MAYOR DE BLASIO APPOINTS ANNABEL PALMA AS COMMISSIONER AND CHAIR OF THE NYC COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS

 

 Mayor de Blasio today appointed Annabel Palma as the next Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Palma most recently served as the Chief Equity Officer of the City's COVID-19 Test & Trace Corps, where she worked to fight disparities laid bare by COVID-19 and get New Yorkers across the five boroughs vaccinated. Palma also worked closely with the City’s Taskforce on Racial Inclusion and Equity (TRIE) to support response and recovery efforts in the hardest-hit communities. As Commissioner and Chair of NYC Commission on Human Rights, Palma will lead enforcement of New York City’s Human Rights Law—one of the most comprehensive civil rights laws in the nation.

“From fighting inequities laid bare by COVID-19 to her work launching critical programs at the Department of Social Services to representing her community in the City Council, Annabel has dedicated her career to making government work better on behalf of the most vulnerable New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “As Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Commission on Human Rights, Annabel will continue to use her talents to protect the civil rights of all New Yorkers.” 

 

“Whether as a nursing assistant, a union organizer, or Council Member, Annabel has a proven track-record of fighting on behalf of communities. Her experience and commitment in this fight make her the perfect choice to lead the City's Commission on Human Rights,” said J. Phillip Thompson, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Policy Initiatives. “In her role as Chair and Commissioner, I am confident that Annabel will work tirelessly to ensure all New Yorkers are aware of and protected by the City's Human Rights Law. New Yorkers are lucky to have a civil rights champion like Annabel on their side.”

 

“Annabel’s career has been dedicated to fighting for a diverse and just City for all New Yorkers,” said Melanie Hartzog, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services. “From fighting disparities exposed by COVID-19 as part of NYC’s Test and Trace Corp to pushing forward strategic initiatives at the Department of Social Services, Annabel’s passion makes her the right voice to lead the NYC Commission on Human Rights. I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

“It is truly humbling to be appointed to serve as Chair and Commissioner of NYC Human Rights Commission. Throughout my life I have faced many of the issues that the Human Rights Commission handles,” said Commissioner and Chair of the NYC Commission on Human Rights Annabel Palma. “Those life experiences have driven me to work tirelessly to serve the most vulnerable, empower communities, and bring about change. Change is not accomplished overnight but through hard work, dedication and perseverance we can bring about the change we need to continue to build stronger communities. I am immensely grateful to Mayor de Blasio for the opportunity to continue to build on the great work that has been done and look forward to continue serving all New Yorkers.”

 

“Annabel Palma is a distinguished public servant, with great depth of knowledge of community needs, a proven track record of community service, and broad experience that comes from decades of work in a range of roles,” said Department of Social Services Commissioner Steven Banks. “I congratulate her on this appointment and I know she will continue to be a strong advocate for effective government and positive change on behalf of all New Yorkers.”

 

“When COVID-19 struck, Annabel led the NYC Test and Trace Corps as our Chief Equity Officer to narrow the pandemic’s devastating health disparities,” said Dr. Ted Long, Executive Director of the NYC Test & Trace Corps and Senior Vice President of Ambulatory Care and Population Health at NYC Health + Hospitals. “We are grateful for her incredible contributions to our fight against the largest public health crisis of our generation. Equality and human rights have been the central focus of all her work. From her service in the City Council advocating for the Bronx, to her time as Deputy Commissioner at NYC DSS helping those experiencing homelessness, she is a champion of equity and opportunity. I congratulate Annabel on her appointment as Commissioner of CCHR. New Yorkers are fortunate to have her as an advocate in this new role!”

Governor Hochul Announces Major Milestone Achieved as 85% of Adult New Yorkers Have Received at Least One Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine - OCTOBER 8, 2021

 

65,545 Vaccine Doses Administered Over Last 24 Hours

5,654 New Positives Yesterday

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the state's progress combating COVID-19.

"As we reach this milestone of 85 percent of adult New Yorkers with at least one dose, we are one step closer to finally putting an end to this pandemic and getting our lives back to normal," Governor Hochul said. "While this is a momentous achievement, we still have communities lagging behind in vaccinations. The most important thing is getting vaccinated if you're in a high risk setting or immunocompromised. I urge all New Yorkers to get vaccinated to keep yourselves and those around you safe."

Today's data is summarized briefly below:

• Test Results Reported - 229,231
• Total Positive - 5,654
• Percent Positive - 2.47%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 3.13%
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,175 (-74)
• Patients Newly Admitted - 269
• Patients in ICU - 474 (-36)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 263 (-23)
• Total Discharges - 202,857 (+325)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 42
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 44,802

The Health Electronic Response Data System is a NYS DOH data source that collects confirmed daily death data as reported by hospitals, nursing homes and adult care facilities only.

