Former Law Firm Partner Sentenced To Two Years In Prison For Cyberstalking

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that WILLIE DENNIS was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jed S. Rakoff to two years in prison for cyberstalking three victims, all his former colleagues at a global law firm (the “Law Firm”).  DENNIS was convicted in October 2022 following a one-week trial before Judge Rakoff.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Willie Dennis, a former law firm partner in Manhattan, waged a relentless cyberstalking campaign against his own former colleagues.  During the years-long, merciless harassment, Dennis’s victims were forced to change their ways of living out of fear that Dennis would make good on his threats.  The sentence imposed today ensures that Dennis’s victims will no longer needlessly endure his attacks.”

According to the Indictment, documents previously filed in the case, and the evidence introduced at trial:

WILLIE DENNIS, a former partner at the Law Firm, engaged in a years-long campaign of harassment, intimidation, and threats against his victims, who were partners at the Law Firm.  As part of that campaign, DENNIS sent the victims thousands of harassing, threatening, and intimidating emails and text messages.  Despite having been warned by the Law Firm over and over again that his communications were unwanted, abusive, and harassing, DENNIS continued to send nonstop messages to his former partners.  He sent the messages at all hours of the day and night.  DENNIS targeted the victims and their families, and he threatened their physical safety.  He demeaned the victims, called some of them by racist and antisemitic names, and warned them that they would become “biblical symbols.”  In his threats, he told one victim to “sleep with one eye open.”

In addition to his prison term, DENNIS, 60, of New York, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

New York City Banking Commission Announces Measures to Ensure City’s Designated Banks More Accountable to The Public

 

Required certifications will reinforce banks’ obligation to provide details on commitment to combating lending and employment discrimination.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Department of Finance (DOF) Commissioner Preston Niblack today announced two important transparency measures that will help gauge the consumer and community service experience of the city’s designated banks and provide a tool for better assessing the commitment of banks looking to hold city deposits to non-discrimination in lending and employment.

Starting with this year’s biennial designation cycle, the New York City Banking Commission (consisting of Mayor Adams, Comptroller Lander, and DOF Commissioner Niblack) will include a public comment process for the Banking Commission’s public hearing to designate banks that will be eligible to hold deposits of city funds. The public will be able to submit written comments ahead of the meeting and in-person comments during the public comment session of the hearing.

Additionally, the certificates banks must submit ahead of designation have been revised to reinforce the obligation for depository banks to provide detailed plans and specific steps to combat different forms of discrimination in their operations.

“Consumer banks play a vital role in New York City’s communities, and their practices in lending, employment, and banking products and services reverberate through all five boroughs,” said Comptroller Lander. “In pursuit of a shared and prosperous economy for all, the city must be vigilant in evaluating the banks that hold its money and hear from New Yorkers about their experiences with these institutions. I am grateful to Mayor Adams and Commissioner Niblack for their partnership in this work, as we continue to take a hard look at who the city is choosing as banking partners.”

“Financial institutions are critical pillars of our communities, and we must demand the highest standards from any bank that is entrusted with public funds,” said Mayor Adams. “These new steps will ensure the Banking Commission is designating only those banks that have shown that they can protect taxpayer money and that are committed to promoting equity in all aspects of their operations.”

“Providing an opportunity for public comment will add a new dimension to the Banking Commission’s designation review,” said New York City Treasurer Mary Christine Jackman, DOF designee, New York City Banking Commission. “We look forward to hearing from the public and banking community as we review applications for designation for the important role of depository of the public’s funds.”

Designated banks will be eligible to hold New York City deposits. The banks are expected to provide approved banking products and services for city entities. By law, the banks must provide total collateralization for any money held.

“The ability to hold and profit from New Yorker’s hard-earned city deposits is a privilege, not a right,” said Barika X. Williams, executive director, Association for Neighborhood and Housing Development. “We applaud the Banking Commission on taking this step to accept public comments and call on the city to incorporate the findings into their final determinations. We hope this is just a first step in deepening community engagement, scrutiny, and transparency in this public process. The city must demand more of banks seeking the privilege of holding New York City’s deposits and should not do business with banks that ignore, divest, exploit, or discriminate against communities of color.”

Upcoming meetings of the New York City Banking Commission will be held on the following dates: May 11, 2023, for the discount/late payment rate recommendation meeting and May 25, 2023, for the bank designation meeting, including public comments. Bank designations will be voted on by the commission at the latter meeting. More information can be found online.

