NYPD Commissioner Sewell Announces New Executive Designations

 

A Robust Leadership Corps Heading Into 2023

Police Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell today announced the appointment of several NYPD commanders to new leadership positions within the Department’s executive team, including naming Chief Jeffrey B. Maddrey the Chief of Department. The  Commissioner has also begun the first of a number of planned moves to consolidate and streamline the organizational structure of bureaus within the Department to achieve maximum efficiency and an effective use of resources. The designations come as Commissioner Sewell continues driving her vision for the sustained success of the department’s overall operations and public safety mission into a new year.

For Chief Maddrey, a 31-year veteran of the NYPD, his promotion to Chief of Department makes him the agency’s highest-ranking uniformed officer and the four-star leader charged with overseeing the Department’s crime-fighting strategies and implementing its operational plans.

Other commanders taking on new assignments as three-star chiefs include Chief Thomas P. Galati, who will serve in the newly created position of Chief of Intelligence and Counterterrorism from his previous position as Chief of the Intelligence Bureau. Assistant Chief Wilson Aramboles will serve asthe Acting Chief of Special Operations after his service as head of the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit. Assistant Chief Miguel A. Iglesias will serve as Chief of the Internal Affairs Bureau from his previous position as an executive in the Detective Bureau. Assistant Chief Michael M. Kemper will serve as Acting Chief of Transit from his previous positon heading Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. Assistant Chief Martine N. Materasso will serve as Acting Chief of the Housing Bureau after her years of service as the Chief of Counterterrorism, and Deputy Chief John Chell, who will serve as Chief of Patrol from his previous position as Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau.

“This strong team of law enforcement leaders will propel us forward in our everlasting work to keep our communities safe and never waver in our fight against crime,” said Commissioner Sewell. “These executives are among the city’s most dedicated public servants – who have always put New Yorkers and this City first. I look forward to seeing them put their skills and knowledge to work in these key operational assignments as we embark on a new year together and build on the momentum we have gained in bettering our Department and serving the citizens of our city.”

Chief Maddrey, who joined the NYPD in 1991, is a child of New York, a beneficiary of its public schools, and a policing manager who has amassed a portfolio of diverse leadership positions in his career. He cultivated lasting grassroots connections with the community in his years as borough commander in northern Brooklyn and later assumed leadership of the Department’s Community Affairs Bureau at a pivotal moment during the NYPD’s efforts to deepen its ties with all New Yorkers.

Chief Maddrey said he is eager in his new role as the Chief of Department to carry forth with Police Commissioner Sewell’s vision for fair and effective policing in the 21st Century. 

“The time is now, in this new year, in the second year of this stellar administration, to keep our eye on the ball – and I pledge to listen intently to the voices of all New Yorkers as we pull together to ensure public safety for all,” said Chief Maddrey. “I am confident that the women and men of the NYPD will continue their forward progress in 2023 in building a foundation for the safest, most prosperous city possible. Their resolve offers hope for even greater achievements ahead and inspires all of us onward in our solemn mission to always achieve truth and justice.”

In addition to Chiefs Maddrey, Galati, Aramboles, Iglesias, Kemper, Materasso, and Chell, Commissioner Sewell has filled out her team with a cadre of experienced NYPD leaders who bring integrity, creativity, and years of accumulated wisdom and experience into their new assignments.

Assistant Chief Galen D. Frierson will serve as the uniformed Chief of the Support Services Bureau from his previous position as Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North.

Assistant Chief Judith R. Harrison will serve as Commanding Officer of the newly restructured Counterterrorism Division. She previously served as Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn North.

Deputy Chief Edward Winski will serve as Executive Officer in the Department’s Risk Management Bureau. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Candidate Assessment Division.

Deputy Chief Carlos Valdez, will serve as Commanding Officer of the Emergency Service Unit. He previously served as the Executive Officer of Operations in Patrol Borough Queens North.

Deputy Chief Charles McEvoy, will serve as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Brooklyn South. He formerly served as the Commanding Officer of Chief of Department’s office.

Deputy Chief Scott M. Henderson is ascending within Patrol Borough Brooklyn North, to the position of Commanding Officer, from his previous position as that patrol borough’s Executive Officer.

Deputy Chief Christine Bastedenbeck will serve as the Commanding Officer of Patrol Borough Queens North after having served as the Executive Officer of the Transit Bureau.

Deputy Chief John B. Hart will serve as Commanding Officer of the newly formed Intelligence Division. He previously served as the Executive Officer of the former Intelligence Bureau.

