Medical Sales Representative Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Role in Multimillion-Dollar Health Care Fraud, Wire Fraud, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Travel Act Conspiracies

 

 A medical sales representative was sentenced today to 168 months in prison for defrauding federal, state, and private health insurance plans out of more than $4.6 million, Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna announced.

Steven Monaco, 40, of Sewell, New Jersey, was convicted in April 2022 of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud, eight counts of health care fraud, eight counts of wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Travel Act, following a nine-day trial before U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler, who imposed the sentence today in Camden federal court. 

According to documents filed in this case and the evidence at trial:

Monaco was a leader of two related fraud schemes that resulted in millions of dollars of loss to public health insurance plans. In the first scheme, Monaco, as a sales representative for a medical diagnostic laboratory, orchestrated a kickback scheme with a doctor, Daniel Oswari.  Monaco arranged for Oswari’s medical assistant to be placed on the payroll of the laboratory while continuing to work as a medical assistant for Oswari’s practice. In exchange, Oswari referred all his lab work to the laboratory for testing between late 2013 and 2016, and Monaco received $36,000 in commissions from the laboratory.

In the second fraud scheme, Monaco and his conspirator, pharmaceutical sales representative Richard Zappala, discovered that certain insurance plans – including New Jersey state and local government plans – paid for very expensive compounded prescription medications between 2014 and 2016. Monaco and Zappala organized a scheme in which they received a percentage of the insurance reimbursement for compounded medication prescriptions that they arranged. Monaco and Zappala approached medical professionals and paid them to sign medically unnecessary prescriptions for the compounded medications. Monaco paid Oswari and his staff to identify and prescribe the compound medications to patients of Oswari’s practice with the requisite insurance plans, as well as other people that Oswari did not medically evaluate.  Monaco also arranged for other medical professionals – including Dr. Michael Goldis and his cousin, physician’s assistant Jason Chacker – to sign medically unnecessary prescriptions for members of Monaco’s family and others whom these medical professionals did not examine.  Monaco directly compensated Chacker with money and tickets to sporting events, and Zappala paid Goldis cash to sign the medically unnecessary prescriptions for members of Monaco’s family and others. Monaco also directly paid individuals who had coverage under the public insurance plans and agreed to receive prescriptions for the compounded medications. As a result of this scheme, Monaco received approximately $350,000 and caused a loss of over $4.6 million to the insurance plans.

Oswari, Zappala, Goldis and Chacker all have previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Kugler sentenced Monaco to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $4.69 million in restitution.

Attorney for the United States Vikas Khanna credited special agents of the FBI’s Atlantic City Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy in Newark; special agents of IRS - Criminal Investigation, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Tammy L. Tomlins in Newark; and the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General, New York Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR COMMISSIONER ROBERTA REARDON ANNOUNCES DECISION REGARDING FARM WORKER OVERTIME

New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Commissioner Roberta Reardon today issued an order accepting the recommendation of the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower the current 60-hour threshold for overtime pay to 40 hours per week by January 1, 2032, allowing 10 years to phase in the new threshold. The Board included its recommendation in a report that the Board voted to advance to the Commissioner during its final meeting on September 6, 2022, following a two-year process and 14 public meetings and hearings. Following a rulemaking process to enact the Commissioner's Order, farm work in excess of 40 hours per week would be required to be compensated at overtime rates, as it is in other occupations.

“I thank the Farm Laborers Wage Board and all New Yorkers who provided insight and input during this inclusive process,” said New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon. “I come from a farm community myself, so I know how important the agricultural sector is to the New York State economy. Based on the findings, I feel the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendations are the best path forward to ensure equity for farm workers and success for agricultural businesses.”

Beginning in 2020, the Board held public hearings to gather testimony from farm owners, workers, advocacy groups, and academic researchers. Recordings of these hearings and additional materials are available on the NYSDOL’s Farm Laborers Wage Board webpage. The report released on September 6 documents and summarizes the Board’s process and its findings. The Board was convened pursuant to the Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act passed by the New York State Legislature and signed by the Governor in 2019.

The Board’s report recommended that the reduction in overtime hours take place by reducing the overtime work limit by 4 hours every other year beginning in 2024 until reaching 40 hours in 2032, giving agriculture businesses proper time to adjust.

During the course of the Board's deliberations in 2022, the Governor and Legislature enacted three new tax credits to assist farm employers in transitioning to a lower overtime standard.  

• The Investment Tax Credit was increased from 4 percent to 20 percent for farm businesses, providing an encouragement for potential automation of farm production.
• The Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit was increased to $1,200 per employee to provide near-term relief to farmers.
• Most importantly, a new refundable overtime tax credit was established for overtime hours paid by farm employers at the level established by the Board and confirmed by the Commissioner up to 60 hours.