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

COUNCIL MEMBER RAFAEL SALAMANCA, JR. CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Email Council Member Salamanca

Visit our District Office at:  1070 Southern Boulevard Bronx, New York 10459 (718) 402-6130 salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Bronx Chamber of Commerce - Women of Distinction Luncheon Honors Vivian Vázquez Irizarry

 

Friday, March 31, 2023 11:30am - 2:00pm Villa Barone Manor 737 Throggs Neck Expressway Bronx, New York For 18 years, the Women of Distinction Luncheon has recognized outstanding women leaders for their contributions to the Bronx community. Each year with the support of local Bronx businesses and Bronx Chamber of Commerce members we are able to provide scholarships to deserving college-bound female students through the Bronx Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Join us this year as we honor a new class of scholars and celebrate the strong women leaders of our community.

Purchase Tickets & Sponsor- Click Here

An educator and facilitator, Vivian Vázquez Irizarry ran educational and youth leadership development programs at the Coro Foundation, Bronxworks, and is currently the director of community-school partnerships at the New Settlement Community Campus. Vázquez Irizarry managed educational youth development models in GED completion and college access programs across New York City. A former member of the National Congress for Puerto Rican Rights, she is a member of 52 People for Progress, a community organization that saved her childhood playground and revitalized the South Bronx for the last 35 years. In DECADE OF FIRE, Bronx-born Vivian Vázquez Irizarry pursues the truth surrounding the fires – uncovering policies of racism and neglect that still shape our cities, and offering hope to communities on the brink today. Vázquez Irizarry, in her role as the film’s central character and co-director seeks not only healing for her community, but to redeem them from the harmful mythology spread by the media that has continued largely unchallenged to this day. She tells the story of a people who held on, worked to save their community and start anew against impossible odds.

Purchase Tickets & Sponsorships - Click Here

Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association Meeting Tuesday February 14 2023.

 

The Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association is back with their monthly community event on Tuesday February 14th, 2023 at 7pm at our location 2134 Barnes Avenue on the corner of Barnes and Lydig Avenue Bx, NY 10462. Scheduled to appear are Congressman Ritchie Torres and his Team. Ritchie represents New York's 15th Congressional District. Please join us for this very important and informative session.

Wave Hill Events February 23-March 2

 

Hello, March! Spring is in the air! Come explore the garden on a guided walk and take in the sights, smells and colors of the season. In Armor Hall, listen to live cross-genre chamber music performed by Warp Trio. Join the Family Art Project for some creative fun, and create art inspired by nature. Experience something new and special every time you visit Wave Hill!

Family Art Project: Sounds of Winter Stillness 

Sat, Feb 25, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Sun, Feb 26, 2023, 10AM–1PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Meet at Wave Hill House  

Winter is a time of rest for many beings, and a certain kind of magic can be observed in the dormancy, hibernation, and stillness that comes in this season. Document this elusive feeling by creating your own mobiles using an assortment of found and natural objects. 

 

Registration not required.  

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251. 

 

The program takes place indoors in the Kerlin Learning Center located on the lower level of Wave Hill House. Please note the following important COVID-related information to ensure everyone’s safety: 

 

• Approximately nine families will be able to participate at a time, based on the time each family arrives. 

• If capacity is full when you arrive, we will provide a “come back” card so you will have first entry for the next session. 

• Each family will receive its own set of materials and cleaning will happen in between seating participants. 

• Unvaccinated visitors are encouraged to wear a mask inside. 

Wave Hill House is located along a paved route with moderate changes in grade. The building is wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

Garden and Conservatory Highlights Walks 

Sun, Feb 26, 2023, 2–2:45PM  

Free with admission to the grounds  

Meet at Perkins Visitor Center 

Join a knowledgeable Wave Hill Garden Guide for a leisurely stroll in the gardens. Topics vary by season and the expertise of the Guide–come back for an encore; each walk varies with the Guide leading it. This walk lasts a half-hour to 45 minutes. Severe weather cancels. 

 

Registration is not required for this drop-in event. Public Garden Walks are most appropriate for adults or young adults. Not intended for groups; groups should sign-up for Private Garden Tours. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call 718.549.3200 x251.   

 

Garden Highlights Walks follow a variety of routes along mixed-material pathways and varying elevations. Accessible routes are available as requested; please indicate your need to Wave Hill staff at the Greeter Desk in the Perkins Visitor Center.   

