Senator Luis Sepulveda - Information on Voting in this Year's Primary Elections

 

Dear Neighbor: It is important that you have the necessary information regarding primary election days. Due to court decisions on redistricting, New York will be holding two separate primary election days. You can find information about this process here. Cordially, Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda 32nd District, New York Senate Estimado vecino: Es importante que tenga la información necesaria sobre los días de las elecciones primarias.Debido a las decisiones judiciales sobre la redistribución de distritos, Nueva York celebrará dos días distintos de elecciones primarias. Puede encontrar información sobre este proceso aquí. Cordialmente, Senador Luis R. Sepúlveda Distrito 32, Senado de Nueva York To see how New York’s district maps have changed, and to see if your voting address has been moved to a new district, visit newyork.redistrictingandyou.org To request an absentee ballot, visit https://nycabsentee.com To register to vote, visit https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote To look up your early voting or Election Day polling site, visit https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ Para ver cómo han cambiado los mapas de los distritos de Nueva York y para ver si su dirección para votar ha sido trasladada a un nuevo distrito, visite newyork.redistrictingandyou.org Para solicitar una papeleta de voto ausente, visite https://nycabsentee.com Para inscribirse como votante,visite https://vote.nyc/page/register-vote Para buscar su lugar de votación anticipada o de votación del Día de las Elecciones, https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ Community Resources/Contact Information Click here to find your nearest food pantry. For information on your local community board, please click here.

Defendant Convicted of Operating Large-Scale Opioid "Pill Mill" in Queens

 

Defendant Imported Millions of Misbranded Prescription Pills from India and Shipped Them by Mail to Customers Across the United States

 A federal jury in Brooklyn returned a guilty verdict today against Ezhil Sezhian Kamaldoss on all counts of a superseding indictment charging him with conspiring to distribute millions of opioid pills and other illegal controlled substances imported from India and money laundering conspiracy.  The verdict followed a four-day trial before United States District Judge Allyne R. Ross.  When sentenced, Kamaldoss faces up to 50 years in prison.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, announced the verdict.

“The defendant is now a convicted drug dealer.  He lined his pockets off the black-market sales of millions of illegal opioids and misbranded prescription pills without regard for the harm caused by the abuse of these highly addictive and dangerous drugs,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “With today’s verdict, the defendant is held accountable for having a hand in every aspect of his pill mill, from the importing of unapproved medications from India, to personally filling orders for these drugs for customers throughout the country.”

Mr. Peace thanked the Food and Drug Administration, Office of Criminal Investigations, Metro Washington Field Office; United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), New York Division; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, New York Field Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, New England Division, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office; and HSI, Baltimore Field Office; for their outstanding investigative work on the case.

The evidence at trial proved that between May 2018 and August 2019, Kamaldoss participated with others in a transnational drug-trafficking conspiracy, which involved the importation of misbranded prescription drugs, including Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, into the United States from India, re-packaging the drugs at a pill mill operating out of a warehouse in Jamaica, Queens, and shipping the drugs via United States mail to customers throughout the United States.  During the course of the charged conspiracy, Kamaldoss and the men who worked for him distributed millions of Tramadol pills sometimes purchasing hundreds of thousands of pills at a time.  Additionally, Kamaldoss conspired to launder the proceeds of the drug-trafficking operation by using the illicit profits to reinvest in the business, including by paying shipping costs incurred by his co-conspirators—including nearly $200,000 in Federal Express costs paid off in exchange for additional pills. 

The government’s evidence included testimony from a cooperating witness, who admitted to bribing workers at John F. Kennedy International Airport to evade detection by law enforcement authorities; members of law enforcement, one of whom testified that he witnessed the defendant shipping packages and seized some of the drugs mailed by the defendant; testimony from an expert in forensic chemistry that the drugs mailed by the defendant contained Tramadol and Alprazolam; documentary exhibits, including hundreds of emails, text messages, and spreadsheets recovered from email accounts and electronic devices of the defendant and his co-conspirators reflecting their daily receipt of dozens of drug orders, and their responses including tracking numbers of the shipments fulfilling the orders; and an audio recording made by a confidential informant of co-defendant Velaudapillai Navaratnarajah discussing the number and type of pills to package into envelopes.  Navaratnarajah pleaded guilty in June 2022 to the drug conspiracy charges and is awaiting sentencing.

MAYOR ADAMS SIGNS LEGISLATION PRESERVING CRITICAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROTECTIONS, STRENGTHENING TRANSPARENCY IN EVICTION PREVENTION

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed two pieces of affordable housing legislation, extending the city’s critical rent stabilization protections and strengthening data collection and reporting on a critical eviction prevention program. The laws extend the expiration of the rent stabilization laws from July 1, 2022 to April 1, 2024 and increase transparency around the City Fighting Homelessness and Eviction Prevention Supplement (CityFHEPS) rental assistance voucher.

 

“I want to say to New Yorkers who are struggling: The city has your back,” said Mayor Adams. “Too many New Yorkers are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and put food on the table. I know that worry and that fear, and we are relieving some of it today by extending rent stabilization protections and strengthening a critical rental assistance and eviction prevention program.”