Deputy Chief Benjamin Gurley will serve as the new Executive Officer for Chief Maddrey in the Chief of Department’s Office. Chief Gurley formerly served as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau.

Inspector Tanya Kinsella will serve as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Services Bureau after having served as the Commanding Officer of the 120th Precinct on Staten Island.

Inspector Janice L. Holmes will serve as the Executive Officer of the newly formed Intelligence Division. She previously served in the position of Commanding Officer of the Detective Bureau’s Real Time Crime Center.

Inspector Robert Rios will serve as Executive Officer of the newly formed Counterterrorism and Intelligence Bureau. He formerly served as the Executive Officer of the FBI/NYPD Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Governor Hochul Highlights Continued Success of "Operation Hardhat" Enforcement Initiative to Protect Workers in Highway Work Zones

 With 3,062 Traffic Violations Issued Across New York State in State Work Zones, Governor Reminds Motorists to Slow Down When Encountering Work Zones on Highways

Initiative Between State and Local Law Enforcement, Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority Aims to Keep Highway Workers Safe

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State Police and local law enforcement agencies issued a record 3,062 tickets from April 1 to November 17 of this year as part of Operation Hardhat. Through the ongoing initiative, state and local law enforcement entities have worked with the New York State Department of Transportation and the New York State Thruway Authority to crack down on work zone violations and highlight the importance of safe driving when encountering construction, maintenance, and emergency operations along state highways. This year's Operation Hardhat ticketed violations total eclipses last year's total of 2,336 tickets.

"Our highway maintenance workers put their safety on the line every day to keep New Yorkers moving," Governor Hochul said. "Thank you to our partners in law enforcement for their ongoing commitment to protect our highway workers through 'Operation Hardhat' and urge motorists across the state to obey the rules in a work zone. It's not a suggestion - it's the law - and here in New York we have zero tolerance for negligent behavior that endangers our highway work crews."

The 3,062 tickets issued during Operation Hardhat this year included the following violations:

• Speeding - 1,209
• Cell Phone - 426
• Seatbelt - 297
• Failure to Move Over - 124
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device - 15
• Unsafe Lane Change - 9
• Failure to Obey Flagger - 4
• Other Violations - 978

Other violations may include but are not limited to tickets issued for cracked windshield, headlight, inspection, exhaust, and unlicensed operation.

Violations by region were distributed as follows:

• Long Island - 458
• Poughkeepsie/Hudson Valley - 442
• Thruway - 381
• Syracuse/Central New York - 348
• Utica/Mohawk Valley - 337
• Albany/Capital Region - 288
• Binghamton/Southern Tier - 229
• Rochester/Finger Lakes - 172
• Hornell/Western Southern Tier - 156
• Watertown/North Country - 145
• Buffalo/Western New York - 106

Under Operation Hardhat, members of state and local law enforcement agencies patrol Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority work zones to enforce work zone speed limits and ensure that motorists are obeying flagging personnel. Police officers are present within the work zones, dressed as highway maintenance workers, to identify motorists who are distracted by electronic devices while driving, disobey flagging personnel, speed through the work zone or violate the state's Move Over Law, which applies to both emergency and maintenance vehicles.

This effort is further highlighted every year during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which has been recognized by the Federal Highway Administration since 2000 and which took place this year from April 11 to 15.

At the 2021 Great New York State Fair, Governor Hochul, DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, and Thruway Authority Executive Director Matthew Driscoll unveiled a Highway Workers Memorial to honor transportation workers who lost their lives on the job. This permanent exhibit is located just outside the midway entrance at the fairgrounds, serving as a reminder of the individuals whose necessary but dangerous work resulted in the ultimate sacrifice.

In September, the Thruway Authority, along with Sally Deming and loved ones, dedicated and unveiled a new memorial honoring the life of Ron Deming, a 20-year veteran of the Thruway's Herkimer Maintenance Section. Deming was fatally struck on October 28, 2016 by a vehicle while assisting in the recovery of a passenger car along the shoulder of the Thruway (I-90) in Herkimer County. Since her husband's death, Sally has appeared in Thruway PSAs, at numerous Thruway work zone safety events, and at the unveiling of the Highway Workers Memorial at the State Fair.

CONSUMER ALERT: NYS DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION PROVIDES TIPS TO HELP CONSUMERS NAVIGATE THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON

 

Discover What to Look for When Reviewing Return and Refund Policies

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez, “Avoid Surprises and Know the Policy Before You Buy”

Laws Protect Consumers so They can Make Informed Decisions During Holiday Shopping

 As part of its five-part consumer alert holiday series, the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection reminds shoppers of New York State laws that protect consumers so they can make informed decisions about holiday purchases. To avoid surprises, DCP recommends that consumers carefully review and understand what to look for when reviewing return and refund policies.