• Total deaths reported to and compiled by the CDC - 57,047

This daily COVID-19 provisional death certificate data reported by NYS DOH and NYC to the CDC includes those who died in any location, including hospitals, nursing homes, adult care facilities, at home, in hospice and other settings. 

• Total vaccine doses administered - 25,777,293
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 65,545
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 497,856
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 82.5%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 74.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 85%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 76.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 69.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 62.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) –72.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 64.4%

Morris Park Community Association Features State Senator Gustavo Rivera and 49th Precinct NCO Officers

 

  Wednesday was the Morris Park Community Association meeting. State Senator Gustavo was in attendance, and while most members of the MPCA are not in agreement with most of Senator Rivera's Progressive policies, the good Senator took questions about them. He was asked if the 'No Cash Bail Law was responsible for the added crime in the Bronx and New York City. Senator Rivera replied that crime is up nationwide, and that should show people it is not just a local Bronx or New York City issue. He went on to talk about people being kept at Riker's, because they could not raise any bail. He went on to talk about one such person who committed suicide after being finally released from Riker's. 

Senator Rivera went on to say that his Chief of staff would be leaving him after many years of devoted service to the community. He then said that even though he may not represent all of Morris Park, that his office was always open to help anybody. 

After Senator Rivera came the NCO's of the 49th Precinct. They mentioned that cars are being stolen when drivers leave them running to go into a store for something quick. As short as they may think they are inside, when they come out their car is gone. Also the NCO's spoke about Honda, Acura, and Lexus cars being stolen in the precinct, and in the Bronx. The NCO's took a few questions about quality of life issues, saying that the loud noise issue, there was a van confiscated with an oversized speaker on top of it. As for the Dirt bike problem, the NCO's said they can not chase the dirt bikes, for matters of safety to the rider, and innocent people who may get hurt in any chase. 

The meeting ended with discussion of the Bronx Columbus Day Parade, which is being presented by the Morris Park Community Association. The parade begins at noon on Morris Park Avenue at Wallace Avenue, traveling across Morris Park Avenue where it will turn up Williamsbridge Road to Lydig Avenue. The reviewing stand will be opposite Assemblywoman Fernandez's office on Williamsbridge Avenue as it was in the last parade, but Assemblywoman Fernandez will be out of town, according to the President of the MPCA.

Senator Rivera holds twenty dollars, a bet he won from MPCA President Al D'Angelo about former Governor Andrew Cuomo running for another term in office. Senator Rivera gave the twenty dollars as a donation to the MPCA.

49th Precinct Sector A, NCO officers Patrick Nicewicz, and Stephen Brancatelli, next to MPCA Treasurer Elio Rodriguez, MPCA Vice-President Yahay Obied, and MPCA President Al D'Angelo.

19 Defendants Charged With Defrauding The National Basketball Association Players’ Health And Welfare Benefit Plan

 

18 Former Players of the National Basketball Association and a Spouse of a Former Player Alleged to Have Submitted Nearly $4 million in Fraudulent Reimbursement Claims for Medical Services that They Never Received

 Audrey Strauss, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Dermot Shea, Police Commissioner of the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, in connection with a scheme to defraud the National Basketball Associations (“NBA’s”) Health and Welfare Benefit Plan out of nearly $4,000,000.  TERRENCE WILLIAMS is also charged with aggravated identity theft in connection with the same scheme.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni.

Manhattan U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said: “The defendants’ playbook involved fraud and deception. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners, their alleged scheme has been disrupted and they will have to answer for their flagrant violations of law.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said: “Today we’ve charged 18 former NBA players and one spouse for their alleged participation in a health care fraud scheme that resulted in nearly $2 million in losses to the National Basketball Association’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. The health care industry loses tens of billions of dollars a year to fraud. Thanks to the work of our dedicated FBI agents and partners alike, cases like this demonstrate our continued focus in uncovering health care fraud scams that harm both the industry and the consumers of their services.”

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea said: “Today’s federal indictment represents the NYPD’s long-term commitment, working with its law enforcement partners, in making sure those accused of health care related fraud are held accountable. I commend those involved in the investigation, the FBI, and the office of the United States Attorney for the Southern District in New York for its work in ensuring there is justice in this case.”

TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, GREGORY SMITH, and ANTHONY WROTEN were arrested today. 

