Over 13 Pounds of Heroin/Fentanyl Seized at Drug Packaging Mill in the Bronx

Two charged, including fugitive in 2020 Bronx fentanyl packaging mill prosecution 

 Two men were arrested in the Fordham Manor neighborhood of the Bronx in connection with a largescale heroin/fentanyl packaging and distribution operation. Approximately six kilograms of narcotics (over 13 pounds) with a street value of at least $1.8 million were intercepted during a short-term investigation. The narcotics were allegedly destined for distribution throughout New York City and Massachusetts. Overdose rates in New York City have escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic began and are at their highest rates ever. Fentanyl is the most common drug associated with overdose deaths.

 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, and Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the arrests. The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Long Island District Office (LIDO) Task Force, which consists of agents and investigators from the DEA, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Hempstead Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. The Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Investigators Unit and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) 46th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Team assisted in the investigation. 

 A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges DIEGO TEJADA-ROSARIO and VICTOR CAMACHO with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree. Both men were arrested on Tuesday,

 August 2, 2022. TEJADA was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court this afternoon and CAMACHO is scheduled to be arraigned tonight. On August 2, 2022, at approximately 12:23 p.m., agents and investigators were conducting surveillance outside of a location believed to be used as a narcotics mill, located at 2815 Grand Concourse, Apt. A41, when they observed TEJADA allegedly exit the apartment carrying a gray backpack. TEJADA left the building and walked south on Grand Concourse. A few minutes later, at 12:29 p.m., investigators saw CAMACHO exit the same apartment carrying a multi-colored tote shopping bag. CAMACHO also left the building and got into a taxi.

 Agents and officers stopped TEJADA at approximately 12:40 p.m. and searched the gray backpack, allegedly recovering more than a kilogram of heroin/fentanyl, as well as empty glassine envelopes, stamps, an ink pad, a digital scale, a drug ledger and other materials commonly used in packaging narcotics.

 At approximately 12:45 p.m., agents and investigators stopped the taxi in which CAMACHO was a passenger in front of 2675 Grand Concourse. The multi-colored tote bag that CAMACHO had been seen carrying was found in the trunk with boxes containing thousands of empty glassine envelopes inside.

 Members of DEA’s Long Island District Office obtained a court-authorized SNP search warrant for 2816 Grand Concourse, Apt. A41, at approximately 3:48 p.m. Keys recovered from TEJADA and CAMACHO opened the door of the apartment.

 Inside the apartment, agents and investigators recovered over one kilogram of heroin/fentanyl split into four packages, tens of thousands of pre-packaged glassine envelopes containing heroin/fentanyl, more than 20,000 empty glassine envelopes that were stamped and ready for packaging, 12 digital scales, 14 coffee grinders (commonly used for mixing narcotics), 21 ink pads and four stamps, including one with the brand name “Tik Tok.” The narcotics and paraphernalia were packed inside of three suitcases and additional bags.

 Agents and investigators also seized a Dominican Republic passport with TEJADA’s photo, but a different name, from the apartment.

 TEJADA was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court and ordered remanded. As stated during the arraignment, TEJADA was previously charged by SNP on January 27, 2020 on a separate case involving fentanyl. He and five other individuals were found inside an active narcotics packaging mill in the Bronx. More than 40,000 glassine envelopes of fentanyl worth hundreds of thousands of dollars on the street were recovered. Because Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and other charges that TEJADA faced were not then bail eligible, as a result of bail reforms that took effect in early 2020, TEJADA was released without any monetary conditions on supervised release. He was arraigned on an indictment in Manhattan Supreme Court, Part 22, on August 3, 2021, in connection with that arrest. However, he failed to appear at the next scheduled court date, and a judge issued a bench warrant for TEJADA on November 18, 2021. Tejada did not return to court until he was arraigned today on his new arrest.

 Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, and commended SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and Investigators Unit, DEA New York Division and DEA’s Long Island District Office Task Force, including the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, the Hempstead Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. She also thanked the NYPD’s 46th Precinct’s Anti-Crime Team for assisting in the investigation.

 “Fentanyl-related deaths continue to surge across our city and nation, as tremendous amounts of the deadly drug flood our city, intended for distribution here and across the region. These arrests demonstrate the significant hurdles we face as we try to rein in the opioid crisis in the city, and some significant issues related to changes to bail laws. Our state legislators have demonstrated some willingness to refine sections of bail reform laws, including allowing bail when large amounts of deadly narcotics are recovered. However, more needs to be done to protect the safety and well-being of New Yorkers,” said Special Prosecutor Brennan.