“Experts are predicting a strong holiday spending season despite recent economic challenges and as a result, we’re expecting more consumer activity this holiday season,” said New York Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez. “To avoid any surprises, I urge New Yorkers to pay attention to policies surrounding returns and refunds to be sure you are comfortable with the terms and know the policy before you buy.”

Around the holidays, gift givers and receivers often change their minds. According to the National Retail Federation, retail returns increased significantly last year (16.6% in 2021 versus 10.6% in 2020) and this year they’re expecting more. To help navigate the busy shopping season, DCP offers the following tips:

• Pay Attention to Return Policies: New York State law requires that retailers post their return and refund policies conspicuously to inform consumers before the transaction is completed. Retailers must provide a written copy of the store’s return policies when requested.

New York State Law does not require retailers to accept returns, however, they must post a conspicuous notice visible to consumers before the point of sale advising that no returns will be accepted.

If the retailer does not post a return policy, the law requires the retailer to accept returns of unused, undamaged merchandise within 30 days of the purchase date, with proof of purchase, and provide a refund in the form —cash or a credit — of the consumer’s preference

• Understand the Refund Terms: For retailers that allow returns, New York State law does not require refunds to be given in any specific manner. However, it does require the form of the refund —cash, credit, or exchange — be clearly disclosed in advance of purchase. Retailers must also disclose any fees associated with the return. If no fee is listed, shoppers should inquire whether the store imposes a re-stocking fee for returned merchandise and determine prior to purchase if the item can be returned for a refund or only store credit.

• Retain Any Proof of Purchase: Consumers should retain receipts in the event a product needs to be returned, and when purchasing gifts, ask if a gift receipt is available.

Consumers having trouble obtaining a store refund are encouraged to file a complaint with the New York State Division of Consumer Protection.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

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

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez - What's Happening in District 13

 

Dear Neighbor,

Happy December! This year has flown by and we have accomplished so much together. Just last week, our community celebrated Thanksgiving with their families and friends, both far and near. It’s always a magical experience when everyone comes together and talk about what they are grateful for or to spend time with loved ones.

In the days leading to Thanksgiving, I worked alongside our local community centers, Bronx House and the Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club, and several partners to bring Thanksgiving dinner to homes across our district. No one should ever have to go without food during the holidays, and partners like ours help to narrow the food insecurity gap. Through their generosity, we were able to help hundreds of families and seniors this holiday season. If you or someone you know is facing food insecurity, contact my office, and a Constituent Services Liaison will be happy to assist you.

As the winter holidays quickly approach, I ask you to reflect this season. When we reflect on our actions and thoughts, we are reminded that we are one of the billions of people in this world, and those around us help diversify our communities and the world. Whether it is a religious holiday, cultural custom, or personal situation, empathy is fundamental. You may learn something new or help someone in the process.

If you have general questions or inquiries, please call my office at (718) 931-1721 and leave a message or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov; if you have an emergency, please call #911.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing you all around the district and hope you have a safe weekend!

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Brooklyn Woman Pleads Guilty To COVID-19 Fraud Scheme And To Separate Fraud Against NYCHA

 

CHANETTE LEWIS Conspired to Commit Pandemic Fraud by, Among Other Things, Defrauding New York City’s COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program and Perpetrated a Separate Fraud Scheme Against the New York City Housing Authority

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that CHANETTE LEWIS pled guilty today to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  LEWIS participated in a scheme to commit COVID-19 pandemic fraud by, among other things, defrauding New York City’s COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program.  LEWIS also committed a fraud in which she submitted fabricated documents to the New York City Housing Authority (“NYCHA”) — such as purported Orders of Protection bearing Judges’ names, purported letters from a District Attorney, and purported letters from healthcare professionals attesting to alleged medical issues — in order to secure public housing benefits for herself and her customers.  LEWIS pled guilty before United States Magistrate Judge Stewart D. Aaron.  LEWIS’s case is assigned to United States District Judge Lewis A. Kaplan.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Chanette Lewis took advantage of multiple lifelines offered to New York City residents in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Each of her schemes misappropriated identifying information of hardworking individuals, including medical professionals whose services were vital during the pandemic.  For her brazen crimes, Lewis now faces possible prison time.”

