Gang Member Charged With 2019 Manhattan Murder Of An Innocent Bystander

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Michael J. Driscoll, Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Keechant L. Sewell, Police Commissioner for the City of New York (“NYPD”), announced today that JEAN CARMONA was charged with racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering, and firearms offenses. As alleged, CARMONA is a member of a street gang known as “the 200s,” operating in and around upper Manhattan. On January 31, 2019, CARMONA and other 200s members traveled to another neighborhood, murdered Roberto Vasquez and attempted to murder a second individual. Vasquez and the second victim were innocent bystanders mistaken for rival gang members. CARMONA was in custody in Bergen County, New Jersey and was transferred into federal custody today. He will be presented this afternoon in Manhattan federal court.  The case has been assigned to United States District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Carmona allegedly participated in a callous, gang-related murder of an innocent bystander whose only offense was wanting to go home. Carmona’s callous actions not only took Roberto Vasquez’ life, but also led to a second innocent bystander being shot as well.  We hope that today’s charges bring some measure of comfort to the families of the victims and make clear that this Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of anyone who takes another person’s life.”

FBI Assistant Director Michael J. Driscoll said:  “As alleged, Mr. Carmona is a member of the 200’s street gang who participated in the 2019 murder of Roberto Vasquez, an innocent victim mistaken for a rival gang member, in Upper Manhattan.  Our communities deserve far better than to live in fear of criminal gangs.  As the scourge of gang violence continues to plague the streets of our city, the FBI and our partners with the NYPD will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of the criminals responsible for these violent acts.”

NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell said:  “Today’s charges demonstrate that as long as people are involved in the violence and other illegal activities so often associated with gang life, the NYPD and our law-enforcement partners will be relentless in holding them fully accountable. I want to commend and thank our colleagues in the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for their hard work in furthering this cause.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today in Manhattan federal court[1]:

From at least in or about 2017 up to and including June 2022, in the Southern District of New York and elsewhere, JEAN CARMONA was a member of the 200s street gang. In order to fund the gang, protect its territory, and promote its standing, members of the 200 engaged in, among other things, narcotics trafficking and other acts of violence, including murder. 200 members sold marijuana in the gang’s territory and engaged in shootings as part of their gang membership.  In particular, on January 31, 2019, CARMONA participated in the shooting and murder of Roberto Vasquez and the non-fatal shooting of a second individual, who were innocent bystanders mistaken for rival gang members, in the vicinity of 158th Street and Broadway Avenue, in Manhattan, New York.

CARMONA, 31, is charged with one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum term of life in prison; one count of murder in aid of racketeering, which carries a mandatory minimum term of life in prison or death; one count of causing death through use of a firearm, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison and a maximum of life in prison or death; one count of committing violent crimes in aid of racketeering, which carries a maximum term of 20 years in prison; and one count of carrying, brandishing, and discharging a firearm in connection with a crime of violence, which caries a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.    

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Consumer Alert: The New York State Division of Consumer Protection Issues Scam Warning to All Postsecondary Students as They Head Back to CampusLogo

 

Secretary of State, Robert J. Rodriguez, “The Best Way for College Students to Avoid Textbook, Scholarship or Rental Scams is to be Informed.”

Students Can Learn Important Steps to Prevent Identity Theft and Other Safety Prevention Tips as They Start the New Academic Year

 In the coming weeks, many students will be heading to college, vocational, or graduate school programs. New York State is home to nearly 300 higher education institutions – the second highest in the nation. Incoming students have many decisions to make at the start of the academic year and while making choices independently is exciting, dealing with new situations can be challenging. Whether living away from home for the first time, navigating financial aid, or building credit, students have ample opportunities to get scammed. The NYS Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) provides guidance on how to start this new academic year safely with targeted scam prevention and safety tips that can help during this transition.

“The best way for college students to avoid textbook, scholarship or rental scams is to be informed. This is an exciting time as students, often on their own for the first time, learn how to balance their freedom and responsibilities. This new independence makes them targets for scammers,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who oversees the Department of State and its Division of Consumer Protection. “The goal of the Division of Consumer Protection is to educate students and arm them with knowledge to protect themselves against identity theft, scams and other safety prevention tips.”   

