Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers On State's Progress During Covid-19 Pandemic April 4, 2021

 

4,373 Patient Hospitalizations Statewide

882 Patients in the ICU; 562 Intubated

Statewide Positivity Rate is 3.31%

59 COVID-19 Deaths in New York State Yesterday

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

"New York was hit earliest and hardest by the pandemic, and the people of this state got through it by being smart and following the facts and the science," Governor Cuomo said. "With the new variants, we know there is more work to do to keep everyone safe: wear masks, socially distance and follow the health guidelines. In the meantime we are vaccinating as many people as possible and doing it equitably - which will go a long way toward keeping New Yorkers safe. There is light at the end of the tunnel - let's continue being smart so we get there together."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 225,411
• Total Positive - 7,467
• Percent Positive - 3.31%
• Patient Hospitalization - 4,373 (-118)
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.56%
• Patients Newly Admitted - 535
• Hospital Counties - 50
• Number ICU - 882 (-20)
• Number ICU with Intubation - 562 (-5)
• Total Discharges - 164,086 (+621)
• Deaths - 59
• Total Deaths - 40,756

Attorney General James Suspends State Debt Collection for 13th Time as Coronavirus Continues to Impact New Yorkers’ Wallets

 

New Yorkers with Student and Medical Debt Referred to AG’s Office
Will Have Payments Automatically Frozen Through April 30, 2021

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that the state has halted, for the 13^th time, the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York that has been specifically referred to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) for collection — with limited exceptions — through April 30, 2021. In response to continuing financial impairments resulting from the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the OAG again renewed orders, which took effect this morning, and goes through Friday, April 30, 2021. Additionally, the OAG will accept applications for suspension of all other types of debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection.

“Increased vaccine distribution and expanded eligibility across our state may soon mean a return to normalcy, but hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers are still struggling to make ends meet,” said Attorney General James. “The aftershocks of the recession continue to reverberate throughout New York state, which is why we are, again, renewing the suspension of state and medical debt collection referred to my office for another month. Achieving a return to a more normal life begins with rebuilding our economy and getting New Yorkers back on their feet, and I will continue to do everything in my power to support New Yorkers so that they can support themselves.”

Millions of New Yorkers, like Americans across the nation, have been impacted — directly or indirectly — by the spread of COVID-19, forcing them to forgo income and business. Since COVID-19 began to spread rapidly across the country last year, tens of millions of residents across the nation have filed for unemployment, including more than 5.2 million in New York state alone. In an effort to support many New Yorkers economically impacted during this difficult time, Attorney General James today renewed an order — first made last March and renewed last April, in May, in June, in July, in August, in September, in October, in November, in January, in February, and in March — to ease the financial burdens for many workers and families by halting the collection of medical and student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG for collection — with limited exceptions — through April 30, 2021.

The OAG collects certain debts owed to the state of New York via settlements and lawsuits brought on behalf of the state of New York and state agencies. A total of more than 165,000 matters currently fit the criteria for a suspension of state debt collection, including, but not limited to:

• Patients that owe medical debt due to the five state hospitals and the five state veterans’ homes;
• Students that owe student debt due to State University of New York (SUNY) campuses; and
• Individual debtors, sole-proprietors, small business owners, and certain homeowners that owe debt relating to oil spill cleanup and removal costs, property damage, and breach of contract, as well as other fees owed to state agencies.

The temporary policy has also automatically suspended the accrual of interest and the collection of fees on all outstanding state medical and student debt referred to the OAG for collection, so New Yorkers are not penalized for taking advantage of this program.

New Yorkers with non-medical or non-student debt owed to the state of New York and referred to the OAG may also apply to temporarily halt the collection of state debt. Individuals seeking to apply for this temporary relief can fill out an application online or visit the OAG’s coronavirus website to learn more about the suspension of payments. If an individual is unable to fill out the online form, they can also call the OAG hotline at 800-771-7755 to learn more.

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers On State Vaccination Program

 

187,964 Doses Administered in the Last 24 Hours     

More than 1.4 Million Doses Administered Over Past Seven Days   

1 in 3 New Yorkers Have Received at Least One Dose   

1 in 5 Are Now Fully Vaccinated    

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. 187,964 doses have been administered across the state's vast distribution network in the last 24 hours, and more than 1.4 million doses have been administered over the past seven days. The week 16 allocation of 1,389,705 first and second doses is expected to finish arriving today.       