According to the allegations contained in the Superseding Information, court filings, and statements made during plea proceedings:

LEWIS’s COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud Scheme

From April 2020 through September 2021, LEWIS conspired to commit COVID-19 pandemic fraud by, among other things, defrauding the COVID-19 Hotel Room Isolation Program (the “Program”).  In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York City created the Program.  Funded by New York City and the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Program provided free hotel rooms for qualifying individuals throughout New York City.  The Program was open to (a) healthcare workers who needed to isolate because of exposure to COVID-19; (b) patients who had tested positive for COVID-19; (c) individuals who believed, based on their symptoms, that they were infected with COVID-19; and (d) individuals who lived with someone who contracted COVID-19.  As stated on the City’s website describing the Program, such individuals “may qualify to self-isolate in a hotel, free of charge, for up to 14 days if you do not have a safe place to self-isolate.”  Those who wished to book a hotel room through the Program could either call a phone number or use an online hotel booking platform. 

LEWIS defrauded the Program in several respects.  First, she secured free Program hotel rooms for herself by falsely claiming to be a healthcare worker.  Second, she sold at least approximately 1,936 nights’ worth of fraudulently obtained hotel rooms to customers who were ineligible for the Program.  Third, LEWIS abused her employment, which was supposed to be in service of the Program.  Specifically, LEWIS worked at a call center that handled phone calls and certain reservations for the Program for several months in 2020.  LEWIS was hired specifically for the Program, and as a result of her employment, she had access to legitimate healthcare workers’ identifying information.  LEWIS abused her position, including by misappropriating healthcare workers’ identifying information, revealing the Program’s inner workings to co-conspirators, and making unauthorized sales of Program hotel rooms to ineligible individuals.  For instance, LEWIS sold a co-defendant, for $800, personal identifying information of at least five healthcare professionals, as well as certain “codes” to use when booking hotel reservations through the Program, such as an employee ID number and license number.  LEWIS admitted, in Facebook messages, that she had stolen doctors’ identifying information in furtherance of the scheme, writing: “I work for 311 oem [i.e., the Office of Emergency Management] that how I got doctors licenses and stuff . . . I work in the part that I collect they information and I do and approval the booking . . . I take doctors and stuff certificate numbers and stuff.”  LEWIS also advertised to potential customers that, when hotels asked for a healthcare worker’s identification, LEWIS would supply a purported paystub and a letter falsely asserting that the individual was a healthcare worker.

LEWIS’s Fraud against NYCHA

From in or around July 2020 until October 2021, LEWIS participated in a conspiracy to defraud NYCHA.  LEWIS submitted fabricated documents to NYCHA — such as purported Orders of Protection bearing Judges’ names, purported letters from a District Attorney, and purported letters from doctors attesting to alleged medical issues — in order to secure public housing benefits for both herself and others, such as transfers to larger NYCHA apartments.  In total, LEWIS submitted fraudulent applications to NYCHA on behalf of approximately 35 individuals, a number of whom in fact received the public housing benefit they requested based on fraudulent documentation.

LEWIS, 31, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  Under the terms of her plea agreement, LEWIS has agreed to forfeit $289,536 and to pay restitution of $360,916. 

The maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  LEWIS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kaplan on May 18, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

One of LEWIS’s co-defendants, Tatiana Daniel, previously pled guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Kaplan on March 29, 2023, at 2:30 p.m.  LEWIS’s two other co-defendants are currently scheduled to proceed to trial before Judge Kaplan on January 17, 2023. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding efforts of agents, investigators, and analysts from the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), DOI – NYCHA Office of the Inspector General, the New York Regional Office of the U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General (“DOL-OIG”), and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York.  Mr. Williams also thanked the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Intelligence Analysts for their support and assistance in this investigation.  He also expressed gratitude to the New York City Police Department, the New York State Department of Labor, and the DOL-OIG Atlanta Regional Office for their assistance.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera on Dr. Mary Bassett's Resignation as New York State's Health Department Commissioner

 

"I want to express my tremendous gratitude to Dr. Mary Bassett for her time as our State’s Health Commissioner. During her tenure, Dr. Bassett successfully centered her Department’s work on a core mission— health equity. I am grateful for her focus on protecting and improving the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, especially during compounding crises of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the outbreaks of MPV and polio. 

As Governor Hochul embarks on her search for our next Health Commissioner, I encourage a thorough search for someone who shares Dr. Bassett's commitment to forward-thinking, compassionate, and efficient public health initiatives focused on combatting deep-rooted health disparities and historic systemic inequities affecting communities of color. We have Dr. Bassett to thank for shepherding last year's significant invesments in Medicaid and the most robust public health budget in recent memory. Our state deserves a Commissioner who sees health equity as a North Star for our public health work. 

