U.S. Attorney Announces Guilty Plea By A Chiropractor For Defrauding The NBA Players’ Health And Welfare Benefit Plan

 

Patrick Khaziran, a/k/a “Dr. Pat,” a Los Angeles-Based Chiropractor, Provided Fraudulent Invoices to Former NBA Players to Defraud the NBA’s Health and Welfare Benefit Plan out of $1.3 Million

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that PATRICK KHAZIRAN, a/k/a “Dr. Pat,” pled guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud in connection with a scheme to defraud the National Basketball Association (“NBA”) Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan. KHAZIRAN pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Khaziran abused his position as a medical services provider by creating fraudulent invoices and defrauding the NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan of at least $1.3 million.  I thank our law enforcement partners in the FBI for their hard work unraveling this pervasive scheme.  My office will continue to investigate those who abuse their positions as medical service providers to commit fraud.”   

According to the Information, public court filings, and statements made in court:

The NBA Players’ Health and Welfare Benefit Plan (the “Plan”) is a health care plan providing benefits to eligible active and former players of the NBA.  KHAZIRAN is a chiropractor licensed in the State of California who owns and operates a chiropractic office (“Chiropractic Office-1”), which is a chiropractic and rehabilitation office in Los Angeles, California. Chiropractic Office-1 serves the general public and also provides rehabilitation services to professional athletes.

From at least in or about 2016, up to and including at least in or about 2019,  KHAZIRAN participated in a scheme with other several former NBA players, including Terrence Williams and Keyon Dooling, to defraud the Plan.[1]  KHAZIRAN’s role in the scheme was to document that former NBA players received certain medical services when, in truth and in fact, the medical services were never provided. 

KHAZIRAN accomplished his role in the scheme in two ways.  First, beginning in 2016, KHAZIRAN created, and caused others to create, fraudulent invoices for former NBA players.  The former NBA players that received fraudulent invoices then, in turn, submitted the fraudulent invoices to the Plan to request reimbursements that they were not entitled to. Second, KHAZIRAN charged, and caused others to charge, the Plan-issued debit cards of former NBA players.  The Plan-issued debit cards were intended to be used by Plan participants to pay for eligible medical services at the point of service.  However, KHAZIRAN charged the Plan-issued debit cards of former NBA players for medical services that were never actually provided.  In return for his participation in the scheme, KHAZIRAN received approximately 33% of the fraudulent proceeds he documented—i.e., 33% of the value of the fraudulent invoices and 33% of the fraudulent charges on Plan-issued debit cards, which totaled approximately $1.3 million.  The remaining fraudulent proceeds were kept by the former NBA players KHAZIRAN conspired with.

KHAZIRAN, 40, of Los Angeles, California, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, which carries a maximum term of ten years in prison.  As part of his guilty plea, KHAZIRAN agreed to pay restitution of $1,300,000 and to forfeit $429,000 to the United States.  KHAZIRAN is scheduled to be sentenced on January 12, 2023.

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 Federal Bureau of Investigation.

[1] Charges against Williams and Dooling are pending.

Permits Filed for 3311 Third Avenue in Morrisania, The Bronx Build, Build, Build More in the Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a four-story residential building at 3311 Third Avenue in Morrisania, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of Third Avenue and Weiher Court, the lot is near the Intervale Avenue subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Joel Friedman is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 45-foot-tall development will yield 12,789 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 19 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 673 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar and penthouse.

Nikolai Katz Architect is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Permits Filed For 1139 Anderson Avenue In Highbridge, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to convert a two-story into a four-story residential building at 1139 Anderson Avenue in Highbridge, The Bronx. Located between West 166th and West 167th Streets, the lot is near the 167th Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Steven Westreich of Westorchard Management is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 46-foot-tall development will yield 10,476 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 24 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 436 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a penthouse, cellar, and a 30-foot-long rear yard.

ADB Associates is listed as the architect of record.

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

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 6/20/22-6/24/22

 

Dear Community,

I am very rarely at a loss for words, but today I nearly am. Today, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to overturn Roe v. Wade, effectively eliminating the constitutional right to abortion. 

Let me be clear: Today is a nightmare for our nation. The Supreme Court has made the barbaric decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark case which upheld the right to an abortion in the U.S. for 50 years. The implications of this decision cannot be overstated –– abortion will be banned effectively in at least 22 states and give others the green light to enact further restrictions on reproductive care –– a ruling that flies in the face of what the public wants, even in the states that will soon move to ban abortion completely. 