 

Concert: Warp Trio 

Sun, Feb 26, 2–3PM 

$30 Adult/$16 Student (with ID)/$14 Child (8-18), including admission to the grounds. Advance tickets $2 off. Wave Hill Members save 10% 

Armor Hall 

This performance features: 

Mikael Darmanie – piano 

Josh Henderson – violin 

Ju Young Lee – cello 

Rick Martinez – percussion 

 

Warp Trio is an internationally touring, cross-genre chamber music experience. Reflecting the juxtaposition of Juilliard-trained musicians with members steeped in rock and jazz styles, the one-of-a-kind trio—that even has a fourth member!—can be seen performing classical works in prestigious halls on the same tour where they headline a standing room-only show at a rock venue. In addition to their electrifying public performances, they have gained a reputation for their innovative educational workshops for students from grade school through university level. 

 

The concert begins at 2PM and lasts approximately one hour without intermission. Ages 8 and older welcome with an adult. 

 

Tickets required, purchase online or by calling 718.549.3200 x251. 

 

Questions? Please email us at information@wavehill.org or call the telephone number and extension above. 

 

Wave Hill House and Armor Hall are wheelchair-accessible. There is an accessible, ground-level entrance at the front of the building with a power-assist door. The restroom on the ground level is all-gender and ADA-compliant. Additional ADA-compliant restrooms are available on the lower level, which can be accessed by elevator. 

 

HOURS: 10AM–4:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday.

 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.

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

 

Dear Neighbor,

Here in our community, there has been a growing request for youth-centered programs, particularly in the arts and life sciences. As I’ve spoken with community members and local leaders, I’ve learned two things: 1) Our students enjoy exploring the visual arts, and 2) There is a growing interest in marine life and the future of our environment. Both disciplines are highly requested, and I’m excited to share that organizations across the Bronx are listening! Our ‘Youth’ section has grown tremendously, and I invite you to scroll down to learn more about the programs and opportunities available here in the Bronx.

Over the next few weeks, you will see an increase in family and youth programs, which includes science and the arts. I encourage you to share this information with anyone you think may be interested or would benefit from these programs; you never know whose life you’ll change. Our youth are our future, and we must ensure they have access to information, education, and critical resources to support their development and futures.

In this week’s email, you will also find information about our upcoming Kosovo Independence Day celebration, NYC & Company’s Tourism Ready Program, the Department of Small Business Services’ Opportunity Fund, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection’s tax preparation services, as well as events around the community. I’d also like to remind community-based non-profit organizations, that the deadline for the FY 2024 Discretionary Funding Expense Application is quickly; to learn more, please scroll to the ‘Budget Corner.’ If you have any questions or need assistance, a member of my staff will be happy to help you.

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please call us at (718) 931-1721 or email us at District13@council.nyc.gov.

Sincerely,

Council Member Marjorie Velázquez

Kosova Independence Day

On Monday, February 13 at 6 PM, join me at City Hall for this year’s Independence of Kosova celebration. This year’s celebration is in partnership with New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams, Council Member Robert Holden, Council Member Joseph C. Borelli, Council Member David Carr, Council Member Oswald Feliz, and Council Member Vickie Paladino.

We had a wonderful time at our last celebration, and we are excited to share the beautiful culture and traditions of Kosova with you all on such a special day.

If you are interested in attending this year’s Independence of Kosova celebration, please call 212-482-4120 to RSVP.

Hammonds Cove - Dredging Update

This past December, I joined the New York City Economic Development Corporation for their water-breaking event at Hammonds Cove. Over the past several weeks, EDC successfully removed their goal of 2,000 cubic yards of material from the navigation channel! Water vessels now have six feet under keel draft, enabling them to have more consistent and safer access to Hammonds Cove marinas, regardless of the tide cycle. EDC is currently working on a project summary, which will be made available in the coming weeks. Thank you, EDC, for your hard work and for giving life back to our waterways!

Construction Advisories

The New York City Department of Design and Construction (NYCDDC), has also announced the below construction, which will take place through February 2023. Updates will be provided when made available by NYCDDC.

• Complete roadway restoration on Boston Road between Pelham Parkway Eastbound Main Road and North Service Road- work includes: the installation of new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps and islands, roadbases, and final pavement.

• Begin roadway restoration on Pelham Parkway North Service Road between Boston Road and Bronx Park East - work includes installation of new curbs, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, roadbases, and roadway.

• Begin roadway construction on Pelham Parkway North Service Road between White Plains Road and Bronx Park East - work includes street lighting and traffic signal work (No Parking, Temporary Street Closures/Traffic Detours, Temporary Sidewalk/Crosswalk Closures).

