Attorney General James Fights to Protect Transgender Students’ Rights

 

AG James Co-Leads a Coalition of 17 Attorneys General in Filing Amicus Brief to Protect an Indiana Transgender Student Against Gender-Based Discrimination  

New York Attorney General Letitia James took legal action to protect transgender students’ rights. Co-leading a coalition of 17 attorneys general, Attorney General James filed an amicus brief in the case of A.M. v. Indianapolis Public Schools in support of a challenge to an Indiana statute that bans transgender female students from participating in girls’ sports in K-12 schools. A student, A.M., was barred from playing on her school’s girls’ softball team after the law was passed despite having been a part of the team with no issue in the past. 

“Transgender students should be afforded the same opportunities as their peers without facing discrimination or stigma,” said Attorney General James. “Transgender students participating on the sports team that fits their identity does not reduce opportunity for anyone. It uplifts all students by creating a more inclusive environment. I will continue to fight against efforts that discriminate against people based on their identity.” 

The brief — filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit — argues for the court to affirm a lower court ruling which allowed A.M. to continue participating on the sports team corresponding to her gender identity during the litigation. The court made this ruling on the basis that the Indiana statute which banned her from the team likely violates Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as it denies transgender girls access to the same athletic opportunities that other boys and girls have. The attorneys general support this reasoning and want to ensure that federal law is applied properly to protect transgender people from discrimination. The attorneys general also note that because the sole purpose of Indiana’s law is to exclude and stigmatize transgender girls like A.M., it clearly violates her right to equal protection under the law.

The brief also notes that over 1.6 million people in the United States — including about 300,000 youth between the ages of 13 and 17 — identify as transgender, and that transgender people have been a part of society worldwide back to antiquity. These Americans make valuable contributions to our communities as teachers, essential workers, firefighters, doctors, and more, but face discrimination, violence, and harassment that limits their ability to realize their potential. One survey of transgender students found that 77 percent of respondents reported negative experiences in school including verbal harassment and assault. The attorneys general demonstrate that allowing transgender students to participate in school sports yields broad benefits for all students without reducing opportunity for anyone. 

Attorney General James has repeatedly fought for the rights of transgender individuals. This August, Attorney General James co-led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in challenging an Indiana School District’s policy to prohibit transgender students from using bathrooms which correspond with their gender identity. In November 2021, she co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in challenging a similar policy in a Florida School District. In October 2021, Attorney General James led a multi-state coalition of attorneys general to support transgender students seeking to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity. Additionally, in November 2019, Attorney General James successfully co-led a coalition of attorneys general in the fight to support the rights of transgender students to use bathrooms in line with their gender identity in the case Gavin Grimm v. Gloucester County School Board in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. 

Joining Attorney General James in filing the brief are the attorneys general of Hawai’i, California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Permits Filed For 510 East 148th Street In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a six-story mixed-use building at 510 East 148th Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Located between Brook Avenue and St. Ann’s Avenue, the lot is near the 3rd Avenue-149th Street subway station, serviced by the 2 and 5 trains. Leviathan Development is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 60-foot-tall development will yield 15,056 square feet, with 14,447 square feet designated for residential space and 609 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 21 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 687 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar and 11 open parking spaces.

ARC Architecture + Design Studio is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits have not been filed yet. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Morris Park Veterans Day Salute at Peace Plaza

 

There was rain forecast which began falling lightly as the Peace Plaza Morris Park Veterans Day Salute began. Corporal Joseph Ronda, United States Marine Corps (USMC) emceed the event which began with the singing of God Bless America. Mr. Ronda then made a speech about those who passed away who helped make Peace Plaza a reminder of those who  fought for America, ending by reading a statement from President Woodrow Wilson after the signing of the armistice of 1919 which ended World War One.  

Veteran Gene De Francis was called up to speak, who said this is a proud day to be a veteran. He said that he was a radio technician who monitored enemy communications during the war he served in. Veteran Sammy Ravelo of the Dominican Veteran of America was next to speak. He thanked those who served in the military, and added it's up to everyone to support our veterans who gave us the freedom we have and enjoy. Rabbi Pewzner who gave the invocation was then called up to give the closing prayer. 

