Produce Importer Sentenced in Brooklyn Federal Court to 13 Years’ Imprisonment for Conspiring to Import Cocaine in a Shipment of Chili Peppers

 

 In federal court in Brooklyn, Humberto Baez, a produce importer based in Pennsylvania, was sentenced by United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross to 13 years’ imprisonment for conspiring to import and distribute cocaine, and for possessing with intent to distribute cocaine.  Baez was convicted by a jury in February 2019 following a two-week trial before the late United States District Judge Jack B. Weinstein.

Jacquelyn M. Kasulis, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Ray Donovan, Special Agent-in-Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Division (DEA), Peter C. Fitzhugh, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), and Dermot F. Shea, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD), announced the sentence.

“This sentence demonstrates that this Office and its law enforcement partners are committed to stopping the flow of dangerous drugs into this country and to bringing drug traffickers like Baez to justice,” stated Acting United States Attorney Kasulis.  Ms. Kasulis expressed her grateful appreciation to the New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Strike Force for their work on the long-term investigation, the DEA’s Santo Domingo Country Office (SDCO) and the Sensitive Investigative Unit (SIU) for their assistance.

“Concealing drug shipments with produce is one way drug traffickers try to elude law enforcement.  This cat and mouse game evolves over time resulting in law enforcement recovering drugs in various places; such as inside coconuts, wheelchairs, animals, people, tombstones, etc. just to name a few.   I applaud the members of the New York Strike Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York for their dedicated work throughout this investigation,” stated DEA Special Agent-in-Charge Donovan.

“By conspiring to import cocaine hidden in a carton of chili peppers, Humberto Baez was fueling a violent trade that victimizes New Yorkers.  His conviction and sentencing today sends a clear message that the NYPD and our law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to track these kinds of schemes and protect the public from the impact of illegal narcotics,” stated NYPD Commissioner Shea.

Between August 2016 and March 2018, Baez conspired with others to import cocaine hidden inside a shipping container into the United States.  Baez had contacted an importing company to use as a front to transport cocaine from Baez’s source of supply in the Dominican Republic.  Baez and his co-conspirators then arranged for two “dry run” shipments containing only produce into the Red Hook Terminal in Brooklyn to establish the appearance of a legitimate business relationship between the exporter and importer, thereby avoiding scrutiny when subsequently shipping cocaine.  In late February 2018, a third shipment arrived in Miami, Florida with approximately 16 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the flaps of cardboard boxes containing chili peppers.  Baez relayed information that a third shipment contained “ripe tomatoes,” using agreed upon code words for cocaine that would be transported by truck to Baez’s warehouse in Pennsylvania.  On March 1, 2018, members of law enforcement searched the container and seized the hidden cocaine. 

The Strike Force is a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.  It is housed at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA; the NYPD; the New York State Police; HSI; the U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; U.S. Secret Service; the U.S. Marshals Service; New York National Guard; the Clarkstown Police Department; U.S. Coast Guard; Port Washington Police Department; and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.

8/19 Upcoming event with Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress

 

Here are some ways you can take action. Canvass Know Your Rights Tabling! Westchester Square Owen F. Dolen Park 2551 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY Join us at Owen F. Dolen Park in Westchester Square to distribute information to our neighbors about resources related to COVID-19 such as the Child Tax Credit,... Show details Eastern time Thu, Aug 19 · 4:30–7pm

143 Days and Counting - Homecoming Week Begins Tomorrow

 

Monday I start my 'Homecoming Concerts' in the Bronx with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. Remember though you will not be allowed to this and any concert or event we are having unless you have your vaccination card or test proof that you don't have the virus. We can't blame Donald Trump for the increase in COVID cases, because he is out of office for over seven months now, and President Biden said the country will be at a seventy percent vaccination rate. Boy was he off, and the country reopened.

It's not all Joe Biden's fault, because we now have hundreds of people coming into the country from the Southern Border, and the number was over 210,000 for just the month of July alone. The border Patrol is saying that up to forty percent of those coming into the country from the Southern Border either have or are carrying the COVID-19 virus. These people are being bused around the country, and I don't know how many have come to New York City. 

Oh well, enjoy Homecoming Week, and be safe, wear a face mask and a condom.

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 8/9/21-8/13/21

 

Dear Community,

On Tuesday, August 10th, Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation as Governor of New York. This announcement came one week after the conclusion of the Attorney General’s investigation into the Governor’s behavior that confirmed he sexually harassed eleven women and fostered a toxic work environment in the Executive Chamber. It feels as if New York is finally closing a dark chapter. I am forever grateful for the eleven women who risked everything to speak out about their experience of sexual misconduct by the Governor. Because of their courage, New York will be a better and safer place. 

The truth is that the Governor’s harm extended beyond the harassment he inflicted upon the eleven women who came forward. Governor Cuomo upheld a culture of abuse, bullying, and corruption that has existed in Albany for years, impacting both the function and integrity of our state government. For too long, the Governor stood in the way of progressive success, obstructing legislation on healthcare, higher education, transportation, and so much more, prioritizing his own needs over the good of New Yorkers. 

