive - 10,099
• Percent Positive - 3.54%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 4.16%
• Patient Hospitalization - 7,342 (-251)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -625
• Patients Newly Admitted - 819
• Hospital Counties - 57
• Number ICU - 1,402 (-21)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 941 (-14)
• Total Discharges - 135,657 (+915)
• Deaths - 122
• Total Deaths - 36,743

CONSUMER ALERT: NEW YORK STATE DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION ALERTS NEW YORKERS ABOUT ONLINE DATING SCAMS

 

This Valentine’s Day, New Yorkers Should Follow Simple Tips When Using Online Dating Platforms

Online “Sweetheart Scams” Are Common Practice & Steal Millions Each Year

 In advance of Valentine’s Day, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection today alerted people about online dating scams known as “sweetheart scams,” in which scammers pretend to be dream partners and instead steal personal information and money from victims. According to statistics from the Federal Trade Commission, overall losses in this kind of scam are about $200 million a year.  

“During the pandemic, people may be feeling especially lonely due to prolonged periods of isolation, leading people to seek connections online,” said Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “This Valentine’s Day, I encourage New Yorkers who are looking for an online love connection to follow basic safety tips to avoid losing their hard-earned money through false promises.”

How to Spot a Sweetheart Scam

Although almost any age group can be lured into this scam, the number one target of sweetheart scams is usually men and women over age 40. Seniors, especially widows, widowers and recent divorcees, are particularly vulnerable to this kind of manipulation. However, it’s important to recognize that scammers will target anyone they think they can exploit.

Scammers will go to great lengths to create the illusion of someone you would be attracted to and trust. They often use pictures from the internet for their profile and may disguise their voice on the phone. To build trust with their victims, scammers will want to talk or message several times a day and may even send small gifts to express their deep affection towards to their victims.

A frequent tactic is for scammers to claim to live a long distance from their victim, often an American abroad or a deployed soldier. This allows the scammer to draw out the relationship without having to meet in person. Some scammers may eventually propose an in-person meeting, claiming they will travel to see you, but there will be a last-minute emergency preventing it from happening.  

Eventually, the scammers will request a large sum of money, usually as a loan, to be wired to them for things ranging from business investments, property, debts, illness, and more. They may even ask for money for airfare so they can visit you. Once they receive the money, the scammer will often ask for more or create a new reason they need to borrow money. This will continue until the victim becomes suspicious, at which point the scammer will usually stop all contact and disappear.

Here are some tips to protect yourself from online dating scams:

• Never give or loan money to someone that you have not met in person.
• Do not give out personal information to someone online, especially if you have not met them before.
• Use trusted online dating sites, but still exercise caution.
• Be cautious of people you meet online who say they are an American abroad or a deployed soldier.
• Schedule a video-chat early in the relationship to ensure they are the person they are presenting in their profile.
• Do a reverse image search of the person’s profile picture. If it is linked to another name or details that don’t line up, it’s likely a scam. 
• Avoid people online who ask for money, even if it’s due to an emergency or a traumatic life incident. They are almost always scammers.

If a consumer has fallen victim to a sweetheart scam, they are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection. Consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection serves to educate, assist and empower the State’s consumers. For more consumer protection information, call the DCP Helpline at 800-697-1220, Monday through Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm or visit the DCP website at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via Twitter at @NYSConsumer or Facebook at www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

MAYOR DE BLASIO DELIVERS TESTIMONY ON THE NEW YORK STATE EXECUTIVE BUDGET

 

"Regardless of what happens in Washington, calling on working New Yorkers to forgo essential services is wrong... This recovery must be built from the grassroots up. By making the wealthy pay their fair share, we can avoid these cuts to our schools, health care and social safety net – and get our City back on the road to a recovery for all of us."

 Today, Mayor Bill de Blasio delivered testimony on the New York State Executive Budget before the Joint Fiscal Committees of the New York State Legislature. The Mayor spoke out against cuts to schools and public health during a pandemic and pushed for direct aid to small businesses, investments in working New Yorkers and taxing the wealthy. 

Below are the Mayor’s remarks as prepared:

Thank you, Chair Krueger, Chair Weinstein, Ranking Members O’Mara and Ra, legislative leaders, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Speaker Heastie, and all members attending.

