Bloods Gang Leader Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Murder Conspiracy on Long Island

 

Jonathan Mayzick Conspired to Kill Rivals During Violent Gang War

 Earlier today, at the federal courthouse in Central Islip, Jonathan Mayzick, also known as “J-Reck,” a leader of the Nine Trey Gangster set of the Bloods street gang based in Hempstead, New York, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sandra J. Feuerstein to 10 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to murder rival gang members.  The charge arose out of the defendant’s participation in a year-long war with the rival Outlaws street gang in the “Heights” neighborhood of Hempstead.  Judge Feuerstein ordered the sentence imposed today to run consecutively to a 13 ½-year federal prison term that was imposed in 2018 after Mayzick pled guilty to distributing narcotics.  As a result, Mayzick will serve a total of 23 ½ years in prison. 

Seth D. DuCharme, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Patrick J. Ryder, Commissioner, Nassau County Police Department (NCPD), announced the sentence.

“Mayzick was a leader of a murderous street gang that, in its thirst for revenge, engaged in a shooting rampage that terrorized the community and put the public at risk for over a year,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney DuCharme.  “Today’s lengthy sentence reflects the tireless efforts of this Office and its law enforcement partners to bring an end to senseless violence and loss of life and eradicate gangs like the Bloods.”  

Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, the NCPD’s Gang Investigations Squad and the Firearms Section of the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory for their outstanding investigative work on the case.

“Violent criminals engage in turf battles without any thought about the communities they endanger. Think again.  The agencies which compose the FBI Long Island Gang Task Force put our communities first, and we will work round-the-clock to remove and hold violent offenders accountable. Today’s sentence is the community’s message back that violent behavior comes with consequences, and offenders who break federal law should be prepared for a lengthy stay in federal prison,” stated FBI Assistant Director-in-Charge Sweeney.

“Today’s announcement of another gang member going to jail is a clear reminder that these types of illegal activity will never be tolerated in Nassau County, stated NCPD Commissioner Ryder.  “The arrest and sentencing comes after a lengthy and extensive investigation and I would like to thank the dedicated members of law enforcement for a job well done. We continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to keep our neighborhoods, communities and residents safe.”

Mr. DuCharme expressed his grateful appreciation to the FBI’s Long Island Gang Task Force, the NCPD’s Gang Investigations Squad and the Firearms Section of the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory for their outstanding investigative work on the case.

Between September 2013 and November 2014, Mayzick, along with members of the Nine Trey, engaged in multiple shootings in retaliation for the September 2013 murder of Dante Quinones, a Bloods associate, by Outlaws member Pedro Merchant.  Four individuals were shot by the Bloods: one was shot in the arm, another was shot in the chest and an associate of the Outlaws was shot in the testicles.  When gang members attempted to kill the leader of the Outlaws on the front porch of his home, a teenage girl was shot in the face.  In addition, the homes of several Outlaws members were sprayed with bullets. 

While the gang war was ongoing, Mayzick and his fellow Nine Trey members operated a crack cocaine trafficking business in the Hempstead area.  In January 2018, following his plea of guilty, Mayzick was sentenced by United States District Judge Denis R. Hurley to 162 months’ imprisonment for conspiring to distribute crack cocaine. 

The government’s investigation into the Bloods and Outlaws gang war has led to the arrest and conviction of nine members and associates of the Nine Trey Gangster Bloods and six members and associates of the Outlaws.  Mayzick is the final defendant to be sentenced.  The defendants previously sentenced include:

• Bloods member Billy McLen, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to attempted murder in-aid-of racketeering and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence;
• Bloods members Khalil Brown and Naree Barnes, who were each sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment following their guilty pleas to discharging firearms during a crime of violence for shooting at a rival gang member on October 21, 2014. 
• Bloods member Jovan Ramirez, who was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• Bloods member Philip Saunders, who was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence for his role in a May 9, 2014 assault of a rival gang member;
• Bloods associate Johnathan Winslow, who was sentenced to 13 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• Bloods associate Rashon Campbell, who was sentenced to 5 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to conspiracy to distribute cocaine base;
• Outlaws member Alton Gore, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to assault in aid of racketeering and discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence;
• Outlaws member Pedro Merchant, who was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for the September 11, 2013 firearm-related murder of Dante Quinones; and
• Outlaws associate Everett Brown, who was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment following his guilty plea to discharging a firearm during a crime of violence for his role in one of three shootings of rivals’ homes committed by the gang on August 19, 2014. 

