Governor Hochul Urges Caution in Advance of Winter Storm Expected to Bring Snow and Ice to Several Upstate Regions This Week

 

Up to a Foot or More of Snow Expected to Impact Travel in the North Country Beginning Wednesday Evening Through Thursday, With Areas Just North of I-90 in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region Seeing Up to Six Inches of Snow

Majority of State to Experience Flat Ice Accumulation Up to a Quarter-Inch As a Result of Sleet and Freezing Rain, Potential for Localized Power Outages in Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions as a Half-Inch of Ice Accumulation is Possible

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Monitor Weather Conditions, Take Necessary Precautions for Wednesday Evening and Thursday Commutes

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged caution as a winter storm is forecast to impact upstate regions beginning Wednesday afternoon, particularly in the North Country and parts of the Capital Region, Central New York, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley and Western New York, where snow or sleet is expected to slowly spread from the New York/Pennsylvania border northeast and reach parts of the North Country by Wednesday night. Some areas in the North Country could see up to a foot of snow, with up to 18 inches of snow possible near Ogdensburg, and many regions will experience ice accumulation up to a quarter inch, with potential for a half-inch in Western New York and the Finger Lakes, bringing the threat of localized power outages due to downed trees and power lines. Travel conditions in these regions are expected to begin deteriorating Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday. The most impactful weather is likely to occur Wednesday night through Thursday morning. Wet and heavy snow falling mixed with sleet and ice will impact commutes and potentially cause localized power outages. Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor local weather forecasts, take precautions if commuting Wednesday and Thursday and to be ready for changing weather conditions.

"Most of Upstate New York is preparing for another winter storm that could bring a foot or more of snow in the North Country, and a wintry mix of ice and sleet that will impact travel Wednesday through Thursday," Governor Hochul said. "New Yorkers in impacted regions should take action now to prepare for the incoming snow and ice, as power outages and hazardous travel are a concern this week."

A number of Winter Storm Watches and Weather Advisories are currently in effect for the North Country, Mohawk Valley, Central New York, Southern Tier, Western New York, Finger Lakes and Capital Regions through Thursday night. Some locations in the Watch area could see up to a foot of snow, especially in the Tug Hill area and southern Adirondacks, and between a quarter to a half inch of ice accumulation in several locations by Thursday. As the weather system moves west to east across the state, snow is expected to switch over to sleet and freezing rain in some places, with valley locations seeing more snow and freezing rain, and locations in higher elevations receiving just rain.

Wind gusts up to 40 mph are also expected on Thursday, which could cause additional travel and power impacts, especially in areas receiving ice accumulation. In New York City and Long Island, precipitation is expected to begin as (or quickly switch over to) rain with little snow or ice accumulation expected. For a complete listing of weather warnings in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

According to the Department of Public Service, New York's utilities have approximately 6,900 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, wire guarding, response, repair, and restoration efforts for this week's winter weather event. This includes an additional 1,100 external line and tree FTEs secured by National Grid and an additional 300 external line and tree FTEs secured by NYSEG/RG&E. DPS staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• Use caution on bridges as ice can form quicker than on roads.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cell phone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, as this is the most efficient and safe way to clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while its operating.

Power Outages

• Call your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• Turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, Call:

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation.
• Keep curtains, towels, and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more Winter safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety.

For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit 211nys.org.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination, and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, find DHSES on Facebook, on Twitter or visit dhses.ny.gov.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS TO LANDMARKS PRESERVATION COMMISSION, PUBLIC DESIGN COMMISSION

 

Stephen Chu, Mark Ginsberg, and Angie Master Have Been Approved by City Council and Will Join Landmarks

 

Bill Heinzen Will Serve as Mayor Adams’ Designee on Public Design Commission

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today appointed Stephen Chu, Mark Ginsberg, and Angie Master to the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC), and designated Bill Heinzen as his representative on the New York City Public Design Commission (PDC). Chu, Ginsberg, and Master have already been approved by the New York City Council and will join the commission for the next meeting this month.