 DEA Special Agent in Charge Tarentino said, “This investigation led us to a drug den responsible for preparing and branding poisonous doses of drugs for street-ready sale. This organization used numerous types of stamps to attract the younger generations like "Tik Tok", "Capn Crunch", and "PS 5." Every day, DEA and our law enforcement partners defeat criminal organizations by seizing their drugs before they are sold and before the users become victims. Through the diligent work by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Nassau County DA Office and the DEA’s Long Island District Office, these two defendants have been brought to justice.”

 “Each bag of narcotics seized is a potential overdose prevented,” DA Donnelly said. “Heroin and fentanyl are equal opportunity killers that are devastating our communities. With this seizure, we’ve removed thousands of deadly doses and saved lives. I thank our partners at the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor and the Drug Enforcement Administration for their dedication to ending the opioid epidemic.”

Defendants                                                    Charges 

Diego Tejada-Rosario                    CPCS 1st – 1 ct CPCS 3rd – 1 ct 

                                                           Criminally Using Drug 

Bronx, NY Age: 23                         Paraphernalia 2nd – 2 cts

Victor Camacho                            CPCS 1st – 1 ct CPCS 3rd – 1 ct 

                                                          Criminally Using Drug 

Bronx, NY Age: 23                        Paraphernalia  2nd – 2 cts

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

Defendant Sentenced to 48 Months in Prison for Defrauding American Express of More Than $4.7 Million

 

Defendant Used Multiple Credit Cards and Bank Accounts to Perpetrate his Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

 Jasminder Singh was sentenced by United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon to 48 months’ imprisonment for bank fraud and money laundering related to Singh’s scheme to defraud American Express of more than $4.7 million.  Singh was also ordered to pay restitution to American Express in the amount of $4,651,845.08 and to forfeit $3,018,602.22.  Singh was convicted of the charges on April 27, 2022 by a federal jury following a one-week trial.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Kenneth A. Polite Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

“Jasminder Singh fraudulently used American Express credit cards to purchase millions of dollars’ worth of Apple products, which he sold to enrich himself, and then tried to leave American Express holding the bag,” stated United States Attorney Breon Peace.  “Today’s sentence sends a message to those, like the defendant, who defraud financial institutions, that there are serious consequences when their lies and deceit catch up to them and the bill comes due.” 

According to court filings and the evidence presented at trial, Singh used four business entities that he created and controlled, and 10 American Express credit cards in those entities’ names, to purchase thousands of Apple iPhones and other Apple products that he then sold overseas for millions of dollars.  Between November 2017 and December 2019, Singh misrepresented to American Express his inability to repay more than $4.7 million in charges incurred from his purchase of Apple products in order to secure additional credit, and used a series of financial transactions to conceal the money he obtained from selling the purchased iPhones. Singh used the proceeds from his fraudulent scheme to pay for personal expenses and purchase luxury items, including a $1.3 million home in Fremont, California paid for in cash.

Governor Hochul Announces New Online Process for New Yorkers to Choose an "X" Gender Marker on Driver License or ID

 

Office Visits to the Department of Motor Vehicles No Longer Required for Customers to Amend License and IDs

Marks Another Step Toward Equality for the LGBTQ+ Community

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that individuals who have a New York State driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID can use a new online process to choose "X" as a gender marker without visiting a Department of Motor Vehicles office. New Yorkers can go to the DMV website to change their gender marker to "X", making it faster and easier to get an identity document that accurately represents who they are.

"I am excited to announce this historic change that represents another victory in our fight to help ensure equality and respect for the LGBTQ+ community," Governor Hochul said. "In New York, we are taking action to help ensure every person feels welcomed, represented, and free to live their truth, regardless of their gender identity or expression. My administration continues to be committed to this dream by giving New Yorkers the freedom to carry an identity document that represents their true self, ensuring that New York is a place of value, love and belonging."

This change follows the announcement by Governor Hochul in May that New Yorkers could update their gender marker on their driver license, learner permit, or non-driver ID card at DMV offices statewide. Those who are applying for an ID for the first time can also choose "X" as a gender marker when they visit the DMV to complete the application process. This can be done by completing the Application for Permit, Driver License or Non-Driver ID Card (MV-44).

Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, "We are thrilled that our customers now can go online to privately and simply amend their license or ID to reflect who they are without fear of judgment. One small letter can have a monumental impact on a person's life and it is our privilege to give non-binary New Yorkers that opportunity."

This new online transaction is yet another step toward equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Governor Hochul also fought for major advancements in LGBTQ+ equity as part of this year's budget. The Enacted Budget includes $13.5 million for the Department of Health to support the LGBTQ+ community and more than doubles annual LGBTQ+ Health and Human Services funding.

