Brooklyn Man Charged With Armed Robbery Of Soho Luxury Retail Store

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced today that ERIC SPENCER has been arrested for his participation in an armed robbery of a luxury retail store in New York, New York, on February 2, 2021.  SPENCER was apprehended on Saturday, February 20, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and will be presented in federal court in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, later today.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As alleged, Eric Spencer put the public and store personnel in grave danger when he committed a brazen daylight armed robbery of a SoHo boutique earlier this month.  Spencer allegedly threatened a store security guard by displaying the handle of his gun as he barked orders to his co-conspirators to ‘grab everything.’  Now the FBI and NYPD have grabbed Spencer, who is in federal custody and awaiting his day in court.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said:  “Spencer’s arrest highlights the importance of good investigative work and the continuing efforts of the FBI-NYPD Joint Major Theft Task Force.  I commend our partners in the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York for their commitment to bringing justice for the victims in this despicable crime.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “We allege Mr. Spencer was part of a robbery crew, and in this instance he carried a firearm, during a violent takeover of a retail store.  Mr. Spencer’s alleged actions violated federal law, and he is now in our custody.  For others who plan to behave in the same manner, listen up – the FBI is committed to using every tool at our disposal to hold violent criminals accountable for their decisions, and our partnership with the NYPD is airtight.  When you break federal law, expect to spend some time in one of our courtrooms.  As always, thank you to the NYPD detectives for their outstanding work in this investigation, their constant efforts are essential to keeping our citizens safe.”

According to the allegations in the Complaint[1]:

On the afternoon of February 2, 2021, SPENCER robbed a luxury retail store located in the SoHo neighborhood in Manhattan.  SPENCER and three other co-conspirators entered the store and began grabbing handbags and other items off the walls.  When a security guard confronted SPENCER, he said, “What are you going to do? Shoot me?” SPENCER then reached into his waistband, where the security guard could see the handle of a firearm.  SPENCER yelled, “Nobody touch me! Get everything! Grab everything!”  SPENCER and his co-conspirators made off with handbags and other merchandise valued at $189,500. 

The next day, SPENCER bragged on social media about having so many items from the store that he could “OPEN A SMALL BOUTIQUE.” 

SPENCER, 29, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with one count of robbery, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by a judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI-NYPD Joint Major Theft Task Force and the NYPD’s Manhattan North Grand Larceny Squad, and thanked the FBI’s Miami Field Office for its assistance.  She added that the investigation is ongoing.

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.

PUBLIC ADVOCATE ADVANCES WILLIAMS BILL CREATING MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY PHONE LINE

 

 Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams called for passage of his bill to create a three-digit hotline used for mental health emergencies, as an alternative to 911, at a hearing of the Committee on Mental Health, Disabilities, and Addiction today. The new number - 988 - would help ensure that mental health crises are met by health professionals, rather than law enforcement. Watch the hearing online.

The bill, Intro 2222, would require the Office of Community Mental Health - which would be separately established under legislation from Council Member Diana Ayala - to institute the hotline staffed by mental health call operators. The Office would train call operators in the mental health emergency response protocol and conduct public outreach and education publicizing the 988 number. 

"Mental health should not be seen or responded to as an untreated public threat," said Public Advocate Williams of the bill. "I hope through our legislative process, we can collectively create a crisis response where persons living with mental health diagnosis feel safe in their communities and know they'll receive the proper care that they need. I also hope that we can bring healing to families that have experienced a loss or any trauma as a result of the system we now have in place now." 

In the past six years, at least sixteen people undergoing a mental health crisis were killed by NYPD  officers - notably, fourteen were people of more color. Prominent cases in recent years have included Deborah Danner, Mohamed Bah, Saheed Vassell, Dwayne Jeune, and Kawaski Trawick, among others.

In his 2019 report, Improving New York City's Responses to Individuals in Mental Health Crisis, Public Advocate Williams led calls for mental health crises to be met with a public health response rather than law enforcement. A separate emergency phone line was among the recommendations in that report.

The Public Advocate noted today that the movement to a non-police response in mental health crisis is as complex as it is necessary, saying, "I know this is a difficult conversation. It is one that elicits fear. It is one that changes the dynamic. For too long, our equating of public safety and police has brought us a system that we know needs to be changed. We have to find a system that allows people to bring the tools and expertise they have to the situations at hand."

RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION, DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS CELEBRATE COMPLETION OF NEW AFFORDABLE HOUSING, COMMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT IN FAR ROCKAWAY

 

City delivers on key commitments made for Downtown Far Rockaway rezoning

 

Beach 21^st Street project will bring 224 units of mixed-income 100% affordable housing; 10% of units to be set aside for formerly homeless households

Today, Mayor de Blasio joined New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), New York City Housing Development Corporation, New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), New York City Department of Design and Construction (DDC), Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, The Community Builders, Inc., and community leaders for the topping off ceremony of the Beach 21^st affordable housing development in Far Rockaway, Queens.

 

The project will activate a previously underused City-owned lot to create 224 units of mixed-income 100% affordable housing, serving a wide range of New Yorkers earning extremely low- to moderate-incomes. Ten percent of the units will be set aside for formerly homeless households. The development will include approximately 7,000 square feet of community facility space, which is anticipated to include a daycare center, and approximately 21,000 square feet of retail space adjacent to a planned DOT pedestrian plaza. This transformational project, which broke ground earlier last year, will be delivered by The Community Builders, Inc. (TCB), a leading non-profit developer of affordable and mixed-income housing.

 

The project is expected to create over 59 permanent jobs and over 589 construction jobs. TCB has committed to 35% M/WBE participation, and participation in the City’s HireNYC initiative, with expected construction completion in 2022.

 

“The Rockaways are the embodiment of New York City’s strength and resiliency. This neighborhood deserves affordable housing, accessible streets, and community space, and I’m proud to work with partners across government to deliver it,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “A recovery for all of us means making this city more affordable than ever, and investing in communities that have been hard hit by this crisis.”

 

“Since the Far Rockaway rezoning in 2017, we’ve made tremendous progress on our affordable housing efforts, one of the goals of the Downtown Far Rockaway Roadmap for Action. Far Rockaway was hit hard by the pandemic, which is why the construction progress of this new development will be invaluable to the community and many New York City families,” said NYCEDC President and CEO James Patchett. “I’d like to thank and congratulate Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group, our partners New York City Housing Preservation and Development, New York City Housing Development Corporation, New York City Department of Transportation, New York City Department of Design and Construction and The Community Builders Inc. on today’s progress.”

 

“This Administration is committed to bringing much-needed affordable housing, new infrastructure, and jobs to communities like Downtown Far Rockaway that were hard hit by the pandemic,” said HPD Commissioner Louise Carroll. “Since the launch of the Downtown Far Rockaway Plan, we’ve financed more than 1,800 affordable homes in this community. Beach 21^st Street exemplifies the kind of projects we’re committed to pushing through now under Your Home NYC—the Mayor’s comprehensive approach to helping New Yorkers get, afford, and keep their homes—deals that not only benefit residents but also strengthen the whole community. I want to thank our many partners including Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, The Community Builders Inc, and the City agencies whose efforts made today possible.”

 

“This transformational project will provide 224 households, including formerly homeless, with affordable homes at a time it’s needed most” said HDC President Eric Enderlin.  “Upon completion, additional community and retail space will further support the revitalization of Downtown Far Rockaway. I would like to thank all our partners for their dedication to advancing construction on this important project, while navigating the challenges of the pandemic.”

 

“NYC DOT is proud to stand alongside our elected leaders, agency partners and community members to unveil this transformative, once-in-a-generation reconstruction of Downtown Far Rockaway streets to support affordable housing and the quality of life for residents,” said NYC DOT Queens Borough Commissioner Nicole Garcia. “In addition to the housing we’re celebrating today, our vision for this residential, commercial and transit hub will include a new plaza designed to be a town square and community gathering space, along with brand new roads, sidewalks and other infrastructure that renew the streetscape, making it safer and more attractive for residents and visitors alike.”

 

“DDC is completing two major projects in the vicinity: the beautiful new $41 million Far Rockaway Library and a large $139 million enhancement of infrastructure, streetscapes and pedestrian areas that includes the Beach 21^st Street Plaza,” said NYC Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Lorraine Grillo. “Both projects are going very well, and we’re proud to work with our private and government partners to contribute to the revitalization of the area.”

 

“TCB’s commitment to a 35% MWBE participation goal will go a long way towards building MWBE capacity in the high-demand field of affordable housing,” said Magalie D. Austin, Senior Advisor and Director of the Mayor’s Office of M/WBEs. “I applaud TCB’s support in ensuring equity and access to opportunity for the City’s MWBEs.”

 

“1047 Beach 21^st Street is an integral component of the Downtown Far Rockaway Road Map for Action which will bring homes for 224 families to the peninsula, along with neighborhood amenities that can be enjoyed by all,” said President and CEO of The Community Builders, Inc., Bart Mitchell. “On behalf of our organization, I’d like to extend my deepest thanks and a well-earned congratulations to our many partners, stakeholders, and neighbors in achieving this important milestone.  To the Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Mayor DeBlasio, and all the organizations involved in this effort, thank you for choosing TCB to be your partner and neighbor in this exciting, transformative development.”

 

“Today’s ceremony is an important milestone in the effort to expand housing and economic opportunities in Queens and across New York City,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “The progress that has been made on this important project at Beach 21st Street shows we are going in the right direction toward creating new housing in our neighborhoods and in promoting economic and community development. Let us continue to build on this momentum as we make our City an even better place to live and raise a family.”

 

“Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation is pleased with the progress of the Beach 21^st Street development project and excited to be engaged by The Community Builders and Mega Contracting Group in helping them with their local workforce recruitment, commercial retail space attraction and community engagement efforts,” said Kevin W. Alexander, President & CEO of Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation. “We are equally excited for our residents, area workers and local businesses who will directly benefit from the opportunities that Beach 21^st Development project provides and will continue to bring to Downtown Far Rockaway for years to come. I cannot emphasize enough our ongoing gratitude to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, the City Council, Mayor DeBlasio and a host of City agencies – for being so supportive of the Downtown Far Rockaway Redevelopment Project.”

 

In September 2017, the City Council approved the de Blasio Administration’s plan to rezone Downtown Far Rockaway, which helped to bring $288 million of investment to the area. The City’s comprehensive plan for Downtown Far Rockaway includes efforts from a range of City agencies, and investments in infrastructure, parks, community facilities, housing resources, and small-business support. Highlights of the City’s Far Rockaway investments include:

 

• Building a new public open space on the site of a vacant Department of Sanitation site at Brunswick and Nameoke.
• Construction of a new Downtown Far Rockaway Library.
• Upgrading sewer infrastructure, expanding sidewalks, and creating new public plazas, including the new plaza adjacent to this site on Beach 21^st Street.
• Providing free legal services for Rockaway residents facing unlawful evictions and tenant harassment.
• Supporting existing businesses through free legal services and increasing access to other small business resources.
• Sourcing grants for cultural organizations and increased arts programming.
• Installing real-time bus arrival displays at key bus stops.

 

The Downtown Far Rockaway Roadmap for Action was developed based on the vision of the Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group — a team of local stakeholders convened by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards in 2015 — to develop a set of goals and recommendations to support the revitalization of the neighborhood.

The Downtown Far Rockaway Working Group received input from hundreds of community members and delivered their recommendations to Mayor de Blasio in February 2016, asking that the City activate long-vacant sites, increase access to housing and retail opportunities in the neighborhood, and help the area once again realize its potential as the commercial hub of the peninsula.

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW By Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz - VACCINATION DAY FOR NY HISPANIC MINISTERS

 

 You should know that this Tuesday, February 23, beginning at 8:30 am, has been separated as the vaccination day of the Hispanic Ministers of New York. 

You should also know, that the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization chaired by Councilman Rev. Rubén Díaz and SOMOS Health Care Network presided by Dr. Ramón Tallaj are organizing an event. In the said event, more than 150 Hispanic Ministers will be taking the COVID-19 Vaccine, as an example to the community of the importance of taking the Vaccine.

  

According to the organizers, "our community needs to recognize the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19, and if we pastors, ministers, leaders of thousands and thousands of parishioners, send the message that there is nothing to fear, we are sure that our parishioners and community members will follow suit.

  

This activity, which will be exclusively by appointments, will take place this Tuesday, February 23, at 8:30, am in the SOMOS Medical Clinic located at 538 East Fordham Road in Bronx County. 

 

For more information, please call Rev. Samaris Gross at Tel. 347-613-1491.

Assemblyman Ron Kim - Oped: It's Time to Impeach Cuomo

 

By now, much of the world has seen New York's Emmy-award winning governor and "COVID-19 hero" Andrew Cuomo come under fire for New York's growing nursing home scandal. A March 25 directive forcing nursing homes to take in patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 led to the spread of the disease among New York's most vulnerable population. And then, to cover his tracks, the Governor may have obstructed justice by suppressing life and death data from the Department of Justice; his office underestimated the number of nursing home deaths by up to fifty percent.

These actions, which Cuomo's aid Melissa DeRosa admitted to in a call with Democratic lawmakers that I was on, implicated all of us in the governor's cover-up. It would be the first of multiple attempts to do so.

On a private phone call, the governor berated me, threatened my career, and demanded that I issue a fabricated statement. He wanted me to deny what I heard on the call. "Are you an honorable man?" He yelled. "Who do you think you are?" This, too, was an attempt to rope me into his scheme.

