Defendant Pleads Guilty In Manhattan Federal Court To Armed Robbery Scheme

  

Defendant Committed Eleven Robberies and Attempted Robberies of Luxury Watches in New York City, New Jersey, and Long Island, Including Shooting a Victim During One Robbery

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that VICTOR RIVERA pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery between October 2019 and November 2020. RIVERA is scheduled to be sentenced on April 28, 2022, by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As he has now admitted, Victor Rivera committed a year-long spree of armed robberies and attempted robberies of jewelers and other owners of luxury watches, threatening his victims with guns and, during the course of one robbery, shooting a victim. Now Rivera awaits sentencing for this terrifying conduct.”

According to the Superseding Indictment, statements made in court, as well as other publicly filed documents in this case:

From at least in or about October 2019 up to and including November 2020, VICTOR RIVERA, and others known and unknown, agreed to rob victims of luxury watches worth up to hundreds of thousands of dollars each.  The watches owned by victims targeted in the robberies included Richard Mille, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe watches owned by jewelers as part of the jewelers’ businesses based in Manhattan’s Diamond District.  RIVERA used guns to commit several of the robberies, and in one robbery, shot a victim, who survived. 

The eleven robberies and attempted robberies included the following: 

1. On October 3, 2019, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Long Island City, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $250,000.

2. On October 25, 2019, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Jamaica, New York, of, among other things, a Rolex watch worth over $150,000.

3. On December 10, 2019, RIVERA and two co-conspirators robbed a jeweler in Brooklyn, New York, of, among other things, a Patek Philippe watch worth over $160,000 and a diamond necklace worth over $77,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to the victim.

4. On January 14, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Rego Park, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $500,000.

5. On February 16, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Jamaica Estates, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $28,000.

6. On February 20, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed an individual in Long Island City, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $125,000.

7. On June 11, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Brooklyn, New York, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $148,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to the victim and a victim was shot.

8. On July 6, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in Hoboken, New Jersey, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $81,000.  Following the robbery, RIVERA and others transported the stolen watch from New Jersey to New York.

9. On July 20, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator participated in an attempted robbery of a jeweler in Queens, New York, attempting to steal a Richard Mille watch worth over $180,000.

10. On August 2, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed an individual in the vicinity of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, of, among other things, a Richard Mille watch worth over $250,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to a victim.  Following the robbery, RIVERA and others transported the stolen watch from New Jersey to New York.

11. On October 27, 2020, RIVERA and a co-conspirator robbed a jeweler in the vicinity of Woodbury, New York, of, among other things, an Audemars Piguet watch worth over $26,000 and assorted jewels and gold links worth over $60,000.  During the robbery, a firearm was shown to a victim.     

RIVERA, 30, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, which carries a maximum prison term of twenty years. The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Special Agents of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams also thanked the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Englewood Cliffs Police Department, the Weehawken Police Department, and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance.

KZA Realty Closes $1.8 Million Deal for Commercial Property in Bronx, NY

 

 KZA Realty Group has secured the $1.8 million dollar sale of a developmental property located in the Morrisania section of the Bronx. The property, which has been purchased as an investment opportunity by the owner, is located at 1155-1159 Southern Boulevard, between Home Street and & 167th. Plans for the property have not been disclosed of as of yet.

Kathy Zamechansky, alongside Duley Paniagua of KZA Realty Group, represented both the seller, Texas Southern, LLC, and the buyer, 1150 Southern Blvd. Partners during the sale of the developmental property in the Bronx.

The lot spans across 7,500 sq ft. and currently holds two multi-level buildings that are, respectively, 9,500 sq. ft and 4,750 sq. ft. in size. The buildings face the eastern side of Southern Boulevard, which is home to other small businesses in the area. The property is within walking distance to the #2 and #5 subway station at Freeman Avenue and the #6 subway station at Whitlock Avenue.

“As a company who is committed to the development of the Bronx, we are thrilled to help support ventures that breathe new life into our community” said Kathy Zamechansky, President of KZA Realty Group. “The sale of this property shows that real estate in the Bronx is still thriving despite many of the financial hardships brought on by the pandemic.”

Located in the southwestern section of the Bronx, Morrisania is a residential neighborhood known for its unique history and diversity. The area is home to an abundance of cultural organizations, public institutions, like the New York Public Library’s Morrisania Branch at E 169th Street, and community programs dedicated to the neighborhood’s lively music scene.

GLOBAL SUPERSTAR AND BRONX NATIVE CARDI B PARTNERS WITH MAYOR’S FUND TO ADVANCE NEW YORK CITY TO COVER FUNERAL COSTS OF BRONX FIRE VICTIMS

 

Cardi B and Mayor’s Fund Partner to Help Cover Funeral Costs for Victims’ Families

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams and the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City today announced a partnership with global superstar Cardi B to cover the burial expenses for each victim of the tragic Bronx fire in an effort to alleviate the financial burden for their families. The Bronx native and Grammy Award-winning artist has committed to paying costs, including repatriation expenses for some victims buried in the Gambia, through the Mayor's Fund's Bronx Fire Relief Fund.

 

"The resilience of this city reflects everyday New Yorkers who never turn their back on one another," said Mayor Eric Adams. "We are grateful for Cardi B, a real superstar on and off the mic, for granting some critical financial relief to families of the victims. The city will be forever thankful to her and also to the grassroots donors and corporate partners who have been able to offer immediate support for our neighbors in need, to reestablish themselves during this difficult time."

 

“Cardi B, in true New York fashion, swiftly answered the call to help those affected by this tragic fire,” said Daniele Baierlein and Jorge Luis Paniagua Valle, co-executive directors, Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City. “We are grateful for her generous commitment to cover funeral expenses and lessen the financial burden for the families during this most difficult time.”  

 

“I’m extremely proud to be from the Bronx and I have lots of family and friends who live and work there still. So, when I heard about the fire and all of the victims, I knew I needed to do something to help,” said Cardi B. “I cannot begin to imagine the pain and anguish that the families of the victims are experiencing, but I hope that not having to worry about the costs associated with burying their loved ones will help as they move forward and heal. I send my prayers and condolences to everyone affected by this horrific tragedy.”

 

The Bronx Fire Relief Fund has received thousands of grassroots donations, as well as support from business and philanthropic community partners. To date, the fund has raised more than $2.5 million. For local updates, individuals can text '181STFIRE to 692692 for updates and resources for victims.

 

New Yorkers interested in contributing to the fund can donate online at www.nyc.gov/fund, or by mailing a check — made payable to "The Mayor's Fund to Advance New York City," indicating that donations are for the “Bronx Fire Relief Fund” in the memo field or a note enclosed with the check — to the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City, 253 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY 10007.

 

 

Attorney General James Sues Energy Service Company for Overcharging and Misleading Consumers

Major Energy Overcharged New Yorkers Despite Promising Savings, and Switched Consumers’ Energy Service Providers Without Consent

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against Major Energy Services LLC and Major Energy Electric Services, LLC (together, Major Energy) for overcharging and misleading New York consumers with false advertisements. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that consumers throughout the state paid tens of millions of dollars more for Major Energy’s services than they would have paid to their local utilities, despite promises that they would save on their electric bill.

“Scamming New Yorkers out of their hard-earned money is unacceptable,” said Attorney General James. “We are holding Major Energy accountable for misleading New Yorkers and falsely promising lower prices, but actually overcharging consumers to make a profit. Hardworking New Yorkers deserve accuracy and honesty when it comes to paying their basic bills, and my office is committed to protecting their wallets from fraudsters.”

Attorney General James’ investigation revealed that since at least 2011, Major Energy used deceptive marketing tactics with false promises of savings to lure consumers. Often the company’s sales representatives misled consumers by falsely claiming the representatives worked for the consumer’s local utility, displaying phony badges, or wearing construction hard hats and vests during door-to-door solicitations, all to get consumers to change their services to Major Energy. In many instances, consumers did not realize they had been enrolled with Major Energy because some sales representatives enrolled them without their consent.

Records obtained by OAG show a Major Energy representative responding to a complainant saying, “I’ve worked here for a long time…I’ve heard some amazing lies, let me tell you.” In a separate instance, another Major Energy representative admitted the company receives a lot of complaints because of “misinformation” provided by the door-to-door representatives.

Major Energy serves customers in New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, the North Country, and Western New York.

Through her lawsuit — filed in New York County State Supreme Court — Attorney General James is seeking a permanent injunction to stop Major Energy’s misleading advertising and marketing practices, as well as restitution, disgorgement, penalties, and costs.

Today’s lawsuit is part of OAG’s long-standing, ongoing investigation of illegal practices by energy service companies (also known as ESCOs). Investigations into this industry have resulted in ESCOs paying millions of dollars in restitution and penalties. Over the last five years, OAG has recovered approximately $4.8 million in settlements from five ESCOs.

When purchasing gas and electricity, consumers have two choices: (1) buy directly from a utility company or (2) contract the purchase through an ESCO. ESCOs purchase energy on the open market and then resell it to consumers. Because ESCOs buy the electricity and gas from the same sources as the utility companies, there is no difference in the actual electricity and gas that is purchased by consumers, regardless of whether it is supplied by an ESCO or a consumer’s local utility.

Consumers can protect themselves from unscrupulous ESCOs by remembering the following tips:

• If you receive an offer for energy services, make sure you understand whether the offer is from your utility or an ESCO.
• You do not have to choose an ESCO to supply your gas or electricity. You may choose to use your utility as your direct supplier.
• Make sure you understand whether an ESCO contract involves a termination fee and, if so, find out the fee amount and the length of your contractual commitment.
• You have the right to cancel an ESCO contract with no obligation within three days if you change your mind.
• Before accepting any offer, ask the ESCO to show you how its rates have compared with your utility’s rates during each month in the past year. This can help you judge how competitive the ESCO’s rates have been in the past and might be in the future.
• If you are uncomfortable with how a salesperson behaves, end the conversation with a request to look over their offer in writing so that you can make a decision free of any pressure and after consulting with someone you trust.
• If you receive a notice that your service is being switched to an ESCO and you did not authorize the switch, contact the utility and the ESCO immediately to tell them to halt the switch. If you are unable to get an ESCO switch cancelled, contact the New York Public Service Commission at 1-888-697-7728 or file a complaint on their website.
• If you have any concerns about your interaction with or the business practices of an ESCO, contact the New York Attorney General's Office and submit a complaint on our website.

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ISSUES TRAVEL ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 20

 

Light rain transitions to snow Thursday morning with potential to impact the morning commute  

 

A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for NYC, in effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday  

 

Alternate Side Parking Regulations are suspended Thursday, January 20; parking meters remain in effect 

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Thursday, January 20. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for New York City, which is in effect from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. According to the latest forecast, light rain is expected late Wednesday night with a transition to light snow early Thursday morning through the early afternoon.  A light snowfall accumulation could result in snow-covered roads for the Thursday morning commute. A total of 2 inches of snow is expected with locally higher amounts possible. 

   

“As more snow heads our way, New Yorkers should prepare for slippery road conditions and a messy commute on Thursday,” said NYC Emergency Management Acting Commissioner Christina Farrell. “We urge New Yorkers to exercise caution. If you must travel, we encourage the use of mass transit and please allow for extra travel time.”  

     

“Rain-to-snow events such as this present unique challenges, and slick, icy roadways are possible at any time Thursday. We urge New Yorkers to stay off the roads, and to give plows and salt spreaders the space to do their jobs,” said New York City Department of Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson.   

   

The City’s Sanitation Department is pre-deploying over 700 salt spreaders to pretreat roadways ahead of the first snowflake and is prepared to dispatch plows in all sectors when more than two inches of snow accumulates.    

Safety Tips  

 

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation.    
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible.    
• Vehicles take longer to stop on snow and ice than on dry pavement.   
• Pedestrians should exercise caution and avoid slippery surfaces; some ice may not be visible. Wear sturdy boots that provide traction to reduce slipping. Use handrails when using stairs.    
• Take care when walking on snow and ice, especially if you are an older adult. Seniors should take extra care outdoors to avoid slips and falls.    
• Have heightened awareness of cars, particularly when approaching or crossing intersections.     

   

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.  

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - Albany, NY

 New Hospital Admissions (7-Day Average) Down 18.4% From Prior 7 days

New Cases (7-Day Average) Down 43.6% From Prior 7 Days

Cases Per 100k (7-Day Average) Declining in All Regions

165 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday 

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

"We are continuing to turn the corner against the winter surge thanks to New Yorkers getting vaccinated, boosted and masking up,” Governor Hochul said. "But we can't let our guard down and undo all of the progress we've made. Please keep wearing your masks and make sure you get your vaccination or booster as soon as possible.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported – 203,423
• Total Positive – 23,375
• Percent Positive – 11.49%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive – 14.27%
• Patient Hospitalization – 12,027 (+99)
• Patients Newly Admitted – 1,409
• Patients in ICU – 1,617 (+48)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation – 920 (+30)
• Total Discharges – 257,739 (+1,109)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 165
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS – 51,184

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 – 63,980

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 – 35,159,893
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours – 75,031
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days – 548,652
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose – 90.3%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series – 81.4%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 95.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 83.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose – 79.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series – 71.0%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 86.4%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 73.1%

Defendant Charged In $1.9 Million Covid-19 Fraud Scheme

 

Yohauris Rodriguez Hernandez Arrested for Participating in Scheme to Fraudulently Obtain COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), Daniel B. Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, New York Division of the United States Postal Inspection Service  (“USPIS”), and Sharon MacDermott, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (“SSA-OIG”), announced today the unsealing of a complaint charging YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit theft of government benefits, and aggravated identity theft in connection with a COVID-19 unemployment benefit scheme that attempted to steal more than $1.9 million from the New York State Department of Labor (“NYS DOL”) and various other states’ agencies tasked with the administration of unemployment benefits.  YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ was arrested this morning in Goshen, New York, and will be presented later today before United States Magistrate Judge Paul E. Davison.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “As alleged, the defendant participated in a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits under the names and social security numbers of at least 100 other people, which attempted to steal more than $1.9 million and resulted in the fraudulent disbursement of more than $500,000.  The defendant is now in custody and facing serious federal charges.”

DOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone said: “The Unemployment Insurance Program exists to provide needed assistance to qualified individuals who are unemployed due to no fault of their own.  Fraud against the Unemployment Insurance Program distracts state workforce agencies from ensuring benefits go to individuals who are eligible to receive them. The Office of Inspector General will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate those who exploit the Unemployment Insurance Program.”

USPIS Inspector in Charge Daniel B. Brubaker said: “This defendant allegedly took advantage of the urgent need to assist those struggling financially during the coronavirus pandemic; allegedly stealing identities and using those identities to file for unemployment benefits in a scheme to enrich their own lifestyle while others suffered. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners are committed to bring those to justice who break the law, and in this case justice has been served.”

SSA-OIG Special Agent in Charge Sharon MacDermott said: “Today’s arrest demonstrates that pursuing and prosecuting those who allegedly abuse the identities of innocent people and damage the integrity of the Social Security number for their own selfish gain remains a priority for us. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners, and I thank New York Department of Labor, Department of Labor, Office of the Inspector General, United States Postal Inspectors, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York Police Department, and the Yonkers Police Department for their efforts in this major investigation. I also thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office for pursuing justice in this case.”

As alleged in the Complaint:[1]

From February 2020 through December 2020, YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ and a co-conspirator (“CC-1”) engaged in a scheme to obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits through the fraudulent filing and verification of applications using the names and social security numbers of at least 100 other people.  Law enforcement agencies were first alerted to the scheme after YOHAURIS RODIRGUEZ HERNANDEZ and CC-1 fled a Yonkers hotel in December 2020 leaving behind in their previously occupied room over 500 pieces of NYS DOL mail containing information and NYS DOL-issued debit cards for approximately 76 individuals.  Over the course of the relevant time period, YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ and CC-1 exchanged text messages, images, and other communications that included, among other things, personal identifying information—such as names, social security numbers, and dates of birth—that were used in connection with the filing and verification of fraudulent applications for unemployment benefits.  The scheme resulted in fraudulent claims for approximately $1.9 million and the fraudulent disbursement of over $500,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.

YOHAURIS RODRIGUEZ HERNANDEZ, 40, is charged with (1) conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, (2) conspiracy to commit theft of government benefits, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, and (3) aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two-year consecuThe charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.tive sentence.  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 a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the DOL-OIG, the USPIS, the SSA-OIG, the NYS DOL, the City of Yonkers Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the New York City Police Department.  Mr. Williams noted that the investigation is ongoing.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

MAYOR ADAMS APPOINTS DAN GARODNICK AS CITY PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIR AND DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR, EDITH HSU-CHEN AS DEPARTMENT OF CITY PLANNING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

 

Today, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the appointment of Dan Garodnick as chair of the City Planning Commission (CPC) and director of the Department of City Planning (DCP) and Edith Hsu-Chen as executive director of DCP. Garodnick most recently served as president and CEO of the Riverside Park Conservancy. Hsu-Chen was most recently the Manhattan Borough Director for DCP. In their new roles, both will oversee and implement the mayor’s development agenda, promoting inclusive, equitable growth throughout the five boroughs and putting the city on a path toward robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. Both will report to Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.

 

“Dan Garodnick and Edith Hsu-Chen are tremendously talented public servants with a proven track record of advocating for working people,” said Mayor Adams. “I am proud to have them join our administration and look forward to working with them to create an economy that works for all New Yorkers.”

 

“I am honored to join Mayor Adams as we plan for a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future at this critical moment for New York City. Together, we will work with communities to foster inclusive growth, while welcoming innovation to create meaningful economic opportunities across the five boroughs,” said incoming City Planning Commission Chair and Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick.

“I am incredibly honored to be named Executive Director for the Department of City Planning. I have spent my career at DCP – a community where extraordinary professionals work side by side with the public to help build New York City’s brightest future.  I am thrilled to work alongside incoming City Planning Commissioner Dan Garodnick, and I thank him, Deputy Mayor Torres-Springer, and Mayor Adams for the faith they have placed in me and for the service to this city we will forge in the coming years,” said incoming Department of City Planning Executive Director Edith Hsu Chen.

 

“Dan Garodnick and Edith Hsu Chen are quintessential New Yorkers who bring a deep understanding of and love for neighborhoods across the city. We have an enormous responsibility to put people to work in family-sustaining jobs, build affordable homes, and create more resilient communities and that demands the type of visionary and empathetic leadership that both Dan and Edith embody.  I look forward to working with them to ensure we drive truly equitable growth and tackle our city’s toughest challenges head-on,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer.