Council Member Ruben Diaz Sr. - Bronx County Demonstrated Political Force

Your should know that in Bronx County, Eric Adams, who was endorsed by the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. and by Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., won the Bronx by a huge majority above all other candidates.

 

You should also know that Eric Adams, candidate for mayor of New York City, practically destroyed all the other candidates in the Bronx. We can therefore say that thanks to the Bronx, Eric Adams will be the next mayor for the city of New York.

 

Moreover, Corey Johnson, the candidate for City Comptroller, was also endorsed by Ruben Diaz Jr., and he too won in the Bronx, although he lost the other counties.  Michelle Caruso Cabrera who was also candidate for City Comptroller, was endorsed by Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz Sr., and the New York Hispanic Clergy Org., and she came in 2nd place in BronxCounty. 

 

There are other candidates that we still can’t say exactly how they ranked in this election.  For now, we will have to wait for those results. I will be informing you as the results come in.

 

 

I am Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz, and this is what you should know. 

EDITOR'S NOTE:

It seems that the biggest winner in the Bronx on Primary Day was Congressman Adriano Espaillat, whose candidates are leading in the 14th and 15th City Council Districts, and appear to be unreachable during the RCV process. By doing so he has enlarged his sphere of influence in the West Bronx which includes State Senator Gustavo Rivera, and Assemblyman Victor Pichardo. Congratulations Congressman Espaillat.

Founder Of Non-Profit To End Sexual Violence Against Youth Sentenced To Thirteen Years In Prison For Child Pornography, Enticing A Minor To Have Sex

 

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOEL DAVIS was sentenced to 156 months in prison for enticing a child to engage in illegal sexual activity, 60 months for possession of child pornography, and 60 months for distribution and receipt of child pornography, all to be served concurrently.  DAVIS previously pled guilty on January 16, 2020, before United States District Judge George B. Daniels, who also imposed the sentence.

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “As he previously admitted, Joel Davis, founder of a non-profit called ‘Youth to End Sexual Violence,’ admitted to engaging in the very abhorrent behavior he had publicly pledged to fight.  Davis, who also claims to be a Nobel Prize nominee for his work with his organization, engaged in sex acts with a minor, recording them, and distributing that recording to others – including an undercover FBI agent. Sex with minors is obviously never permissible, acceptable, or justifiable, and by virtue of his non-profit work, Joel Davis was acutely aware of the irreparable harm these crimes inflict on victims. Davis will now serve a lengthy time in federal prison, where he can no longer victimize minors.”

According to the Information and other documents filed in the case to which DAVIS pled, as well as statements made during the plea proceeding:

In or about June 2018, DAVIS used a dating application on his iPhone to entice a fifteen-year-old boy (the “Victim”) to engage in sexual activity with him.  On June 13, 2018, DAVIS invited the Victim to his apartment building in Manhattan and engaged in sexual activity with the Victim, despite knowing that the Victim was a minor.  DAVIS used his smartphone to film a portion of that conduct and sent the video to at least two others, including an undercover FBI agent. 

In addition, between at least in or about May 2018 and June 2018, DAVIS possessed more than 3,700 images and more than 330 videos of child pornography, including numerous images of prepubescent minors who had not attained 12 years of age, and received and distributed material containing child pornography using a cellphone.  DAVIS was arrested on June 26, 2018.

In addition to today’s prison sentence, DAVIS, 25, of New York, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI in this investigation.

Any individuals who believe they have information concerning the exploitation of children may contact the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 1-212-384-1000 or https://tips.fbi.gov/.

Attorney General James Sues Niagara Wheatfield Central School District for Failing to Protect Students from Sexual Assault

 

School District Repeatedly Violated Title IX by Ignoring Student Complaints of Rape, Sexual Assault and Harassment, Bullying, and Failed to Take Action Against Perpetrators

AG James Seeks Oversight, Monitoring, and Creation of New Procedures for the School District's Handling of Sexual Assault

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District (NWCSD) for failing to respond to incidents of sexual assault and bullying in the schools. This legal action follows an investigation launched by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) in 2019, which found that NWCSD deliberately ignored student complaints of rape, assault, sexual harassment, and gender-based bullying, and took no action to protect them from their assailants and harassers, leading several students to drop out of school and lose access to educational opportunities. The lawsuit alleges that NWCSD repeatedly violated the federal Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and New York state common law, requiring that schools provide adequate supervision of their students to protect them from harm. Attorney General James’ lawsuit seeks oversight, monitoring, and the creation and implementation of new procedures for the school district and all of its schools to better address the handling of sexual assault.

