BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 19 YEARS IN PRISON FOR FATALLY SHOOTING MAN IN WILLIAMSBRIDGE BARBERSHO

 

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to First-Degree Manslaughter

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison after pleading guilty to first-degree Manslaughter for fatally shooting a man in a barbershop in Williamsbridge in 2018.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant went inside a barbershop and shot the victim, whom he knew, multiple times. The defendant pleaded guilty to first-degree Manslaughter and will spend 19 years in prison for the fatal shooting.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Trafarrah Smith, AKA Tyson, 38, last of 4004 Bronx Boulevard, was sentenced today to 19 years in prison and five years of post-release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice James McCarty. The defendant pleaded guilty to firstdegree Manslaughter on January 21, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on April 17, 2018 at approximately 8:00 p.m., the defendant went up to Kevin Higgins, 40, inside the Ambience Unisex Salon on 3836 White Plains Road. Smith took out a gun and shot Higgins multiple times, striking him in the torso and leg. At some point during the incident, the victim and defendant struggled over the gun and the defendant sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Smith fled from the barbershop and was arrested across the street from where the incident happened shortly after. Police Officers recovered a revolver on the ground near where the defendant was apprehended. The victim made his way out of the barbershop and collapsed on the street. He was taken to Montefiore Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Patrick Sullivan of the Bronx Homicide Task Force for his assistance in the investigation.

Attorney General James Sues Couple for Embezzling $1 Million in Charity Funds

 

Former H.O.M.E. Inc, Executive Director Shirley Goddard and Her Husband Diverted Nearly $1 Million Over 6 Years

 New York Attorney General Letitia James continued her efforts to combat fraud in charitable organizations by filing a civil complaint against Shirley Goddard, the former executive director and Board Chair of the Humanitarian Organization for Multicultural Experiences, Inc. (H.O.M.E.) and her husband Tyrone Goddard. Between 2012 and 2018, Mrs. Goddard improperly diverted or misused nearly a million dollars in H.O.M.E.’s charitable assets for her personal gain. Mr. Goddard, the former board chair, was aware of and helped to conceal his wife’s unlawful conduct. The money that the Goddards stole hindered H.O.M.E.’s ability to fulfill its mission to provide critical services to individuals with developmental disabilities in the Syracuse area.

Today’s complaint seeks restitution of the funds that were diverted from H.O.M.E., as well as a permanent bar on any fiduciary role for Shirley or Tyrone Goddard in any New York charitable organization.

“Stealing funds that are used to help developmentally disabled individuals is cruel and goes against everything that we stand for as New Yorkers,” said Attorney General James. “Our communities have faith that our charities will help them through their struggles, and our charities must be stable, honest, and ethical in order to do so. Today’s lawsuit demonstrates my commitment to pursue wrongdoers who take advantage of charities and the vulnerable communities they serve.”

In May 2018, the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) referred the matter to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) when an audit uncovered financial improprieties and suspected theft of funds from H.O.M.E. The OAG’s subsequent investigation found that over the course of 6 years, Mrs. Goddard falsified loans to clients, manipulated expense reimbursements, and took overpayments of her salary. Through unauthorized phone transfers, cash withdrawals, and ATM transactions, she embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars. Mr. Goddard became aware of his wife’s theft by 2013, and rather than take action to stop the misconduct, he assisted in his wife’s effort to conceal the embezzlement.

To account for the financial inconsistencies, the Complaint alleges that the Goddards falsely claimed that funds missing from H.O.M.E.'s accounts were due to errors by H.O.M.E.’s bank — Bank of America — which they claimed was investigating the matter over a period of years. The couple would periodically make payments back into the H.O.M.E. accounts which bolstered the “bank error” story by making it appear that the bank was correcting the errors. The Complaint also alleges that Mrs. Goddard created fake letters from the bank that claimed to support the bank error investigation, and that she falsified bank statements and provided them to OPWDD. The Goddards further deceived the H.O.M.E. Board and the organization’s outside auditors by advising that they had visited the bank to address the problem and the bank would be repaying the missing funds.

At around November 2018, H.O.M.E. terminated Mrs. Goddard as executive director. Mr. Goddard, who was a chairman of the H.O.M.E  Board, resigned at the same time.

Today’s complaint seeks full restitution of the charitable assets that were diverted from H.O.M.E. as a result of the Goddards’ actions. The amount of restitution will be determined at trial and is currently estimated to be between $650,000 and approximately $900,000. To protect the integrity of New York charities, Attorney General James is also seeking a permanent bar prohibiting the Goddards from holding any fiduciary role in a charitable or nonprofit organization operating in New York.

A complaint is merely an accusation; the defendants have the right to contest the allegations of a complaint at a civil trial, and the attorney general has the burden of proving each of these allegations at trial by the preponderance of the evidence.  

Governor Hochul Attends Performance of Six and Delivers Welcoming Remarks

 

Governor Kathy Hochul attended a performance of Six at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre and delivered welcoming remarks.

 Welcome to the Queendom of New York!

Hello everyone, I know that, that none of you paid your money to hear a politician speak, unless you thought you were in Hamilton by mistake. So we're good. Right? I am here just to thank you. Thank you for becoming part of New York's greatest comeback ever. By showing up and supporting Broadway, and supporting the amazing cast of Six, the fans, the whole crew, thank you for being part of this.

Welcome, you're going to enjoy the show! Thank you very much everyone.

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 2/14/22-2/18/22

 

Dear Community,

On Saturday, I was incredibly proud to host a rally in the Garment District to advocate for the passage of my bill with Assemblymember Anna Kelles, the Fashion Sustainability and Social Accountability Act (S7428/A8352). This bill would require fashion retailers and manufacturers that conduct business in New York to map their supply chains, disclose environmental and social impacts, and set targets in accordance with Science Based Targets— regulating the fashion industry in a way that’s never been done before in the US. Ultimately, this bill will allow us to build a sustainable, thriving fashion industry that prioritizes people and the planet over profits. 

I’d especially like to thank Assemblymember Anna Kelles, Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, State Senator Brad Hoylman, the New Standard Fashion Institute, members of our Fashion Act coalition, and advocates for joining us for this incredible rally. If we are to truly transform the fashion industry and hold it accountable for its impact on people and the planet, then we must work together to pass this crucial legislation. 

To learn more about the Fashion Act or to get involved with our coalition, visit our website here. 

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Two Town Halls: Energy Relief & Climate Change, and I won't be interviewed by the COOP-CUTY News reporter about my trip to the Southern Border

 

Say NO to Congressman Bowman, unless he says Yes to be interviewed by the COOP-City News on his trip to the Southern Border last year.

Dear neighbor,  Do you want to meet with neighbors in your community to ask me about my work in Congress?  Say NO to Congressman  Bowman, what are you hiding from us?   By selecting “Yes” or “No” and answering this survey you will automatically sign-up to our email opt-in list to receive further updates Addressing your concerns and keeping you informed is my top priority. That’s why I’m inviting you to join me for two town halls next week: one on energy bill assistance and the next on environmental issues.   On Tuesday, February 22nd at 6:00 p.m. my team and I are hosting a webinar to discuss heating and cooling resources to combat increasing energy and utility costs. Like you, we are very concerned about the sudden rise of costs in heating and cooling. I’d like to share more about how the federal government can help you.  To join please RSVP here: bit.ly/NYWARM If your heating bill spiked tremendously recently, please know that you can file a complaint with the NY Department of Public Service. Click here for more information.  Then, on Wednesday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. I’m joining the New York League of Conservation Voters. We’re welcoming you into a space to learn more about Build Back Better, local issues and how we can continue making our district a place for all neighbors to thrive.  To join the town hall please RSVP here: bit.ly/JBLCVTownHall If you have any questions and/or concerns please do not hesitate to reach out as well. I look forward to having you join me and continuing to serve you. Peace and love, Congressman Jamaal Bowman (NY-16)

New Yorkers for Parks - Time to Fix Our Capital Process #BuildBackFasterNYC

 

New Yorkers for Parks

It's Time to Fix NYC's Capital Process

Over the past year both Mayor Adams and leaders in the City Council have recognized parks as critical infrastructure and voiced their commitment to increase expense funding for parks to 1% of NYC's budget. As we continue to push our elected officials on this investment in our city, we also have a unique opportunity to SAVE money while ensuring New Yorkers have access to and enjoy existing and new public assets faster.

We must finally fix the City’s broken capital construction process.

The capital process across agencies is in dire need of reform. From design to procurement to construction, NYC’s public process for funding crucial infrastructure improvements takes longer and costs exponentially more than it should. The average timeline to complete a typical park or library project is 7 to 8 years! 

New Yorkers for Parks and Center for an Urban Future are proud to kick off a new campaign, Build Back Faster NYC. We’re calling on the Adams administration and the City Council to implement reforms that will help NYC reduce the average time it takes to build and repair infrastructure by 25% — or about two years per project. 

Cutting the red tape in NYC’s capital process is a goal worth fighting for. The savings would top $800 million over the next five years. That’s enough to pay for 150 full-time parks workers, fund 1,300 miles of protected bike lanes, or clear nearly all the state-of-good-repair needs across the city’s three library systems.

How do we get there and what does reform look like?

CUF’s report, Stretching NYC’s Capital Dollars outlines a multitude of implementable reforms that can fix this issue. To jump start that process, we are calling for two immediate actions:

First, we want to see Mayor Adams call on all the agencies and entities with an oversight role in the capital process to deliver a strategic blueprint detailing steps to reduce project durations by 25%. That includes the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and City Law Department, along with the Department of Design and Construction (DDC), the Department of Buildings (DOB), the Procurement Policy Board, the Comptroller, the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and beyond. While recent improvements at DDC and DPR are encouraging, major progress can only be achieved with every agency at the table.

Second, we’re calling for the City council to flex its authority to enact change. The Finance, Contracts, and Oversight committees should organize a hearing that is focused on capital process inefficiencies across agencies and opportunities for change. 

We’re going to need your help to make it all happen.

Now is the time for a recovery that’s not just bold but smart, to build back not only better but more efficiently. Please stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved in this effort as we provide updates on our work and progress in the coming weeks.

Best,

Adam Ganser, Executive Director at New Yorkers for Parks

Jonathan Bowles, Executive Director at Center for an Urban Future

#BuildBackFasterNYC 

 P.S. Check out the op-ed we co-authored on this issue back in April 2021 in the New York Daily News: 

Building big without breaking the bank: How New York City should fix a broken capital construction process 

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on State's Progress Combating COVID-19 - FEBRUARY 18, 2022

Nearly 40% Drop in New Cases Over Past Week

COVID-19 Hospitalizations Under 3,000 - Lowest Since November 28

Over 30% Drop in New Hospital Admissions Over Past Week

Hospitalizations Declined Across All Regions Over Past Week

42 COVID-19 Deaths Statewide Yesterday  

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

“We are seeing continued positive trends in the data, with cases and hospitalizations decreasing and vaccinations increasing,” Governor Hochul said. “It is important that New Yorkers continue to work together to fight this virus. Our best weapon is the vaccine, so if you haven’t, get your shot today and make sure to consult your child’s pediatrician about them getting their shot as well.”

Today's data is summarized briefly below:   

• Test Results Reported - 186,104
• Total Positive - 4,847
• Percent Positive - 2.60%
• 7-Day Average Percent Positive - 2.50%  
• Patient Hospitalization - 2,876 (-189) 
• Patients Newly Admitted – 339  
• Patients in ICU - 490 (-7)
• Patients in ICU with Intubation - 288 (-2)  
• Total Discharges - 282,833 (+423)  
• New deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 42 
• Total deaths reported by healthcare facilities through HERDS - 54,372

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 - 68,628 

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 - 36,669,966
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 24 hours - 48,900
• Total vaccine doses administered over past 7 days - 281,233
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with at least one vaccine dose - 91.5%   
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 18 and older with completed vaccine series - 82.7%
• 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) - 85.3% 
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) – 81.0%
• Percent of New Yorkers ages 12-17 with completed vaccine series (CDC) - 70.9%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose - 80.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series - 72.8%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with at least one vaccine dose (CDC) - 88.5%
• Percent of all New Yorkers with completed vaccine series (CDC) – 75.1%

Recidivist Defendant Charged In Connection With Fraudulent Eyewear Website For The Third Time

 

 Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Darnell D. Edwards, Acting Inspector in Charge of the New York Office of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (“USPIS”), announced the arrest of VITALY BORKER, the operator of “EyeglassesDepot.com,” an online retailer of purported designer eyewear.  BORKER was arrested pursuant to a complaint charging him with mail and wire fraud and aggravated identity theft in connection with a scheme to defraud customers by misrepresenting the authenticity and condition of eyeglasses sold through the website.  BORKER was arrested this morning and will be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Upon Vitaly Borker’s second conviction by this Office for fraud-related offenses, my predecessor posed the rhetorical question of whether ‘federal prison will impress upon this shady businessman that seeking to make money by fraud and intimidation is a path to prison...’ Apparently, it has not. As alleged, just after his release from federal prison, serial fraudster Vitaly Borker reverted back to his illegal conduct connected to online eyewear businesses.”

USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Edwards said: “Mr. Borker is allegedly up to his old tricks of bilking those looking for online eyewear. Make no mistake, each time Mr. Borker breaks the law, Postal Inspectors have no problem with bringing him to justice for his continued criminal activity.”

As alleged in the Complaint unsealed today[1]:

Beginning in at least June 2020, after being released from federal custody and entering a Residential Reentry Center, VITALY BORKER operated an eyewear sales and repair services website called EyeglassesDepot.com.  EyeglassesDepot.com claims, among other things, that it sells “brand new and 100% authentic designer eyeglasses and sunglasses” and that it has “thousands of pairs of glasses in stock…ready for shipping as early as TODAY.”  In truth, however, the eyewear sold to customers of EyeglassesDepot.com was often used and/or counterfeit.  Rather than carrying a large inventory of “brand new and 100% authentic eyewear,” EyeglassesDepot.com filled its customers’ orders by purchasing comparable items on a third-party online marketplace (the “Marketplace”).  The eyewear purchased by EyeglassesDepot.com from the Marketplace was often used and/or counterfeit, but EyeglassesDepot.com passed off the glasses as new and authentic.  In addition, while EyeglassesDepot.com claims to be a “leader in the repair of sunglasses and eyeglasses” and able to “fit any eyeglasses or sunglasses with your custom prescriptions,” customers who sent eyewear to EyeglassesDepot.com either did not have their eyewear repaired at all and/or otherwise received unsatisfactory work.

In order to conceal his role in operating EyeglassesDepot.com, BORKER – who has twice previously been convicted in this District of crimes relating to his operation of eyewear websites – assumed the identities of two other individuals in connection with the operation of EyeglassesDepot.com.

BORKER, 45, of Brooklyn, New York, is charged with mail fraud and wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a additional mandatory consecutive two year sentence.  The maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of these defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the USPIS.

As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.