Two Bronx Men Charged With 2014 Harlem Murder

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Timothy Foley, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New York Division (“DEA”), and Ricky J. Patel, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Department of Homeland Security (“HSI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that CARLOS LAUREANO, a/k/a “Gordo,” and NNANDI BEN-JOCHANNAN, a/k/a “BJ,” were charged with the August 12, 2014 murder of Luis Perez in Harlem. LAUREANO and BEN-JOCHANNAN were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court. The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Paul A. Crotty.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Carlos Laureano and Nnandi Ben-Jochannan allegedly participated in the premeditated murder of Luis Perez over eight years ago in connection with a drug debt. Now, thanks to the hard work of the DEA and NYPD, the defendants have been charged for this heinous crime. We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the family of Luis Perez and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”

Acting DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley said:  “Drugs and violence are a constant threat to the quality of life for New Yorkers.   This investigation demonstrates DEA and our law enforcement partners’ resolve to bring justice to victims of violence and to identify and disrupt the drug trafficking organizations that spread poison throughout our neighborhoods.”

Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of HSI New York Ricky Patel said: “Communities are being terrorized and the uptick in violent crime has instilled fear across New York City.  Today’s arrest for a 2014 unsolved murder is a testament to HSI New York’s commitment to protect the public from highly addictive and often deadly drugs, and rid our communities of those who perpetrate street violence and murder. The partnership that HSI shares within the OCDETF Strikeforce in New York City is crucial to combat the distribution of narcotics that often leads to extreme violence, overdoses, and loss of life.  HSI will continue to pursue organized criminal networks to make neighborhoods in New York City safer.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said: “This case involves a homicide from 2014. What this case highlights is that neither investigative challenges nor the passage of time will deter us from pursuing justice. We long ago learned that narcotics and guns, money and murder go hand-in-hand to bring fear to communities. The joint efforts of federal and state prosecutors and investigators in this case are yet another example that we will be relentless to end this violence”

According to the allegations in the indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

On or about August 12, 2014, in the vicinity of 501 West 147th Street in Harlem, New York, LAUREANO and BEN-JOCHANNAN shot and killed Perez in connection with a conspiracy to distribute heroin and marijuana.

LAUREANO, 33, and BEN-JOCHANNAN, 28, both of the Bronx, New York, are charged with one count of using a firearm to commit murder during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years in prison; and one count of murder in connection with a drug crime, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison.

LAUREANO is also charged with one count of conspiring to distribute narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of ten years in prison; and one count of possessing a firearm during a drug-trafficking crime, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison, and a mandatory minimum term of five years, which must run consecutively to any other sentence imposed.

The maximum and minimum 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.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA, HSI, and NYPD. He also thanked the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for its assistance.

The charges contained in the Indictment 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 indictment and the description of the indictment set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James Sues Precious Metals Company and Owner for Defrauding Seniors Out of $68 Million

 

Safeguard Metals Charged Exorbitant and Deceptive Markup on Silver Coins

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today filed a lawsuit against a precious metals company — Safeguard Metals LLC — and its owner and manager, Jeffrey Santulan, also known as Jeffrey Hill, for defrauding investors, including many seniors, across New York and the nation. The lawsuit, filed by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and a bipartisan coalition of 27 states, alleges that Safeguard Metals deceived nearly 450 investors nationwide by fraudulently soliciting nearly $68 million for precious metals and misrepresenting its exorbitant fees charged to investors.

“These investors may have been sold on the comfort of investing in precious metals, but Safeguard Metals tarnished their dreams,” said Attorney General James. “Today, we are holding Safeguard Metals accountable for its shameful conduct that preyed on older New Yorkers and robbed them of a worry-free retirement. Companies’ peddling in lies and deception for profit at the expense of hardworking New Yorkers will not be tolerated. New Yorkers can trust that my office is fully committed to protecting their wallets from fraudsters like Safeguard Metals.”

The lawsuit — filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California — claims that the California-based firm and its owner and manager targeted elderly investors through online advertisements as well as on social media and lured them into transferring funds from their traditional individual retirement accounts (IRA) into self-directed IRAs. The company misrepresented the markups it charged investors on precious metals. These charges resulted in instant and substantial losses, with many investors losing a large portion of their investment funds immediately upon completing the transaction. The complaint alleges that Safeguard Metals and Jeffrey Santulan violated the Commodity Exchange Act.

Attorney General James’ action today follows an announcement earlier this year that her office secured $6 million from precious metals dealer Lear Capital, Inc. (Lear) and its founder, Kevin DeMeritt. In her lawsuit against Lear, Attorney General James alleged that the company persuaded investors — including many elderly residents of Western New York who were seeking to protect their retirement savings — to invest tens of millions in precious metals by fraudulently concealing millions of dollars in commissions the company charged investors.  As part of the consent order resolving the lawsuit, Lear will modify its business practices in New York in addition to making the $6 million payment. The funds will be distributed to eligible New York customers harmed by Lear’s misconduct.

The Office of the New York Attorney General (OAG) encourages any investors who suspect they have been targeted by precious metals investment schemes to come forward by contacting the office’s Investor Protection Bureau by emailing Investor.Complaints@ag.ny.gov.

Joining Attorney General James and the CFTC in filing today’s lawsuit are securities and financial regulators and the attorneys general from various states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 1, 2022

92% Drop in Covid-19 Cases from January 7 Peak

43% Drop in Statewide COVID-19 Hospitalization from January 12 Peak

122 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday

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

"I'm so proud of the hard work New Yorkers have put in to fight this winter surge, "Governor Kathy Hochul said. "Just like the snow is melting, hopefully these numbers continue to melt away as well, but we can't get complacent. If you haven't, go get vaccinated or boosted as soon as possible and wear your mask indoors to ensure we can continue this declining trend." 

Today's data is summarized briefly below: 

• Test Results Reported - 120,322
• Total Positive - 7,119
• Percent Positive - 5.92%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 6.27%
• Patient Hospitalization - 7,131 (-60) 
• Patients Newly Admitted - 580
• Patients in ICU - 1140 (-21)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 667 (-34)
• Total Discharges - 272,871 (+476)
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 122
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 53,088

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 - 66,319

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 - 35,934,978
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 40,603
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 371,768
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 90.9%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.0%
• 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) - 84.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.2%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 71.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 87.6%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 74.1% 

Bronx Dems - In Memory of Venancio "Benny" Catala, Jr.

 

In Memory of Venancio "Benny" Catala, Jr. Bronx Democratic Party | 1954 Williamsbridge Road, Bx. NY 10461

Three Defendants Arrested For Operating Narcotics Delivery Service Responsible For Three Overdose Deaths From Fentanyl-Laced Cocaine

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Tim Foley, the Acting Special Agent-in-Charge of the New York Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), and Keechant Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that BILLY ORTEGA, a/k/a “Jason,” and KAYLEN RAINEY were charged in a criminal complaint unsealed today in Manhattan federal court with narcotics conspiracy resulting in the deaths of Julia Ghahramani, Ross Mtangi, and Amanda Scher in Manhattan, New York.  WILLIAM DRAYTON was also charged in the complaint as a member of the conspiracy.  ORTEGA, RAINEY, and DRAYTON, were arrested today and will be presented this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “As alleged, the defendants operated an on-demand delivery service for the distribution of highly addictive and dangerous drugs.  The cocaine distributed by defendants Ortega and Rainey on behalf of their delivery service was laced with the deadly synthetic opioid fentanyl, and as alleged, caused the deaths of three victims on a single day.  Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, the defendants’ deadly delivery service is out of business.”       

NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell said: “As this federal complaint makes clear, our NYPD investigators will stop at nothing in their work to arrest anyone accused of selling illegal, fentanyl-laced narcotics without regard for their deadly consequences. I would like to thank the United States Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of New York, and all of our law enforcement partners, for achieving a measure of justice in this important case.”

DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Timothy Foley said:  “Allegedly, through this illegal drug distribution network, death was delivered to New Yorkers.  Fentanyl has added additional danger to recreational drug use.  DEA will continue to investigate those responsible for distributing illegal drugs throughout our communities in an effort to save lives.” 

According to the allegations in the complaint[1]:

From at least in or about 2020 to at least in or about 2021, ORTEGA, RAINEY, and DRAYTON operated a narcotics delivery service (the “Delivery Service”) in the New York City area.  ORTEGA was the central contact who, like a dispatcher, coordinated narcotics deliveries with his couriers and his customers.   RAINEY and DRAYTON were two of ORTEGA’s drug couriers.  In the course of a single day – March 17, 2021 – RAINEY, after being dispatched by ORTEGA, delivered fentanyl-laced cocaine to Ghahramani, Mtangi, and Scher at three separate locations in Manhattan.  All three victims died after consuming the drugs distributed by ORTEGA and RAINEY.  DRAYTON was another courier who delivered narcotics to Ghahramani and others, on other occasions, on behalf of the Delivery Service.

BILLY ORTEGA, 35, of West Milford, New Jersey; KAYLEN RAINEY, 30, of Manhattan, New York; and WILLIAM DRAYTON, 30, of Hackensack, New Jersey, are each charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and cocaine.  ORTEGA and RAINEY are also charged with causing the deaths of the three victims in connection with the narcotics conspiracy, with carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) New York Strike Force, and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (“HIDTA”) Intelligence Analysts for their support and assistance in this matter.  The OCDETF New York Strike Force is a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies supported by OCDETF and HIDTA.  The Strike Force is affiliated with the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, NYPD, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department, and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.  Mr. Williams also thanked the West Milford Police Department for their invaluable assistance in this case.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are 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, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

MAYOR ADAMS’ STATEMENT ON BLACK HISTORY MONTH

 

 New York City Mayor Eric Adams today released the following statement in recognition of the start of Black History Month:

“This Black History Month we honor those who sacrificed their lives and livelihoods to pave a path for all to walk on. As we reflect on those before us, we must be sure to honor those among us. Black history is American history, and it’s made every day. In New York City we are making history every day – recently celebrating our first Black speaker of the City Council and the first Black district attorney in Manhattan.

“As we look at Black history through the lens of Black Health and Wellness, we must recognize the disproportionate number of maternal deaths among Black women and a lack of African American access to health care. That’s why city agencies are working to address maternal and infant health disparities by funding community-based programs, like doulas, and ensuring a safe and respectful birthing process. Racial inequities are driven by historical injustices against Black women and other women of color, exposing them to residential segregation, poor housing, intimate partner violence, and limited access to healthy food and exercise. We will continue to fight for an equitable health care system that is understanding and accessible.

“Black history is the collective effort of those willing to make a difference. It’s the mothers and fathers that sacrificed, the preachers that marched, and the young people that exercised their right to vote. We owe our progress to those who had the courage to blaze a trail and create change. Everyone can do the same as long as they continue to push forward.”

Senator Alessandra Biaggi - COVID Test And Mask Distributions on February 2nd

 

Dear Community, 

I want to inform you all about a series of free at-home COVID-19 test and mask distributions hosted by my office in Throggs Neck and City Island this Wednesday, February 2nd. We will be providing at-home COVID-19 tests and masks at the following locations at the following times. 

• Throggs Neck - 3800 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465 - 5:30-6:30 PM
• City Island - 550 City Island Avenue, Bronx, NY 10464 - 7:00-8:00 PM

Supplies are extremely limited, and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me and my office at biaggi@nysenate.gov or by calling our office at 718-822-2049. 

With Gratitude, 

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Governor Hochul and New York State Department of Health Announce an Expert Consortium to Address Long COVID

 

Educational Symposium Brings Together Public Health Experts and Patient Advocates to Inform the State’s Response to Identifying and Treating Long COVID

The Virtual Event Will be Open to the Public and Take Place Thursday, Feb. 3 from 8:45 AM – 2:30 PM

Register for the Free Event Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced New York State, led by the State’s Department of Health, will be hosting an expert panel on long COVID on Thursday, February 3. The event will be hosted by State Health Commissioner, Dr. Mary T. Bassett, and consist of three panels featuring the research, clinical, and functional aspects of this critical public health challenge.

“As New York continues its battle against COVID-19, we are taking action to address the impacts of Long COVID, which include a wide range of symptoms that continue to adversely affect the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is convening a panel of the foremost experts in public health – the first event of its kind for the State – to gather information, pinpoint challenges and create solutions to provide New Yorkers with the treatment, support and resources they need to recover. I applaud our partners at the Department of Health and NYC Health + Hospitals for their continued efforts to help ensure we are leading the nation in our fight against Long COVID.”  

The forum will include specialists, clinicians, social scientists, advocates, and other stakeholders to share their experience, expertise, and insights. The discussion and findings will inform the State’s response to long COVID—including policy, regulatory, and program considerations—to support impacted New Yorkers as well as the healthcare providers who care for them.

State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said, “Analyzing the challenges brought by COVID-19 today enables us to create solutions for New Yorkers tomorrow. In the first event of its kind for the State, the Department is bringing together public health leaders, survivors, and advocates to address long COVID for patients and providers alike. Since this novel virus first arrived in the United States, with New York being one of its first and hardest-hitting stops, the State Department of Health has been committed to identifying and developing a comprehensive response to long COVID.”

A proportion of New Yorkers who have previously been infected with COVID-19 continue to experience a wide range of physical, mental, emotional, and psychological symptoms that affect their daily lives. Symptoms associated with long COVID can vary widely, from cardiovascular symptoms like heart palpitations to difficulty breathing and excessive fatigue and can include difficulty concentrating or other psychological symptoms.

Long COVID symptoms can also occur even if the initial COVID illness is not severe and can last for months or even a year. While scientists are still working to understand long COVID, the State is committed to bringing together a wide range of health specialists and scientists to formulate a meaningful response to address this phenomena. On Jan. 26, Governor Hochul announced New York State is offering new, online educational opportunities to help workers who believe they contracted COVID-19 due to an exposure at work, especially those suffering from ongoing long-haul symptoms. This new event builds on these efforts.

The free event will be held virtually and open to the public. It will take place from 8:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The symposium will feature three separate panel discussions throughout the day. The event schedule is below:

• 8:45 am – 9:00 am: Introduction from State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett
• 9:00 am – 10:30 am: A premier research panel who will further define what is currently known including epidemiological aspects of the condition, biological causes, groups most severely affected, and current research efforts.
• 11:00 am – 12:30 pm: An expert clinical care panel will discuss the various clinical manifestations and presentations of long COVID, risk factors, and treatment guidelines in various populations and settings across age, race/ethnicity, and geography.
• 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm: A integrated panel focusing on policy and functional outcomes will provide recommendations for policies, programs, and initiatives that NYS can use as a framework to address long COVID and aid in the physical, social, and psychological recovery of individuals impacted by long COVID.

New Yorkers can register for the free virtual event here.