Former FIFA Official Sentenced to 16 Months in Prison for Accepting Hundreds of Thousands of Dollars in Bribes

 

Defendant is the Former President of El Salvador’s Soccer Federation

 Reynaldo Vasquez, the former president of the El Salvadorean soccer federation (“the Federation”) was sentenced by United States District Judge Pamela K. Chen to 16 months’ imprisonment in connection with over $350,000 in bribes that he and other soccer officials from El Salvador received from an American company in exchange for the sale of broadcast rights to the El Salvador soccer team’s World Cup qualifier and friendly matches.  Vasquez pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy in August 2021.  The defendant was indicted in November 2015 and extradited to the United States from El Salvador in 2021.  As part of his plea agreement, Vasquez had previously agreed to forfeit $360,000 to the government.

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

“The defendant and his co-conspirators, motivated by greed, disgraced themselves by lining their pockets with hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes, at the expense of a beautiful sport, El Salvador’s soccer federation, and the community it served,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “Vasquez has now been held to account, like the many other corrupt soccer officials who have been exposed by the government’s investigation.” 

Mr. Peace thanked the Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Los Angeles Field Office (IRS-CI), for their exceptional investigative work, and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for its assistance with extradition of the defendant in this matter.

From approximately 2009 through 2011, Vasquez served as the President of the Federación Salvadoreña de Fútbol.  Vasquez and his co-conspirators participated in and corrupted an enterprise comprising soccer organizing bodies and sports marketing companies.  As part of his association with that enterprise, Vasquez and others solicited and received bribes and kickbacks in exchange for awarding lucrative media and marketing contracts.  In 2012, Vasquez, together with other current and former officials of the federation, received approximately $350,000 in bribes in connection with the sale of media and marketing rights to El Salvador World Cup qualifying matches to be played in advance of the 2018 World Cup.  This bribe payment was wired from a sports marketing company’s bank account in the United States.  Vasquez ultimately received a portion of his bribe money through a wire transfer sent through the United States.  In 2014 and 2015, Vasquez and others agreed to receive tens of thousands of dollars in bribes in connection with the participation of the Salvadorean national team in friendly matches to be played in the United States. 

The sentence announced today is part of a long-running investigation into corruption in international soccer led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI New York Field Office, and the IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office.  To date, the prosecution has resulted in 27 individual guilty pleas, 4 corporate guilty pleas, and 2 convictions at trial, among other resolutions.  The prosecutors in Brooklyn have received considerable assistance from attorneys in various parts of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division in Washington, D.C., including the Office of International Affairs, the Organized Crime and Gang Section, the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, and the Fraud Section, as well as from INTERPOL Washington, and various foreign governments.

DEC Releases Draft Great Lakes Action Agenda to Help Restore, Protect, and Revitalize New York's Great Lakes Region

 

Public Comment Period Closes Nov. 11

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released the draft New York’s Great Lakes Action Agenda 2022-2030, a multi-year action plan to guide restoration and conservation, and foster sustainable, resilient, communities in New York’s Great Lakes region. The Action Agenda advances a wide range of efforts to safeguard water quality, improve habitats for fish and wildlife, manage invasive species, promote sustainability, and enhance community resilience to climate change in a region that spans more than 40 percent of New York State’s land area and includes Lake Erie, the Niagara River, Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence River, and respective watersheds.

“The updated Agenda takes Great Lakes restoration and protection to the next level by building on and further leveraging the successful efforts advanced by the first Agenda released in 2014,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “DEC will continue to strengthen and diversify our partnerships with State and local partners, effectively respond to our most pressing environmental challenges like climate change, and ensure that present and future generations continue to benefit from the high-quality water and natural resources of the Great Lakes region.”

In support of New York’s ecosystem-based management goals, the Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA) promotes collaborative, science-informed decision-making to achieve outcomes that support the needs of people, nature, and the economy. The draft 2022-2030 GLAA includes new cross-cutting priorities that reflect the State’s commitment to inclusion and engagement of diverse stakeholders and historically underserved communities. The updated GLAA also proposes new metrics for evaluating implementation progress and improvements in environmental conditions over time.

