Three Defendants Charged In Cocaine Importation And Distribution Network In New York

 

Law Enforcement Arrested Three Defendants and Seized Approximately 120 Kilograms of Cocaine, $1.3 Million In Cash, and a Firearm

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Raymond P. Donovan, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced that ADRIANO RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ, IRONELLYS PAULINO-NOLASCO, and ROBERT NUNEZ were charged in a criminal complaint filed in Manhattan federal court with narcotics importation, narcotics trafficking, and firearms offenses.  RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ and PAULINO-NOLASCO were apprehended on March 12, 2021 and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.  NUNEZ remains at large. 

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “This  investigation has yielded the seizure of over 120 kilograms of cocaine and over $1 million in suspected proceeds from illegal narcotics trafficking, disrupting the operation of this alleged drug trafficking organization. Thanks to our partners at the DEA, this massive shipment of potentially deadly narcotics has been kept off the streets.”

DEA Special Agent in Charge Raymond P. Donovan said:  “A stakeout turned into a three-day enforcement operation taking six million dollars’ worth of cocaine sales away from alleged drug traffickers while saving lives. Over one hundred kilograms of cocaine is significant in many ways since CDC warned of a 26.5% increase in overdose deaths involving cocaine in a 12- month period ending May 2020. Law enforcement will continue to rally our resources to seize illegal drugs responsible for record-breaking overdose rates.” 

As alleged in the Complaint[1]:

Since in or about late 2020, the DEA has been investigating the importation and distribution of narcotics through a produce warehouse in New Jersey called “Sweet Produce” (the “Warehouse”).  Cocaine was shipped from a company in the Dominican Republic to the Warehouse.  Between March 9, 2021 and March 12, 2021, DEA agents observed members of the conspiracy receive and move shipments from the Warehouse to other locations, including an apartment in the Bronx.

On March 10, 2021, agents seized approximately one kilogram of cocaine from a car driven by NUNEZ.  On March 11, 2021, agents seized approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine and $1.3 million in United States currency from the apartment in the Bronx.  On March 12, 2021, agents seized approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine from a produce van as it left the Warehouse, and also seized a firearm from the Warehouse.  The Produce Van was en route to a safe house in New Jersey that contained approximately one kilogram of cocaine, a cocaine press, and packaging materials.    

ADRIANO RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ, 41, IRONELLYS PAULINO-NOLASCO, 37, and ROBERT NUNEZ, 50, are charged with conspiring to import at least five kilograms of cocaine into the United States, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison, and conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least five kilograms of cocaine, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  RODRIGUEZ-DIAZ is also charged with possession of a firearm during and in relation to the narcotics importation and trafficking conspiracies, which carries a mandatory consecutive sentence of five years in prison.

The maximum potential sentences described above are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants would be determined by the assigned judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York Division the DEA.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the El Dorado Task Force of the United States Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force New York Strike Force, Financial Investigation Team comprising agents and officers of the DEA, NYPD, Bergen County Prosecutors Office, Fort Lee Police Department, Teaneck Police Department, Hillsdale Police Department, Northvale Police Department, Palisades Interstate Parkway Police, and Closter Police Department for its assistance in the investigation.  

The case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant United States Attorneys Danielle M. Kudla and Alexander Li are in charge of the prosecution.

[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 herein should be treated as an allegation as to the defendants charged in the Complaint.

Consumer Alert: The Division of Consumer Protection Informs New Yorkers of the Hidden Costs in Grocery Delivery Apps

 

Grocery Delivery More Popular Than Ever Before as a Result of Pandemic

Consumers Should Be Aware of Fees When Opting for Grocery Delivery

Basic Tips Can Help Save Consumers Money

 The New York State Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is alerting consumers about the hidden costs in grocery delivery apps and providing tips to help save money when opting for delivery services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers more than doubled their use of food delivery services.  Unfortunately, most consumers do not see the additional fees on grocery deliveries until checkout or when they directly compare prices in-store. Stores frequently charge more for items they offer for delivery and replace items for something more expensive when an item is out-of-stock.

“Grocery store delivery has been a critical service many New Yorkers have relied on for staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said New York State Secretary of State Rossana Rosado. “To avoid being surprised at checkout with additional fees, consumers should check their delivery orders carefully when they receive them and follow basic tips to save money.”

“As a result of the expansion of retailers across New York State that accept Supplemental Nutrition payments for online food purchases, an increasing number of SNAP recipients are ordering groceries for delivery or pickup, “ said Mike Hein, commissioner of the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees SNAP. “While SNAP benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees or gratuity, all shoppers should be aware of these charges in advance before they place an online order.”