 I am joined here today by City Budget Director Jacques Jiha and Director of State Legislative Affairs Simonia Brown.

Today I ask for your help creating A Recovery For All of Us.   

This pandemic has had a massive impact on our budget. The City suffered a $10.5 billion drop in its tax revenue over Fiscal Years 20 through 22. 

In order to save lives, protect our City, and get our kids back to school, our City has spent $6.1 billion on COVID-19 related expenses.  As much as $685 million of that may not be covered by federal reimbursement. And the federal government has so far failed to pass a real stimulus package with direct local aid. 

Our City made it through the past year thanks to sound fiscal management achieving a total of $2.2 billion in savings over Fiscal Years 2021 and 2022, including $1.3 billion in Program to Eliminate the Gap, or PEG, savings.  And we have instituted strong hiring and attrition management and implemented furloughs.    

Now, New York City needs your help in standing up against painful cuts in the State Executive Budget. 

The State Executive Budget proposes cuts and cost shifts to NYC of $310 million in Fiscal Year 21 and $309 million in Fiscal Year 22. On top of that, the Executive Budget proposes cuts to public health and supplants $800 million in federal education funding owed to the City.

Additionally, the Executive Budget proposal assumes $6 billion in federal stimulus aid - meaning we face additional cuts if Washington does not come through.

Regardless of what happens in Washington, calling on working New Yorkers to forgo essential services is wrong.  

Let me break down the main areas of this Budget’s impact on New Yorkers in need.  

New York City students, families and educators have endured a year of emotional and academic challenges. 

The federal government recognized the challenges our schools faced and gave the State funding for schools. Last year, the State supplanted over $700 million in education aid. And now, the State is proposing to supplant again – taking almost $800 million in funds away from our students.

We need these funds to help keep our schools open and restore critical programs. We could increase Fair Student Funding levels for schools; give all 1,600 schools the academic intervention and remedial services they need to close the achievement gap; and restore arts, AP and algebra classes. 

On top of the supplanted dollars, the proposed Budget shifts mandated charter school costs to NYC: $179 million in Fiscal Year 21 and $100 million in Fiscal Year 22. 

Lastly, we request reimbursement for $92 million in school bus costs that went to support our hardworking bus drivers.  

Our Administration’s commitment to building a robust public health system was the difference between life and death when the pandemic hit New York City. 

Health + Hospitals is vaccinating New Yorkers across the City and remains the bulwark of our protection against future outbreaks. 

But even as our healthcare heroes are still struggling to make sure New Yorkers are taken care of, the Executive Budget proposes cuts to Health + Hospitals totaling $139 million in Fiscal Year 21 and $334 million in Fiscal Year 22.  

That would mean closing 19 H+H clinics, which treat 140,000 patients a year and losing 900 doctors and nurses, resulting in longer wait times for patients.  

Further, the Executive Budget proposes to cut our public health infrastructure by $51 million in Fiscal Year 22, slashing programs like Nurse Family Partnership that supports new mothers. 

The Budget also proposes to cut $28 million in Fiscal Year 21 and $43 million in Fiscal Year 22 in support for substance abuse and domestic violence services, resources for youth in foster care, and protection for our seniors. We can’t let our most vulnerable be victims of austerity.  

Instead of cuts, we must tax the wealthy. 

This recovery must be built from the grassroots up. By making the wealthy pay their fair share, we can avoid these cuts to our schools, health care and social safety net – and get our City back on the road to a recovery for all of us.  

This Executive Budget also contains proposals that seek to usurp the City’s local authority and silence community input. 

We strongly oppose doing away with City zoning regulations and the land use process to allow the conversion of commercial property and hotels to housing. This crisis is not an excuse to overturn the will of struggling communities and give away local control to wealthy real estate interests. 

We do not support the proposal to give Javits Convention Center Operating Corporation discretion to override City building codes and City code enforcement.  

We oppose the Executive Budget proposals that would allow the MTA to override DOT issued permits and to direct the City to relocate DOT and DEP infrastructure. This would delay ADA street improvements and disrupt flood protection projects in frontline communities.  

We are firmly opposed to the new proposal in the Executive Budget to weaken the City’s Local Law 97, landmark legislation to reduce carbon emissions from buildings.