The GLAA is funded by the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), under the Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act, and is administered through DEC’s Great Lakes Program with collaborating stakeholders and partners. Among the many environmental victories in the 2022-23 State Budget, Governor Hochul succeeded in increasing the EPF from $300 to $400 million, the highest-ever level of funding in the program's history. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs and projects such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, climate change resilience, and environmental justice, to ensure all New Yorker’s benefit from sustained ecosystem services, such as drinking water, swimming, and fishing.

The draft Action Agenda is available on DEC’s website at: http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/91881.html. Public comments will be accepted until Nov. 11, 2022, and submitted to greatlakes@dec.ny.gov. DEC's Great Lakes Program will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. to introduce the GLAA and invite feedback. Register at link here and to learn more about these and future opportunities to engage in this work, please contact greatlakes@dec.ny.gov for additional details.

Bronx Republican Party Dinner

 

Wednesday night September 28th the Bronx Republican Party held its first Annual Dinner since 2019 because of the pandemic. The ballroom at Villa Barone was filled with almost four hundred supporters of the Bronx Republican Party and its candidates for office. 

Former New York State Republican Party Chairman Ed Cox and Ms. Dawn Sandow were the Guests of Honor. A surprise guest was former Democratic Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. who sat with his choice of candidates for the 14th Congressional District Ms. Tina Forte the candidate of the  Republican and Conservative Parties of the Bronx. All of the statewide candidates on the Republican and Conservative party lines were in attendance with the exception of Lee Zeldin the candidate for governor who had a family emergency at home. 

 From Right to Left - 80th Assembly candidate Phyllis 'Tiz' Nastasio, 34th State Senate candidate Samantha Zherka, 82nd Assembly candidate John M. Greaney Jr., 14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte, Bronx Republican Party Chair Michael Rendino, and 81st Assembly candidate Kevin Pazmino. 

The three women who say they will lead the Bronx Republican Party to victory in the East Bronx in 2022. (L - R) 80th Assembly candidate Phyllis 'Tiz' Nastasio, 34th State Senate candidate Samantha Zherka, and 14th Congressional candidate Tina Forte.

A surprise guest to the Bronx Republican Party Dinner was former Democratic City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. here with former New York State Republican Party Chair Ed Cox, Leslie Diaz, and Mr. Paco Cruz Lugo. 

Bronx Board of Elections Republican Borough Chief Dawn Sandow is flanked by current Bronx Republican Party Leader Michael Rendino, former county leader Jay Savino, former county leader and 82nd A.D. candidate John M. Greaney, and District Leader Fred Brown.

Andrea Catsimatidis the Manhattan Republican Party Chair stands with 34th State Senate candidate Samantha Zherka next to the ice sculpture of the Republican Party Elephant. 

Bronx Republican Party Leader with his Republican District Leaders.

City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino came from Queens to be with the Bronx Republican Party and say a few words  about the way New York City is headed under Democratic control.

Republican and Conservative Parties candidate for U.S. Senator Joe Pinton had some harsh words to say about his opponent the current U.S. Senator Charles Schumer and the Democratic Party. 

Hispanic Leaders Will Have A Round Table With Congressman Lee Zeldin

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Former NYC Councilman

Rev. Ruben Diaz

You should know that Hispanic Leaders will have a "Roundtable" meeting with Congressman Lee Zeldin, Candidate for New York State Governor.

This "Roundtable" will be held this Monday, October 3rd at 2:00 PM in The Christian Community Neighborhood Church, located at 1437 Longfellow Avenue in Bronx County, New York.

 

These Hispanic Leaders are from different areas throughout New York State, who are concerned with the increased level of crime, the deterioration of housing, health, and education, which greatly affect New Yorkers especially the working minority communities.  These Hispanic Leaders want to hear directly from the lips of Congressman Zeldin what his plans are to address those issues, especially crime and violence, that are directly impacting New York State and our poor and working-class Communities.