 

LPC commissioners serve three-year terms. The PDC designee serves at the pleasure of the mayor.

 

“This diverse slate of appointees will bring to their work a wide range of perspectives and a shared commitment to our city’s built environment and public spaces,” said Mayor Adams. “New York City offers a unique blend of the historical and the cutting edge — no other city comes close. I am confident that this group of commissioners will be faithful stewards of both and help our city continue to recover and grow without losing sight of our past.”

 

“Every New Yorker deserves access to a built environment and public space that celebrates the richness of our city’s history, while also embracing our adaptive spirit,” said Deputy Mayor for Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I am certain these new appointees for the Public Design Commission and Landmarks Preservation Commission, who are respected and talented professionals in their fields, will bring dynamic skill sets and voices to the matters that come before them. I look forward to seeing their work play out in the future of our city’s skyline.”

 

“The mayor’s three appointees are committed to protecting and preserving New York City’s architecturally, culturally, and historically significant sites,” said LPC Chair Sarah Carroll. “They each bring significant expertise, experience, and a commitment to our city that will further LPC’s mission and help shape the city’s built environment.”

 

“PDC is thrilled to welcome Bill Heinzen to the commission,” said PDC Executive Director Sreoshy Banerjea. “His deep knowledge of New York City history, parks, culture, and the past projects of the Public Design Commission is invaluable to us. With the addition of his expertise and guidance, we continue to be excited to center design excellence in New York City’s built environment and public realm.”

 

“I am honored to join the Landmarks Preservation Commission and assist in the protection and preservation of New York City’s rich history of diversity and culture, while considering the present and future needs of our great city and its five boroughs,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Stephen Chu.

 

“It is an honor to serve on the Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Mark Ginsberg. “I look forward to helping preserve our past, while moving towards a low-carbon future and encouraging much-needed housing.”

 

“I am deeply honored to be nominated by Mayor Adams to serve as a commissioner of the Landmarks Preservation Commission,” said incoming LPC Commissioner Angie Master. “As the LPC Staten Island and real estate representative, I look forward to working collaboratively with the other commissioners to help preserve New York City’s many culturally, historically, and architecturally significant landmarked sites.”

 

 “The Public Design Commission has improved every corner of New York City through its review of public spaces, new and existing structures on city land, and public art,” said Bill Heinzen, special counsel, Office of the Chief Counsel to the Mayor and City Hall. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor Adams’ designee on the commission, and I am excited to work with its dedicated commissioners and staff to further PDC’s mission to make the city even better with innovative, sustainable, and equitable design.”

Permits Filed For 1932 McGraw Avenue In Parkchester, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for a seven-story residential building at 1932 McGraw Avenue in Parkchester, The Bronx. Located between Pugsley Avenue and Metropolitan Avenue, the interior lot is near the Parkchester subway station, serviced by the 6 train. Randylynn McManus under the 1932 McGraw Avenue LLC is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 65-foot-tall development will yield 13,560 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 23 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 589 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, a 20-foot-long rear yard, and six open parking spaces.

Mastrogiacomo Engineering is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits were filed in April 2022 and the land is now vacant. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

Leader Of Sunset Trinitarios Sentented To Life In Prison For Racketeering, Including Ordering Multiple Murders

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that EDIBERTO SANTANA, a/k/a “Flaco Veneno,” was sentenced to life imprisonment for leading the Sunset Trinitarios gang from at least 2010 through 2019 and, in that capacity, ordering multiple acts of brutal violence, including the March 13, 2011, murder of Dennis Marquez, age 16, who was stabbed to death in the Bronx; the October 23, 2013, murder of Michael Beltre, age 17, who was shot and killed in the Bronx; and the November 17, 2013, murder of Rafael Alam, age 22, who was shot and killed in the Bronx.  U.S. District Judge Paul A. Crotty imposed today’s sentence.