Climate change is already threatening our City, and New York City is in the vanguard of drawing down emissions and building up a green economy. We cannot afford to take a single step backwards.  

From the start, our Administration has been committed to pushing forward comprehensive police reforms and strengthening the bonds of communities and police. 

These bonds improved the quality of life in so many of our neighborhoods, with safer streets and fewer injustices. We have historic reforms underway: first-ever disciplinary matrix, doubling Cure Violence, and communities having a role in their choice of Precinct Commanders. But a budget that threatens to withhold funding and impose outside monitors and additional bureaucracy will only slow us down.  

I also want to note that this Executive Budget contains many proposals we endorse.  

The financial crisis and resulting unemployment has put far too many New Yorkers at risk of losing their homes. I am glad to see the State heeding our call to allow New Yorkers to use their security deposit for rent payments. 

I urge you to go further by creating a new tenant right to request a payment plan for arrears and affording affirmative defense to tenants in court. We also request that you enact the Housing Stability Support initiative to provide rental assistance to those at risk of eviction.  

I am pleased to see legalization of adult recreational cannabis. It is critical the final legislation ensures economic empowerment for communities that suffered the most from unjust enforcement in the past. And I urge you to ensure localities are able to make decisions about density, siting, and public safety.  

Now, I would like to address initiatives we need added to the State Budget to help with a recovery for all of us.  

Making that recovery work for all means direct aid to those who need it the most – including low-income New Yorkers and our small businesses. 

We urge you to pass our Community Hiring legislation to require contractors and businesses to hire low-income New Yorkers and workers from high-poverty communities. 

Putting people back to work is a time-tested way of building back – and investing in people. 

We request that you also pass the NYC Small Business Recovery Tax Credit to provide $50 million in rent relief to 17,000 small businesses. We need to make sure that our neighborhood businesses and beloved shopkeepers are able to keep their doors open in the months and years ahead. 

With your help, my Administration has made great progress on MWBEs. Now,we have a chance to give the New Yorkers who bore the brunt of this crisis opportunities they never had. 

We can do more with your help. We request the Legislature increase NYC agencies' discretionary purchase threshold to $1 million, which is the same authority the MTA has, to create more opportunities.  

Further, the Legislature can help MWBE subcontractors win bids on public construction projects by authorizing the City or the Prime Contractor to purchase the insurance on their behalf.

In addition, we want to allow non-MWBE firms that take steps to advance diverse workforces to receive extra points on their bids.   

We also need to protect New York’s homeowners, many of whom struggled to hang on to their properties during this pandemic. Because of State law, the assessed value of 1-to-3-family homes actually increased during the pandemic. Therefore, we request the ability to provide a new rebate to help families who own and live in a 1-to-3-family home with low and moderate market value.  

Regarding the City Board of Elections, I look forward to continuing the work with Senator Krueger and Assemblymember Rozic to professionalize staff, provide more oversight over operations and require more transparency and accountability to the public. Our electoral process should ensure that every vote is counted, and every voter has a voice in our government. 

This year has proven how important local elections are – and how important the work our constituents elect us to do is.  

Thank you for the opportunity to speak today and I look forward to working with you to build a recovery for us all.

Governor Cuomo Announces New Actions to Expand Access to Fertility Coverage for Same Sex Couples as Part of 2021 Women's Agenda

Insurers Will Be Required to Cover Fertility Services for Same Sex Couples Immediately

The Proposal Builds on New York's Nation-Leading Actions to Protect the Rights of Women and LGBTQ New Yorkers 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the Department of Financial Services to ensure that insurers begin covering fertility services immediately for same sex couples who wish to start a family. While current insurance law requires insurers to cover infertility services, same sex couples must sometimes pay 6 or 12 months of out-of-pocket expenses for fertility treatments such as testing and therapeutic donor insemination procedures before qualifying for coverage. The Department of Financial Services, under Governor Cuomo's direction, will direct insurers to provide immediate coverage for fertility services for same sex couples to eliminate lag times and added expenses. The proposal was introduced in the Governor's 2021 State of the State as a key component of the Women's Agenda and builds on a number of nation-leading actions to protect the rights of both women and LGBTQ New Yorkers, including the required coverage of in-vitro fertilization services by Insurance plans providing large group coverage, the enactment of Marriage Equality Act, GENDA, legalizing gestational surrogacy, banning conversion therapy and the gay and trans panic defense and most recently, repealing the 'Walking While Trans' ban.