 

“Today’s bill signing reaffirms the city’s commitment to protecting tenants at every turn,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “So many New York City residents and families rely on rent stabilization protection and support through CityFHEPS. New Yorkers can now have certainty in the coming years that rent stabilization protection will remain in place and know that added data collection and transparency will strengthen the city’s strategy to combat homelessness.”

 

“As the data from the Housing and Vacancy Survey shows, our city is facing a critical housing shortage for New Yorkers at all income levels, but especially for low-income families. We must build new housing, expand resources for tenants, and ensure we are maintaining our existing housing stock to keep our neighbors safe and stably housed,” said New York City Chief Housing Officer Jessica Katz. “Today’s bill signing reaffirms the state of our housing emergency, which we are committed to tackling as a top priority of this administration.”

 

“The 2021 New York City Housing and Vacancy Survey findings confirm that the city is still facing a dire affordability crisis. Half of the city’s renters are rent burdened, and there is simply not enough low-cost housing to meet the needs of New Yorkers,” said New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development Commissioner Adolfo Carrión Jr. “Today’s bill signing extends rent stabilization laws that are vital to protecting low-cost housing, and this administration will continue to make critical investments in housing to make this city more livable for all.”

 

“Today’s actions further highlight this administration’s commitment to transparency and strengthening tenant protections,” said New York City Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Gary P. Jenkins. “This reinforces our robust eviction-prevention efforts and strategic push to address long-overlooked barriers to accessing rental assistance and affordable housing for New Yorkers in need. More than 48,000 New Yorkers, including former shelter residents, have been able to access permanent housing using CityFHEPS vouchers since the creation of this city-funded rental assistance program. We look forward to building on this progress and remain squarely focused on connecting vulnerable New Yorkers to the kind of housing and supports that will help them achieve long-term stability.”

 

The mayor signed the following bills into law today:

 

Intro. 558 extends the city’s rent stabilization laws until April 1, 2024, in recognition of the ongoing housing emergency. Rent stabilization was previously set to expire on July 1, 2022.

 

Intro. 303 expands the data that DSS and the New York City Human Resources Administration track and report annually regarding the CityFHEPS rental assistance voucher for individuals and families experiencing, or at risk of facing, homelessness due to non-payment of rent. The data includes the number of households currently enrolled in the program, the number that exit New York City Department of Homeless Services shelters through a CityFHEPS voucher, and types of client households broken down by whether a family has children and primary language spoken.

4th Annual Yemini-Americn Parade, With a Street Co-Naming for A Fallen Yemen President

It was a beautiful warm day for the 4th Annual Yemini-American parade, which this year included a street Co-Naming for a former President of Yemen in the community of Little Yemen and at the corner of White Plains Road and Rhinelander Avenue next to the Bronx Muslim Center. Hundreds of people came to march and celebrate the memory of the former President of Yemen Ibrahim al-Hamdi, who tried to reunite North and South Yemen for the betterment of all people of Yemen.  It is written that President Al-Hamdi was assassination on October 11, 1977 which came two days before a visit to South Yemen to unify the country, which still to this day is mired in civil war. 

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson, City Council members Marjorie Velazquez and Oswald Feliz, Assemblywoman Nathlia Fernandez, and former Councilman Mark Gjonaj marched, while State Senator Gustavo Rivera arrived for the street Co-Naming and celebratory feast. A stage was set up with a giant portrait of President Al-Hamdi where co-hosts Yahay Obeid and Dr. Debby introduced the speakers. 

Then it was time for the Street Co-Naming for President Ibrahim al-Hamdi, where people gathered on the Southeast corner of White Plains Road and Rhinelander Avenue right near the Bronx Muslim Center to unveil the new street name at the corner. As Mr. Obeid pulled the rope to uncover the name underneath, the cover ripped as if it didn't want to come off, but Mr. Obeid was able to continue and the cover came off to show Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way. A loud roar came from the crowd to celebrate what they hope will happen in their homeland. Then there was a celebratory meal at the Alwaha restaurant. 

The parade with (L - R) Assembly candidate Phyllis Nastasio, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, District Leader Irene Estrada, with MPCA President Al D'Angelo and Councilman Oswald Feliz behind BP Gibson.

Leaders from the Yemini Community from around the world including ambassadors were at the parade and street co-naming for the past Yemen President. 

Children dressed in  traditional Yemini clothing.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson presents a Proclamation to the Yemini community Proclaiming Sunday June 26th Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way Day. Yahay Obeid, District Leader Irene Estrada, Dr. Debbie, Councilwoman Marjorie Velazquez, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark, and Councilman Oswald Feliz behind Dr. Debbie and BP Gibson. The portrait of President Ibrahim al-Hamdi is in the background. 

Mr. Yahay Obeid gets ready to pull the covering off Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way.

As Mr. Obeid pulls the string to uncover the name of the Yemen President, the paper rips. 

The paper covering held together to allow Mr. Obeid to uncover the name of Ibrahim al-Hamdi Way, as everyone celebrates. 