I Am Rev. Ruben Diaz, and This Is What You Should Know.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Coffee & Conversation: Federal Assistance for Your Business

 

Register - Click Here

On Wednesday, October 5 at 10:00am we welcome Marlene Cintron, United States Small Business Administration, Atlantic Region II Administrator, charged with overseeing business development in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Puerto Rico, and the U.S Virgin Islands on behalf of President Joseph Biden to Coffee and Conversation. To attend and learn about federal business incentives, combatting inflation, and the Biden economic plan, Click Here. The next cohort of guests include: Elizabeth Lusskin, Executive Vice President - Small Business and Technology Development, Empire State Development, 10/13/2022 at 10:00am, click here to register Hon. Rafael Salamanca, Jr., Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Land Use, 10/25/2022 at 10:00am, click here to register For the complete Bronx Chamber Events Calendar, featuring educational workshops, networking events and other opportunities hosted by the Chamber, its members, & partners, please visit and bookmark our website events calendar link in your browser - new events are added weekly!

The Bronx Chamber of Commerce's Coffee and Conversation series brings together decision makers, influencers, and thought leaders shaping the economic future of the Bronx and highlights priorities identified by Bronx Chamber members.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE HIGHLIGHTS NEED FOR HOUSING, EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR ASYLUM SEEKERS

 

 As asylum seekers continue to arrive in New York City at a rapid rate, Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams is elevating the experiences and urgent needs of newly arriving New Yorkers, and the responsibilities of city, state, and federal government to meet those needs. In a statement prepared for a Friday City Council hearing of the Committee on Immigration, he stressed the importance of protecting the right to shelter in an overburdened and underresourced system.

"Recently, I made a visit to a shelter in Hollis, Queens, where regrettably an asylum seeker took her own life. We found out that the shelter was not meant nor prepared to house asylum seekers and was severely understaffed, with 1 worker per 100 residents, with a maximum capacity of 500 residents..." reported Public Advocate Williams. He later argued that "Shelters would not be so under strain if the backlog and wait times for housing vouchers were expedited. Some individuals that currently reside in shelters have been living there for years. Affordable and supportive housing is one pathway to simultaneously transition them from homelessness to a permanent housing situation and open capacity at shelters."

He pointed to his recent report with the Committee to End Homelessness, which recommends expanding CityFHEPS eligibility to allow people who work and earn up to 50 percent of the city’s Area Median Income to qualify and waiving the work requirement for those not employed but on public assistance to qualify. He further pushed for passage of his Homeless Bill of Rights as a means of defining and protecting key standards for asylum seekers.

He also emphasized the importance of providing families with quality educational services, saying "According to recent Department of Homeless Services figures, of the 11,800 asylum seekers in the DHS system, approximately 8,000 are families with children. Enrolling these children in school is imperative in facilitating the transition post-migration as well as providing a safer space and environment where the children have access to hot meals...The Department of Education must ensure that their processes for placing asylum seeker children is as transparent as possible and takes into consideration the transient status of the children and their families in regards to housing and the immigration system."

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 9/26/22-9/30/22

 

Dear Community,

Before my time in office concludes at the end of this year, I would like to recognize and honor the accomplishments and contributions of individuals and businesses within District 34. My office will be honoring individuals and businesses in the district with the New York State Liberty Medal and Empire Awards, and we would love your help nominating members of the community! Please find information below regarding the two awards:

The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor that can be bestowed by a Member of the New York State Senate upon a resident of New York State. Those eligible for the Liberty Medal include individuals who meet the following criteria: 

• Heroic actions 
• Highly decorated military service
• Action taken by law enforcement and first responders which is above and beyond the call of duty
• Exceptional lifetime achievement by the recipient on behalf of their community and New York State

The Empire Award will be given to any businesses in District 34 that have exhibited a high level of excellence in service to the community. We look to highlight the businesses who have persevered, adapted, and shown resilience with the unprecedented change and growth throughout their years of service.

I am requesting your help in identifying exceptional individuals and businesses who meet the criteria of these awards and have made immeasurable and lasting contributions to District 34. 

Fill out this form to nominate individuals for the Liberty Medal Award and fill out this form to nominate businesses for the Empire Award. Nominations are due by October 7th. 

Thank you so much for your help in advance!