We are in this position because of a decades-long, right-wing religious extremist campaign to take away our rights and control women. It is also the result of a failure of Democrats to do what needs to be done to protect abortion access and abortion rights. Today must be a call to action to use every tool possible at the state and federal level to expand and protect access to abortion.

Abortions will not end with this decision, only safe abortions will. Countless women will die as a result of the Court’s actions today. And it is Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, immigrant, young, and poor individuals who will suffer the most.

Congress must codify the right to an abortion and repeal the Hyde Amendment immediately, without delay –– the legislative provision which bars the use of federal funds to pay for abortion, except in instances of rape or incest. While New York took critical steps to protect and expand abortion rights and access this legislative session, our work is far from complete. New York must provide continued support to people seeking care, abortion providers, and abortion facilitators, and pass the Equality Amendment.

The Supreme Court today no longer represents the interests of the American people nor can it be trusted to protect our civil liberties and fundamental rights. I reiterate my calls for Congress to expand the Supreme Court. 

Abortions are more than just life-saving healthcare — they provide individuals with autonomy and control over their bodies and lives –– the basic American right. We may have known this was coming, and the fight is not over, but as a member of the New York State Senate, as a New Yorker, as a Catholic woman, and as an American, I am horrified and am filled with rage.

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE RESPONDS TO THE SIGNING OF FEDERAL GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION

 

"Still reeling from the damage that the Supreme Court has done to New Yorkers’ safety this week, it is at once good to see this legislation which will help to save lives become law, and frustrating and infuriating that it has taken this many years, this much loss, to make even this small amount of progress in our federal gun laws.

"We have to be clear that this is a step, a symbol that we must push past inaction, not a substitute. Especially in the wake of these disastrous court decisions, it’s clear that we need to do much more on a city and state level to combat gun violence — both the supply and the demand. Each of these aspects must immediately be addressed in a special session of the state legislature, and we must continue to demand more from DC — real, sweeping, broadly popular reforms have been left on the Capitol floor, and must be taken up to truly meet this epidemic of gun violence."

Assembly Member Benedetto, NYC Department of Sanitation, and Pelham Bay Community Leaders announce $250,000 for Anti-Dumping Cameras to Keep Neighborhood Clean

 

New York State Assembly Member Michael R. Benedetto (D-Bronx) announced today that he was able to secure a $250,000 grant for the NYC Department of Sanitation so they can secure photo-surveillance equipment to monitor chronic dumping locations within his district. The monies came at the request of Pelham Bay community leaders as their neighborhood sits abutting two major roadways, Interstate 95 and the Hutchinson River Parkway, and this location lends itself to easy dumping and exiting the community.

 

The $250,000 will purchase approximately twenty-five cameras at $10,000 a piece.  They will be placed throughout the Pelham Bay area and 82^nd District at frequent dumping locations.   The investment represents the latest effort in the Assembly Member’s drive to bolster the quality of life in his district. In the past few months, he has also secured NYPD Argus Cameras for Co-op City and Throggs Neck.

 

According to the online news publication The City, complaints about improper disposal, which includes illegal dumping, has steadily climbed in recent years with 3,770 complaints in 2020, compared to 2,814 in 2019.

 

“Pelham Bay is a proud community and this type of dumping isn’t only unsanitary, it diminishes the neighborhood itself,” explained Assembly Member Benedetto.  “The fact people can pull their cars off to the side, dump things, and then quickly escape onto the Hutch or I-95 requires new thinking.  These cameras will send a powerful message to those seeking to diminish Pelham Bay- if you continue dumping, you will pay the price.”

 

“People who illegally dump ugly trash piles in our neighborhoods just to save a few bucks have gotten away with it for too long. More and more community leaders are joining the Adams Administration and the Department of Sanitation in saying – enough! Assemblymember Benedetto is doing right by the Bronx in funding these cameras, and I want to thank him for giving us the tools we’ll need to enforce the law,” said Jessica Tisch, Commissioner of the NYC Department of Sanitation.

 

“We need to stop illegal dumping in Pelham Bay and we need these cameras.  We appreciate the Assembly Member funding this effort to improve our quality of life,” said Michele Torrioni, President of the Pelham Bay Taxpayers and Community Association. 