The Defendant:

JONATHAN MAYZICK (also known as “J-Reck”)
Age:  32
Hempstead, New York

Governor Cuomo Updated New Yorkers on State's Progress During Covid-19 Pandemic March 21, 2021

 

Hospitalizations Drop to 4,355—Lowest Since December 4, Down 53% From Post-Holiday Peak 

890 Patients in the ICU; 572 Intubated 

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.22% 

54 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. Hospitalizations dropped to 4,355, the lowest since December 4 and down 53 percent from the post-holiday peak.

"We're fighting COVID-19 on all fronts and getting vaccines in arms across the state, but the virus is still a threat and new variants, including the Brazilian strain identified in New York City yesterday, should give New Yorkers cause for concern," Governor Cuomo said. "We're in a race to get as many New Yorkers vaccinated as possible before the variants can disrupt the progress we've made, but the infection rate is also a function of our actions. Washing hands, wearing masks and social distancing are vital tools we can use to stay safe and slow the spread. I urge New Yorkers to stay vigilant and keep making smart decisions—we're moving through the COVID-19 pandemic, but it isn't over yet."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 246,226
• Total Positive - 7,938
• Percent Positive - 3.22%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.30%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,355 (-158)
• Net Change Patient Hospitalization Past Week - -131
• Patients Newly Admitted - 526
• Hospital Counties - 45
• Number ICU - 890 (-19)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 572 (-3)
• Total Discharges - 156,973 (+607)
• Deaths - 54
• Total Deaths - 39,924

AOC Organizing Team - New York must move off dirty fossil fuels

 

A major energy company is trying to build a dangerous gas-fired power plant in our district.

The proposed Astoria waterfront project would replace a 50-year-old oil-burning turbine with a fracked gas power plant – maintaining our reliance on fossil fuels while further degrading air quality in neighborhoods already ridden with toxic fossil fuel power plants and elevated levels of asthma.

Alexandria and eight of her fellow New York City congressional Democrats sent a letter calling on Gov. Cuomo’s administration to stop the project, but we need to do more.¹

The best way to stop the fossil fuel lobby and pass a Green New Deal is to talk to voters, and get undecided people on our side. It’s how we win and it’s why we’re asking you today:

We’re in special need of bilingual Spanish/English speakers to phone bank. If you or someone you know is able to phone bank in Spanish, it would help ensure we reach everyone in NY-14.

We’re up against powerful interests. NRG Energy has spent over $600,000 on some of New York’s most powerful lobbying firms to get this project approved.

That’s why it will take hundreds of volunteers stepping up to counter their attacks and win from the grassroots.

New York must move off dirty fossil fuels. By law, New York must generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources, like solar and wind power, by 2030 and 100% from carbon-free sources by 2040.

In order to meet these targets, this site must be converted to renewable energy immediately – such as a renewable energy storage battery hub or other green energy production facility.

We must act now to avoid further climate disaster. Join us for a Saturday shift to talk one-on-one with NY-14 voters about the importance of the Green New Deal.

Thank you for all you do,

Team AOC

Housing Lottery Launches For 2004 Davidson Avenue In Morris Heights, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2004 Davidson Avenue, a six-story residential building in Morris Heights, The Bronx. The 24,768-square-foot development was designed by Asher Hershkowitz Architect and yields 34 units. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 11 units for residents at 80 to 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $39,703 to $159,640.

Residences at 2004 Davidson Avenue.