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “While nothing can make whole the families and communities of Dennis Marquez, Michael Beltre, and Rafael Alam, we hope that today’s sentence is some measure of closure and justice for them.  We are committed to addressing gang violence in our communities and to holding accountable those who instigate such violence.”

SANTANA, 33, of Brooklyn, New York, previously pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy with murder as a special sentencing factor, which carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the New York City Department of Investigation.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF MUHAMMAD FARIDI AS CIVILIAN APPOINTEE FOR HANDSCHU COMMITTEE

 

Selection of First Muslim-American Representative to Important Oversight Panel Underscores Mayor’s Commitment to Ensuring Justice and Safety for All New Yorkers

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the appointment of Muhammad U. Faridi as the independent civilian representative to the New York City Police Department’s (NYPD) Handschu Committee. The Handschu Guidelines — set forth under a 1985 consent decree — regulate the NYPD’s policies and practices regarding investigations of political activity. The committee plays a critical oversight role in ensuring compliance with the terms of the agreement, including when the NYPD opens or extends investigations into political activity. Mayor Adams’ appointee, Faridi, will be the first Muslim-American to be appointed to the role and replaces former U.S. District Judge Stephen Robinson of the Southern District of New York, who served as the city’s first independent civilian representative.

 

“As a former police officer and co-founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement, I am deeply committed to fairness and accountability in policing. And, as mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that all New Yorkers, regardless of their background, enjoy equal protection under the law,” said Mayor Adams. “Muhammad Faridi is an experienced litigator who has served as the chair of the executive committee of the New York City Bar Association and on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on the Judiciary. We are proud he will continue to serve all New Yorkers as the civilian representative on the Handschu Committee.”

 

“Muhammad Faridi is an accomplished attorney with exceptional judgment and a track record of effective advocacy for underrepresented groups,” said City Hall Chief Counsel Brendan McGuire. “His historic appointment reflects Mayor Adams’ commitment to ensuring the Handschu Committee continues to benefit from an independent, rigorous, and fair-minded civilian representative. We appreciate Mr. Faridi’s willingness to serve in this position and are grateful to his predecessor, Judge Stephen Robinson, for his years of dedicated service.”

 

“The city is committed to furthering public safety while ensuring that the civil rights of individuals are protected,” said New York City Corporation Counsel Sylvia O. Hinds-Radix. “The Handschu Committee plays a vital role in making sure that goal is met. I congratulate the mayor on this appointment and thank Mr. Faridi for agreeing to serve the city in this critical position.”

 

“We welcome the appointment of Mr. Zaridi as the independent civilian representative to the Handschu Committee,” said NYPD Commissioner Keechant L. Sewell. “We look forward to working with him to strengthen community relations, ensure further confidence in the NYPD’s intelligence gathering processes, and keep our city safe.”

 

“The independent civilian representative on the Handschu Committee plays an important role in ensuring that Americans from all backgrounds are treated fairly and equally under our nation’s laws. The representative is charged with monitoring police investigations relating to sensitive matters (including those relating to political activity and terrorism) and reporting any abuse of civil liberties to the NYPD commissioner and the federal judge assigned to the Handschu case,” said Muhammad Faridi, Mayor Adams’ appointee to the Hanschu Committee. “I am honored that Mayor Adams has selected me for this role. I look forward to working with all constituents of the Handschu Committee in ensuring that there is transparency and fairness in some of the most important work that the NYPD does to keep our city and country safe.”

