Texas Man Admits Role in Scamming Seniors in Rhode Island and Elsewhere in Online Romance Scams

 

Fola Alabi, aka Folayemi Alabi, 52, of Richmond, Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in Providence to charges of conspiracy and money laundering, admitting to a federal judge that he created companies and opened bank accounts that were used to launder more than $1.6 million in proceeds bilked from seniors in at least eleven states, including Rhode Island, in online romance scams, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

To carry out these schemes, a member of the conspiracy befriended unsuspecting seniors online, often posing as a General in the U.S. military serving overseas. The conspirator feigned a personal, and sometimes romantic, interest in his victims, and convinced them to send substantial sums of money, usually in the form of bank checks or cash, to addresses and companies in Texas that were controlled by Alabi. Alabi received the money and either deposited or directed that it be deposited into one of several bank accounts that he controlled.  He then quickly withdrew or transferred the funds to other accounts.

Among Alabi’s victims is a Rhode Island widow who was contacted by a member of the conspiracy claiming to be a “General Miller,” purportedly a four-star General, who convinced the victim to provide $60,000 to finance shipment of his personal belongings to the United States. At the purported “General Miller’s” direction, a check was made payable to Full Circle Import Exports, a company created by Alabi, and mailed to Alabi’s residence in Texas. The victim was prepared to send an additional significant sum of money to the purported “General Miller,” when it was determined by her bank and the Westerly Police Department that she was likely the victim of fraud.

According to court documents, in a cellphone seized from Alabi at the time of his arrest in May 2022, federal agents discovered photographs and videos of packages containing cash and checks received by Alabi from victims of the scam.

According to a plea agreement filed in this matter, for purposes of sentencing, the loss attributed to the romance scams perpetrated by Alabi and members of the conspiracy is $1,640,421. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Alabi will forfeit assets derived from his criminal conduct, to include his Texas residence and $31,773.22 contained in a bank account.

Alabi is scheduled to be sentenced on April 25, 2023. The defendant’s sentences will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The matter was investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service, FBI, United States Secret Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

Permits Filed For 3020 Valentine Avenue In Jerome Park, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for an eight-story residential building at 3020 Valentine Avenue in Jerome Park, The Bronx. Located at the intersection of East 202nd Street and Valentine Avenue, the lot is one block from the Bedford Park Boulevard subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Boris Babakhanov of Bolex GC Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 80-foot-tall development will yield 28,685 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 42 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 682 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a basement, lobby, mail and package room, and bike storage, but no accessory parking.

Issac & Stern Architects is listed as the architect of record.

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

Alabama Man Found Guilty of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges Related to Capitol Breach

 

Defendant Posted a Video to YouTube Admitting He Carried a Knife

 An Alabama man was found guilty yesterday of felony and misdemeanor charges for his actions during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol breach. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the presidential election.

Joshua Matthew Black, 46, of Leeds, Alabama, was found guilty after a trial in the U.S. District Court in the District of Columbia of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; disorderly and disruptive conduct in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon; unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds or buildings; entering and remaining on the floor of Congress; and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building.

According to the government’s evidence, on Jan. 6, 2021, Black was among a mob of rioters illegally on the Capitol grounds. He entered the Capitol Building and was captured in photographs and on video, posted to social media sites, standing on the floor of the Senate chamber. Black later posted a video to YouTube in which he discussed entering the Capitol and the floor of the Senate chamber on Jan. 6, 2021.  He explained that “once we found out Pence turned on us and that they had stolen the election, like officially, the . . . crowd went crazy. I mean, . . .  it became a mob.  We crossed the gate, we got up.”  He also admitted carrying a knife to the Capitol because “you’re not allowed to carry guns in DC and I don’t like being defenseless.” 

During a search of his residence on Jan. 14, 2021, the Federal Bureau of Investigation recovered the knife Black admitted he carried at the Capitol.  The FBI arrested him later that day at a police station in Moody, Alabama. 

U.S. District Court Judge Amy Berman Jackson has scheduled a sentencing hearing for May 5, 2023.

The charges of entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon and disorderly and disruptive conduct in restricted building or grounds with a deadly or dangerous weapon carry a statutory maximum sentence of 10 years.  The charge of unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon on Capitol grounds or buildings carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years. The charges of entering and remaining on the floor of Congress and disorderly conduct in a Capitol building carry up to six months. All charges carry potential financial penalties. The Court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Birmingham, Alabama and Washington Field Offices, Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama

In the 24 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 950 individuals have been arrested in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including over 284 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement. The investigation remains ongoing. 

Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

High-Ranking Hyena Crips Gang Member Charged with the Murder of 15-Year-Old Samuel Joseph In Brooklyn

 

The 2019 Murder Was Committed in Retaliation for Gang-Related Fight Involving the Victim’s Older Brother

 An indictment was partially unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn charging Martial H. Amilcar, also known as “Drippy,” and a co-defendant with the murder of 15-year-old Samuel Joseph.  The indictment charges Amilcar, a senior member of the Hyena Crips gang, with killing Joseph in front of his teenage sister on February 22, 2019 as Joseph was leaving his apartment building near the Little Haiti section of Brooklyn.  Amilcar was taken into federal custody, and is scheduled to be arraigned before United States Magistrate Judge Taryn A. Merkl.  If convicted of murder during and through the use of a firearm in relation to murder in-aid-of racketeering, Amilcar faces a potential sentence of life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the arrest and charge.

“There is no crime more heinous than the killing of an innocent child.  As alleged, Amilcar and his co-defendant brazenly murdered 15-year-old Samuel Joseph in retaliation for activities this young boy had nothing to do with,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “The brutal cycle of gang violence in this district, including the violence perpetrated by members of the Hyena Crips, must be stopped.  We and our law enforcement partners are committed to that end.  It is my hope that today’s indictment brings some measure of justice for the victim’s family.” 

Mr. Peace expressed his appreciation to HSI’s Violent Gang Task Force and the New York City Police Department for their outstanding work in this investigation.

“While nothing can undo the pain that Martial Amilcar and his co-defendant allegedly inflicted upon the family of Samuel Joseph, it is my hope  that by seeing him held accountable for his alleged crimes, they will be given some form of peace,” stated HSI  Special Agent-in-Charge Arvelo.  “HSI New York, along with our law enforcement partners, are dedicated to the eradication of gang violence in our communities, and we will continue to seek, apprehend, and hold accountable those who intend perpetuate such cruelty.”

As alleged in court documents, on February 22, 2019, Amilcar and a co-defendant drove to Samuel Joseph’s apartment building and waited outside until Joseph’s teenage sister arrived at the building’s entrance.  While Joseph’s sister prepared to enter the building, Samuel Joseph was walking down an internal staircase towards the building’s exit.  When Joseph’s sister opened the building door to enter, Amilcar walked into the building behind her, pulled out a gun and shot the 15-year-old boy three times at close range, killing him.

The shooting and events leading up to it were captured on security camera footage taken nearby.

Amilcar and another individual allegedly killed Samuel Joseph in retaliation for an altercation earlier that day between Amilcar’s relative, a fellow gang member, and Joseph’s older brother, a rival gang member.

The charge in the indictment is an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks in Support of Judge Hector LaSalle, Joined by Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Elected Leaders and Community Representatives

Governor Hochul: "This is just one community, but all across the state, people are expecting him to have the process, the fairness that has been accorded every other similarly-situated nominee in the history of our state. They all had their chance, not prejudged, not labeled, not misrepresented, but treated fairly. That's what we're asking for, justice and fairness for a man who deserves it." 

 Wow, this is extraordinary. But extraordinary times call for extraordinary people, and that is who has filled this room today. Leaders from all over have come to speak with one voice, and I could not be prouder to be the Governor of a state that values fairness and diversity and inclusion. And ultimately justice. Today we have, first of all, we honor Bishop Raymond Rivera for the work he does right here at the Latino Pastoral Outreach Center, touching the lives of so many people that need to know that God cares about them, and His people care about them. So thank you, Bishop Rivera.  

To have the temporary Minority Leader, soon to be Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, who's here, is an honor for all of us. Your voice, nationally, on issues of what we're talking about here today is so important to all of us. You've made history, you make us proud. Another person has made history, Representative Nydia Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican, the first woman, the first Latina ever elected to Congress, is here today as well. Adriano Espaillat, Congressman Espaillat, the first Dominican ever elected to Congress. Senator Luis Sepúlveda, a great friend and champion for this community. Our Borough President Vanessa Gibson, has joined us as well as former Borough President Rubén Díaz Jr. Many, many others you'll be hearing from, our Secretary of State, Robert Rodriguez, is here, I thank him and all the members of my administration. 

But here, today, I want to hear from them. Because you know where I stand. I stand with an outstanding individual, who came up through the process to be my nominee with the highest court in the state. Hector LaSalle, our next Chief Judge of the New York State Court of Appeals. He's the right person. He worked hard, parents born in Puerto Rico, working class family, having to deal with all the stress of being a young Puerto Rican man who wanted to make his mark. Went on to college, went to one of the finest law schools in our nation, Michigan, and came back and could have been recruited by one of those big law firms. He decided to devote himself to public service, serving his community, the District Attorney's office, the Attorney General's office, and ultimately deciding, despite the fact that there's not many role models, very few Latino judges out there, "I want to show what can be."  

He ran for office, he got elected, he was appointed, and for years now, he has been presiding over one of the most complicated, difficult courts in our nation. Hundreds and hundreds of people come to those doors every day in the Appellate Division. He presides over that. With the right temperament, the right disposition, all the qualities you want to see in a judge of fairness and doing what's right. And so, to this community, I want to hear your voices. I thank you for standing with him, all across the state. This is just one community, but all across the state, people are expecting him to have the process, the fairness that has been accorded every other similarly-situated nominee in the history of our state. They all had their chance, not prejudged, not labeled, not misrepresented, but treated fairly. That's what we're asking for, justice and fairness for a man who deserves it.  

Ladies and gentlemen, as the Governor of State of New York, one of the highest responsibilities I have is to nominate judges and ultimately the Chief Judge when there's a vacancy of the Court of Appeals. I took that process seriously. I examined all the records. I saw the cases, even those that are being maligned and used against him, and they are false, being falsely represented, and that's what I will not stand for. 

So I thank the people coming out here today. On Dr. Martin Luther King weekend we celebrate a man who stood for doing what's right, and standing up to adversity, standing up to challenges in the pursuit of doing what's right. That's what today is all about. That's what Wednesday will be all about, it'll be what the floor on the vote is all about, and I believe, when people open up their minds and open up their hearts, doing what's right, he'll become our next Chief Judge, and I could not be prouder. Thank you. Congressmember Nydia Velázquez, thank you for adding your voice to this important debate. 

Permits Filed For 41 North Street In University Heights, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story mixed-use building at 41 North Street in University Heights, The Bronx. Located between Grand Avenue and North Street, the lot is in walking distance of the 183rd Street subway station, serviced by the 4 train. Belal Hossain of B&H Contracting Corp. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 72-foot-tall development will yield 30,581 square feet, with 25,721 square feet designated for residential space and 4,859 square feet for community facility space. The building will have 38 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 676 square feet. The concrete-based structure will also have a cellar, a 31-foot-long rear yard, and 11 enclosed parking spaces.

Gerald Caliendo Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the lot is vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Maximizing Your Marketing Toolbox

 

‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌

Register - Click Here

Maximizing Tools for Your Business Google Ads 101: How to Design an Effective Google Ads Account   Create an Account   Accounts vs. Campaigns vs. Ad Groups   Targeting & Audiences   Search Keywords & Negative Keywords   Ad Copy & Extensions/Assets   Budget & Bidding   Setting-Up Conversions   Brian LeDonne will answer any additional questions or comments you may have. Brian LeDonne is a Digital Marketing Specialist at PS Digital, a full-service Digital Marketing Agency that helps businesses create and maintain powerful and effective online strategies.

Thursday, January 19 from 11:00am to 1:30pm Business Finance 101: Getting Started Financial management can be the most intimidating part of running a business. The goal of this course is to reveal that it need not be. Intended for entrepreneurs unfamiliar with business financial management, Business Finances 1 introduces its key terms and concepts in everyday language. Click HERE To Register Wednesday, January 25 from 10:00am to 11:00am Coffee & Conversation w. Councilmember Althea Stevens Bronx Chamber President Lisa Sorin, and Legislative & Policy Chair, Michael Brady moderate a discussion with Hon. Althea Stevens, Chair of the New York City Council Committee on Youth Services and Co-Chair of the Bronx New York City Council Delegation, on workforce development, braided learning, childcare impact on business, merchant organizing, and development projects. Click HERE To Register

Hon. Ruben Diaz, Jr., former Bronx Borough President Statement about the Hon. Judge Hector LaSalle

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Former NYC Councilman Ruben Diaz

Throughout my career in public service, first as a member of the New York State Assembly and then as Bronx Borough President, I have fought for qualified, experienced, and diverse leadership at all levels of government. Many times that has required giving candidates for both elected and appointed office a fair shake and a chance to clear the air when questions and concerns about their record arise.

 

After much evaluation, I have come to the conclusion that Judge Hector LaSalle’s judicial record, composed of over 5,000 cases, has been distorted in order to deny him that chance and, as a result, his confirmation as chief judge for the State’s Court of Appeals. New Yorkers deserve better than that.

 

There is no question Judge LaSalle has a proven track record as both a jurist and a court administrator. There is no denying his knowledge of the law, his considerable experience, and his broad support from legal professionals across the political spectrum. I have reviewed his record, considered the opinions of his legal colleagues, and spoken to Judge LaSalle personally. I would not support him for this important position if I thought our shared progress on so many important issues was at risk.

 

I call on my friends and colleagues in the New York State Senate to afford Judge Hector LaSalle a fair opportunity to answer the tough questions and earn their vote so that history, in this case for the Latino community, can be made once again. Like every other community, Latinos want and deserve it.

 

 

Ruben Díaz jr

Former Bronx Borough President

Former NYC Councilman Reverend Ruben Diaz.