Residential amenities include a shared laundry room, gym, and bike storage lockers. The building will also have parking for 10 vehicles.

Amenities at 2004 Davidson Avenue.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there is one one-bedroom with a $1,330 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $45,600 to $81,920; one one-bedroom with a $1,158 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $39,703 to $81,920; and five two-bedrooms with a $1,500 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $51,429 to $98,240.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there is one one-bedroom with a $2,245 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $76,972 to $133,120; and three two-bedrooms with a $2,700 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $92,572 to $159,640.

Kitchen and entry way at 2004 Davidson Avenue.

The Bathroom at 2004 Davidson Avenue .

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than April 19, 2021.

Bronx Night Market's HOT Surprise 🌶️

This Saturday, the first day of Spring is upon us. As the first weekend of Bronx Night Market approaches, we want our followers to get to know our team and have access to these exclusive details about the upcoming food festival. While you’re waiting for the BIGGEST street vendor gathering of the season, make sure to support your local street vendors! They have survived through one year of the pandemic but they need your help to make it to NEXT summer! TEAM MEMBER HIGHLIGHT This week, we would like to shout out our communications manager Beatriz Torres Martinez! She is a recent graduate of CCNY and a curious foodie who is super excited about trying different dishes from around the world at Bronx Night Market. The vendor she is most excited about is 2 Belize Girls  The Harlem-based '2 Belize Girls' is a catering company specializing in Caribbean food. With delicious options such as wings, salbutes, panades, or garnaches served with beans, coconut rice, or fish, the explosive flavors are available for amazing prices! BRONX STREET VENDORS SHOUTOUT Georgie’s Food Truck, located by Castle Hill, is hard to miss with the beautiful red truck. With fresh hot hero sandwiches, homemade salads, and even breakfast specials, you can order from Georgie’s for any meal of the day at a decent price. We recommend the Western Omelet on a Roll! Tacos Emmanuel, located by West Farms, has been around for almost three years! Handmade tortillas and delicious Tortas are the key ingredients to this local favorite. We recommend the chicken tacos! Share Forward Tweet Click below to secure your Bronx Night Market experience. All RSVP are automatically added to our monthly raffles for a chance to win food, drink, and cool merch. Producing the Bronx Night Market as a weekly event takes a lot of work, and we've been lucky to have an amazing community that supports our efforts for the past few years. We need volunteers - if you're interested in joining our team, engaging with the community, and enjoy some time out in Fordham this spring-summer click here. And, thank you, in advance.

This April, we are releasing our very own hot sauce brand! With four distinct flavors, you’re not going to want to leave the Bronx Night Market without a bottle. Our CARIBBEAN BLOCK PARTY infuses a sweet mango with the heat of Scotch Bonnet peppers. THE OD is for those who dare to try the fire with their food. Our HOT DAMN has the smoky habanero flavor with a kick. And our EL CHAPO combines the zesty Chipotle flavor with habanero. Try one or try them all when you come to visit Bronx Night Market starting April 3!

 

286 Days and Counting

 

I can't wait for # 9 to come forward, that was the number that did in former Governor Spitzer. Who can I ask that worked in the governor's office during the toxic era. I wonder if the governor knew a certain State Senator's grandfather?

Attorney General James Delivers $150,000 to City of Yonkers School District to Support Homeless Youth

Agreement Resolves Microsoft’s Overcharging of Sales Tax to Customers Purchasing Xbox Products Online in New York  

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today delivered $150,000 to the City of Yonkers Public Schools district to promote remote learning by homeless students. The funds will provide assistive technology to students, including iPads, laptops, Wi-Fi connectivity, and more. The payment was provided by Microsoft Corporation, as part of an agreement with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) to resolve the company’s overcharging of sales tax for products being sold on the Xbox website. Prior to a recent fix implemented by Microsoft, some consumers in New York who purchased an Xbox product online — via Microsoft’s website — were charged an incorrect, higher amount of sales tax.