 

Following the resolution of two federal lawsuits alleging the improper investigations of the Muslim community in 2017, New York City created the Handschu Committee and a civilian representative that serves on the committee. The committee hears the basis for opening, extending, and closing investigations into political activity, including terrorism investigations. If the civilian representative believes an investigation does not meet the required legal threshold under the Handschu Guidelines, they are empowered to report any abuses to the NYPD commissioner and the federal judge assigned to the Handschu case. The independent civilian representative serves a five-year term. The NYPD has nine members on the Handschu Committee, include the deputy commissioner of intelligence, the chief of intelligence, the executive officer of the intelligence bureau, the commanding officer of the intelligence operations and analysis section (IOAS), the executive officer of IOAS, the commanding officer of the criminal intelligence section, the assistant commissioner for intelligence analysis, the deputy commissioner of legal matters, and the special counsel for intelligence affairs.

 

“We applaud Mayor Adams for continuing the position of civilian representative on the Handschu Committee and for recognizing that his work has been beneficial to the people of the City of New York and to our police department,” said Paul Chevigny, Jethro Eisenstein, Martin Stolar, Franklin Siegel, and Arthur Eisenberg, class counsel in Handschu v. Police Department of the City of New York. “We are deeply grateful to Hon. Stephen Robinson for his dedicated service as the first civilian representative on the Handschu Committee. Judge Robinson showed that the civilian representative, by bringing an outside voice to the deliberations of the NYPD, encouraged critical thinking and mindfulness of the rights at stake. We welcome the appointment of Muhammad Faridi as the new civilian representative. We are confident that he will bring to bear the same dedication and vigilance.”

 

“The civilian representative position is an important feature of the protections from NYPD surveillance that the Raza plaintiffs secured for all New Yorkers,” said Ramzi Kassem, CUNY professor of law; founding director, CLEAR; and counsel to the plaintiffs in Raza v. City of New York. “As an accomplished and reputable attorney hailing from the same Muslim communities that bore the brunt of police spying in our city for decades, Muhammad Faridi is an inspired choice as the next civilian representative. I look forward to working with him and extend my gratitude to Judge Stephen Robinson for his years of service as the inaugural civilian representative.”

 

“Asian-American Bar Association of New York (AABANY) applauds Mayor Adams for appointing Muhammad Faridi as the civilian representative to the Handschu Committee, the first Muslim-American to hold the role,” said Christopher Bae, membership director, AABANY. “With the Handschu Committee charged to ensure that the NYPD is not improperly investigating the Muslim community, it’s long overdue that the Muslim community have representation on the committee. When a government has full participation from its multiracial and diverse religious communities, we are all better for it.”

 

“As advocates for more than 1 million Muslim New Yorkers, we commend Mayor Adams for listening to impacted communities and welcome the decision to appoint Muhammad Faridi as the civilian representative to the Handschu Committee,” said Ahmed Mohamed, legal director, Council on American-Islamic Relations of New York. “Mr. Faridi has a proven commitment to justice, inclusion, and equity. We look forward to working with Mr. Faridi to protect New Yorkers’ constitutionally protected religious and political rights.”

 

“The Muslim Bar Association of New York congratulates Mr. Faridi on being appointed as the civilian representative to the Handschu Committee by Mayor Adams and on being the first Muslim-American in this role,” said Lejla Hadzic, president, Muslim Bar Association of New York. “We are reminded that the role of the civilian representative was created as part of the settlement agreement in Muslim surveillance lawsuits. Mr. Faridi has been a dedicated and active member of our community and the Muslim Bar Association of New York, has served as a mentor to many of our lawyers, and has been a relentless advocate for criminal justice and equal rights in his pro bono practice. He is exceptionally prepared to make certain that safeguards in the settlement and in the Handschu Guidelines are followed and to ensure that the fundamentals of civil liberties will be protected for each and every New Yorker.”

CONSUMER ALERT: New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Provides Tips to Save on Entertainment and Recreation Costs

 

Part Three of Five-Part Consumer Alert Series to Help New Yorkers Save Money 

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for “Tuesday’s Tips” – Practical Tips to Educate and Empower New York Consumers on a Variety of Topics 

Secretary Robert J. Rodriguez: “There are countless free and affordable entertainment opportunities in our State, and these creative tips show New Yorkers that you can cut down on spending while still having a good time.”