SCAM PREVENTION TIPS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS:

Protect Yourself from Common Scams Targeting Students:

• Fake Scholarships, Grants or Loans: The required paperwork to apply for financial aid is the FAFSA form and it’s completely free. Visit FAFSA’s government’s website directly and don’t believe anyone who offers guarantees or pre-approvals for loans or grants.
  
  
• Unpaid Tuition Scam: Ignore calls claiming that you’ll be dropped from all classes unless you pay tuition immediately over the phone. Always call the school bursar’s office directly to verify your account status. Schools generally send an invoice to alert students of account status.
  
  
• Fake Employment or Internship Offers: Never pay an upfront fee to move forward in an interview process or provide too much personal information, such as your SSN, during the application or interview process.
  
  
• Buying Books Online: Scam artists set up fake websites and offer great deals on expensive textbooks only to never deliver the textbooks leaving the student out of cash and with no textbook. Learn how to identify fake websites listings for textbooks and supplies. Before you buy, do your research, and confirm it’s a reputable source. Pay attention to contact information and return policies. Legitimate sites provide a physical address and working phone number in the contact section.
  
  
• Roommate/Rental Scam: Scammers pose as an individual selling or renting a property or as someone on behalf of a property owner. Potential renters are then solicited for money in exchange for promises that the homes will be shown to them or rented to them upon completion of payment. The scam is realized when there is no home for sale, or the property is already occupied.
  
  
• Credit Cards: If applying for a credit card for the first time, do your own research. Students are often targeted with misleading credit card offers that could be a veiled attempt at identity theft or may charge exorbitant annual fees and interest rates.

Protect Yourself from Identity theft:

• Understand the consequences. Higher education students are at great risk of identity theft, but you can minimize these risks by protecting yourself and keeping your information private. It’s important that you understand the consequences of identity theft. Criminals can use your personal information to build a fake identity and open new accounts or loans under your name. Restoring credit and correcting false information can be a costly and lengthy process so it’s best to prevent it before it happens.
  
  
• Keep all personal identifiable information private. Whether it’s in a dorm room, online, or in any social situation, keep all information and documents containing personal information private and securely guarded. Personally identifiable information is information that, when used alone or with other relevant data, can identify a person.
  
  
• Remember to always keep a close hold on your social security number (SSN) and ask why it’s needed before deciding to share it. Oftentimes organizations include the SSN request as a formality, and it may not be mandatory. Ask if you can use a different kind of identifier.
  
  
• Personal documents, checkbooks, credit card statements and other personal papers should be always locked securely.
  
  
• When searching for and applying for student loans or other applications for financial aid, never share personal information via the phone or internet unless you have initiated contact.
  
  
• Shred pre-approved credit card offers and bills before disposing of them.

• Practice Online Safety.
  
  
  • Social media is a great place to connect with friends or catch up with the latest viral trend but remember to save some secrets for yourself. Social media posts often reveal sensitive information unintentionally. Cybercriminals look for content that can reveal answers to security questions used to reset passwords, making accounts vulnerable to identity theft.
    
    
  • Avoid downloading free music, games, or apps. Free downloads come with a price – identity theft. Often the free apps, music and games are tainted with keystroke logging malware.
    
    
  • Avoid using public WIFI/computer to shop online or pay bills.
    
    
  • Monitor privacy settings on all online accounts.
    
    
  • Before you get rid of your old laptop or smartphone, protect your data so it doesn’t end up in the hands of an identity thief. For tips on how to protect your data before getting rid of your devices, please see information from this Federal Trade Commission article.
    
    
  • For more tips on how to stay safe online, please see information from this January 2020 consumer Alert.