“We are delivering $150,000 to support homeless youth in Yonkers and provide them with the necessary tools to secure the technology they need to continue to remote learn during these unprecedented times,” said Attorney General James. “While Microsoft initially overcharged some customers for sales tax on Xbox products, we were glad to work with the company to swiftly correct this issue for our state’s consumers. No one should be forced to pay more in sales tax than they must, especially as we face a pandemic that has affected so many New Yorkers’ wallets. I look forward to seeing this money put to good use for the children of Yonkers.”

When consumers purchase a product online, they are asked to enter their zip code as part of the billing address in an effort to determine the amount of sales tax they should be charged in connection with the purchase. Some postal codes within a certain zip code may have different tax rates.

On Microsoft’s website, specifically, consumers are asked to input their entire zip code in addition to their four-digit postal code. However, if a consumer enters their zip code without the four-digit postal code, Microsoft nonetheless processes the transaction. Prior to the recent fix made by Microsoft, if a consumer entered their zip code without the four-digit postal code, Microsoft would charge the highest sales tax within that zip code, leading to an overcharge.

One locality where sales tax overcharges occurred was Bronxville, New York, which shares a zip code with a small portion of Yonkers, New York — where residents pay a higher sales tax rate. 

The total amount of sales tax overcharged by Microsoft to Bronxville consumers was approximately $150,000.

As a result of this agreement, Microsoft has implemented a new procedure for processing orders that addresses this particular issue and charges consumers the correct amount of sales tax.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forced our schools to do even more with less, and I applaud all our teachers, faculty, and staff,” said State Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. “This funding is much needed by the district to better support remote learning for homeless students, 

who are bearing the brunt of this pandemic in ways we cannot even imagine. Thank you to Attorney General Letitia James for fighting for our state and helping our most economically disadvantaged students by negotiating this settlement with Microsoft. As state budget negotiations continue, the Senate Majority is focused on significantly increasing school funding and ensuring a three-year phase-in of full foundation aid, along with free broadband access to every student and school.”

“I would like to thank New York Attorney General Letitia James for her swift action with Microsoft,” said Westchester County Executive George Latimer. “The $150,000 in funds, which has been transferred directly to the City of Yonkers School District, will serve a great need with our remote learners who are struggling. The pandemic has caused a great deal of hardship for our youth in many communities, and we know that Yonkers will greatly benefit from this grant.”

Governor Cuomo Announces Discovery of First Brazilian Variant in New York State Resident

 

 Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the discovery of the first case of a COVID-19 P.1 variant, commonly referred to as the Brazilian variant, in a New York State resident. The case was identified by scientists at Mount Sinai hospital in New York City and verified by the Department of Health's Wadsworth Center Laboratories. The patient is a Brooklyn resident in their 90's with no travel history. DOH is working with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to learn more information about the patient and potential contacts.

"The detection of the Brazilian variant here in New York further underscores the importance of taking all the appropriate steps to continue to protect your health," Governor Cuomo said.  "While it's normal for a virus to mutate, the best way to protect yourself is to continue to wear a well-fitted mask, avoid large crowds, social distance, wash your hands and get vaccinated when it's your turn."

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, "This is a race between the vaccine and the variants, and we continue to make tremendous progress of getting shots in the arms of eligible New Yorkers. In the meantime we remind New Yorkers to do everything they can to protect themselves and their neighbors as we continue to manage this pandemic."

The P.1 variant was first detected in the United States at the end of January, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is currently reporting 48 cases nationwide. The P.1 variant has been designated a "variant of concern," which means there is evidence of an increase in transmissibility, more severe disease and the potential for reduced effectiveness of treatments or vaccines. However, while additional research is warranted, researchers at the University of Oxford recently released non-peer reviewed data that indicates the P.1 variant may be less resistant to the current vaccines than originally thought. 

Wadsworth Center is currently sequencing COVID-19 virus specimens at a rate of approximately 90 per day and has sequenced more than 8,200 virus samples statewide. Most specimens have been selected at random from throughout the state to ensure geographic representation.