"As universal eligibility for the vaccine is set to go into effect this week in New York, our goal is to continue getting as many vaccines in arms as quickly and equitably as possible," Governor Cuomo said. "One in five New Yorkers have now been fully vaccinated, which is great news and a testament to the nonstop work of our providers across the state. It also means four out of five New Yorkers still need to either get a first dose or come back for their second dose, so we are not slowing down. We will continue to work with communities across the state to make sure the vaccine is accessible to every New Yorker, and meanwhile, we must all continue to care for each other by following the public health guidance including mask-wearing."   

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 11 AM today is as follows.                                   

STATEWIDE BREAKDOWN

Total doses administered - 10,362,737

Total doses administered over past 24 hours - 187,964

Total doses administered over past 7 days - 1,477,186

Percent of New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 33.0%

Percent of New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 20.4% 

273 Days and Counting

 

Time is beginning to run out on me staying in office. At least I won't be in office when people start smoking legal pot in their apartments. Those idiots in Albany let another new law go up in smoke.  

Former CEO Of Melrose Credit Union Convicted Of Bribery Schemes In Manhattan Federal Court

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the conviction in Manhattan federal court of ALAN KAUFMAN for participating in a scheme in which KAUFMAN, who was then the Chief Executive Officer of Melrose Credit Union (“Melrose CU”), accepted rent-free housing and financing for the purchase of his personal residence from Tony Georgiton as a reward for the approval of millions of dollars in loans to Georgiton’s companies at favorable terms.  KAUFMAN was also convicted for accepting lavish vacations, including to Paris and Hawaii, from a media company and other vendors, as a reward  for Melrose CU purchasing increased advertising from those companies.  The jury convicted KAUFMAN today following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.  Georgiton pleaded guilty before Judge Kaplan on September 9, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “A unanimous Manhattan jury has found that Alan Kaufman, the former CEO of Melrose Credit Union, accepted luxurious gifts from Georgiton as a reward for favorable loan rates for his companies. In doing so, Kaufman shirked his fiduciary obligation to act in the best interests of Melrose to instead exploit his control of union funds for his own personal gain.  Melrose’s members certainly deserved better representation than Alan Kaufman, who placed his own selfish needs above theirs – and thanks to the work of the FBI, Kaufman and Georgiton both stand convicted of federal crimes.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

In 2010, Georgiton purchased a home in Jericho, New York (the “Jericho Residence”) and permitted KAUFMAN to live in that home rent-free for over two years.  While KAUFMAN was living rent-free at the Jericho Residence, KAUFMAN personally approved the refinancing of over $100 million worth of loans at Melrose CU held by a company owned by Georgiton with favorable terms. The head of Melrose CU’s loan department did not sign off on the loans given to Georgiton because, among other things, he believed that the terms were too favorable and did not comply with Melrose CU’s loan policy.

In 2011, KAUFMAN sought approval from Melrose CU’s Board of Directors for Melrose CU to purchase the naming rights to a ballroom under construction in Astoria, Queens (the “Melrose Ballroom”).  That ballroom was owned by a company owned by Georgiton.  KAUFMAN did not disclose to the Melrose Board that he was living rent-free in a house owned by Georgiton at the time he sought Board approval for the naming rights acquisition.  Over the next five years, Melrose CU paid $2 million to Georgiton’s company for the naming rights to the Melrose Ballroom.  KAUFMAN also directed that payment for the naming rights be paid a year in advance of the Melrose Ballroom’s actual opening for operations.   

In 2013, KAUFMAN purchased the Jericho Residence from Georgiton, with financing that largely came from Georgiton.  To purchase the Jericho Residence, KAUFMAN took out a $200,000 loan from Melrose CU co-signed by Georgiton and secured by Georgiton’s shares in Melrose CU.  Georgiton also gave KAUFMAN a $240,000 unsecured personal loan.  Georgiton has never made a demand for payment on that personal loan and KAUFMAN has never made a payment on that personal loan.  Rather than repay the loan, the following year, KAUFMAN purchased a used Maserati sports car for his wife, valued at over $100,000. 

In addition, from in or about 2010 through in or about 2015, KAUFMAN solicited and accepted lavish vacations and other gifts worth tens of thousands of dollars from a media company (“Media Company-1”) and other media vendors, as a reward  for KAUFMAN’s approval of advertising spending by Melrose CU.  For example, in 2010, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife, who also worked at Melrose CU, to fly to Paris, France, and stay at the Four Seasons George V Paris.  In 2012, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife to fly to Maui, Hawaii and stay at the Four Seasons in Wailea.  In 2013, Media Company-1 paid for KAUFMAN and his wife to attend the Super Bowl in New Orleans.