While the Governor stepping aside allows our state to begin to heal, resignation alone does not equal accountability. The Legislature must move forward with impeachment. New York needs a full reckoning of the many ways the Governor has harmed his staff, our government, and our state. If we fail to hold the Governor accountable, we are sending a message that protections against sexual harassment in the workplace do not apply to those with power. Without accountability, we cannot rid Albany of the toxic and corrupt culture that has plagued New York for too long. 

Our government must work for the people, not against them. This is an opportunity for New York to move forward and address the needs of the people we were elected to serve. I look forward to working under Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul’s leadership to change the culture and function of New York State government. Let us focus on recovering from the pandemic, rebuilding our state, and fixing the broken systems that enable abuse of power. I am confident that we can restore the power to the people and serve New Yorkers once again.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Renderings Revealed For 261 Grand Concourse In Mott Haven, In The Bronx

 

Renderings from S. Wieder Architect offer a first look at a new 12-story residential property at 261 Grand Concourse in Mott Haven, The Bronx. The building will comprise 96 rental units and associated amenities including a fitness center, multiple open-air terraces, and more to be announced. Select residences will also include private outdoor space.

The façade will be constructed of gray brick, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and glass-enclosed balconies with discreet dark metal supports. At the southern tip of the building, the renderings show ornamental blue cladding at the seventh level surrounding the fitness center.

Rendering of ground floor entry at 261 Grand Concourse – S. Wieder Architect

Rendering of the 7th floor fitness center at 261 Grand Concourse – S. Wieder Architect

Rendering of outdoor terrace at 261 Grand Concourse – S. Wieder Architect

In 2019, JLL Capital Markets was selected by undisclosed clients to sell the development site, which measures 10,242 square feet. At that time, the property was priced at $12.5 million. Today, the site is owed and under development by Beitel Group. It is unclear how much the Brooklyn-based development firm paid to acquire the site.

The project team has also not released a construction schedule for the new building.

    Aerial rendering of 261 Grand Concourse – S. Wieder Architect

Governor Cuomo Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress During COVID-19 Pandemic - AUGUST 14, 2021

 

46,441 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours 

13 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

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

"The Delta variant is a very serious threat, especially for people who are still unvaccinated," Governor Cuomo said. "We've made great progress considering where we were when COVID first ambushed our state, but if we want to defeat this virus, it is imperative that every New Yorker takes the vaccine. Every shot in the arm brings us closer to victory, so if you haven't yet, I urge you to come to one of our many sites and get vaccinated - for your own safety and for everyone you love."   

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 152,641
• Total Positive - 4,474
• Percent Positive - 2.93%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.09%
• Patient Hospitalization - 1,654 (+93)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 295
• Patients in ICU - 347 (+49)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 132 (+10)
• Total Discharges - 188,748 (+205)
• Deaths - 13
• Total Deaths - 43,229
• Total vaccine doses administered - 22,858,154
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 46,441
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 309,661
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 74.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 68.1%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 77.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 69.7%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 62.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 56.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 65.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 58.2%

High-Ranking Member Of MS-13 Sentenced To More Than 9 Years In Prison For Racketeering And Narcotics Offenses

 

Prior to His Arrest, Jaime Santana, a/k/a “Smiley,” Was the Highest Ranking Non-Incarcerated Member of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13 in the U.S.

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that JAIME SANTANA, a/k/a “Smiley,” a high-ranking member of Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick to 110 months in prison.  SANTANA previously pled guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy, and participating in a conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. 

U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “Jaime Santana, a leader of the L.A. Program of MS-13, trafficked in weapons and cocaine and helped plan a cross-border methamphetamine distribution network.  Santana was also party to an extortion in which he and others threatened to murder the victim.  Thanks to our partners at HSI and the NYPD, Santana was arrested, convicted, and has now been sentenced to prison for his crimes.”

According to the Indictment, other filings in this case, and statements during court proceedings:

SANTANA is a member of MS-13, a transnational racketeering enterprise that operates throughout North and Central America, including in El Salvador, Mexico, New York, California, Texas, Virginia, Tennessee, and North Carolina.  In order to enrich the enterprise, protect and expand its criminal operations, enforce discipline among its members, and retaliate against members of rival gangs, members and associates of MS-13 committed, conspired, attempted, and threatened to commit acts of violence, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute narcotics, including methamphetamine and cocaine, and obtained, possessed, and used firearms.

MS-13 is organized into chapters called “cliques.”  Groups of cliques, in turn, are aligned as “programs.”  Each program is governed by a group of senior gang leaders known as the “table.”  SANTANA is a high-ranking member of the table of the “L.A. Program” of MS-13.

In July and September 2019, SANTANA sold a 9mm handgun, a .40 caliber handgun, a .45 caliber handgun, boxes of ammunition, and cocaine to individuals working at the direction of law enforcement.