WILLIAMS and WROTEN will be presented in the Western District of Washington.  DAVIS will be presented in the Central District of California.  SMITH will be presented in the Eastern District of California.  PATTERSON will presented in the Northern District of Ohio.  MOON will be presented in the Northern District of Alabama.  BYNUM and ELY will be presented in the Northern District of Illinois.  MILES will be presented in the Middle District of Florida.  ANDERSON, WATSON, and WRIGHT will be presented in the District of Nevada.  BROWN will be presented in the Northern District of Georgia.  DESIREE ALLEN will be presented in the Western District of Tennessee.  TELFAIR will be presented in the Southern District of New York before U.S. Magistrate Judge Katharine H.  Parker.

ANTHONY ALLEN, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, and ROBINSON remain at large.

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today[1]:

The National Basketball Association Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) is a health care plan providing benefits to eligible active and former players of the NBA. From at least in or about 2017, up to and including at least in or about 2020, TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN engaged in a widespread scheme to defraud the Plan by submitting and causing to be submitted fraudulent claims for reimbursement of medical and dental services that were not actually rendered. Over the course of the scheme, the defendants submitted and caused to be submitted to the Plan false claims totaling nearly $4 million.

WILLIAMS orchestrated the scheme to defraud the Plan. WILLIAMS recruited other Plan participants to defraud the Plan by offering to provide them with false invoices to support their fraudulent claims.  WILLIAMS provided ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, BROWN, BYNUM, DAVIS, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, ELY, MOON, MILES, PALACIO, PATTERSON, ROBINSON, SMITH, TELFAIR, WATSON, WRIGHT, and WROTEN with false provider invoices, which those defendants then submitted and caused to be submitted to the Plan for reimbursement of fraudulent claims. 

WILLIAMS provided the other charged defendants fake invoices from a particular Chiropractic Office in California, which were created by individuals working with WILLIAMS.  In addition, WILLIAMS obtained fraudulent invoices from a dentist affiliated with dental offices in Beverly Hills, California, and from a doctor at a Wellness Office in Washington State.  The fraudulent invoices purported to document that ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, BROWN, BYNUM, DAVIS, DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, ELY, MOON, MILES, PALACIO, PATTERSON, ROBINSON, SMITH, TELFAIR, WATSON, WRIGHT, and WROTEN, and, in some cases, members of their families, had been recipients of expensive medical and dental services.  But the defendants had not received the medical or dental services described in the invoices WILLIAMS provided them.  In many instances, the defendants were not even located in the vicinity of the service providers on the dates the invoices stated they received medical or dental services.  In particular, GPS location information and/or documents, such as flight records, show that the defendants were in locations other than the vicinity of the medical or dental offices falsely claimed as the providers of services.

In return for his provision of false supporting documentation for their fraudulent claims, many of the defendants paid WILLIAMS kickbacks, totaling at least approximately $230,000.  WILLIAMS also used the personal identifying information of an employee of the Administrative Manager, which managed the Plan, in the course of the fraud scheme.

TERRENCE WILLIAMS, ALAN ANDERSON, ANTHONY ALLEN, DESIREE ALLEN, SHANNON BROWN, WILLIAM BYNUM, RONALD GLEN DAVIS, CHRISTOPHER DOUGLAS-ROBERTS, a/k/a “Supreme Bey,” MELVIN ELY, JAMARIO MOON, DARIUS MILES, MILTON PALACIO, RUBEN PATTERSON, EDDIE ROBINSON, GREGORY SMITH, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR, CHARLES WATSON JR., ANTOINE WRIGHT, and ANTHONY WROTEN are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  TERRENCE WILLIAMS is also charged with one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison.  The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Ms. Strauss praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI/NYPD Health Care Fraud Task Force, which is composed of agents, detectives, and investigators from the FBI, the NYPD, and other law enforcement entities.  Ms. Strauss additionally praised the work of the FBI’s Seattle, Los Angeles, Cleveland, Birmingham, Chicago, Sacramento, Memphis, Tampa, Las Vegas, Atlanta, Portland, and Detroit Field Offices.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Signs Legislation Package to Combat Opioid Crisis

 

S.911/A.2354 Relates to the Possession of Opioid Antagonists 

  

S.1795/A.533 Relates to the Establishment of a Program for the Use of Medication Assisted Treatment for Incarcerated Individuals 

  

S.2523/A.868 Decriminalizes the Possession and Sale of Hypodermic Needles and Syringes 

  

S.6044/A.128 Establishes an Online Directory for Distributers of Opioid Antagonists 

  

S.7228/A.5511 Relates to a Judicial Diversion Program for Certain Felony Offenders 

 Governor Kathy Hochul today at John Jay College signed legislation (S.911/A.2354, S.1795/A.533, S.2523/A.868, S.6044/A.128, S.7228/A.5511) aimed toward reducing drug-related overdose deaths across New York State and encouraging those suffering from addiction to seek help in their recovery.