SAFETY TIPS AT SCHOOL:

College Dormitory Safety

For those living on campus this fall, there are safety precautions to keep in mind, especially for first-time residential students. Fires are one of the biggest hazards; the National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments responded to over 3,000 fires at dormitories, sororities, fraternities, and other related structures from 2015-2019. Be sure to check your dormitory for fire hazards and more, and have the following information handy:

• Locate the smoke and carbon monoxide alarms within your dorm or off-campus housing. Verify or obtain assurances that all alarms are in proper working order. Participate in any needed safety demonstrations on campus.
• Check for working sprinkler systems and fire extinguishers. Most at risk are those staying in off-campus housing, where these systems are not regulated by the university.
  
  
• Locate the nearest emergency exits. Make note of where to go if there is an emergency.
  
  
• Never overload outlets with too many demands for power to prevent fires. Students with laptops, televisions, mini-refrigerators, and more can overload the outlet and spark a fire.
  
  
• Review the emergency plan in case of fire or a carbon monoxide leaks. Ensure all those residing in the room know where to meet and what to do if there is an emergency. Remember to call 911 in case of any emergency and follow safety protocol.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer.

Member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Charged with Plot to Murder the Former National Security Advisor

 

Defendant Worked on Behalf of the IRGC to Hire Persons in the United States to Carry Out the Murder, Likely in Retaliation for the January 2020 Death of Qasem Soleimani

 An Iranian national and member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) was charged by complaint, unsealed today in the District of Columbia, with use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire and with providing and attempting to provide material support to a transnational murder plot.

According to court documents, beginning in October 2021, Shahram Poursafi, aka Mehdi Rezayi, 45, of Tehran, Iran, attempted to arrange the murder of former National Security Advisor John Bolton, likely in retaliation for the January 2020 death of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Qods Force (IRGC-QF) commander Qasem Soleimani. Poursafi, working on behalf of the IRGC-QF, attempted to pay individuals in the United States $300,000 to carry out the murder in Washington, D.C. or Maryland.

“The Justice Department has the solemn duty to defend our citizens from hostile governments who seek to hurt or kill them,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “This is not the first time we have uncovered Iranian plots to exact revenge against individuals on U.S. soil and we will work tirelessly to expose and disrupt every one of these efforts.”

“Iran has a history of plotting to assassinate individuals in the U.S. it deems a threat, but the U.S. Government has a longer history of holding accountable those who threaten the safety of our citizens,” said Executive Assistant Director Larissa L. Knapp of the FBI’s National Security Branch. “Let there be no doubt: The FBI, the U.S. government, and our partners remain vigilant in the fight against such threats here in the U.S. and overseas.”

“Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, through the Defendant, tried to hatch a brazen plot: assassinate a former U.S. official on U.S. soil in retaliation for U.S. actions,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Iran and other hostile governments should understand that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners will do everything in our power to thwart their violent plots and bring those responsible to justice.”

“An attempted assassination of a former U.S. Government official on U.S. soil is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI Washington Field Office. “The FBI will continue to identify and disrupt any efforts by Iran or any hostile government seeking to bring harm or death to U.S. persons at home or abroad. This should serve as a warning to any others attempting to do the same – the FBI will be relentless in our efforts to identify, stop, and bring to justice those who would threaten our people and violate our laws.”

According to court documents, on Oct. 22, 2021, Poursafi asked Individual A, a U.S. resident whom Poursafi previously met online, to take photographs of the former National Security Advisor, claiming the photographs were for a book Poursafi was writing. Individual A told Poursafi that he/she could introduce Poursafi to another person who would take the pictures for $5,000-$10,000. Individual A later introduced Poursafi to an associate (referred to in court documents as the confidential human source or CHS).

On Nov. 9, 2021, Poursafi contacted the CHS on an encrypted messaging application, and then directed the CHS to a second encrypted messaging application for further communications. Poursafi offered the CHS $250,000 to hire someone to “eliminate” the former National Security Advisor. This amount would later be negotiated up to $300,000. Poursafi added that he had an additional “job,” for which he would pay $1 million. 

Poursafi directed the CHS to open a cryptocurrency account to facilitate payment, but stipulated that the CHS would likely have to carry out the murder before he/she could be paid. He further explained to the CHS that if he/she was paid and the murder was not completed, Poursafi’s “group” would be angry. A later search of one of Poursafi’s online accounts revealed pictures of Poursafi wearing a uniform with an IRGC patch. During their communications, the CHS made several references to Poursafi being associated with IRGC-QF. Poursafi never denied his involvement with IRGC-QF. 