• Begin roadway construction at the intersection of Pelham Parkway Westbound Main Road and White Plains Road - work includes street lighting and traffic signal work (No Parking, Temporary Street Closures/Traffic Detours, Temporary Sidewalk/Crosswalk Closures).

DCWP Resource Information Session

This month, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and I will host two information sessions for community members. During the session, you will learn about DCWP’s free tax preparation services, financial counseling, and much more.

In Person: Thursday, February 16 at 7 PM; 768 Brady Avenue, Bronx, NY 10462 (Corner of Antin Pl and Holland Ave)

Virtual: Thursday, February 23 at 7 PM

• Zoom Meeting ID: 856-7505-0619

• Passcode: 701401

Constituent Appointment Scheduling

Due to an increase in appointment requests, our office will be transitioning to an online scheduling system. To schedule an appointment, please follow one of the below links (click or copy and paste). If you would like to schedule an appointment for NYC Housing Connect (also known as Section 8), or need assistance scheduling an appointment, please call our office at 718-931-1721.

SCRIE/DRIE: https://calendly.com/bxcd13/scrie_drie

SNAP: https://calendly.com/bxcd13/snapbenefits

Homeowner Resource Fair

On Thursday, February 16 at 6 PM, the NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), Neighborhood Initiatives Development Corp. (NIDC), and Assembly Member John Zaccaro Jr., will host a virtual Homeowner Resource Fair. Participants will learn about:

• Home and residential building repairs and improvements

• Foreclosure prevention and legal assistance

• Managing household expenses

• Property tax abatements and exemptions

• Certificate of occupancy, architectural plans approval, elevator inspections, etc…

To register, please click here.

Zoom Meeting Information

• Join Zoom Meeting: bit.ly/3Hb1DWi

• Meeting ID: 897 2367 0619

• Password: 125815

CEO Of Cryptocurrency And Forex Trading Platform Pleads Guilty To Over $240 Million Scheme To Defraud Investors

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the guilty plea of EDDY ALEXANDRE, the leader of a purported cryptocurrency and foreign exchange (“forex”) trading platform called EminiFX, who solicited more than $248 million in investments from tens of thousands of individual investors after making false representations in connection with the EminiFX trading platform.  U.S. District Judge John P. Cronan accepted the defendant’s guilty plea.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Eddy Alexandre admitted to luring investors to his cryptocurrency investment scam by fabricating weekly returns of at least 5%.  In reality, Alexandre failed to invest a substantial portion of this investors’ money and even used some funds for personal purchases.  Alexandre’s scam caused investors to lose millions of dollars, and this case should serve as yet another warning to cryptocurrency executives that the Southern District of New York is closely watching and ready to prosecute any and all misconduct in the crypto markets.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and other filings and statements made in court:

From in or about September 2021, up to and including in or about May 2022, ALEXANDRE operated EminiFX, Inc. (“EminiFX”), a purported investment platform that ALEXANDRE founded, and for which he solicited more than $248 million in investments from tens of thousands of individual investors. ALEXANDRE marketed EminiFX as an investment platform through which investors would earn passive income through automated investments in cryptocurrency and forex trading.  ALEXANDRE offered his investors “guaranteed” high investment returns using new technology that he claimed was secret. Specifically, ALEXANDRE falsely represented to investors that they would double their money within five months of investing by earning at least 5% weekly returns on their investment using a “Robo-Advisor Assisted account” to conduct trading.  ALEXANDRE referred to this technology as his “trade secret” and refused to tell investors what the technology was.  Each week EminiFX’s website falsely represented to investors that they had earned at least 5% on their investment, which they could withdraw or re-invest.

In truth and in fact, and as ALEXANDRE well knew, EminiFX did not earn 5% weekly returns for its investors.  ALEXANDRE did not even invest a substantial portion of the investor funds entrusted to him, and ALEXANDRE sustained millions of dollars in losses on the limited portion of funds that he did invest, which he did not disclose to his investors.  Instead of using investors’ funds as he had promised, ALEXANDRE also misdirected at least approximately $14,700,000 to his personal bank account.  For example, ALEXANDRE used $155,000 in investor funds to purchase a BMW car for himself and spent an additional $13,000 of investor funds on car payments, including to Mercedes Benz.

ALEXANDRE, 50, of Valley Stream, New York, pled guilty to one count of commodities fraud and agreed to pay forfeiture in the amount of $248,829,276.73, as well as restitution in an amount to be specified by the Court.  The offense of commodities fraud carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  Sentencing before Judge Cronan is scheduled for July 12, 2023, at 4:00 p.m.

Mr. Williams praised the investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and also thanked the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which brought a separate civil action.