"Addiction can impact any family, suddenly and harshly - those who find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle are there through no fault of their own," Governor Hochul said. "This is a personal battle for me and I am proud to be able to combat the opioid crisis by signing these bills into law. There is no shame in seeking help for substance use and I want to let all New Yorkers know that we are here for you. Treatment should always be accessible for those who need it."

Legislation S.911/A.2354 amends the criminal procedure law, the civil practice law and rules and the executive law to promote the use of opioid antagonists in preventing drug-related overdoses. This bill will decriminalize possession of opioid antagonists, which are drugs that block opioids by attaching to opioid receptors without activating them. 

Legislation S.1795/A.868 works to establish a program for the use of medication assisted substance use disorder treatment for incarcerated individuals in state and local correctional facilities. Expanding medication assisted treatment, MAT, across state and local facilities will allow incarcerated individuals access to medications and therapies to provide them the opportunity to overcome substance use and lessen the likelihood that they may suffer drug-related overdoses upon their reentry into society.

Legislation S.2523/A.868 decriminalizes the possession and sale of hypodermic needles and syringes. The act of decriminalizing drug-related paraphernalia contributes to public safety by permitting harm reduction approaches for those suffering from substance use disorder and by reducing the rate at which HIV and hepatitis are transmitted. 

Legislation S.6044/A.128 establishes an online directory for distributors of opioid antagonists making them more accessible to New Yorkers who may want to equip themselves with these life-saving medications. The directory is to be maintained by the Office of Addiction Services and Supports on their website.

Legislation S.7228/A.5511 expands the number of eligible crimes committed by individuals with a substance use disorder that may be considered for diversion to a substance use treatment program and updates the term "substance abuse" to "substance use." This ensures judges can order an individual to treatment instead of incarceration, allowing them a greater chance for successful, long-term rehabilitation.

DEC ANNOUNCES OCT. 16 OPENING OF STATE’S NEW CATCH-AND-RELEASE SEASON IN TROUT STREAMS

 

New Season Expands Opportunities for Trout Stream Fishing Year-Round

 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded anglers that the State’s new catch-and-release trout stream season begins on Oct. 16, expanding recreational opportunities.

 

“Using science, research, and public input, DEC is increasing fishing opportunities while advancing responsible trout management in order to ensure trout reach their fullest ecological and recreational potential,” Commissioner Seggos said. “New York State’s new catch-and-release season in trout streams expands opportunities for anglers so they can enjoy the State’s trout stream fishing resources year-round.”

 

The new catch-and-release trout stream season is a product of DEC’s Statewide Trout Stream Management Plan, developed to improve and modernize the State’s management of its trout stream fishing resources. The new season, which runs from Oct. 16 - March 31, requires anglers to use only artificial lures and immediately release trout they catch. The catch-and-release season applies to trout streams only. Fishing for trout in lakes and ponds is prohibited after Oct. 15, unless these waters are managed under a special regulation that allows for angling. Anglers should consult DEC’s regulations guide for regulations associated with lakes and ponds that harbor trout before fishing.

 

This time period was traditionally closed to trout stream fishing as a precautionary measure during the reproductive period for wild trout. DEC biologists concluded that fishing during the spawning season will not result in negative fishery impacts. To provide due diligence, DEC will conduct an Angler Use and Wild Trout Young-of-Year Recruitment Study to gauge angling pressure and young-of-year trout abundance on a statewide sample of 19 wild trout stream reaches from 2021-2024. DEC biologists will use the results of the study to evaluate the new regulation and guide future management. Anglers are reminded to use best practices when releasing fish to ensure trout are returned to the stream immediately and unharmed. Visit https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/9223.html for more information on catching and releasing fish. 

 

Anglers venturing to inland trout streams this fall should check out the DEC’s Interactive Trout Stream Fishing Map on the DECinfo Locator. The map provides anglers with a one-stop-shop for information about stocking, fishing access, season dates, and regulations. DEC encourages anglers to use this resource before hitting the water, so they are aware of all the trout stream fishing opportunities available to them both locally and afar.

For more information on freshwater fishing in New York waters, go to DEC’s Freshwater Fishing Regulations Guide at https://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7917.html. Anglers interested in receiving information about fishing and fisheries management in New York can subscribe to the Fishing Line Newsletter at https://www.dec.ny.gov/public/65855.html.