Attorney General James Issues Advisory Reminding New Yorkers Abortion Is Legal and Protected in New York State

 

Following Supreme Court Decision Overturning Roe v. Wade, AG James Advises New Yorkers of Their Rights Under the Reproductive Health Act of 2019

 New York Attorney General Letitia James continued her fierce defense of reproductive freedom following the U.S. Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade (Roe) and Planned Parenthood v. Casey (Casey) by issuing an advisory in multiple languages reminding New Yorkers abortion is legal and protected in New York state. 

New York state has robust protections in place ensuring that anyone who can get pregnant can get an abortion. In 2019, the state legislature passed the Reproductive Health Act, codifying the protections of Roe and guaranteeing access to a safe and legal abortion.

“Even with the Supreme Court decision overturning Roe, abortion remains legal in New York,” said Attorney General James. “The people of New York — and all those who may come here seeking care — have my word that New York state has been and will continue to be a safe haven for abortion access. I will never stop fighting to protect the freedom to make our own decisions about our lives and futures.”

New York guarantees access to abortion care and prohibits discrimination and harassment for reproductive decision-making. New York requires insurance coverage of abortion and provides public funding for abortion. Abortion services in New York are confidential.

New Yorkers are encouraged to consult the Office of the Attorney General’s advisory on abortion access if they have questions regarding their rights. The advisory is available in English, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Russian, Italian, Polish, Bengali, and Arabic, with additional translations forthcoming. 

New York guarantees access to abortion care:

•  New York guarantees the unqualified right to abortion up to 24 weeks post-fertilization.
•  Abortion is permitted after 24 weeks if the fetus is not viable or if the pregnant person’s life or health (including mental health) is at risk.
•  In New York, minors may responsibly access abortion or other reproductive health services without parental notification or consent.

New York prohibits discrimination and harassment for reproductive decision-making:

•  State law prohibits employment discrimination based upon “reproductive health decision making,” which can include the decision to use a particular medication, medical device, or medical service.
•  The New York Clinic Access Law prohibits anyone from using force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to injure, intimidate, or interfere with anyone (or attempt to do so) because they are seeking reproductive health services.

Abortion services in New York are confidential:

•  A health care provider generally may not disclose medical records or any information about a pregnant person’s appointment or procedure without their consent.
•  This includes not informing their partner, their parents or guardians, or anyone else without their permission.
•  Employers are prohibited from accessing an employee’s personal information regarding their or their partner’s reproductive health decision-making.

New York requires insurance coverage of abortion:

•  New York provides public funding for abortion.
•  New York requires state-regulated private insurers to cover “medically necessary” abortion care.
•  Beginning January 1, 2023, every private insurance plan offering maternity care coverage must cover abortion.

RXR Contributes $100k To Support Community Teaching Kitchen At 805 East 139th Street In The South Bronx

RXR has pledged to contribute $100,000 dollars toward the construction of a new community kitchen and educational space at 805 East 139th Street in Mott Haven, South Bronx. Led by East Side Housing Settlement, one of the oldest community-based non-profit organizations in The Bronx, the Community Teaching Kitchen will provide on-site training and certification programs for 50 students per year.

The goal is to create employment pathways and opportunities for local community members and alleviate the lack of access to fresh food and groceries in the area.

“East Side House has long been a staple in the South Bronx—since the pandemic helping provide meals to food insecure communities across the borough,” said congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15). “Investment in community organizations like East Side House are key in ensuring residents of the South Bronx have access to services and education they need and deserve. I am proud to have secured $600,000 in funding for this impactful organization and am encouraged by the contribution by RXR.”

The facility will also allow the non-profit to expand its “Harvest to Haven” program, which sources and purchases surplus crops from struggling farmers and distributes that produce to families in The Bronx. Additional operations at the facility will include a small business incubator, an event and activity space for workshops and afterschool programming, and a cooking space to prepare over 8,000 meals a day for food-insecure community residents through the Home Delivered Meals program.

“Throughout the pandemic and since breaking ground on new development, we’ve worked in tandem with East Side House Settlement to support South Bronx residents with impactful community-first initiatives, including a food drive in April 2020 that served thousands of local residents at a critical moment,” said Joseph Graziose, senior vice president of residential development at RXR. “Today, we are proud to follow congressman Torres’s leadership with our own commitment of $100,000 to directly support a new community-led kitchen—an innovative solution and workforce development asset that will open doors to the culinary world for young people in the South Bronx.”

Along with the financial contribution, RXR will also provide pro bono technical services to support the construction of the teaching kitchen.