Long Island Gang Member Indicted for Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Minors

 

Defendant Allegedly Prostituted Girls as Young as 15-Years-Old

 In federal court in Central Islip, a seven-count indictment was unsealed charging Joshua Lampley-Reid, a member of the Makk Balla set of the Bloods street gang, with sex trafficking, coercion and enticement of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, transportation of child pornography and interstate prostitution. Lampley-Reid was arrested on Wednesday and will be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks.

Mark J. Lesko, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI); Vincent F. DeMarco, United States Marshal for the Eastern District of New York; and Errol D. Toulon, Jr., Suffolk County Sheriff, announced the indictment.

“As alleged, through violence, coercion and manipulation, the defendant exploited and demeaned both underage and adult female victims by forcing them to engage in commercial sex acts and posting sexually explicit photographs of them on the internet,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Lesko.  “This Office will use every tool in its law enforcement arsenal to combat the sexual exploitation of women, especially young girls, and ensure that predators like the defendant are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”  Mr. Lesko expressed his appreciation to the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance during the investigation.

“Lampley-Reid lured young girls, some as young as 15, with romantic gestures.  Once he had them in his grip, it’s alleged that he enslaved these girls and used violence to force them to work as prostitutes for his insidious gain,” stated HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Fitzhugh.  “The deplorable actions of this one man will affect the lives of these young girls for years to come.  HSI works closely with its law enforcement partners in a victim-centered approach to rescue the victims and keep them safe.  Today, we are sending a unified message to anyone perpetrating crimes against children: no matter who you are, we will bring every resource available to hold you accountable for your crimes.”

“The U.S. Marshals Service has a long-standing and extremely successful history of cooperating with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners,” stated Marshal DeMarco.  “These law enforcement partnerships enable the Marshals Service to fulfil its mission to keep our communities safe.” 

“Sex trafficking is a particularly heinous crime that targets some of the most vulnerable in our communities.  Individuals who perpetrate this crime use drugs intimidation and ultimately violence to lure in their victims for financial gain while slowly destroying their lives,” stated Sheriff Toulon.  “I applaud this arrest and will continue to support and work closely with both our local and federal partners to help eliminate this scourge from our communities.”

As set forth in court filings, from December 2019 until his arrest yesterday, Lampley-Reid allegedly used violence and the threat of violence to compel the commission of commercial sex acts by numerous women for his financial benefit, including by minors as young as 15-years-old.  Lampley-Reid used social media and other internet applications to establish relationships with potential victims, groomed those victims by feigning a romantic interest in them, manipulated them into working for him as prostitutes, and then effectively enslaved them through acts of force and coercion.  Lampley-Reid demanded that the proceeds of prostitution “dates” be turned over to him, and any resistance from the victims was met with violence or threats.  Lampley-Reid trafficked victims on Long Island, including at motels in East Meadow, Freeport and Rockville Centre, as well as out of state, including locations in Florida, Maryland and North Carolina.  He also engaged in sexual intercourse with his victims, including minors, and provided them with illegal narcotics.  Lampley-Reid promoted and managed his prostitution business over the Internet, posting sexually exploitative photos of minor victims that he took or persuaded them to take of themselves in order to further his trafficking business.  

The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of sex trafficking of a minor, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison.  If convicted of producing child pornography, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of 30 years in prison.

The government’s case is being handled by the Long Island Criminal Division.  Assistant United States Attorney Megan E. Farrell is in charge of the prosecution.

Construction Continues Without A City Mandated Community Monitoring Committee on Pelham Parkway

 

The so-called Community Board 11 Pelham Parkway Task Force which was to oversee the Capitol Project of the Water/sewer improvement to install a much larger water and sewer line along the entire length of Pelham Parkway for future increased development in Community Boards 10 and 11 was an illegal committee according to the City Charter. Said committee was chaired by the District Manager of CB 11 and not a board member as is stated in the City Charter. Also all Community Board meetings are open to the public, unless the members vote to go into Executive Session to discuss very limited topics as prescribed by the Open Meeting law. Said meetings were closed to the public.

This Task Force was created by then Councilman Jimmy Vacca with the Department of Design and Construction for the reconstruction of the South Side of the Pelham Parkway main roadway. When the South roadway work was completed said task force should have been disbanded, but it continued to include the new contract for the reconstruction of the North Pelham Parkway Road. The water and sewer work on the North Service Road is a completely different contract which was incorporated into the role of the Pelham Parkway Task Force. 

I became a member of the Pelham Parkway Task force shortly after moving one block away from Pelham Parkway almost two years ago. One of the members of the task force complained that since I was a member of the media I do not belong on the task force, and I was told by the DDC liaison that I could not be a member. I called her supervisor whom I had worked with before when I was a member of Community Board 8, Ms. Maria Centeno who at the next meeting placed me back on the task force. That same member who at times especially when the tree replanting (by the Parks Department) was being done called the Parks Department and CB 11 incompetent, also called for the district manager to be fired. That member was removed by the CB 11 Executive Board which at their following meeting announced that the task force was being disbanded without any reason. 

The Community Board 11 community has gone for three months without an official meeting of a City Charter mandated Community Advisory Committee when a capital project is done such as is going on with the DEP/Parks Departments Water and Sewer work that is being done. I have gotten no answers from CB11 or the DDC as work continues that was not on the original plan. Work is now being done across the parkway Islands from the North Service Road to the South Service Road that will rip up the newly reconstructed North Main Parkway roadbed, and previously reconstructed South Main roadway, as well as the greenery on both Islands which can be seen in the photos below. Two lanes of the North main roadway at Bronxwood Avenue are closed, and the bus stop there has also been closed during this construction. The only solution to why the task force was set up illegally by then Councilman  Vacca, and disbanded by Community Board 11 so the community has no representation on a major Capital Project that is causing major disruptions and hardships to residents, while work that was not on the original plans is being done may have to be found out by the Department of Investigation.  

You can see two lanes of the newly reconstructed North Main road are closed as work will be done across the parkway for a very large water main. You can see the metal plates on the roadway

Here you can clearly see the metal plates covering the new construction on the new main roadway, and how this work goes completely across the main north island. 

You can see what the construction has done to this current sewer in the roadway.

You can see how heavy equipment is left unprotected, as children play on the rocks as they usually do.

Other heavy equipment is left in the street unprotected as there is an outing right next to it.

You can see how large and unprotected the pipe connectors are when compared to the rail and large plastic trash cans are left on the street on Bronxwood avenue directly across the street from the Pelham Parkway houses. A perfect area for children to climb through. 

These photos were taken Sunday June 13th, and there is a lot more than this that needs to be addressed to the community. Where is the Community Advisory Committee on this Major Capital Project, DDC, Community Board 11?

202 Days and Counting

 

I have to have my morning coffee to start off the day. Well COVID-19 indicators are so low we should make the July 1st date we set to fully reopen the city. Isn't it amazing how fast the infection rate came down once we juiced up the giving of the vaccine. I just hope there was nothing wrong with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine because that was the one I took.

Nothing should be happening on this rainy day in the city, so have a good day and stay dry.

AMR RESPONDS TO HIKER FEEDBACK WITH A SERIES OF UPDATES TO NEW PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM

 

DEC and AMR Pilot Reservation System Ensures Access to Popular Trails, Improves Public Safety

 The Adirondack Mountain Reserve (AMR), in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), announced today a series of updates in response to feedback from the hiker community accessing the AMR parking lot as part of the new parking reservation pilot to support safer access to trailheads. Among other improvements, AMR installed an electronic gate on Monday, June 7, to allow hikers returning after the parking lot has closed to exit using the automatic gate.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Strengthening public safety and improving the visitor experience are not mutually exclusive, rather inextricably linked. These improvements to the pilot reservation system are the result of an inclusive, data-driven approach to developing effective and sustainable solutions to addressing issues associated with increased visitation to the High Peaks and reflect DEC’s commitment to a constructive and collaborative process.”

“Since we started the parking reservation system, we have continuously sought ways to improve the experience for the hiking community,” said John Schuler, General Manager of the Adirondack Mountain Reserve. “One of the main points that kept coming up was hikers concerned about getting back to the parking lot before it closed for the night. We tried to accommodate those hikers by having our staff stay late, but our long-term solution was putting in an automatic gate, so now you can come back anytime and still exit the parking lot.”