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association October Meeting, Tuesday October 12, 2021 - 2134 Barnes Avenue 7 PM

 

Join us as the PPNA has their monthly community  meeting  on Tuesday  October  12, 2021 at 7pm at our new location 2134 Barnes Avenue (on the corner of Lydig Avenue and Barnes Avenue). We will welcome from the NYC Dept of Sanitation Citywide Community Affairs Officer Mr. Stephen J. Caruso Jr.  This is your opportunity to bring your issues, questions and concerns and problems  to this meeting. Involvement from the community  is essential  to having a safe ,clean, and graffiti  free neighborhood.  Its time to get  involved in your community  and stay involved .Your  problems get addressed and action taken. Show  up  and speak up! 

FIVE YOUTHS, EIGHT MEN INDICTED FOR CRIMES INCLUDING MURDERS OF TWO BOYS, NON-FATAL SHOOTING, CARJACKINGS

 

Rival Crews Committed Retaliation Shootings, Crimes Against Bronx Residents From May Through July; Ballistics Recovered From Boys’ Killings Matched to Nine Other Shootings

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Dermot Shea today announced that 13 people—including five 16-year-old boys—have been indicted on charges related to the fatal shootings of a 13-year-old, a 16-year-old, and the non-fatal shooting of two men, as well as car jackings and robberies in the Bronx that occurred from May through July. 

 District Attorney Clark said, “These defendants are charged in a string of violent crimes, culminating in the murders of two boys, that contributed to a brutal summer. These indictments are an assurance to the people of the Bronx that we will hold accountable anyone who brings gunfire to our streets. But these indictments are also a tragic chronicle of a lost generation: boys and young men who turned to guns, and two lives were taken and 14 lives have been squandered. We must do something to change the course of our young people who gravitate to gangs so that they do not wind up committing serious crimes. We are experiencing an utter catastrophe in the Bronx.”

 Commissioner Shea said, “This is yet another case illustrating the endless stream of guns in our city and their devastating impact on victims’ lives. Each gun seized tells the story of kids and others gunned down in the street, of mothers and loved ones in mourning, and of neighborhoods traumatized. We remain thankful today for the courage and tenacity of our NYPD investigators and our partners in the Bronx district attorney’s office for their ceaseless commitment to public safety and for meeting this violence with meaningful consequences.” 

 District Attorney Clark said defendants Jahlil Califf, 16, and Justin Baez, 18, were charged with second-degree Murder and Manslaughter in the death of 13-year-old Jaryan Elliott; and Alec McFarlane, 16, and Tyquan Howard, 16, were charged with second-degree Murder and Manslaughter in the death of 16-year-old Ramon Gil-Medrano. Baez is also charged with Attempted Murder for a double non-fatal shooting.

 They and the other defendants—Marcus Odom, 16, Mekhi Williams, 20, Hasib Cutts, 19, Jonathan Westbury, 18, Elyesha Cook, 21, Tyshawn McClure, 20, Damian James, 20, and Dante Thomas, 21—are variously charged with second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Conspiracy to Commit Murder, fourth-degree Conspiracy, third and fourth-degree Grand Larceny, and first, second, third-degree Robbery.

 They were arrested on various dates and have been arraigned on the indictment.

 According to the investigation, the shootings involved members of two rival neighborhood crews, the 800 YGs based in Belmont and Thirdside, who are based in the Norwood/Mosholu area of the Bronx.

 The indictments charge these crimes:

 on May 24, 2021, Baez allegedly carjacked a Toyota Camry; 

 on June 24, 2021, Baez and Westbury allegedly carjacked a 2020 Mercedes Benz and robbed a person at gunpoint;

 on July 11, 2021, Califf allegedly fatally shot Jaryan Elliot on East 187th Street; 

 on July 11, 2021, McFarlane and Howard, riding on scooter, allegedly fatally shot Ramon Gil-Medrano, 16, who was inside a livery cab driving on East 178th Street;

 on July 12, 2021, Baez drove a vehicle and he and others allegedly shot two 19-year-old rival gang members on East 184th Street and Washington Avenue; 

 on July 14, 2021, McClure, Thomas and James were in a stolen vehicle with a loaded firearm; 

 on July 14, 2021, Cook posessed a loaded 9-mm pistol that was used in the homicide of Jaryan Elliott;

on July 23, 2021, Califf, Odom, Pearce and Westbury allegedly were in a stolen vehicle with two loaded firearms; 

 on July 23, 2021, Baez and Westbury robbed two people of property. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Frank Orlando and Brianna Cosentino, Detectives Michael Delgardo and Pat Nichols of the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Division, Detective Kevin Godspeed of Queens South Homicide Squad, Police Officer Jordan Moses of the 48th Precinct, and the 48th , 46th , 52nd and 49th Precinct Detective Squads and Patrol Officers.

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