Joseph Ronda veteran of the USMC has taken over the duties of running the Peace Plaza Veterans and Memorial Day ceremonies from Silvio Mazzella a founder of the Morris Park Peace Plaza. 

God Bless America is sung by all in attendance.

Rabbi Pewzner of the Bronx Jewish Center gives the Invocation, and also gave the closing prayer. 

Veteran Gene DeFrancis gave a short speech about his job while he was in service to his country.

Veteran Sammy Ravelo reminds everyone why it is important to support the veterans who allow us the freedoms we have.

A very patriotic woman wears the American flag during the Veterans Day ceremony.

Last, but not least, Kenny Agosto of the Bronx Borough President's office says a few words for BP Vanessa Gibson.

 

Russian and Canadian National Charged for Participation in Lockbit Global Ransomware Campaign

 

A Russian and Canadian national has been charged with participating in the LockBit global ransomware campaign, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco, Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, and FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy announced today.

Mikhail Vasiliev, 33, of Bradford, Ontario, Canada, is charged by complaint unsealed today in Newark federal court with conspiring with others to intentionally damage protected computers and to transmit ransom demands in connection with doing so. He was arrested Nov. 9, 2022, is awaiting extradition proceedings to bring him to the District of New Jersey.

“International ransomware threats like LockBit are the most pressing cybercrime challenge facing law enforcement today,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These attacks cause disruption and damage to their victims that far exceed the dollar figures of ransom demands or payments, which are themselves significant. However, the United States is up for this challenge and will use all legal means to find the perpetrators of these attacks and bring them to justice.”

“This arrest is the result of over two-and-a-half-years of investigation into the LockBit ransomware group, which has harmed victims in the United States and around the world,” Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco said. “It is also a result of more than a decade of experience that FBI agents, Justice Department prosecutors, and our international partners have built dismantling cyber threats. Let this be yet another warning to ransomware actors: working with partners around the world, the Department of Justice will continue to disrupt cyber threats and hold perpetrators to account. With our partners, we will use every available tool to disrupt, deter, and punish cyber criminals.”

“Cyber criminals who damage protected systems, exploit privileged information, or hold for ransom important files and data are a threat to our way of life,” FBI-Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “The FBI will not stand idly by while companies and government entities are bled dry or while their systems are corrupted by these criminal opportunists. We will utilize every tool in our arsenal – including our global partnerships – to shut down these types of schemes.”

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

LockBit is a ransomware variant that first appeared as early as January 2020 and has been deployed against over 1,000 victims in the United States and around the world. LockBit members have made at least $100 million in ransom demands to those victims and have extracted tens of millions of dollars in actual ransom payments from those victims. The FBI has been investigating the LockBit conspiracy since in or around March 2020. Vasiliev participated in the LockBit campaign by conspiring with others to intentionally damage protected computers and to transmit ransom demands.

The charge of conspiring to intentionally damage protected computers and to transmit ransom demands is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000, or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss from the scheme, whichever is greatest.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited the Newark Cyber Crimes Task Force, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Dennehy, with the investigation leading to the charges.  U.S. Attorney Sellinger also thanked FBI Atlanta, FBI Pittsburgh, FBI Miami, the FBI’s Legal Attaché-Ottawa, the Jersey City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania for their assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance in securing Vasiliev’s arrest.

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

Approximately 50 Pounds of Fentanyl/Heroin Seized at Drug Stash Apartment in the Bronx

 

Narcotics concealed inside coffee table outfitted with hidden trap compartment 

A Bronx man was arrested in connection with the seizure of approximately 23 kilograms of fentanyl/heroin (50 pounds) from an apartment located near Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx. The narcotics carry an estimated street value of $7 million. 

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, New York City Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell and New York State Police Acting Superintendent Steven A. Nigrelli announced the arrest following a short term investigation by the DEA’s New York Drug Enforcement Task Force (NYDETF) Group T-21.

A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges SAMUEL ROJAS-CAMACHO with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First and Third Degrees and Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree. ROJAS-CAMACHO was arrested the night of Monday, November 7, 2022 and arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on the night of Tuesday, November 8, 2022. 