In addition, the Budget includes landmark legislation requiring state agencies to provide an option for individuals to mark their gender or sex as a non-binary "X" on all state forms that collect gender or sex information. Agencies are also required to include that information in data collection. The Enacted Budget also enables transgender New Yorkers to change their names or gender designations on marriage certificates without leaving their dead names on them.

Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - August 2022 Newsletter

 

AUGUST 2022 at BRAC

Education

End of Summer Student Show Friday, August 12th, 4:00 - 6:30pm

Join us to celebrate the accomplishments and talents of our students enrolled in our Summer 22 classes. Works in Drawing, Painting, Manga Cartooning, Ceramics, Print Making, Digital Photography, and Digital Animation will be on display, including the unveiling of Expanded Cartography a multimedia installation created by BRAC's Teen Project Studio (TPS +2.0) under the direction of interdisciplinary artist Julia Pontés.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Exhibitions Through August 27th

Women of the Ivory Coast and Mali Photographs of a Heritage Nancy Lensen-Tomasson

Selection of 22 silver print, black and white photographs of women of the Ivory Coast and Mali taken from 1989 to 1992 reflect the culture and traditions of the region. Lensen-Tomasson captures these native women engaged in their daily tasks of washing, reaping food, dancing, making pottery and cooking foods to sell in the marketplace, all the while tending to their multi-generational families. Book Release Reception August 13th, 4:00 - 6:00 pm

RSVP on Eventbrite

Public Programs

World Movie Series CINEMA AFRICA August 18th to 21st

This month, BRAC begins a monthly film series featuring works from around the world. In August - coinciding with our current exhibition, Women of the Ivory Coast and Mali - BRAC presents CINEMA AFRICA, a collection of films that dwell into the lives, experiences, and stories of people from various countries in Africa. These representative gems of African filmmaking will be screened either outdoors on BRAC's rooftop garden or indoors in BRAC's Event Space. This event is free. Donations are welcome.

RSVP on Eventbrite

Upcoming

Fall 2022 Registration

Registration for our Fall 2022 Semester will begin on Monday, August 15th. Classes will run for ten weeks from October 3rd to December 17th. Stay tuned to our Education page for more information on classes and times.

Visit our Website

BRAC COVID-19 Protocols

Proof of vaccination will be required upon entering building for all persons over age 6. Use of masks during classes is required. For general questions about classes, please email info@bronxriverart.org.

 

BronxTalk: Democratic Primary Debate - 34th SD

This week's edition of BronxTalk features the Democratic Primary Debate for the 34th SD. Candidates Christian Amato, Assemblymember Nathalia Fernandez, and John Perez answered questions on rezoning and development, climate change, crime and safety, women's reproductive rights, and more. This 45-minute program is being presented as a partnership between BronxNet and the League of Women Voters of New York City. Co-sponsors are The CITY, and WNYC. See showtimes. Tune in to watch Monday, August 8th on BX OMNI Channel 67 Optimum/ 2133 FiOS in the Bronx and online at Bronxnet.tv. See below for more showtimes.  PREMIERE - Monday, 8/8 at 9:00 PM  Tuesday, 8/9 at 8:00 AM  Tuesday, 8/9 at 3:30 PM  Tuesday, 8/9 at 9:00 PM  Wednesday, 8/10 at 8:00 AM

NYS Announces $15,000 Pay Increase to Attract and Retain DEC ECOs and Forest Rangers in Lower Hudson Valley and Downstate Locations

 

Sign up for law enforcement civil service exam by August 10

 The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Department of Civil Service today announced a $15,000 Geographic Pay Differential was approved for Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Forest Rangers located in the lower Hudson Valley and downstate areas. The measure will help the agency address recruitment and retention challenges for law enforcement in lower Hudson Valley and downstate regions. 

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “ECOs, Investigators, and Forest Rangers are on the front lines of our comprehensive efforts to protect the environment and public safety and we must continue to attract the best and brightest to our ranks. We commend Governor Hochul and the Department of Civil Service for supporting this Geographic Pay Differential for our law enforcement staff deployed to Long Island, New York City, and the lower Hudson Valley, which is an important part of our efforts to recruit and retain expert Forest Rangers and ECOs.” 

Department of Civil Service Commissioner Timothy R. Hogues said, "DEC’s ECOs and Forest Rangers patrol and protect New York’s bountiful natural resources, and this pay increase will help DEC retain these talented and dedicated employees in the downstate regions. This marks the latest measure the Department of Civil Service is taking to ensure our compensation is competitive to attract the next generation of talent to public service careers. There is still time to apply to take the entry-level law enforcement exam, and I encourage all New Yorkers who may be interested in a career in law enforcement to sign up now.”

The increase would boost the starting salary for Environmental Conservation Police Officers from $66,140 to $81,140, and for Forest Rangers from $63,034 to $78,034, effective July 21, 2022. The raise will help address a disparity in compensation between the State and competing employers in lower-Hudson and downstate areas.  