On Nov. 14, 2021, the CHS asked Poursafi for help locating the former National Security Advisor. Poursafi subsequently provided the CHS with the target’s work address in Washington, D.C. According to results from the search of one of Poursafi’s online accounts, on Nov. 25, 2021, Poursafi took screenshots of a map application showing a street view of the former National Security Advisor’s office. One screenshot noted that the address was “10,162 km away,” which is the approximate distance between Washington, D.C. and Tehran, Iran.    

On Nov. 19, 2021, Poursafi told the CHS that it did not matter how the murder was carried out, but his “group” would require video confirmation of the target’s death. The CHS asked Poursafi what would happen if the killing was attributed to Iran. Poursafi told the CHS not to worry and that Poursafi’s “group” would take care of it. 

Poursafi also advised the CHS to communicate about the plot in construction and building terms.  For example, when the CHS asked Poursafi to specify how the murder was to be carried out, Poursafi told the CHS that he only asked the CHS to build a structure, but the method of construction was up to the CHS. 

On Dec. 22, 2021, Poursafi sent the CHS a photograph of two plastic bags, each of which appeared to contain bound stacks of U.S. currency and a handwritten note beneath them that said, “[CHS’s name] 22.12.2021”. 

On Dec. 29, 2021, Poursafi asked the CHS when the murder would be carried out and informed the CHS that his “group” wanted it done quickly. 

On Jan. 3, 2022, Poursafi noted he was under pressure from “his people” to complete the murder and that Poursafi had to report any delays. The CHS asked Poursafi how many people were involved. Poursafi told the CHS that he only had to report to one person, but that there was a chain of command to whom his superior reported. That same day, Poursafi expressed regret that the murder would not be conducted by the anniversary of Qasem Soleimani’s death. He stated he was concerned that if it was not carried out soon, the job would be taken from Poursafi and the CHS. Poursafi counseled the CHS that if he/she used a “small weapon,” he/she would have to get close to the target, but if he/she used a “larger weapon,” he/she could stay farther away. 

On Jan. 18, 2022, the CHS sent Poursafi publicly available information that suggested the former National Security Advisor might be travelling out of the Washington, D.C., area during the time Poursafi indicated he would like the CHS to carry out the murder. Poursafi told the CHS that he needed to “check something.” Within an hour, he told the CHS that the target was, in fact, not travelling. He then provided the CHS with specifics regarding the former National Security Advisor’s schedule that do not appear to have been publicly available.      

On Jan. 21, 2022, Poursafi told the CHS that after successful completion of the first “job,” he had a second “job” for the CHS and informed the CHS that surveillance of the second target was complete. Poursafi said the information was gathered “from the United States,” not “via Google,” indicating someone working on behalf of the IRGC-QF had already conducted pre-operational surveillance on the second target in the United States.

On Feb. 1, 2022, Poursafi told the CHS that if he/she did not eliminate the target within two weeks, the job would be taken from the CHS. He also informed the CHS that someone checked the area around the former National Security Advisor’s home, and he believed there was not a security presence, so the CHS should be able to “finish the job.”

On March 10, 2022, Poursafi told the CHS he had another assassination job for the CHS in the United States, but to “keep [the former National Security Advisor] in the back of your mind.” Approximately one month later, Poursafi encouraged the CHS to accept this offer, explaining that if it was done successfully, Poursafi would be able to ingratiate himself with his “group” and regain the tasking to murder the former National Security Advisor. 

On April 28, 2022, the CHS told Poursafi that he/she would not continue to work without being paid. Poursafi agreed to send the CHS $100 in cryptocurrency to a virtual wallet the CHS created earlier that day, to prove payment could be made. Later that day, the cryptocurrency wallet received two payments totaling $100.

If convicted, Poursafi faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 for the use of interstate commerce facilities in the commission of murder-for-hire, and up to 15 years imprisonment and a fine up to $250,000 for providing and attempting to provide material support to a transnational murder plot. Poursafi remains at large abroad.