KAUFMAN did not seek approval for these vendor-paid trips from the Melrose CU Board, nor did he disclose these vendor-paid trips to the Melrose CU Board, in violation of Melrose CU’s anti-bribery policy.          

KAUFMAN was found guilty of two counts of bribery of a financial institution officer, which each carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.  KAUFMAN was found not guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery of a financial institution officer.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  KAUFMAN is scheduled to appear for sentencing before Judge Kaplan on June 23, 2021.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding work of the FBI.  She also thanked the National Credit Union Administration for their efforts and ongoing support and assistance with the case.

Attorney General James Delivers 1.2 Million Eggs to New Yorkers

 

AG James Filed Suit Against One of Nation’s Largest Egg Producers for Price-Gouging Eggs During COVID-19 Pandemic

 New York Attorney General Letitia James secured 1.2 million eggs that will feed New Yorkers still suffering the economic impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health crisis. An agreement signed with Hillandale Farms Corporation, resolves an August 2020 lawsuit brought by Attorney General James against one of the nation’s largest producers and wholesale distributors of eggs for illegally gouging the prices of eggs in the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the agreement, Hillandale will refrain from any further excessive pricing of eggs — a violation of New York’s anti-price-gouging law — and will donate 1.2 million eggs — or 100,000 cartons — to food banks located throughout New York state. The food banks will distribute the eggs to thousands of food pantries, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters dedicated to providing food for New Yorkers in times of need.

“As New Yorkers scrambled to stock up on food, one of the nation’s largest egg producers raised prices to unprecedented levels and made it harder for New Yorkers to feed their families,” said Attorney General James. “Hillandale may have run afoul of our state’s price gouging laws and hatched a plan that targeted our state’s most vulnerable in its darkest hour, but, today, we’re delivering 1.2 million eggs to feed hungry New Yorkers and make things right. New Yorkers can trust that I will always stand up for our state’s working families.”

According to Attorney General James' suit last year, starting in March 2020 and continuing through at least April 2020, Hillandale allegedly gouged the prices of eggs that it sold to major grocery store chains, U.S. military facilities, and wholesale food distributors throughout the state — charging New York customers exponentially higher prices than it did before the pandemic. The lawsuit alleged that during those two months alone, Hillandale made millions of dollars from unlawfully increasing the price of these eggs, many of which were sold in grocery stores located in low-income communities.

Specifically, the lawsuit alleged that Hillandale, a company based in Ohio and Pennsylvania, began raising prices in March 2020, as the pandemic grew to emergency levels. From January 2020 to early March 2020, Hillandale charged Western Beef Supermarket prices ranging from $0.59 to $1.10 for a dozen large white eggs. On March 15, 2020, Hillandale raised that price to $1.49. As the pandemic progressed, Hillandale raised the prices it charged Western Beef repeatedly, eventually reaching $2.93 per dozen — almost five times the price Hillandale initially charged in January.

Similarly, the suit alleged that Hillandale raised its prices on eggs sold to Stop & Shop, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Associated Supermarkets, and at the commissary stores at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and at the U.S. military bases at Fort Hamilton and at Fort Drum. 

Today’s agreement resolves claims brought by the Office of the Attorney General against all six Hillandale Farms companies in the lawsuit, including Hillandale Farms Corp.; Hillandale Farms East, Inc.; Hillandale Farms of PA, Inc.; Hillandale Farms Conn, LLC; Hillandale Farms of Delaware, Inc.; and Hillandale-Gettysburg, L.P. In addition to ensuring Hillandale ends the gouging of egg prices, the company has committed to donating 1.2 million eggs to food banks across New York state.

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR CARRYING OUT MULTIPLE UNPROVOKED SLASHINGS IN THE BRONX

 

Defendant Attacked Eight Men Within Four Days

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted on a total of 66 charges--including multiple counts of Attempted Murder, Assault and Robbery charges--for viciously slashing and assaulting eight people in the Bronx. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant, who allegedly has ties to the Bloods, attacked nine people in the Bronx during a span of four days, slashing most of them in the neck. The defendant mostly targeted men over the age of 50, with the two oldest victims being ages 65 and 75 years old. We will seek justice for the victims in these unprovoked attacks; and for Bronx residents who have the right to walk freely in their communities without fearing for their safety.” 