Grocery delivery apps incorporate their fees in a few different ways:

• Shopping List. Charges for food can vary across apps for the same item, at the same store. Grocery store apps tend to get most of their fees by charging more for different items.
• Delivery Fees. These depend mainly on your total bill. Generally, the more you buy, the less the cost; however, this is not always the case, particularly if there are promotions. Many stores are charging standard delivery fees for orders over a certain amount and then a premium when less is purchased.
• Fuel Surcharge or Service Fee. Some apps, depending on your location and total delivery, may charge a fuel surcharge or service fee in addition to the delivery fee.
• Pickup Times. To save money on delivery fees, curbside pickup is offered at some stores. Pickup times closer to your order time may charge a premium.
• A gratuity is typical for restaurant food delivery, and most grocery store delivery apps offer it as well. The requirements for tipping and the amount that goes to the driver can vary.

The Division of Consumer Protection recommends the following tips to save money when using grocery delivery apps:

1. Make a list. Food is one of the top national impulse purchases across all age groups and can contribute to 20% or more of a grocery bill. If you shop on the app with a list, the bill will likely be lower because you are not walking through the aisles.
2. Choose store pickup, next day. Curbside pickup allows consumers to save money on delivery fees, but some stores charge a premium to pick up your items close to your order time. Place your order a day before you need it, to keep fees down.
3. Shop around. If you are ordering food from one grocery store, see what the same order would cost you on another app or grocery store in the same area. Searching on “grocery delivery near me” is a good way to find out what stores and apps will deliver to your location.
4. Search for more. Availability may vary, depending on the app, so consumers may have to look for those items elsewhere online. Consumers should be aware that shopping on multiple apps results in separate fees and delivery charges.
5. Confirm the gratuity policy. Often the grocery delivery people work as independent contractors and are not paid an hourly wage; instead receiving a per delivery stipend. Thus, the gratuity added is an important part of their income. Some delivery companies keep a portion of the gratuity charge rather than passing it on to the drivers in full. Check the app’s policy to understand what portion makes it to the driver – you may want to choose to cash tip the driver directly.
6. Become a member. Some grocery delivery apps are charging a fee and giving members additional promotions. Depending on the fee and the amount of actual deliveries a member utilizes, it may be beneficial for a frequent user to become a member. It is important to read all the terms and conditions for membership before signing up to ensure membership does not end up costing more over time. For more tips on membership programs, click here.
7. Look at reviews. If you have never ordered from a grocery store before, check out reviews to see what to expect. Also check out the delivery services reviews in your area since delivery services are based on individual drivers and can vary greatly in different locations.
8. Check your order upon receipt. Stores may substitute items for more expensive alternatives. To save money, consumers should understand the store’s return policy and return the items to the store, if less expensive options are available.
9. Separate services, separate complaints. If there is a problem with your groceries, the delivery person is not necessarily connected with the grocery store. When you have an issue with your groceries, try contacting the grocery store first.

To learn more smart shopping tips, consumers are encouraged to sign up for a free webinar hosted by the Division of Consumer Protection entitled, Savvy Shopping Tips for Smart Consumers, which is taking place on March 25 at 6pm. Register to participate here.

Consumers who encounter problems with grocery delivery services are encouraged to file a complaint with the Division of Consumer Protection.

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.

Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez - Allerton Food Giveaway

 

On Tuesday, March 16th our office will be holding a  Food Giveaway in partnership with New York Common Pantry, Bell Organization, and Senator Jamaal T. Bailey.

The giveaway will be held at Allerton Coops, 2700 Bronx Park East, between 3:00pm - 5:00pm

*While Supplies Last*

We encourage all to attend and to let your families, neighbors, and friends know as well.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic March 15, 2021

 

4,517 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

923 Patients in the ICU; 614 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 4.57%

58 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.