Individuals who are contemplating a career with the DEC can apply for New York State's entry-level law enforcement civil service exam by August 10, 2022. People interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the civil service exam by submitting all the required information here. The exam, a multiple-choice test, will be offered during the fall.

To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the Department on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Governor Hochul, Amtrak and New York State Department of Transportation Announce Continued Direct Train Service to Great New York State Fair

 

Travelers and Visitors Can Experience a Safe, Convenient, Cost-Effective, and Comfortable Way to Travel

 Governor Kathy Hochul, in conjunction with Amtrak and New York State Department of Transportation, today announced the resumption of direct train service this summer to and from the Empire State's largest annual event - the Great New York State Fair. As part of their 20-year partnership, Amtrak customers and Fair visitors can combine the benefits of traveling sustainably and experiencing the best in New York State entertainment and agriculture with fun games, delicious food and one-of-a-kind exhibits. Tickets are available now at Amtrak.com, via the Amtrak mobile app, at station ticket counters or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL for travel between Wednesday, August 24 and Monday, September 5. 

"Visiting the Great New York State Fair is a must-do summer activity, and we are thrilled that Amtrak will continue to make it an accessible destination," Governor Hochul said. "Taking the train allows fair goers to save on gas and other expenses while ensuring a safe, direct ride there. Thank you to our partners at Amtrak for working with us to bring joy to so many New Yorkers and visitors, alike." 

By taking the train, Fair visitors will skip tolls, traffic, and parking fees, and save on gas by arriving steps from the fairgrounds via select Empire Service (Trains 281, 283, and 284) and Maple Leaf (Trains 63 and 64) trains, which will make daily stops at the State Fair (in between stops at Rochester and Syracuse stations), adjacent to the Fairgrounds. The Amtrak station code for the New York State Fair is NYF. Customers can also spend less on their trip with Amtrak's See NY and Save discount when booking online at least five days in advance of travel or via everyday discounts for kids, seniors, military groups and more. Customers will enjoy free Wi-Fi, Business Class seats, the freedom to use phones and electronic devices at all times (no "airplane mode"), a café car, ample leg room and large spacious seats.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "The Great New York State Fair is a one-of-a-kind destination for more than a million visitors every year. The State Department of Transportation continues to invest in passenger rail because it is safe, reliable and hassle-free. As the economy continues to rebound from the pandemic, making connections to the important destinations across the Empire State is vital. The Fair is the premier destination for entertainment, food and entertainment anywhere in upstate New York and I encourage New Yorkers to take advantage of this service - which drops passengers right off at the fairgrounds - later this month."

State Fair Interim Director Sean Hennessey said, "Our partnership with Amtrak grants New Yorkers a fun opportunity to ride to and from the Great New York State Fair in style, air conditioning, and comfort. The Amtrak service is one of the best kept secrets - or hidden gems - when it comes to transportation to the Fairgrounds. We encourage neighbors from New York City, Niagara Falls, Albany, and Amtrak destinations in between to come experience the food, fun, farming and family activities that the Fair offers!"

Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner said, "We are proud to continue our yearly tradition of partnering with NYSDOT to provide New Yorkers with the opportunity totravel to the Great New York State Fair via Amtrak. Whether you're coming from New York City, Niagara Falls or anywhere in between, riding the train will add to your Fair experience in a fun, sustainable and relaxing way."

Westbound daily trains originating in New York City at approximately 7:16 a.m., 10:21 a.m. and 1:21 p.m. will stop daily at the Fair at around 1:05 p.m. (Train 63), 4:12 p.m. (Train 281) and 7:01 p.m. (Train 283) respectively. Eastbound trains originating from Niagara Falls, NY at approximately 6:21 a.m. and 12:07 p.m. will stop at the Fair around 9:20 a.m. (Train 284) and 3:03 p.m. (Train 64) respectively, before continuing en route to Albany and New York City.

Amtrak has been offering train service to the New York State Fair since 2002. The Great New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, is hosted at a 375-acre exhibit and entertainment complex that operates all year.

The 2022 Fair begins Wednesday, August 24, and continues through Monday, September 5.

Statement from Comptroller Brad Lander on Education Budget Changes

 

“The cuts to school budgets and ensuing uncertainty have created so much anxiety for schools, parents, and the city. The fastest way to fill the gaps facing principals is to use federal stimulus funds set aside for education. The City has the funds to fill the $469 million Fair Student Funding cut to 77 percent of schools, helping to restore them to their FY22 funding levels.

“With the first day of school rapidly approaching, it’s essential to bring clarity to classroom funding so our educators can focus on getting ready for students this fall.”