Those of us who have worked with Cuomo are familiar with his tendencies. There is a long pattern of abusive tactics that the governor deploys when the public gets too close to learning the truth: cast a net far and wide, compromise as many unwitting accomplices, threaten retribution, then berate you for having the temerity to stand up.

I call this Cuomo's Predatory Inclusion Syndrome. And I won't be party to it.

I witnessed a crime, and on top of that, 15,000 nursing home residents died under his watch. Restoring faith in government for those families is my top and only priority, not the governor's PR image.

The truth behind the obfuscation and lies is this: The governor snuck a toxic corporate immunity clause in the 2020 budget on behalf of his top campaign donor, the Greater New York Hospital Association. You don't need a PhD to understand that handing out get-out-of-jail-free cards to for-profit nursing homes in the middle of a pandemic will lead to more deaths.

He did it quietly and at the last minute, masking the provision under the guise of protecting frontline workers from lawsuits, which if true would have been redundant because he already passed a March 23 Executive Order that gave frontline workers legal immunity for treating COVID-19 patients. But once the lobbyists asked for a broader shield for the corporate executives and shareholders behind for-profit nursing homes and hospitals, Cuomo needed to implicate others.

On January 28th, New York State's Attorney General, Leticia James announced that the administration under-reported nursing home deaths by fifty percent. The corporate immunity very possibly led to more deaths at for-profit nursing homes, and has made it impossible to hold those responsible accountable.

With the truth out, the wheels started coming off the bus. The AG's report forced the Cuomo administration to finally meet with us. After seven months of stonewalling, his top aides wanted to discuss the "delay" in reporting nursing home data. Then the bombshell dropped, Melissa DeRosa admitted to withholding the numbers from the Department of Justice for political purposes, and we reached a point of no return: We had an ethical duty to stand up to this governor or become accomplices.

We cannot be numb to the fact that 15,000 people died in nursing homes under Governor Cuomo's watch. If the corporate immunity was omitted from the budget, how many lives would have been saved? Ten percent? Twenty percent? That is 1,500 to 3,000 families who could be sitting across from a loved one at dinner tonight. That's an entire 9/11 tragedy that we could have prevented.

We must hold the governor accountable and restore the integrity of the Senate and Assembly as co-equal branches of government. We must put all options on the table, in order to get to the truth.

It is time to be brave, to hold him accountable, to investigate his cover-up of nursing home information. It is time to undo the bad policies that led to unnecessary deaths. And it is time to start the impeachment process.

Ron Kim is the New York State Assembly representing the 40th District.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic

 

5,804 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

1,148 Patients in the ICU; 780 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 4.33%

89 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. It is important to note that data, including test results and hospital rates, reported early in the week are often not completely reflective of the current situation due to lower discharges and testing volume over the weekend. Data trends over a period of time, such as using 7-day averages, are a preferred metric.

"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of New Yorkers, we're beating back COVID more and more every day and that has allowed us to begin reopening different facets of the economy as part of our post-COVID reconstruction," Governor Cuomo said. "Not only are our hospitalization and infection rates declining, but we're continuing to build out New York's already expansive vaccination network to ensure underserved communities are not denied access to this life saving medication. While we're not out of the woods yet, we have the momentum on our side. As long as we stay united and keep doing what we know works, we will finally defeat this invisible enemy and get back to normal." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 142,019
• Total Positive - 6,146
• Percent Positive - 4.33%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.52%
• Patient Hospitalization - 5,804 (+40)  
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -819
• Patients Newly Admitted - 572
• Hospital Counties - 55
• Number ICU - 1,148 (-14)  
• Number ICU with Intubation - 780 (-14)  
• Total Discharges - 142,724 (+417)
• Deaths - 89
• Total Deaths - 37,941

MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS RECOVERY CZAR LORRAINE GRILLO

 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio today named Lorraine Grillo as the Senior Advisor for Recovery. Grillo, who will serve as New York City’s “Recovery Czar,” will coordinate across City government to supercharge Mayor de Blasio’s recovery agenda, as detailed on RecoveryForAll.nyc.gov. 

“New York City was hit with an unprecedented health care and economic crisis. Together, we’re taking unprecedented steps to drive a recovery for all of us,” said Mayor de Blasio. “As New York City’s first-ever Recovery Czar, Lorraine will cut through bureaucracy, coordinate across all agencies, and reach out to non-profit and private partners to make sure our recovery is felt in every borough, every neighborhood, and every block.”

 

“I build things. That’s what I do. And together, we are going to build a recovery that lifts up every New Yorker,” said Senior Advisor for Recovery Lorraine Grillo. “Every job I’ve had serving the people of New York City, from responding to Hurricane Sandy to expanding universal Pre-K, has required an intense coordination across different agencies, companies and non-profits. That’s the same aggressive approach I’m going to take to lead a recovery for all of us.”