“This case illustrates how narcotics flow from state to state, with large amounts of fentanyl and heroin continuing to flood New York City. Traffickers take great pains to conceal drug shipments that sell for millions of dollars, in this case inside a table outfitted with a hidden trap compartment,” said Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan. “Overdose rates remain at record-high levels, with the majority of deaths attributed to fentanyl.”

Special Prosecutor Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and commended SNP’s Trial Division and DEA’s NYDETF, including members of DEA New York Division, the New York City Police Department and the New York State Police, for their work on the investigation. 

“This apartment contained 23 kilograms/50lbs of fentanyl/heroin concealed in a secret compartment of a coffee table,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino. “Removing this fentanyl/heroin from our streets is the equivalent of saving thousands of lives. Rojas-Camacho is one of many drug traffickers in our city who spread poison throughout our communities. I applaud the efforts our law enforcement officers, agents, and prosecutors who investigate and arrest those responsible for fueling drug poisonings.”

Pursuant to the investigation, agents and officers stopped a green Jaguar sedan at the southwest corner of Jerome Avenue and East 233rd Street at approximately 9 p.m. on November 7, 2022. ROJASCAMACHO was a passenger in the vehicle. The investigation revealed that he had allegedly travelled out of state that same day. ROJAS-CAMACHO had previously been observed on video surveillance entering and exiting the lobby of an apartment building located at 3535 Dekalb Avenue, a suspected drug stash location, on approximately three occasions.

At approximately 10 p.m., members of NYDETF Group T-21 arrived at 3535 Dekalb Avenue, Apt. 5B, and conducted a search, recovering approximately 11 brick-shaped packages of fentanyl/heroin containing approximately one kilogram of narcotics each, 5 hockey puck-shaped packages containing fentanyl/heroin, and a large plastic bag containing fentanyl/heroin. The packages and large bag of narcotics were found inside a concealed compartment in a coffee table. 

A shoebox in the bedroom contained an additional quantity of fentanyl/heroin. Street ready glassine envelopes stamped with the brand name “Skull Crusher,” empty glassines and plastic bags of fentanyl/heroin were also recovered from the bedroom closet. 

A subsequent field test on some of the narcotics yielded positive results for fentanyl and heroin. Further analysis is pending. 

All of the equipment and paraphernalia necessary for packaging narcotics was present in the apartment, such as coffee grinders, rubber gloves, an air purifier and a scale. Bank receipts and medicine bottles in ROJAS-CAMACHO’s name were also recovered.

At the time of arraignment on November 9, 2022, a Manhattan Criminal Court judge set bail at $100,000 cash/$100,000 bond/$200,000 partially secured bond.

Defendant                                      Charges

Samuel Rojas-Camacho          CPCS 1st – 1 ct 

Bronx, NY                                 CPCS 3rd – 1 ct

Age: 59            Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – 2 cts

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

Statement from Speaker Adams on Mayoral Administration’s Decision to Close the Randall’s Island HERRC and Open in Hotel

 

“From the beginning of this humanitarian crisis facing our city, the Council has advocated for Humanitarian Emergency Relief and Recovery Centers (HERRCs) to be sited indoors and identified several large hotels that were not remotely located. People who seek asylum in our city deserve to be treated with dignity, care and compassion, and we always believed this was more appropriate. I’m pleased to see the Administration implement this model that the Council recommended by closing the Randall’s Island HERRC and opening a new site in the Watson Hotel. This is the right approach for these intake services, and there remains important work and policy changes for the City to advance that move people out of shelter, such as removing the 90-day in-shelter requirement for CityFHEPS rental vouchers, and provide the critical supports for the individuals and families seeking asylum and all New Yorkers.” 