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, JayQawn Byers, 22, of 4331 Byron Avenue, was arraigned today on 66 counts, including seven counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, 15 counts of first-degree Assault, 16 counts of second-degree Assault, seven counts of thirddegree Assault, Attempted Assault in the third degree, two counts of first-degree Robbery, two counts of Attempted Robbery in the first degree, second and third-degree Robbery, Attempted Robbery in the second and third degree, fourth-degree Grand Larceny, Attempted Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, Petit Larceny, Attempted Petit Larceny, fifth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property and seven counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Michael Gross. Remand was continued and the defendant is due back in court on June 25, 2021.

 According to the investigation, on August 4, 2020 at 888 Hunts Point Avenue, Byers approached his first victim, Earl Harrell, 55, and allegedly knocked him down to the ground. He then allegedly kicked Harrell in the head multiple times while he laid on the floor. When the victim lost consciousness, Byers allegedly took Harrell’s money and wallet and fled the scene. The victim suffered traumatic brain injury and was in a coma.

 According to the investigation, on August 5, 2020 at 346 Baychester Avenue, Byers allegedly approached and slashed Anthony Gibbs, 59, on the left side of his neck and face. The victim sought treatment at a local hospital and received 24 stitches. Approximately five hours later, at 2134 White Plains Road, the defendant allegedly approached Michael Solnik, 65, from behind and slashed him on the left side of his neck. The victim received 20 stitches. Approximately 20 minutes later, Byers approached Danny Estus, 45, who was walking down the street on White Plains Road, and allegedly slashed him in the neck. 

 According to the investigation, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on August 6, 2020, in front of 3821 White Plains Road, the defendant approached Shamil Mohamed, 40, and allegedly slashed him in the neck and mouth. Approximately 30 minutes later, the defendant approached Jose Baez, 38, on White Plains Road and allegedly slashed him in the face. Shortly after Byers attacked Baez, the defendant approached Ramon Capellan, 75, who was sitting outside on his walker. Byers allegedly demanded money from Capellan, then slashed the victim in the neck, face, and arm.

 The defendant was arrested on August 7, 2020. While in custody, Byers allegedly punched a detainee, Lamont Odom, 48, who was inside the holding pen with him at the 47th Precinct.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Robert Regnier, Michael Simpson, Kevin Mockel and NYPD Officer Edwin Vega, all of the 47th Precinct. District Attorney Clark also thanked NYPD Detective Dwayne Leeshue of the 41st Precinct, NYPD Detective Robinson Martinez of the 49th Precinct, and NYPD Detective Jonathan Virtuoso of the 45th Precinct for their assistance in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

Councilman Mark Gjonaj's NYC Moving Forward Week in Review - 4/2/2021

 

Dear Friends,

As we are finally excited to see more sunshine, tulips and daffodils springing up-the warmer season and Easter are significantly a time of hope, new life and new beginnings. While we were humbled to safely celebrate Easter and bring the Easter Bunny last week on Pelham Parkway, and among students and staff of St Joseph’s School for the Deaf, this new sense of freedom is also a reminder of the journey we have gone through and that we still have to be cautious, get tested and vaccinated, wear masks and social distance. 

The COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic. This week I was proud to get my first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine at Jacobi Hospital. In an effort to stop the spread and help communities gradually and safely return to normalcy, we are glad to bring more vaccination appointments to all those eligible in District 13. Please call our office at 718-931-1721 to schedule yours.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and I took the opportunity to visit one of the local autism centers in our District to further pledge my support and raise awareness about its challenges, as we further promote acceptance and inclusion. We need to continue to work to create more spaces where everyone is given equal opportunities to succeed.

We wrapped up March-Women’s History Month, by announcing the winners of our Essay Contest with middle and high school students in District 13. Congratulations to Karen Avanesov from PS 71, Ryan Almeda and Arsi Tinaj from St. Francis Xavier School, who will be receiving Amazon Fire 7 Tablets.

You can still take advantage of our Free Tax Preparation for constituents in District 13 in partnership with Urban Upbound as the IRS has postponed the Tax Deadline to May 17th. 

We are proud of serving you and being with you throughout this pandemic. Please do not hesitate to contact my office with any issues or concerns at 718-931-1721 or email at MGjonaj@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

NYC Councilman Mark Gjonaj

District 13, Bronx