 

“We are leading an economic recovery that involves everything from vaccine distribution to reopening schools to attracting new jobs,” said Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “With Lorraine serving as our Recovery Czar, this effort on all fronts will have a dedicated, centralized leader to make sure we’re leveraging every last bit of effort to bring our city back fairer and stronger than ever before.”

 

In this new position, Grillo will coordinate across government agencies, non-profits and the private sector to ensure everyone is working together for New York City’s recovery. Working with the New York City Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity, Grillo will build on her work championing minority-and women-owned businesses (MWBE) and push for economic justice across all recovery efforts. Grillo will work directly with Mayor de Blasio to lead a recovery war room that will convene leaders across government for regular progress on recovery efforts.

 

Grillo’s appointment as Recovery Czar is effective immediately, and she will begin a transition from her roles as Commissioner of the Department of Design and Construction and CEO of the New York City School Construction Authority. Grillo, who has served at the School Construction Authority since 1994 and serving as its president since 2010, brings unmatched experience in building physical infrastructure, fair and equitable contracting, and putting the concerns of low-income New Yorkers first.

Attorney General James Sues Libre by Nexus for Deceiving and Preying on Vulnerable Immigrants

 

Libre Shackled Immigrants with Painful GPS Trackers and Charged Huge Sums

CFPB and MA and VA AGs Join AG James in Filing Lawsuit Accusing Libre, Parent Company, and Founders of Deceptive and Illegal Practices

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today continued her fight to protect immigrants in New York and throughout the country from deceptive and abusive practices. In a lawsuit filed against Libre by Nexus and its parent company, Nexus Services, Attorney General James, as part of a coalition that includes the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the attorneys general of Massachusetts and Virginia, alleges that the company preys on immigrants held in federal detention centers by offering to pay for their immigration bonds to secure their release, while concealing or misrepresenting the true nature and costs of its services. Libre charges large upfront fees and hefty monthly payments, which typically amount to thousands of dollars more than the face value of the bond. Libre also markets its services to the friends and family members of detainees, who are desperate to secure their loved one’s release and also pay some of the exorbitant fees.

“Immigrant communities serve as the lifeblood of this nation, yet Libre by Nexus exploited their fears and targeted our state’s most vulnerable,” said Attorney General James. “Libre tricked poor individuals into paying astronomical rates and illegally profited millions, while simultaneously shackling immigrants with homing devices. This lawsuit should send a clear message to all who seek to exploit and take advantage of our most helpless communities that we will use every tool in our arsenal to end your unlawful activity and the suffering you inflict.”

The complaint — filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia — alleges that the defendants have and continue to violate several laws, including the Dodd‐Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act’s prohibition on deceptive and abusive acts and practices, as well as the states’ consumer protection laws. In particular, the complaint alleges:

• Libre shackles its clients with GPS devices that cannot be removed. The bulky devices can cause physical harm and irritation and often fail to function.
• Libre requires consumers to sign confusing and misleading contracts that they present to consumers only in English, even though a vast majority of Libre’s clients do not speak or read English and do not understand it.
• Libre mischaracterizes its financial services as a “program” by boasting that it offers “wraparound services,” including free legal services. But, in reality, Libre provides nothing more than a referral to lawyers for its clients, who may receive no legal services at all.
• Libre misleads consumers into believing that their monthly fees are paying down their bond as a debt owed to Libre and will be refunded at the conclusion of their immigration proceedings. But, only later do many consumers discover that Libre will not refund thousands or tens-of-thousands of dollars in fees.
• To collect fees, Libre creates the false impression that it has associations with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other government actors and that failing to pay fees to Libre can lead to arrest or deportation.

Today’s lawsuit also names Libre’s principals — Micheal Donovan, Richard Moore, and Evan Ajin — who devised the company’s business model, and currently implement it, direct its operation, and know the details of its workings.

The lawsuit seeks to put an end to the company’s illegal practices, obtain millions of dollars in restitution for the thousands of victims, and impose penalties on the companies.

All New Yorkers, regardless of legal status, are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) if they’ve been taken advantage of by Libre. Individuals can file a complaint on the OAG website or call 800-771-7755 (800-788-9898 for hearing impaired TDD) for additional assistance.

The lawsuit is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Joseph P. Mueller and Stewart Dearing, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jane M. Azia and Deputy Bureau Chief Laura J. Levine — all of the Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau. The Consumer Frauds and Protection Bureau is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, overseen by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.