Senator Biaggi's Week in Review: 11/7/22-11/11/22

Dear Community, Hope you are all doing well and staying safe. I am excited to invite you all to our 2nd annual Food and Health Empowerment Fair hosted by my office, Assemblymeber Nathalia Fernandez, and Team AOC. The event will take place on Saturday, November 19th from 11 AM - 3 PM at the Huntington Free Library located at 9 Westchester Square, Bronx, NY 10461. The Fair will feature a free turkey and produce giveaway and resource fair. We hope to bring the community together as we approach the holiday season and provide turkeys and produce to meet the needs of the community during the November holiday season. Turkeys and produce will be available on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.  Hope to see you there! With Gratitude, State Senator Alessandra Biaggi

 

DEC Reminds Outdoor Enthusiasts to Share the Woods Safely this Season

 

New Yorkers Encouraged to be Safe, Responsible, and Respectful during Fall and Winter Hunting Seasons

With the Southern Zone regular big game season beginning Saturday, Nov. 19 throughout much of the southern part of New York State, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos is encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to respectfully share the woods and follow common-sense safety precautions this fall and winter.

“With most public land across New York State open to multiple forms of recreation, from hiking and nature photography to hunting and trapping, visitors should be cautious, courteous, and responsible when sharing the woods to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience,” said Commissioner Seggos. “DEC encourages all visitors to review the safety guidelines for hunting and recreating in the woods before going afield and respectfully sharing the outdoors with others.”

DEC requires big game hunters using a firearm to wear hunter orange or pink and encourages non-hunters to wear blaze orange, blaze pink, or another bright color during fall and winter months to be seen more easily and from greater distances. In addition, wearing bright colors makes it easier for Forest Rangers, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, and other rescue personnel to find lost, sick, or injured people afield.

Pet owners are also encouraged to affix a bright colored vest or scarf on their dogs and keep pets leashed at all times. Trapping seasons for many species are open throughout the fall and early winter. Although rare, traps set for furbearers like raccoons and coyotes can also capture dogs that are not under control. Trapping is a highly regulated activity and regulations are strongly enforced. Trappers are required to take an educational course before getting a license and DEC works closely with the trapping community to minimize risks to non-target wildlife and domestic animals.

Hunting is among the most popular forms of wildlife recreation in the state, drawing an estimated 600,000 New Yorkers afield each year. Hunting is safe and economically important, helping to manage wildlife populations and promote family traditions, while fostering an understanding and respect for the environment. Hikers should be aware that they may encounter hunters bearing firearms or archery equipment on trails. Hunters should likewise recognize that they may encounter hikers and others enjoying the outdoors. Hunting-related shooting incidents involving non-hunters are extremely rare and the 2021 hunting seasons in New York were the safest ever, with the lowest number of incidents since record-keeping began.

Hunters can minimize the potential for disturbance by and to other forms of recreation by following a few tips. Before a season opens, when hunters are scouting for the perfect spot or stand location, take the time to check if the planned location is popular. Avoiding locations that crowd other hunters or are near a sought-out hiking spot can improve both the hunting and recreational experience. If a preferred hunting spot is too crowded, identify an alternative location ahead of time.

DEC maintains hiking, biking, skiing and, snowmobile trails in many areas of Forest Preserve lands in the Adirondack and Catskill parks, as well as in State Forests, Wildlife Management Areas, and Unique Areas open to hunting. DEC launched the 'Love Our New York Lands' campaign to encourage visitors to State-owned and managed lands to practice responsible recreation. The campaign is responsive to the steady increase in the number of visitors to State Lands, both during the COVID-19 pandemic and in the decade prior. Love Our New York Lands bolsters ongoing State-and partner-led efforts to educate the public about how to responsibly enjoy outdoor recreation on public lands without negatively impacting natural resources.

Find recreation options by visiting DEC's Trails Less Traveled or checking out DECinfo Locator - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. Many trails are accessible to people with disabilities. Check out DEC's YouTube playlist, with tips for how to plan and prepare for a hike Hiking Essentials - YouTube, and DEC's Hunter Education playlist for more information Basic Rules of Hunter Safety - YouTube.

Hunting Within State Parks

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation offers many places to hunt, including 81 parks, three historic sites, three golf courses, and 50 boat launches that provide opportunities to hunt a variety of wildlife including big game, small game, turkey, furbearers, waterfowl, and migratory bird species. In addition to a valid hunting license, all hunters wishing to take advantage of select hunting seasons within State Parks must obtain a regional hunting permit for each individual park. Trapping is not allowed in State Parks. For more information, visit the New York State Parks website.