DEC and AMR launched the parking reservation pilot in May to provide reliable access to popular trailheads and address public safety at a particularly crowded corner on Route 73 in the town of Keene in the Adirondack High Peaks region. The reservation system, operated by AMR, facilitates safer public access to trailheads through the AMR gate and for Noonmark and Round mountains and improves visitors' trip planning and preparation by ensuring guaranteed parking upon arrival.

In addition to the automatic gate, AMR made other updates to the system at HikeAMR.org including:

• Reducing the reservation system closing time from 24 hours to 12 hours in advance. This means that if there are open spots on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m., users will be able to reserve them as late as 7 p.m. on Friday. Previously that window would close on Friday morning at 7 a.m.;
• Moving the start of the rolling two week opening of future dates from midnight to noon, allowing hikers to get some rest;
• Enabling the reservation to send reservation confirmation/cancellation request emails out automatically 48 hours in advance; and
• Changing the countdown timer on future reservations/dates to “blue” highlighted against the “red” time slots on dates that are not available. 

“We made all of these updates to ensure our visitors have the best, safest experience possible,” said Schuler. “The changes we’ve made, particularly to the confirmation/cancellation email and the 12-hour closing time are all part of the effort to reduce no-show reservations. Additionally, the time slots are meant to be approximate arrival times, but once a reservation is confirmed, the spot is yours so if you have a 5 a.m. reservation, you can show up at 10 a.m. if you want.” 

Key data points from the first five weeks of the pilot reservation system include:

• Over 7,000 people have signed up on the orgwebsite;
• More than 3,000 reservations made;
• 644 pre-arrival cancelations;
• 414 reservation updates (when a user changes an existing reservation); and
• More than 1,500 emails received and responded to by AMR staff since May 1.

In addition to the parking reservation pilot, as part of DEC’s comprehensive efforts to improve public safety in the area, parking is limited at other popular trailheads along the Route 73 corridor. Visitors should come prepared with back-up plans in case trailhead parking lots are full:

• Roadside parking on Route 73 in the vicinity of AMR is dangerous and illegal. Visitors should park only in designated lots and adhere to posted parking restrictions. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed and potentially towed at the owner's expense; and
• Hikers should follow the seven principles of Leave No Trace™, and carry out what they carry in, including all gear, garbage, and food scraps. In addition, hikers should use designated toilets when available and always dispose of waste properly. Visit DEC’s Love Our NY Lands webpageto learn more.

The pilot reservation system supports DEC's comprehensive and ongoing efforts to sustainably manage increased visitation to the High Peaks region and will provide important information to guide future land management decisions. The reservation system complements recommendations included in the High Peaks Advisory Group's (HPAG) final report on promoting sustainable recreation in the Adirondack Park. Comprised of stakeholders with expertise in local government, recreation, natural resource protection, business, and tourism, in 2019 the HPAG was tasked with providing DEC with recommendations on how to address critical issues associated with increased public use of High Peaks resources in order to protect these areas in the short and long term, as well as for future generations.

AMR is home to several popular hikes, but there are many alternative hiking opportunities in the region. Visit DEC's website at www.dec.ny.gov for more information.

Housing Lottery Launches For Betances Senior Residence In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Betances Senior Residence, a Passive House senior housing building at 445 East 142nd Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. The 12,000-square-foot development is designed by COOKFOX Architects and is developed by Breaking Ground. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 78 units for residents at 50 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $0 to $53,700.

Amenities include fitness room, computer room, library, a shared laundry room, community room, security guard, and landscaped courtyard outdoor terrace.

Interiors at Betances Senior Residence in Mott Haven, The Bronx

Interiors at Betances Senior Residence in Mott Haven, The Bronx

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 57 studios with a $0 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $0 to $47,750, and 21 one-bedrooms with a $0 monthly rent for incomes ranging from $0 to $53,700,

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than August 9, 2021.

1 Bronx Pride 2021

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon for those who came to show off their Bronx Pride on Alexander Avenue. While this year's event was not as large as the 2019 Bronx Pride Event, it certainly was much larger than the 2020 Bronx Pride event that was cancelled because of COVID-19.

The Flying Squirrel opened the event, and was the mistress of ceremonies introducing the performers and elected officials who appeared to show their support of Bronx Pride 2021. Elected officials included U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, both candidates for Bronx Borough President, and Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang. While there were thousands in 2019 at the 1 Bronx Pride, there were hundreds in 2021 due to the pandemic, and a very short planning period. 