Furthermore, in the summer and fall of 2019, SANTANA was involved, with other high-ranking members of MS-13, in planning for the establishment of a methamphetamine distribution network that started in Mexico and operated throughout the United States, including North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Tennessee.

In addition, in September 2019, SANTANA and other senior members of MS-13 conspired to extort another gang member, who was told that he either had to repay money or be “green lit” (i.e., killed) for introducing a “bad connection” who supplied poor quality narcotics to the gang.           

In addition to the prison term, Judge Broderick sentenced SANTANA, 41, of Galatin, Tennessee, to five years of supervised release.

Ms. Strauss praised the investigative work of Homeland Security Investigations and the New York City Police Department.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

A RECOVERY FOR ALL OF US: MAYOR DE BLASIO ANNOUNCES STATEN ISLAND FERRY SERVICE FULLY RESTORED ON MONDAY

 

As ridership climbs, 24/7 half-hour departures return

 Mayor Bill de Blasio, Department of Transportation Commissioner Hank Gutman, and Borough President James Oddo announced today that the full restoration of round-the-clock 30-minute Staten Island Ferry service is to take effect as scheduled on Monday, August 16, 2021. In 2019, the free Staten Island Ferry moved 70,000 passengers on weekdays and 22 million people a year. 

 

“The Staten Island Ferry knits this city together, and the return of 24/7 half-hour service is a sure sign that a recovery for all of us is underway,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “No matter when you go to work, visit family and friends, or enjoy a night out in the greatest city in the world, you deserve fast, frequent, and reliable ferry service. That’s what we’re proud to deliver today.”

 

“Staten Islanders depend on the ferry for free and reliable service to Manhattan, and the return of full overnight service will make these two boroughs accessible for every New Yorker who calls them home,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Laura Anglin. “I’m grateful to every elected official, advocate, and City worker who made this restoration possible, and I look forward to full service starting on Monday.”

 

“I am pleased that full overnight service will return to the Staten Island Ferry on Monday, all thanks to the Mayor’s and Borough President’s commitment to getting us back to normal," said DOT Commissioner Hank Gutman. “Staten Islanders and their elected officials have made it very clear how frequent service is critical to their quality of life -- and we are once again happy to oblige in bringing back service every half hour on one of New York City’s great commutes.” 

 

“Local Law 88 of 2013 lives! Years ago when in the City Council I fought hard to get this legislation enacted to compel increased Staten Island Ferry service. To his credit, early in his tenure Mayor de Blasio knew providing this level of service was the right thing and he fully funded it," said Staten Island Borough President James Oddo. "Staten Island lived up to its responsibility during the economic difficulties brought upon by Covid and we accepted the reduction in service. But as the Mayor has made clear, we are in a 'Recovery for all' and that means helping all those essential workers and Staten Islanders who work outside of the typical 9-5 schedule. Local Law 88 of 2013 and 24/7/365 half hour service lives!"

 

The new service schedule’s additional trips will all originate from both St. George Ferry Terminal and Whitehall Ferry Terminals, starting with the first restored trip at 11:30 p.m. from St. George on August 15. The remaining 13 restored trips will depart St. George at 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. on weekdays and then 11:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m., 1:30 a.m., 2:30 a.m., 3:30 a.m., 4:30 a.m., 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on weekends. Each of these trips has a return run, one half hour later, out of Whitehall Terminal for a total of 28 runs.

 

DOT has hired and trained new personnel required for these additional trips since the restoration was announced in June.

 

On Staten Island, riders can get to the St. George Terminal using the following MTA/NYCT bus lines: S40 Howland Hook; S42 Clyde Place; S44 Staten Island Mall; S46 West Shore Plaza; S48 Mariners Harbor; S51 Grant City; S52 S.I. Univ. Hospital; S61 Staten Island Mall; S62 Travis; S66 Port Richmond; S74 Tottenville; S76 Oakwood Beach; S78 Tottenville; S81 Grant City (Limited); S84 Tottenville (Limited); S86 Oakwood Beach (Limited); S90 Howland Hook (Limited); S91 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S92 Travis (Limited); S94 Staten Island Mall (Limited); S96 Mariners Harbor (Limited); and S98 Mariners Harbor (Limited).

 

In Manhattan, riders can get to the Whitehall Terminal using the M5, M15, M15SBS, M20 bus service lines, and the R train to Whitehall Street Station, the 1 train to South Ferry Station, the 4 and 5 train to Bowling Green Station, and the J and Z train to Broad Street Station.

 

Cars, motorcycles and trucks are no longer allowed on the ferries. Travel time between Whitehall and Saint George terminals and vice versa is approximately 25 minutes. For more information visit nyc.gov/siferry, and for updates, please check nyc.gov/dot or contact 311.

 

“I’m thrilled that we can get back some normalcy in our commuting life. Many Staten Islanders are some of our most dedicated public servants, and with that comes untraditional hours. I hope this brings them a great sense of relief,” said Senator Diane Savino.