"For too long same sex couples have been denied coverage for immediate infertility benefits, forcing them to pay high - often prohibitive - out-of-pocket costs to start a family," Governor Cuomo said. "No New Yorker should be denied the opportunity to become a parent, nor the joys of raising a child, because of their sexual orientation, and this change reflects what we as New Yorkers know to be true: that love is what makes a family, that inclusivity is our strength and that the law should work for all New Yorkers."

Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to the Governor and Chair of the Council on Women and Girls said, "New York is leading the nation in protecting the rights of all New Yorkers and making it easier to start a family by expanding access to safe and affordable fertility treatments. Family planning is a profoundly personal and emotional journey and it should not be made harder by bureaucracy. These new actions mark a major win for women and the LGBTQ community, and we will continue breaking down barriers to family planning until every New Yorker has access to the protections and services they need to start a family of their own."

The Governor has been a steadfast advocate for expanding equality. Under his leadership, New York has been a national leader in protecting the rights of LGBTQ New Yorkers from the enactment of the nation-leading Marriage Equality Act in 2011 to the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act in 2019. Just last year, Governor Cuomo signed legalized gestational surrogacy into law, helping LGBTQ couples and couples struggling with infertility grow their families. The Governor also banned conversion therapy and repealed the gay and trans panic defense ban. This year, Governor Cuomo repealed the 'Walking While Trans' policy which unfairly targeted and disproportionately policed transgender and cisgender women of color.

The Governor has also acted to prohibit discrimination in the delivery of health care services and access to health insurance coverage. In 2019, the Governor directed the Department of Financial Services to promulgate new regulations protecting access to health insurance coverage by transgender and gender non-conforming New Yorkers, and signed new legislation prohibiting insurers from discriminating in the provision of coverage for fertility treatments.

THE BRONX DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS PROUD TO ENDORSE PIERINA SANCHEZ FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 14

 

The Bronx Democratic Party announced today its endorsement of Pierina Sanchez in the City Council District 14 race. This seat is currently held by Council Member Fernando Cabrera who is term-limited. Council District 14 covers the neighborhoods of Morris Heights, University Heights, Fordham, Kingsbridge.

“As a daughter of Dominican immigrants who was born in University Heights and raised in Kingsbridge neighborhood, Pierina Sanchez has a unique understanding of the needs of her community.  Recognizing that quality education could propel her to higher heights, she excelled in Bronx schools on her way to two Ivy League degrees. After accomplishing laudable educational goals, Pierina could have written her ticket anywhere, but she chose to come back to the community that gave her the passion to serve. 

Her insight into the needs of her neighborhood has fueled her fierce dedication to advocating for her neighborhood and the entire Bronx. Pierina has devoted herself to a career in public service and has been at the forefront of issues including housing, economic development, and education. Pierina brings forth vast of experience from her time as has been a community board member, a staff member in the City Council, and serving with distinction in President Obama’s White House. 

She is a lifelong resident of Council District 14 and the best choice to represent the people of that district. I am proud that we, as the Bronx Democratic Party are endorsing Pierina Sanchez and we know that when elected, Pierina will continue to ensure that there is equity and social justice not only in the Council District 14 but in the city as a whole.” said Chairman Jamaal T. Bailey.

“As the people of the Bronx--our teachers, healthcare providers, and essential workers-- rise from this difficult period, we as Bronx leaders must work together to put our community first. I am proud to receive the Bronx Democratic County Committee's endorsement and look forward to fighting together for a just recovery for the people of the Bronx," said Pierina Sanchez

Permits Filed For 2085 Mohegan Avenue In Crotona, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 2085 Mohegan Avenue in Crotona, The Bronx. Located between East 179th and East 180th Streets, the interior lot is located near the West Farms Square-East Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Kenneth Lam under the Bronx Capital A LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 79-foot-tall development will yield 16,468 square feet, with 8,580 square feet designated for residential space, 2,038 square feet for community facility space, and 1,533 square feet for commercial space. The building will have ten residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 858 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and a 20-foot-long rear yard. Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant.