Man Charged in Sales of Nearly 50 Pounds of Crystal Meth in Manhattan and Queens

 

Drugs transported from Atlanta, Ga. carried a street value of over $2 million

A North Carolina man is charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree for allegedly selling 22 kilograms (over 48 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine in Manhattan and Queens during an undercover investigation. 

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Frank A. Tarentino III, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) New York Division, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and New York State Police Superintendent Kevin P. Bruen announced the arrest following the arraignment of ANDRADE-MORA in Manhattan Criminal Court last night. 

The investigation was conducted by the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s (SNP) Investigators Unit and DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF), Group T-23, which is comprised of agents and officers with the DEA New York Division, the NYPD and the New York State Police. 

JUVENAL ANDRADE-MORA was arrested on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at approximately 12:35 p.m. in the vicinity of 539 West 155th Street in Manhattan and is charged in a criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor. 

In the days leading up to his arrest, ANDRADE-MORA travelled to New York City from North Carolina and allegedly met with an undercover officer on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 12:40 p.m. at 72-12 Northern Boulevard in Flushing, Queens. ANDRADE-MORA allegedly provided the undercover with one kilogram of crystal meth wrapped inside a green sweatshirt. 

ANDRADE-MORA and the undercover arranged for a second meeting and the sale of an additional 19 kilograms of crystal meth for a wholesale price of $11,000 per kilogram, or a combined $220,000. 

Agents and officers used electronic surveillance to track ANDRADE-MORA as he returned to North Carolina by bus, and then traveled to Atlanta, Ga. On May 11, ANDRADE-MORA returned to New York.  

That day, at approximately 12:35 p.m., ANDRADE-MORA allegedly met with the undercover on West 155th Street in Manhattan, and directed the undercover to a black suitcase in front of 575 West 155th Street, indicating that the drugs were inside the suitcase. The undercover retrieved the bag, and members of SNP’s Investigators Unit and NYDETF Group T-23 arrested ANDRADE-MORA. 

The suitcase contained two plastic bags, each with several plastic bags inside containing a white, crystal-like substance. The packages weighed approximately 21 kilograms. Field-testing indicated the substance is crystal methamphetamine. Laboratory test results are pending. Investigators believe the crystal meth originated in Mexico. The street value of the drugs is estimated at over $2 million. 

ANDRADE-MORA was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and released without bail being set. Under current New York State law, he could not be charged with a bail eligible offense. Methamphetamine is categorized as a controlled substance, but not a narcotic drug. Regardless of the amount of methamphetamine sold or possessed, and regardless of a defendant’s lack of connections to New York State, under current law judges may not set bail on cases involving only methamphetamine.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr. and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, and commended her office’s Investigators Unit and Special Investigations Bureau, and the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, including the DEA New York Division, the NYPD and the New York State Police, for their work on the investigation.

“Methamphetamine, a synthetic drug, is a potentially lethal stimulant, which is driving up overdose deaths across the country, according to federal health officials. The increased volume of methamphetamine coming into our city is astonishing, most of it produced in Mexico. Once here, it is mixed with other dangerous drugs and pressed into counterfeit pills. We work tirelessly with law enforcement partners to intercept it at the highest levels, and will work with the state legislature to make sure we have every tool at our disposal to protect New Yorkers from this deadly drug,” said Special Prosecutor Brennan.

"Illegal drugs like the ones seized in this investigation poison our communities and destroy lives," said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. "Our department works day and night to rid our streets of these toxins, and we vow to bring anyone who peddles them to justice. I want to thank the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York, the DEA New York Division, the New York State Police, and all of our law enforcement partners for their outstanding work on this case."   

The charges and allegations are merely accusations and the defendants is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Governor Hochul Announces Complaint Filed Against Amazon

 

NYS Division of Human Rights Alleges Pregnancy and Disability Discrimination at Amazon Worksites

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the New York State Division of Human Rights has filed a complaint against Amazon, Inc. alleging the company engages in discrimination against pregnant workers and workers with disabilities by denying them reasonable accommodations. The Division also alleges that Amazon has policies that force pregnant workers and workers with disabilities to take an unpaid leave of absence rather than allowing them to work with a reasonable accommodation.  

"My administration will hold any employer accountable, regardless of how big or small, if they do not treat their workers with the dignity and respect they deserve," Governor Hochul said. "New York has the strongest worker protections in the nation and was one of the first to have protections for workers who are pregnant and those with disabilities. Working men and women are the backbone of New York and we will continue to take a stand against any injustice they face."  

The New York State Human Rights Law requires that all employers, upon request, reasonably accommodate workers with disabilities or pregnancy-related conditions. This can include modification of job duties that allow an employee to perform the essential functions of their jobs. Amazon, which operates 23 worksites with over 39,000 workers across New York State, employs in-house "Accommodation Consultants" to evaluate such requests and recommend appropriate action. The Division alleges that Amazon's policy of allowing worksite managers to override the recommendations made by the Accommodations Consultant have caused Amazon employees to be denied reasonable accommodations for their disabilities and pregnancy-related conditions.  

The Division further alleges that under Amazon's accommodation policy, employees with disabilities are forced to take unpaid medical leave even in situations where the Accommodation Consultant has identified a reasonable accommodation that would allow the employee to perform the essential functions of their position without an undue burden. The policy or practice of forcing employees to take an unpaid medical leave of absence diminishes the terms and conditions of employment for employees with disabilities and is against the Human Rights Law.  

Division of Human Rights Deputy Commissioner for Enforcement Melissa Franco said, "Since the 1970s - years before the Americans with Disabilities Act - New York State has prohibited discrimination against pregnant employees in the workplace. The Division will work to ensure that everyone in our state is fully afforded the rights and dignities that the law requires."  

In its complaint, the Division alleges a pregnant worker requested and was approved to receive a reasonable accommodation to avoid lifting packages over 25 pounds. However, the worksite manager refused to follow the accommodation - forcing the worker to continue lifting heavy packages. Despite internal complaints about the lack of accommodation, Amazon took no action to ensure the needed change was carried out and the pregnant worker suffered an injury while lifting heavy packages. Subsequently, the worker required further accommodations as a result of the injury. Amazon denied the request and forced the pregnant worker into indefinite unpaid leave. 

The Division alleges that another Amazon worker was improperly denied when they requested a modified work schedule due to a documented disability. The worker's condition necessitated a specific sleep schedule and the worker submitted supporting medical documentation with the request. Prior to the request, the worker had been swapping shifts with a coworker to accommodate this condition without objections from management. Amazon's Accommodations Consultant recommended that the worker be given the requested modified work schedule. However, the worksite manager refused to implement the accommodation without offering any explanation. The Accommodations Consultant did not challenge the manager's refusal. Rather, the Accommodations Consultant reversed their recommendation and denied the request citing a lack of a qualifying condition - despite the medical documentation they had previously received.

In another instance from the Division's complaint, the agency alleges that a worker who requested a reduction of work hours due to disability was denied an accommodation, despite initial approval by an Accommodations Consultant. The Amazon worksite manager refused to change the worker's schedule even after several weeks of correspondence with the Accommodations Consultant. Eventually, Amazon determined that the request was not supported by sufficient medical documentation. Rather than continuing a dialogue with the worker to obtain appropriate medical documentation as New York State law requires, Amazon denied the request and closed the matter.  

The Division's complaint seeks a decision requiring Amazon to cease its discriminatory conduct, adopt non-discriminatory policies and practices regarding the review of requests for reasonable accommodations, train its employees on the provisions of the Human Rights Law, and pay civil fines and penalties to the State of New York.   

The Division of Human Rights is empowered by law to investigate and prosecute systematic patterns of discrimination through their Division Initiated Action Unit. This Unit can, upon its own motion, initiate investigations and file complaints alleging violations of the state anti-discrimination law. Once filed, a separate unit within the Division investigates the complaint and issues findings. Complaints that are found to have probable cause are then set for an administrative hearing before the Division's Hearings Unit. Although the complaint is a private document, the Division's final determination on the complaint will be available to the public. For more information on the Division of Human Rights' process visit www.dhr.ny.gov.  

Permits Filed For 608 East Fordham Road In Belmont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 608 East Fordham Road in Belmont, The Bronx. Located between Arthur and Hughes Avenues, the lot is closest to the Fordham Road subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Vijay Gogia of Sky Blu Holdings LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 85-foot-tall development will yield 47,750 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 59 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 809 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 40-foot-long rear yard, and 30 open parking spaces.

Lester Katz of BDF Architecture is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

BRONX TEEN INDICTED FOR MURDER OF ANGELLYH YAMBO AND WOUNDING OF TWO TEENS AS THEY WALKED HOME FROM SCHOOL

 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx teen has been indicted on Murder and Attempted Murder charges in the fatal, broad daylight shooting of 16-year-old Angellyh Yambo, and for injuring two high school students.

 District Attorney Clark said, “On a Friday afternoon the defendant allegedly fired multiple shots and fatally struck Angellyh Yambo near her high school. The shooting also left two 17-yearold high school students wounded, and a community devastated and traumatized. We mourn the death of this promising young woman and pray for the two teens who survived. 

 “The defendant, sadly, is also 17 years old, and he allegedly used a ‘ghost gun,’ a firearm made from components purchased online, with no serial numbers so that they are not traceable. These weapons are a major threat to public safety and are being used in crimes more and more in our city.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jeremiah Ryan, 17, of the Bronx, was arraigned today on second-degree Murder, two counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, first-degree Manslaughter, two counts of first-degree Assault, and two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Naita Semaj. The defendant was remanded, and he is due back in court on July 21, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on April 8, 2022 at approximately 1:40 p.m. in front 510 East 156th Street, the defendant engaged in a verbal dispute with two men and pulled out a firearm. He fired at least six shots, striking Angellyh Yambo, 16, a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl. The bullet struck Yambo in her upper back, piercing her lung and pulmonary artery, causing her death. One surviving victim was shot in the left leg, and the other teen sustained a gunshot wound to the left buttocks. The three victims were innocent bystanders walking home from school when they were shot. The defendant fled the scene and was apprehended later that day.

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Brianna Constantino and Edwin Ayala of the 40th Precinct.

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

DEC AND STATE PARKS LAUNCH NEW DOMESTIC AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE PREVENTION TRAINING TO HELP MAKE RECREATIONAL AREAS SAFER

 

Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Training of Over 4,000 Staff Working at State Parks, Campgrounds, Trails to Help Identify and Respond to Incidents

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation launch new trainings to help prevent domestic and sexual violence at the hundreds of parks, campgrounds, day use areas, trails, boat launches, and other public outdoor spaces operated across New York. The State’s seasonal hiring is underway and experts led by the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (OPDV) are training many of the public-facing staff as part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s initiative launched last year to help domestic and sexual violence victims and survivors, with the goal of providing resources, access to safety and support to save lives.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "Domestic and sexual violence can happen anywhere, and it is critical that we have staff members who are trained to identify warning signs, respond to incidents and assist survivors who need help.  DEC is proud to join State Parks and the Office of Prevention of Domestic Violence to help prevent these violent acts before a tragedy occurs. With nearly all of our campgrounds opening this weekend, DEC remains committed to making visitors’ stay safe and enjoyable."

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, "We look forward to our staff receiving this important training through the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence. This is a smart partnership that will improve our state's response to domestic and gender-based violence - and strengthen our agency’s commitment to help all visitors feel safe and welcome while visiting our State Parks."

OPDV Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "We must start engaging more allies in the effort to prevent gender-based violence. It only takes one person to make a difference in a survivor's life. When all parts of public-facing systems understand the impact and consequences of gender-based violence, especially as it relates to marginalized communities, we increase the likelihood that an individual will find a path out of abuse. I thank Governor Hochul for her steadfast commitment to preventing domestic violence and for her leadership on ensuring that survivors have the support they need.”

In October, Governor Hochul announced the training as part of the State’s work to transform domestic and sexual violence service delivery to be more culturally responsive, survivor-centered, and trauma-informed. OPDV created, developed, and launched the training program for when many of the State's parks, campgrounds, and recreational areas, which serve millions of patrons annually, reopen for the season. More than 4,000 staff who work on public lands at DEC and State Parks are expected to receive the training. In addition, State Park Police, DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers will continue to receive training to recognize the signs of domestic violence during their interactions with the public.

To combat domestic and sexual violence and create safety for all survivors, there is a critical need for a better understanding of gender-based violence across all systems, the cultural intersections of domestic and sexual violence and the challenges that individuals face in accessing services. The training explores these intersections and engages with organizations that specifically assist individuals in traditionally underserved communities and are led by individuals with those voices. The partnership among State agencies recognizes the importance of engaging and training non-traditional allies and the training covers the dynamics of all forms of gender-based violence so that public-facing DEC and Parks employees are better equipped to respond to incidents and assist individuals who need help. By extending the availability of assistance beyond the existing network of traditional service providers, survivors will know that they can get help accessing resources they need.

DEC operates 52 campgrounds and five day-use areas in the Adirondack and Catskill forest preserves that provide a wide variety of visitor experiences that can be found at www.dec.ny.gov. While two DEC campgrounds opened earlier this spring-Wilmington Notch in Essex County on May 6, and Fish Creek in Franklin County on April 1-most DEC campgrounds open this weekend on May 20. State Parks oversees more than 250 individual parks, historic sites, recreational trails, and boat launches, which are visited by 78 million people annually and can be found at parks.ny.gov. To make reservations, visit the ReserveAmerica website: https://newyorkstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence is the country's only Executive-level State agency dedicated to the issue of gender-based violence. New York's Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline provides confidential support 24/7 and is available in most languages: 800-942-6906 (call), 844-997-2121 (text) or @opdv.ny.gov (chat). The Office of Victim Services also funds a network of more than 212 community-based programs that provide direct services to victims of crime and their families. The programs also help any victim of crime apply for compensation and other assistance from the agency, which is a safety net for individuals who have no other resources.

Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation Into Civilian Death in the Bronx

 

 The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian, who died on May 13, 2022, following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

On the evening of May 13, in the Hunts Point neighborhood, officers encountered a civilian allegedly holding what appeared to be a handgun. After directing him to drop the gun, the officers fired. The civilian was taken to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead. The NYPD recovered an air gun at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person, by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change. 

BP Vanessa L. Gibson, DA Darcel Clark, and Council Member Rafael Salamanca, to Demand Action to Curb Gun Violence;

 

Call to Action Follows the Shooting Death of 11-Year Old Kyhara Tay in the South Bronx

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Country District Attorney Darcel Clark, Council Member Rafael Salamanca, and community advocates will host a rally to denouncing the gun violence that is plaguing our streets. 

While walking to a nail salon with a family member in broad daylight, 11-year old Kyhara Tay was tragically shot and killed, the victim of senseless violence caused by individuals who callously released gunfire on a crowded street.

Incensed by the constant stream of incidents ripping our communities apart, Council Member Salamanca, Borough President Gibson and other speakers will make their voices heard by saying enough is enough! Without meaningful action to fix a broken system, our community will continue to grieve the loss of our friends, family and loved ones.

 

WHEN: Wednesday, May 18th, 11 a.m.

WHERE: Intersection of Fox Street & East 165^th Street, Bronx, NY 10459 

WHO:  Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

            Bronx County District Attorney Darcel Clark

            New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams

                    Council Member Rafael Salamanca 

            Local Elected Officials

            Save Our Streets (S.O.S.) Bronx

            Bronx Community Board 2

            41^st Precinct Council

            Bronx Clergy

            Members of the Longwood Community

BRONX MAN INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN SOUNDVIEW SCHOOL SLASHINGS

 

Defendant Attacked a Teacher and a School Safety Agent with a Knife 

 Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been indicted for Attempted Murder in the first degree and other related charges for barging into PS 69 Journey Prep with a knife and slashing two staff members. One was cut in the arm, the other in the neck.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly was beating a school staff member whom he knew, and the other staffers intervened and were slashed. We thank them for jeopardizing their safety to protect their coworker and the school’s students and are grateful to the other multiple staff members who intervened before the situation became much worse. If there is one place where children should be safe, it’s in school.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Claudio Villar, 23, of the Bronx, was arraigned today on Attempted Murder in the first degree, Attempted Murder in the second degree, Attempted Assault in the first degree, Attempted Assault on a Peace Officer, Police Officer, Fireman or Emergency Medical Services Professional, three counts of second-degree Assault, two counts of Attempted Assault in the second degree, three counts of third-degree Assault, second-degree Menacing, and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon before Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas. Bail was set at $250,000 and Villar is due back in court on August 17, 2022.

 According to the investigation, on April 14, 2022, just before the school day began, the defendant went into PS 69 Journey Prep seeking a person whom he was dating. Villar then allegedly chased her down the hallway and started to punch her. A teacher and a School Safety Agent tried to stop the attack when they were slashed with a knife. The teacher was slashed in the arm, and the school safety agent was struck in the neck. All three victims were treated for their injuries at a local hospital. The defendant fled the scene and later turned himself into police. Although school was not in session, there were students in the building for a morning program, as well as additional staff. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked School Safety Agent Evan Jacobs and the NYPD Detective Squad of the 43rd Precinct.

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