Bronx Borough President is with the highest ranking Yemini police officer, Deputy Inspector James Altaheri commanding officer of the 115th Precinct of the NYPD. Also in the photo is the Community Affairs officer of the 115th precinct.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera sits with Yemini leaders at the feast after the parade and street co-naming. 

A photo from the 2021 Yemini-American parade with Mr. Yahay Obeid in front of the marchers. 

Assembly Member Benedetto Announces 800k in Funding For NYPD To Acquire A Specialized Tow Truck To Remove Tractor Trailers From Northeast Bronx

 

The issue of tractor-trailers parking on residential streets has long plagued many Bronx communities. Despite legislative efforts to raise penalties, the problem persists as companies write off parking violations as cheaper than hotel and storage costs and thus are the cost of doing business. Furthermore, enforcement efforts can be hampered due to the relative few amount of large tow trucks the New York Police Department (NYPD) has to enforce parking regulations and remove these trucks from City streets.

 

As a part of an ongoing effort to address this issue and improve his constituents’ quality of life, Assembly Member Michael Benedetto, announced today that he was nominating the NYPD for an approximate $800,000 grant to purchase an additional tractor-trailer that would be dedicated to the Northeast Bronx. 

 

“This has been a longstanding problem in my community,” said Assembly Member Benedetto. “These problematic tractor-trailers are more than just unsightly, they also block roadways creating danger for motorists and pedestrians alike, strain weight requirements and infrastructure on local streets, contribute to emission pollution, and take up valuable parking spots. Now is the time to take bolder measures and I’m pleased to make this award so we can start to get serious about cracking down and eliminating this problem once and for all.”

 

The Assembly Member identified several roadways within his district and off of highways that will benefit from increased enforcement this tow truck will provide including the Bruckner Boulevard Service Road between Middletown and Wilkinson Avenue in Country Club, the Cross Bronx Expressway Service Road between Lafayette and Randall Avenues in Throggs Neck, and Baychester Avenue by the Conner Street Exit in Co-op City, among others.

 

The grant, which will go through the State and Municipal (SAM) Facilities Program, has already received preliminary approval.  It is estimated the truck will be purchased within the next year.

 

(Left to right) Captain Andrew Johnson of the 45^th Precinct, Annie Boller of the Waterbury LaSalle Community Association/45^thPrecinct Community Council, Michele Torrioni of the Pelham Bay Taxpayers/45^th Precinct Community Council, Bob Bieder of Community Board 10/45^th Precinct Community Council, George Havranek of Spencer Estates Civic Association/Community Board 10, Tremaine O’Garro, State Committeeman/Co-op City resident, and AM Benedetto.

Attorney General James Joins National Coalition of Attorneys General to Reaffirm Commitment to Protecting Access to Abortion Care

 

Despite U.S. Supreme Court Decision, National Coalition of 22 Attorneys Generals Emphasize That Abortion Remains Safe and Legal in States Across the Country

  Attorney General James and a national coalition of 22 attorneys general today issued a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to supporting and expanding access to abortion care. Despite the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, access to safe and legal abortion remains robustly protected in numerous states across the country, including in New York and the coalition states. As highlighted by the multistate coalition’s efforts in the amicus brief in Dobbs, the attorneys general will continue to fight to support the rights of pregnant people nationwide.

“Abortion care is health care. Period. We stand together, as our states’ chief law officers, to proudly say that we will not back down in the fight to protect the rights of pregnant people in our states and across the country. While the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision reverses nearly half a century of legal precedent and undermines the rights of people across the United States, we’re joining together to reaffirm our commitment to supporting and expanding access to abortion care nationwide.

“While this is a perilous moment for our nation, it is a moment that calls for action. Our promise to our residents is simple: We’ll never stop defending your rights. Regardless of the decision in Dobbs, broad access to abortion remains protected in states that recognize reproductive freedom, such as ours. We refuse to go back to the days of politicians trying to tell people what to do with their bodies. When it comes to abortion care, it’s your body and your right to choose. Nobody else gets to make those decisions.

“For generations, Americans have relied on the existence of a constitutional right to abortion to make deeply personal decisions about their lives, their futures, and their families. As a result of the decision in Dobbs, people across the nation are now confronted with the prospect of having to travel from their homes to our states to seek access to the fundamental healthcare to which they should be entitled. For those unable to make the journey, laws banning abortion in their home states will lead to poorer health outcomes and reduced socioeconomic opportunities. Those harms will fall disproportionately on people of color and people with fewer resources, further perpetuating our nation’s historical inequities.

“Ultimately, what harms people in some states harms us all. The future and wellbeing of our nation is intrinsically tied to the ability of our residents to exercise their fundamental rights, including the right to liberty, privacy, and access to abortion care. If you seek access to abortion and reproductive health care, we’re committed to using the full force of the law to support you. You have our word. We will continue to use all legal tools at our disposal to fight for your rights and stand up for our laws. We will support our partners and service providers. We will take on those who seek to control your bodies and leverage our collective resources — thousands of lawyers and dedicated public servants across our states. Together, we will persist.”