With Gratitude,

State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

Upcoming Events

Montefiore Medical Center Supporting Healthy Relationships Program: ​​ Montefiore-Einstein’s Supporting Healthy Relationships is a free program designed to empower low-income couples to achieve family success, by improving their communication skills, learning how to reduce destructive conflict, and gaining financial stability. The workshops help you develop and practice relationship skills through discussion, teaching and peer-to-peer learning led by our professional team. To apply, visit www.montefiore.org/SHR.

 

The SU-CASA program is back: After a long and difficult year, the Bronx Council of the Arts is delighted to partner once again with local artists to offer virtual art programming for seniors. The array of classes to choose from is amazing and there’s something for everyone. Registration is easy. View the roster of workshops on our website and register for a fun class today! For more information: contact@bronxarts.org

 

NW Bronx Food Justice Project - Emergency Food Resources in Marble Hill and Kingsbridge Heights: For more information, contact the NW Bronx Food Justice project at foodjusticebronx@gmail.com

Kingsbridge Heights Community Center (KHCC): 3101 Kingsbridge Terrace at Summit Place, Bronx 10463 – weekly: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12:00 – 2:30. For more information go to: https://www.khcc-nyc.org/program/food-pantry or email Will Littleton at wlittleton@khcc-nyc.org

Friendly Fridge: 5977 Broadway (242nd Street and Broadway), Contact: thefriendlyfridgebx@gmail.com 

Bailey Fridge: 3016 Bailey Ave.

 

WHEDco and The Bronx Music Heritage Center are hosting a number of virtual Events and programs, featuring outstanding Bronx musicians, dancers, poets, and other artists and giving people a great opportunity to connect and celebrate. Learn more here.

Friends of Pelham Parkway Decry Bike Lane on Bronxdale Avenue

 

The NYCDOT made a presentation to the Traffic and Transportation Committee of Community board 11 back in March of 2021. The March 2021 agenda of the committee had only Item 2. New York City Department of Transportation with no description of what was being presented. There were only two members of the public in this video meeting, both members of Transportation Alternatives, and it was the last meeting of the Chair of the committee Frano Zagreda who did not reapply to be a member of the community board. It seems that this video only surfaced one year later as did the minutes of the meeting. 

The minutes of the March 2021 meeting have item #2 as the New York City Department of Transportation A. Follow up to 2018 presentation on Bronxdale Avenue to address unsafe intersections and high speeds. B. The presentation was a draft of redesign of Bronxdale avenue from Bronx Park East to East Tremont avenue. C. DOT says that this presentation is the first draft, and they intend to engage multiple stakeholders along Bronxdale including the schools, medical facility, Maestro’s, Con Edison, Morris Park Community Association and others. D. The proposed plan converts 4 lanes to 2 with turn bays, painted islands, and protected bike lanes. E. 60 parking spots will be lost. DOT will investigate adding a few additional spots after concerns were raised. F. Other concerns from the committee and public included: ADA compliance, double parking, school drop off, and new traffic pattern in front of the medical center.

While there are agendas listed for various months leading up to and including September 2022, there are no Traffic and Transportation committee minutes posted after the March 2021 minutes. On Friday September 30, 2022 the Friends of Pelham parkway held a press conference to decry the lack of information from Community Board 11 on the reconfiguration of Bronxdale Avenue which took place the last week of September, and one woman has already been killed in a car accident that the car went onto the sidewalk pinning the woman against a metal fence fatally. The driver said he was unaware of the new road pattern. 

The sign on the left tells you what is going on, or has gone on, and the sign on the left tells you what the street will look like or already does. 

Left - The bike lane at the curb with cars parking in what use to be a lane of moving traffic. Right the corner of White Plains Road and Bronxdale Avenue, with the abandoned fire box and graffiti covered traffic signal box.

   

Here we see the light is red, but the bike rider goes right through the red light.

                                                                 

                                                           

There is a new concrete Pedestrian Island, but cars can go on both sides of the island, and cars, truck, buses, and bikes go all different ways since traffic is now tied up due to only having one lane of traffic flow on Bronxdale Avenue below White Plains Road.

 

Left - White Plain Road crossing Bronxdale  Avenue has turning lanes but none are marked   off.

Right - Friends of Pelham Parkway discuss the problem on Bronxdale Avenue.

All photos can be clicked on to make them larger.