The entertainment was top notch with Jeannie Sol, Jackie Dupree, a costume change by the Flying Squirrel, and many others. Even most of the elected officials with a couple of exceptions were well liked, however Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang for the third time in as many times could not answer a third question I asked him. One of his aides had to come over to say no questions, but I told candidate Yang I will take it as a no comment. My question to candidate Yang this time was since you are here at Bronx Pride, what can we expect from Mayor Yang towards the LGBTQ community if you are elected mayor? The two previous questions were about his policy towards NYCHA, and the homeless problem. His answer then was that he would take care of it when he became Mayor. 

The Flying Squirrel (Left) opens 1 Pride 2021, Right, after a costume change.

Stage star Jeannie Sol.

Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark shows her Bronx Pride.

Mayoral candidate Andrew Yang with Bronx Borough President candidate Vanessa Gibson.

Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez speaks with a couple of people in her bid to become the next Bronx Borough President.

Not to be outdone by any other elected official U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer made sure he had a firm hold of the Flying Squirrel. 

Senator Schumer wanted to make sure everyone knew that he supports the LGBTQ+ community as he had two interns who waited over one hour for him to come, carry around large signs that said so, as he points to one.

Rally to Update the Community on Proposed Drug Clinic at 2500 Williamsbridge Road

 

This flyer was distributed  in the community around 2500 Williamsbridge Road to update the community on the over year long empty building owned by Carnegie Hill Institute that had been the proposed site of a drug abuse treatment center. The building is diagonally  across the street from PS 89, and its school playground. A church is across the street on Williamsbridge Road also. 

This rally drew much less people than in past rallies here, and there were two candidates for the soon to be vacant 13th City Council seat. Local Female District Leader of the area and original member of the group Irene Estrada and Throggs Neck resident at the site for the first time Marjorie Velazquez. It appears there was a difference of opinion when candidate Estrada showed up. Sources on the scene said Ms. Estrada and Roxanne Delgado a co-founder of the anti Drug Clinic group had an argument, and Ms. Estrada wanted to know why her opponent in the city council race Ms. Velazquez was there, when Ms. Velazquez was making her first appearance at the site. 

The important thing was that a bill by Assemblyman Michael Benedetto restricting drug clinics such as the one proposed has gone nowhere in the State Assembly or State Senate which is about to break for summer vacation with out any response from local Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez or State Senator Alessandria Biaggi. 

Only a few people showed up for this rally at 2500 Williamsbridge Road for an update on the proposed drug clinic.

City Council candidate Marjorie Velazquez was making her first appearance at the site.

Co-founder of the anti drug clinic group Roxanne Delgado talking to some community residents about the proposed drug clinic as District Leader and city council candidate Irene Estrada stands by.

Irene Estrada talks to community residents at the anti drug clinic rally.

Attorney General James and District Attorney Katz Take 79 Guns Off the Streets at Queens Gun Buyback

 

AG James Has Taken More Than 1,000 Firearms Out of Communities Since 2019

 New York Attorney General Letitia James and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz today announced that 79 firearms were turned in to law enforcement at a gun buyback event hosted by their offices and the New York City Police Department. The gun buyback comes as New York City has experienced a sharp increase in gun violence and sought to curb this devastation by accepting working and non-working unloaded firearms — with no questions asked — in exchange for compensation. To date, Attorney General James has taken more than 1,000 guns out of communities through gun buybacks since taking office in 2019.

“Gun violence threatens our communities and puts New Yorkers in harm’s way every day,” said Attorney General James. “It is more critical now than ever, especially during National Gun Violence Awareness Month, that we take measures to curb this devastation and protect our neighborhoods and families. My office will continue to do everything we can to preserve public safety and ensure safer streets. I thank District Attorney Katz and our partners in law enforcement for their crucial collaboration and support.”

“It is important that we continue to come together as a community to reject the idea that this scourge of gun violence is insurmountable,” said Queens District Attorney Katz. “We must take every step that we can. Every gun that we get off the streets is a potential life saved, a potential tragedy averted. I want to thank Attorney General Letitia James and the NYPD for their partnership and unwavering commitment to public safety.”

Since 2013, the Office of the Attorney General has hosted gun buyback events throughout New York state and has successfully collected more than 3,100 firearms.