The Board noted that these actions by the Governor and Legislature were supportive of food production and provided a means for farms to transition to a lower overtime standard.

NYSDOL will now be undergoing a rule making process which will include a 60-day public comment period.  Further details about the rulemaking process will be posted on the NYSDOL’s Farm Laborers Wage Board webpage.

More information on the Farm Laborers Wage Board process and next steps can be found on NYSDOL’s Farm Laborers Wage Board webpage.

 

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association

 

Please join us as The PPNA hosts the October General meeting at 2134 Barnes Avenue with featured guest Mr. Joe Franklin Borough Manager ,Bureau of Pest Control Services for The City of NY, Dept. of Health.

Enjoy Fall in the Park with Van Cortlandt Park Alliance in October

 

Bird Walks with NYC Audubon Saturdays: October 1, 8, 15 - Meet at 9am Explore Van Cortlandt Park's ecologically diverse grounds and  celebrate a long tradition of birding in the park. Each walk will  be led by a New York City Audubon guide. Fall Bird Walks  Offered in Memory of Henry Samol, a lifelong bird lover. RSVP Now. Meet in front of the Nature Center. Woodlawn Beautification Day Saturday, October 1 - 10am-12pm Join VCPA, Women of Woodlawn, and Woodlawn Taxpayers  Association as we continue to beautify the area around the  recently reopened Woodlawn Playground. Projects will include  removing non-native invasive plants and general clean-up around  the playground and dog run. RSVP Now. Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground. Trail Work Wednesdays Wednesdays in October - Meet at 9 am Miles of trails traverse the natural areas of Van Cortlandt Park, and  they are in need of regular maintenance. Volunteers will assist staff  on maintenance of the cross country course and other trails  throughout the park. Work includes waterbar and checkstep  maintenance, corridor clearing, raking, etc. Wear closed-toe shoes  and long pants; bring water and a snack. RSVP Now. Meet at VCPA Garden and Compost Site.   VCPA’s Youth Run Farm Stand Wednesdays until October 26 - 2pm to 7pm  Train Park (Gale Place and Orloff Avenue) Fresh local produce and other delicious goodies. We accept WIC,  FMNP Checks, EBT, Snap, Cash and Credit/Debit. Forest Restoration Fridays Fridays in October - Meet at 9 am Non-indigenous plant species such as angelica tree, bittersweet,  and alder buckthorn threaten the health of the forest in the north- western section of Van Cortlandt Park. Help remove these species!  Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants; bring water and a snack. RSVP Now. Meet at VCPA Garden and Compost Site   Family Fun Hike: Halloween Vibes Crawly creatures make a special cameo appearance in October, the  creepiest of months. Together with a VCPA educator, you’ll flip over  rocks and logs to take a closer look at  six- and eight-legged  monsters friends. After your walk, create pinecone spiders to add to  your family’s Halloween decor. For 2 to 6 year olds and their adult(s).  Get Your Tickets! Meet by Bocce Courts in Indian Field (Woodlawn side of the park) Garden Crew Volunteer Days Tuesdays: 10/11, 10/25, 11/8, 11/22 - Meet at 10 am NEW Garden Crew! Join VCPA staff in rebuilding and maintaining  our Educational Garden & Compost Site. In addition to weeding,  watering, and harvesting produce, garden crew members will learn  how to care for the garden, maintain compost bins, and help prep  our site for winter. No gardening experience needed. 18 and older. RSVP Now. Meet at the Educational Garden & Compost Site.   Hike-toberfest 2022 Saturday, October 15 Hike in the park followed by a classic Oktoberfest celebration,  complete with local beer, German food, live music, lawn games,  and more. Several hikes are already at capacity, so purchase  your tickets today!  Get Your Tickets!   Natural Areas Volunteer Day Sunday, October 16 - Meet at 9am Join VCPA staff in maintaining a biodiverse forest in the Northeast  Woods through the removal of non-indigenous plant species while  learning about forest ecology. Make sure to wear long pants, sturdy  closed-toe shoes, and bring lots of water! RSVP Now. Meet in front of Woodlawn Playground.   Support Our Work in Van Cortlandt Park VCPA Merch Shop! Show your love for Van Cortlandt Park while supporting the Alliance! Shop Now!   22 in ‘22  Take the Challenge to hike 22 miles in Van Cortlandt Park anytime  during 2022. Register by 10/15!    Become a Member Members get VCPA merch and invitations to member only hikes  while supporting their favorite park! Join Now!

Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

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.