“It is unconscionable that an institution tasked with educating and protecting its students turned a blind eye to the abuse, harassment, and bullying happening right in its school halls,” said Attorney General James. “The NWCSD’s inaction demonstrates that it did not have adequate systems in place to protect its students — particularly young women — when they needed it most. This indifference to student suffering has caused physical, mental, and emotional trauma, and jeopardized students’ education. My office remains committed to standing against sexual assault of any kind, anywhere, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers. I will continue to use the law to hold the school district accountable for its negligence, and to empower survivors of sexual harassment and assault.”

“Three years ago, the Niagara Wheatfield School District failed me. Their negligence and active disregard for my well-being only deepened my pain and suffering. In the time since, they have repeatedly tried to intimidate and silence me,” said TG, a former Niagara Wheatfield High School student who was raped by a fellow classmate. “Today, with this lawsuit, I feel a glimmer of hope. It is time to ensure Niagara Wheatfield does not fail another student in the way they failed me. Thank you, Attorney General James, for taking a stand and joining me in this fight. I will not be silenced.”

Federal law guarantees all students the right to a public education, and it provides that they shall not be deprived of this most basic right on the basis of sex. To that end, Title IX specifically requires that schools take steps to protect students from gender-based harassment and sexual assault that create a hostile educational environment and deprive students of educational opportunities. 

The OAG’s investigation into NWCSD began after media reports detailed how NWCSD did nothing in response to the rape of TG by a fellow student in May 2018. TG was forced to attend school with her assailant for the year following her rape. Even after the assailant pleaded guilty to third-degree rape, he was still allowed to remain in school, and was told he could attend prom and graduation. The NWCSD finally expelled him in May 2019, but only in response to the nationwide public and media attention brought by a student walkout organized to protest the school’s inaction. The school district also took no action against the students that bullied TG over her rape, but instead punished several students for participating in the walkout.

The investigation found that on multiple occasions, NWCSD did not protect students from harassment and bullying, affecting the overall school climate and harming students for a period of years. In the last several years, there have been more than 30 documented incidents of sex discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual assault, or gender-based bullying at NWCSD, yet NWCSD never created a single written safety plan, nor took any documented effort to keep students safe following these reports of rape, physical or sexual assault, or harassment. As a direct result of the hostile environment cultivated by NWCSD, at least two students dropped out of school.

The lawsuit, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of New York, seeks injunctive relief, including oversight, monitoring, and trainings for NWCSD, and the creation of new policies and practices for the handling of sexual assault, including a written safety plan for victims of harassment and assault.

This is OAG’s first lawsuit against a school district for the mishandling of accusations of sexual assault, and it is the latest legal action that Attorney General James has taken in her continued national fight to ensure Title IX rights are not violated or infringed upon in any way. Attorney General James has previously worked to protect all New Yorkers from sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination at schools, in workplaces, and everywhere else.

MAYOR DE BLASIO AND DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND WORKER PROTECTION ANNOUNCE $400K SETTLEMENT WITH T-MOBILE IN CONSUMER PROTECTION CASE

 

DCWP charged T-Mobile and several of its authorized Metro by T-Mobile dealers for using deceptive sales practices to scam New Yorkers

 Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) Acting Commissioner Sandra Abeles today announced a settlement agreement with T-Mobile USA, Inc. (T-Mobile) to resolve the Agency’s alleged violations of the City’s Consumer Protection Law. As part of the settlement, T-Mobile has agreed to pay $306,000 in civil penalties and $100,000 toward a claim fund for consumers. This agreement resolves DCWP’s allegations that T-Mobile, its subsidiary MetroPCS NY, and more than 50 of its authorized dealers and corporate stores across New York City, sold used phones as new, overcharged consumers, destroyed customer credit scores, and used deceptive return policies, among other violations.

“If a company deceives New Yorkers, this city will hold them accountable,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No one should be sold a used phone as new or be misled into expensive financing plans. We are pleased that T-Mobile is settling this case, and we’re grateful for their other efforts to provide free hot spots for remote learning and donate phones to domestic violence survivors.”

“Using deceptive sales tactics to scam and take advantage of customers who were seeking an affordable wireless plan is just plain wrong,” said DCWP Acting Commissioner Sandra Abeles. “We are pleased that this settlement agreement will put money in the pockets of consumers who fell victim to these predatory practices.”

 

As part of the settlement, T-Mobile has agreed to:

• Pay $306,000 in civil penalties;
• Pay $100,000 to a claims fund for eligible consumers to seek restitution;
• Stop advertising incorrect refund policies and prices, and disclose if any products are used or refurbished;
• Comply with the City’s Consumer Protection Law, the Rules of the City of New York, and all other relevant city, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  

DCWP’s investigation also found that its subsidiary MetroPCS deceived consumers into entering financing plans with third-party financing companies, SmartPay Leasing Inc. and Prog Finance LLC, that ruined consumers’ credit. DCWP recently released a report to bring awareness to the predatory practices of the virtual lease-to-own industry in New York City and the deceptive tactics that are often used to lure consumers into financing agreements. As part of the settlement, T-Mobile must also notify SmartPay and Prog Finance, the major credit reporting bureaus, and federal and state consumer protection agencies of DCWP’s allegations of deceptive conduct.