To Dr. Bassett, I wish you the best in your next professional chapter. As a New Yorker and a colleague, thank you for serving our great State so honorably."  

Housing Lottery Launches For Melrose North At 341 East 162nd Street In Melrose, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for Melrose North, a 12-story residential building at 341 East 162nd Street in Melrose, The Bronx. Designed by Curtis + Ginsberg Architects and developed by New York City Housing Authority, the structure yields 171 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 67 units for residents at 50 to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $0 to $132,400.

Amenities include an on-site superintendent, front desk security, a community room, residential yard, bicycle storage room, and shared laundry room. Residences come with intercoms and energy-efficient appliances.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there are 26 units with a monthly rent ranging from $0 to $1,094 for incomes ranging from $0 to $82,750. At 70 percent of the AMI, there are 19 units with a monthly rent ranging from $1,345 to $1,844 for incomes ranging from $49,475 to $115,850. At 80 percent of the AMI, there are 22 units with a monthly rent ranging from $1,559 to $2,140 for incomes ranging from $56,812 to $132,400.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 30, 2022.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE QUESTIONS DETAILS OF CITY'S NEW MENTAL HEALTH POLICIES, PUSHES FOR SPECIFICS

 

Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams continued to question the Adams administration’s new mental health initiative today, pushing for specifics after Tuesday’s announcement of a plan which includes involuntary hospitalization, among other strategies. In a letter to the administration, the Public Advocate questioned several elements of the proposal – including its intentions, implementation plan, and investment levels. 

“I know we agree on the need to address the mental health crisis in our city and related issues, I trust we also agree that we cannot treat mental health or homelessness as simply law enforcement issues…” wrote Public Advocate Williams. “There has been widespread and understandable confusion and alarm among New Yorkers in the wake of your announcement on November 29, including from people who may share a goal of treating the mental health crisis but believe that the proposed methods that had the most clarity do not meet the practical constraints or ethical guidelines for care and continuum of care we must set for the city.”

Earlier this month, the Public Advocate released a review of the city’s mental health response, updated from a previous report in 2019, and found that while the city had made some progress, in many areas it had remained stagnant or gone backward. He wrote yesterday of the mayor’s announcement that, “While some steps were alluded to in line with the report, much of your recent announcement seems to continue the City’s long standing pattern of police-first policies.”

The Public Advocate’s extensive questions include:

•   How will your administration allocate funding to these proposed initiatives and how much? What percentage of these funds would be allocated to the NYPD? What about EMS and mental health professionals?
•   Not all EMS are city employees. Is there an expectation that private hospitals will be incorporated in first-response?
•   There are currently no established guidelines regarding removals for mental health evaluations. How will police officers and EMS be trained on how to recognize people who would fall under involuntary removal given that it is deemed subjective?
•   Additionally, will this training have any overlap with already-existing crisis intervention training for the NYPD? 
•   How will the NYPD determine what protocols to change, including the training of officers?
•   What protections will individuals have against excessive force during involuntary removal?
•   Who will pay for the medical treatment of those placed on an involuntary hold? 
• Will the city cover all medical bills for those detained? 
• Will an individual’s health insurance (if they are insured) be billed for medical expenses?
• Is there an expectation that the individual detained will need to pay any related costs?
•   Are there protocols under DOHMH that would address a situation where the individual refuses treatment including medication whilst in the hospital?
•   Will the city expedite the scaling up of psychiatric beds when there is already a shortage of beds?
•    Where will the psychiatric beds be located? Are there priority locations throughout the city?
•   Is there an expectation that hospitals may need to make space for additional psychiatric beds and possibly modify space and beds for other medical services?
•   How will additional beds be funded? How many beds does the city project needing to add over the next fiscal year?
•   Regarding the continuum of care, will supportive housing become a priority in ensuring individuals do not end up on the street and without treatment? 
•   How will you ensure the housing system will have supportive infrastructure to keep individuals safe and sheltered?
•   What protections will EMS, NYPD, and health care providers have against lawsuits for false imprisonment?

He closed his questions reaffirming that “We both agree it is in our city’s best interest to address the ongoing mental health crisis and make it a major priority. In asking these questions I am hoping to continue collaboration and transparency so that all stakeholders understand what the steps and processes behind the city's mental health response look like.”

Download the Public Advocate's full letter to the administration here. Read his new review, Improving New York City’s Responses to Individuals in Mental Health Crisis: 2022, here.