"We know that the vaccine is the weapon that will win this war, but we also know that one of the most critical actions to stopping the spread of COVID is washing your hands, wearing a mask and practicing social distancing," Governor Cuomo said. "As more vaccine supply comes to New York and more needles get into arms, we are that much closer to reaching our goals, but we need to remain vigilant. New Yorkers have made incredible progress that we can all be proud of but we are still in the footrace. Until the day we reach the light at the end of the tunnel, we must all remain New York Tough." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 127,005
• Total Positive - 5,807
• Percent Positive - 4.57% 
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.22% 
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,517 (+31) 
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -313 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 465
• Hospital Counties - 50 
• Number ICU - 923 (-4) 
• Number ICU with Intubation - 614 (-5) 
• Total Discharges - 153,971 (+387) 
• Deaths - 58 
• Total Deaths - 39,585

Assemblymember Pichardo: Fighting for a budget that will protect and look out for Bronx communities

 

  “As the pandemic passes the one-year mark, it’s time for us to reflect on all that’s occurred in the last 12 months – the loved ones we’ve lost, the damage done to the economy and how our communities have been damaged and forever changed. In response, my Assembly colleagues and I have been hard at work crafting the 2021-22 Assembly budget proposal, recognizing that now, more than ever, we need a budget that works for the people.  That’s why I am fighting for a budget that includes funding increases, rejects cuts and protects those hit hardest by the pandemic while also investing in our future.

    “To help communities continue on the road to recovery, the Assembly plan increases funding for after-school and higher education programs, invests in affordable housing and protects critical legal services. Specifically, the one-house budget proposal allocates $2.5 million for the CUNY Accelerated Study in Associate Programs (ASAP) and increases funding for college opportunity programs by $30 million. The Assembly plan also prioritizes stable housing for New Yorkers by continuing to fund the state’s five-year, $2.2 billion affordable housing plan, including $750 million for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA). Now more than ever, our legislative bodies must work together to enact a state budget that prioritizes the safety and security of the people and increases opportunities for all.” 

Senator Rivera on Senate’s One House Budget Resolution

 

"The Senate Majority’s One House Budget Resolution demonstrates our clear commitment to help New York recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, which has brought so much devastation to our State. Further, we fully understand that New York will not recover adequately if we do not prioritize providing relief to our working and middle class families who have borne the brunt of this pandemic.

 

As the Chair of the Health Committee, I am proud that many of the measures proposed by the Senate Health Workgroup were included in this resolution, among them the restoration of Medicaid cuts to hospitals, long-term care facilities, and other Medicaid-supported programs. Without a doubt, the pandemic has brought to the forefront the deep disparities embattling our healthcare system. Our communities simply cannot afford further cuts to Medicaid and other critically important health services, so instead, it is our responsibility to ensure that New Yorkers receive quality and affordable healthcare. I am in particular very proud of the inclusion of my bill that grants otherwise ineligible New Yorkers with confirmed cases of COVID-19, regardless of their immigration status, eligibility to the Essential Plan. 

The Senate Majority has crafted a balanced and ethical budget that will improve the lives of all New Yorkers. We are certain that the measures included in this budget proposal for healthcare, school aid, transportation, or housing, will move New York State forward.”

Highlights in the Senate Majority One House State Budget Proposal

Ensuring Wealthy New Yorkers Pay Their Fair Share 

• Requires the ultra-wealthy New Yorkers pay their fair share, the same way working and middle class New Yorkers have done, especially during this pandemic to secure funding for crucial services such as public education, infrastructure, healthcare, among others. 

• The total revenue raised by the Senate’s different tax proposals is $8.2 billion for the 2021-2022 budget year.

Safeguarding Medicaid and Protecting New Yorkers’ Health

• Restores $180.5 million in Medicaid cuts to hospitals, $74.25 million to long-term care, $60 million to mainstream managed care, and millions more to various other Medicaid-supported programs.

• Protects the financial viability of health centers and safety net providers that are currently part of the 340B program by repealing the pharmacy benefit carve out from Medicaid Managed Care that was enacted in last year’s budget. 

• Allow individuals with confirmed cases of COVID-19 to be eligible for the Essential Plan if they would otherwise be ineligible due to their immigration status, which is a bill I proudly sponsor (S.2549).

• Reject the extension of the Medicaid Global Cap through State Fiscal Year 2022-23 while calling on the Department of Health to develop alternatives to the current Medicaid Global Cap. 

• Create an Opioid Settlement Fund that will consist of state monies received through settlements of litigation related to prescription opioids and to establish an Advisory Board to make recommendations for distribution of the funds. 

• Provide $200 million for acute care facilities and nursing homes to increase nurse staffing levels to provide better quality of care for nursing home patients.

• Provide $624 million to increase the minimum wages for the lowest paid home health care workers.

Keeping New Yorkers Home  

• $750 million in new funding for the New York City Housing Authority and $200 million for statewide public housing authorities. 

• $250 million to support the Housing Our Neighbors with Dignity Program, which allows the Division of Housing and Community Renewal (DHCR) to acquire vacant commercial properties and distressed hotel properties with fewer than 150 rooms in New York City and convert them into permanently affordable residential housing.