MAYOR ADAMS, VETERANS’ SERVICES COMMISSIONER HENDON APPLAUD BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON PASSAGE OF HONORING OUR PACT ACT

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon today applauded the passage of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022 after President Joseph Biden signed it into law this afternoon. The PACT Act establishes a presumption of service connection to burn pits and other airborne exposure for over 23 illnesses, including certain cancers and respiratory and lung diseases. The largest veterans’ health care bill in recent years, the PACT Act will help expand the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ health care coverage and treatment options to as many as 3.5 million veterans believed to have been exposed to toxins in the line of duty.

 

“Our veterans put their health and lives on the line to protect our freedoms. The PACT Act is the least we can do to honor and care for our nation’s bravest once they return home,” said Mayor Adams. “Thanks to this new law, my administration can ensure tens of thousands of veterans across the five boroughs have access to the care they earned and deserve. I salute President Biden and the members of Congress who voted for this law and supported what has become the largest veterans’ health care bill in decades.”

“The sacrifice made by our veterans and their families will finally be realized thanks to the PACT Act,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “I applaud the veterans, spouses, and caregivers who played a crucial role in advocating for this law. Thanks to their tireless support, millions of veterans will have expanded access to health care and life-changing disability compensation.”

 

“This historic bipartisan achievement will finally treat toxic exposure as a cost of war by expanding access to health care and disability benefits to veterans of all generations — from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan,” said New York City Department of Veterans’ Services Commissioner James Hendon. “The Department of Veterans’ Services assists veterans with VA claims, including disability compensation for illnesses presumed to be caused from deployments. This comprehensive law could bring countless more service members and veterans into our care, and our agency stands at the ready to serve them.”

Statement from Governor Kathy Hochul on President Biden's Signing of the CHIPS and Science Act

 "Today is a great day for the United States — and for the State of New York. By signing the CHIPS and Science Act, President Biden will kick-start the most significant opportunity in our nation's history to create jobs and economic growth through an expansion of semiconductor manufacturing, research and development within our borders.

"Thanks to the efforts of Majority Leader Schumer and our New York Congressional delegation, this new bipartisan law will have a major impact in New York. New York is poised to serve our nation and the world with its semiconductor needs, while strengthening our state's economy, revitalizing communities and bringing thousands of high-tech jobs all across the state. We have the locations, the tools, the universities and the workforce to lead the country's journey back to leading the industry for decades to come. Albany's Nanotech Complex is poised better than any other facility in the country to house the National Semiconductor Technology Center, which is on the vanguard of researching and developing new technologies we could barely dream of just a few years ago. 

"I congratulate President Biden, Majority Leader Schumer, the New York Congressional delegation and all my colleagues in Washington who have made today's accomplishment possible. New York is ready to get to work."

Attorney General James Announces Guilty Plea of Hempstead Woman Who Stole Deceased Mother’s Pension Benefits

 

Cynthia Rozzell Concealed Her Mother’s Death for Six Years and Stole Over $240,000 in Pension Benefits from the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the guilty plea of Hempstead resident Cynthia Rozzell for stealing over $240,000 in pension benefits issued to her deceased mother, Mary Garrett, by the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (NYSTRS) between May 2014 and May 2020. Rozzell pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Second Degree before the Honorable Judge William Little in Albany County Court, with sentencing expected on October 4, 2022. Judge Little issued a restitution order for $240,000.

“Pension theft is not a victimless crime. By stealing her deceased mother’s pension benefits, Ms. Rozzell dishonored countless hardworking New Yorkers who have dedicated their lives to one of our most noble professions: teaching and enriching our youth,” said Attorney General James. “My office will continue to prosecute those who attempt to undermine our retirement systems and steal from the individuals whose lives and livelihoods depend on these hard-earned benefits.”