 

Consumers who were overcharged, sold a used or refurbished phone as if it were new, or were denied a valid return within 30 days of purchase by a MetroPCS or Metro by T-Mobile store on or after September 5, 2016 should file a claim no later than June 23, 2022. To check if they are eligible, consumers can review the Eligibility Notice in English and Spanish and then submit the Claims Form (Spanish) online at nyc.gov/dcwp. Consumers can also learn tips for buying electronics here and file a complaint at nyc.gov/dcwp or by calling 311.

 

Bronx Metro-North Station Area Study - Just two more days before the first Remote Workshop!

 

Register for the Remote Workshops to share your vision!   The Bronx Metro-North Study (BMNS) Team and the Department of City Planning (DCP) invites you to the BMNS Remote Workshops to continue the conversation about New York City’s station-area planning to prepare the Bronx for new Metro-North service in Parkchester/Van Nest and Morris Park.    Just two more days before our first Remote Workshop!    Time & Date:    June 24th @5:30pm-7:00pm:  Parkchester/Van Nest Station Area    June 29th @5:30pm-7:00pm: Morris Park Station Area      Sign Up Today to the Remote Workshops!   Remote Workshop: Parkchester / Van Nest Remote Workshop: Morris Park Meanwhile, take our Station-Area Surveys! If you haven't already, make sure to complete the surveys for the Parkchester/Van Nest and Morris Park station areas, by choosing a station below to let us know what your vision is for the neighborhoods around these new planned stations!

Parkchester/Van Nest Station Area Survey           Morris Park Station Area Survey

Be sure to also visit our Remote Open House to watch our station-area overview videos and to read our draft recommendations and more by clicking below.   Remote Open House

FIRST EVER FORDHAM FLEA BABY!

 

Former New York DEA Investigator Convicted Of Enticing A Minor To Have Sex And Child Pornography Charges

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today the conviction in Manhattan federal court of FREDERICK L. SCHEININ for attempted production of child pornography, attempted receipt of child pornography, and attempted enticement of a minor.  The jury convicted SCHEININ today following a five-day trial before U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff.    

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said:  “As a DEA investigator, Frederick Scheinin was tasked with the important job of protecting the public from the illegal diversion and abuse of prescription drugs, but he betrayed the public trust by spending months trying to prey on a minor for his sexual pleasure.  Scheinin now stands convicted of these heinous crimes.  This office and our law enforcement partners will continue to work tirelessly to detect and apprehend those who pose a threat to children.”

Up until the time of his arrest, SCHEININ was an investigator in the New York Field Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).  According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and evidence introduced at trial:

Between October 2019 and January 2020, SCHEININ communicated with an undercover law enforcement officer (“UC‑1”) who was posing as a 14-year-old boy.  During the course of hundreds of graphic text communications and multiple real-time conversations, SCHEININ repeatedly sent sexually explicit images and videos to UC-1 in an attempt to persuade UC-1 to transmit sexually explicit images, photos, and live visual depictions of UC-1 to SCHEININ.  In particular, SCHEININ repeatedly asked UC-1 to transmit images and videos of UC-1’s penis and anus.  SCHEININ also attempted to arrange a meeting with UC-1 at which SCHEININ planned to have sex with UC-1.  Law enforcement arrested SCHEININ on January 16, 2020, in New York, New York, at the location where SCHEININ said he would meet UC-1.  SCHEININ was in possession of a condom and lubricant at the time of his arrest. 

SCHEININ, 33, was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals following the return of the verdict.  Attempted production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison; attempted receipt of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and attempted enticement of a minor carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum sentence of life in prison.  SCHEININ is scheduled to be sentenced on September 23, 2021, at 4:00 p.m.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the New York City Police Department and the New York Field Office of the United States Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General.  Ms. Strauss also thanked the New York DEA office for its assistance in the matter.

193 Days and Counting

 

We spent $15 million dollars on an ad campaign for Rank Choice Voting, and there were only two republican candidates. That meant that Rank Choice Voting didn't come into effect. It seems that Curtis Swila won two to one over Fernando Mateo, who was backed by the Bronx Republican Party. Ruben, are there any Republicans left in the Bronx?

On to my replacement. Right now Eric Adams is in the lead, but that can change. The guy who writes this blog had it right when he said it would be a three way race for Mayor with Eric Adams winding up in the lead. He said Kathryn Garcia would be second with a longshot Maya Wiley third. He did not think that Andrew Yang would have a chance, and he was right, as yang was the 4th place finisher  who conceded election night.

You have to know Rank Choice Voting.