• Establishes a federally funded COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (S.2742-C), to provide rent arrears vouchers to landlords on behalf of tenants experiencing financial hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

• Providing $400 million for additional rental assistance, in addition to available federal funds.

• Adding $200 million for homeowner assistance.

Investing in New Yorkers

• $500 million to fully-fund four-year-old full-day prekindergarten statewide.

• Provides every student and school with free broadband access to ensure that all children have access to education for the duration of the pandemic (S.3184).

• Provides $4 million to CUNY and $4 million to SUNY for student mental health supports.

• $2.1 billion for a new Excluded Worker Fund to provide unemployment benefits to workers who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic but were ineligible for Unemployment Insurance.

• $10 million to establish a statewide hospital and community-based gun violence prevention program.

To review the full Senate Majority One-house State Budget Resolution, please visit: https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/resolutions/2021/r504

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO, PUBLIC ADVOCATE JUMAANE D. WILLIAMS ANNOUNCE NEW GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION EFFORT

 

Mentorship program connects violence interrupters with at-risk New Yorkers to prevent gun violence 

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today announced that New York City will pilot the Advance Peace Model, a new gun violence prevention program that pairs youth who are at-risk for gun violence with individual mentors.

"The most effective solutions come from the grassroots and create change beyond the power of government," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "The Crisis Management System has empowered leaders from across our city to take control of their neighborhoods and rethink what it means to keep each other safe. This Advance Peace Model will guarantee a safer and fairer New York for generations to come.”

 

“We all have a part to play in co-producing public safety, and healing old wounds and building new partnerships will require bold actions. It is not enough to react to violence, we need to advance peace,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “This pilot program is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of not only this program, but these principles of public safety. I thank the Mayor for funding the Advance Peace pilot program in New York City. After seeing such success with the Crisis Management System, we must continue to innovate in our work to reimagine public safety, and I’m eager to put this model into action and save lives.”

 

Under the pilot, the City will conduct outreach in areas with high levels of gun violence to identify youth who are at-risk for gun violence.  Select individuals are then invited to join the Peacemaker fellowship, which pairs mentees with individual Neighborhood Change Agents who mentor them and set tangible goals like a drivers’ license or a GED. When participants achieve their goals, they receive a monetary stipend.

 

The Advance Peace model has proved successful in other parts of the country. A peer-reviewed study of the pilot in Sacramento, California showed a 27% reduction in gun violence in the program’s catchment area over two years. The study further demonstrates the efficacy of the program by documenting high levels of service referrals, conflict mediations, and gun violence interruptions.

 

The pilot will launch in July of 2021 in five precincts citywide: the 46th Precinct in the Bronx, the 114th Precinct in Queens, the 26th Precinct in Manhattan, the 73rd Precinct in Brooklyn, and the 120th Precinct in Staten Island. 

 

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State Vaccination Program

 

122,778 Doses Administered Across New York State in the Last 24 Hours     

More than 1 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days     

Vaccine Dashboard Will Update Daily to Provide Updates on the State's Vaccine Program; Go to ny.gov/vaccinetracker  

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today updated New Yorkers on the state's vaccination program. 122,778 doses have been administered across New York's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. 

"New York's weekly vaccine allocation has been increasing over time, and we're getting shots into arms as quickly as possible using our vast distribution network," Governor Cuomo said. "It's critical that we continue to expand that network as eligibility expands and supply increases, and the state is doubling down on its commitment to equity and fairness in the distribution process, including reaching underserved communities. New Yorkers have gone through hell to reach this point, and now that the vaccine is here, we need to continue practicing safe behaviors until more residents and their families take the vaccine." 

New York's vast distribution network and large population of eligible individuals still far exceed the supply coming from the federal government. Due to limited supply, New Yorkers are encouraged to remain patient and are advised not to show up at vaccination sites without an appointment.

The 'Am I Eligible' screening tool has been updated for individuals with comorbidities and underlying conditions with new appointments released on a rolling basis over the next weeks. New Yorkers can use the following to show they are eligible:

• Doctor's letter, or
• Medical information evidencing comorbidity, or
• Signed certification

Vaccination program numbers below are for doses distributed and delivered to New York for the state's vaccination program, and do not include those reserved for the federal government's Long Term Care Facility program. A breakdown of the data based on numbers reported to New York State as of 11AM today is as follows.    

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 6,699,848

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 122,778

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,059,142

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 22.5%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 11.6%