Cynthia Rozzell’s mother, Mary Garrett, was a NYSTRS pensioner who retired from the Malverne Union Free School District in 1996. Upon her retirement, Garrett opted for the maximum payout rather than designate a beneficiary to receive her benefits after her death. However, when Garrett died in 2014, her monthly pension benefits continued to be deposited in her bank account and Rozzell subsequently diverted the payments to her own account. Over the course of six years, Rozzell stole more than $240,000 in pension benefits before NYSTRS discovered her mother’s death and ceased the payments.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) would like to thank the New York State Police’s Financial Crimes Unit for their assistance in this investigation.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbors,

 

Thank you for joining us for another week in review.

Last week, we joined with our Community Affairs officers and local precincts to celebrate National Night Out 2022. Thank you to our fabulous precincts for hosting another incredible National Night Out. To find out how you can get involved at your local precinct, please click here.

We also joined with the NYC Economic Development Corporation to beautify our neighborhoods by removing graffiti tags from buildings and shopfronts. We are committed to making sure that our neighborhoods represent the proud people of the Bronx. By removing tags, we make room for art commissions and murals for local artists to exhibit their work. This is also just the beginning of our beautification partnership with NYC EDC so please be on the lookout for additional information.

On Sunday, we gathered for Week 5 of our Summer Concert Series! This week was incredible! Thank you to our performers for leaving their hearts on the stage. Join us next Sunday for more live entertainment at our Bronx Riviera.

Lastly, as Monkeypox numbers continue to rise across the city, we ask that everyone take necessary precautions. For vaccination appointments in the Bronx, please click here . If you are experiencing symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson

IN THE COMMUNITY

I was proud to allocate $2M towards the future home of the Universal Hip Hop Museum in our Borough. The history of Hip Hop deserves to be celebrated. Make sure you check out the Universal Hip Hop Museum's Pop-Up, [R]Evolution of Hip Hop. Click here for more information. We joined with GrowNYC and the Mayor’s Office of Food Policy and DOHMH to promote healthy eating and combat food insecurity in our borough. The NYC DOHMH’s Stellar Farmers Markets program provides free, multilingual nutrition education and cooking demonstrations from July to November. This initiative promotes the benefits of a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and improves the capacity of New Yorkers to prepare healthy meals using locally grown, seasonal produce. Thank you for joining us for Week 5 of our Summer Concert Series at Orchard Beach! A special shout out to our artists Nelson Gonzalez and @conjuntoimagenofficial. See you all next Sunday!

New York Man Sentenced to Prison for Role in Identity Theft Conspiracy

 

Also Filed False Corporate Tax Returns for His Business

 A Springfield Gardens man was sentenced to five years in prison yesterday for conspiring to commit aggravated identity theft and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns for his transportation business.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Afolabi Ajelero worked at Kaybamz, a tax preparation business, during tax season from approximately 2012 through 2016. Ajelero conspired with Hakeem Bamgbala, the owner of the business, and others to prepare and file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds in the names of individuals whose identities had been acquired unlawfully. Bamgbala then forged the names of the taxpayers on the refund checks and provided the checks to Michael Campbell and other co-conspirators to be cashed at banks. Among other roles, Ajelero was responsible for supplying his Electronic Filing Identification Number (EFIN) for use on each fraudulent return and helping fabricate tax paperwork to satisfy a third party that audited some of the returns filed by Kaybamz.

In addition to participating in the identity theft conspiracy, Ajelero also owned Mo-Betta Ventures, a transportation business that provided airport shuttle services in the New York City metropolitan area. From 2011 through 2016, Ajelero aided the filing of false corporate tax returns for Mo-Betta Ventures. Each of these returns included false items, including exaggerated fuel tax credits or deductions intended only for off-highway vehicles such as farm equipment.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge William F. Kuntz II ordered Ajelero to serve two years of supervised release and to pay approximately $45,000 in restitution to the United States.

Bamgbala previously pleaded guilty to 18 counts of wire fraud, 22 counts of aggravated identity theft, one count of conspiring to commit aggravated identity theft, and one count of aiding and assisting the filing of a false tax return. Bamgbala died before he could be sentenced. Campbell pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 19.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Breon S. Peace for the Eastern District of New York made the announcement.