For this week’s “Tuesday’s Tips,” the Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection (DCP) is providing tips to help consumers reduce spending on entertainment and recreation costs. These tips are part three of DCP’s five-part consumer alert series to help New Yorkers save money amidst inflation and rising costs. Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

“When saving money and sticking to a budget, entertainment expenses are typically one of the first places consumers look to cut back,” said Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez, who oversees the Division of Consumer Protection. “There are countless free and affordable entertainment opportunities in our State, and these creative tips show New Yorkers that you can cut down on spending while still having a good time.”

New York State has many opportunities for free entertainment. Explore things to do throughout New York State with the I LOVE NY website, or download the mobile app for great activity ideas, including special sections dedicated to Winter in New York and celebrating Black History Month!

Check with your community for free events. Many counties, cities, towns and villages offer community movie nights, music in the park, recreation programs or other seasonal free community events.

Check out the New York State Fair – the first fair in the nation. Every year, New Yorkers come together to experience an affordable, 13-day celebration of delicious food, eye-opening agriculture exhibits, strolling performers, concerts and great family fun. The event also showcases thousands of animals and dozens of big-name entertainers. The 2023 Great New York State Fair kicks off Wednesday, August 23 and continues through Labor Day, Monday, September 4. Admission tickets are $6 for adults, and children (13 years old and younger) and senior citizens (adults 65 years and older) are admitted for free every day. Plus, there are also free days for special groups on select days.  

Find a local county fair or food festival near you. All over New York State, you will find numerous local events that offer a variety of fun filled activities - packed with amazing food, rides, parades, live entertainment, crafts and more! Enjoy a day filled with amazing attractions that won’t break the bank.

Connect to nature. Visit any of the 250 New York State Parks, historic sites, recreational trails and boat launches, or the millions of acres of public lands managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation that offer a variety of entertainment opportunities for all ages and interests. There are plenty of outdoor activities all year round (hiking, camping, boating, birding, etc.), nature centers, programs for the kids and more!

Visit museums. New York State has some of the world’s most iconic museums. Some museums offer free admission every day or on specific days. Some also offer events, festivals and concert series that are free in the summer or throughout the year.

Check out the library. Libraries offer a wealth of items that New Yorkers can borrow, ranging from movies, music and videogames to free or discounted entrance passes to local museums and attractions. Additionally, there are often free events held at libraries, including workshops, computer classes and more. New Yorkers can also get free access to LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com) with a NY Public Library account, which offers thousands of online educational courses and tutorials taught by industry experts in software, creative and business skills.

Enjoy your next vacation camping. New York’s 118 state campgrounds offer the perfect spot for a family getaway or reconnecting with friends. Located among some of the most breathtaking settings in North America, NYS campgrounds are an affordable vacation option for campers seeking variety, value and a place to create special memories that last a lifetime.  

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “DEC invites New Yorkers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds to experience nature and the outdoors on our shared state lands. With five million acres across the state that include campgrounds and education centers, wildlife management areas, state forests, boat launches and fishing sites,  DEC lands, waters, and facilities offer everyone the opportunity to relax, rejuvenate, and recreate.”

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, 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.

Nos Quedamos - Bronx Town Hall: Community Land Act - Saturday, February 25, 2023 ~ 12pm-2pm

 

Join Nos Quedamos, NYC Community Land Initiative (NYCCLI), Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Association, South Bronx Unite, the Mott Haven Port Morris Community Land Stewards, and New Economy Project to learn  about Community Land Trusts (CLTs) and the NYC Community Land Act -- groundbreaking legislation to bring land and housing into community ownership!   Saturday, February 25, 2023 ~ 12pm-2pm Pregones/PRTT 575 Walton Ave, The Bronx, NY 10451   Download Flier (English / Spanish) We know that our community has been affected most by the housing crisis and lack of deep affordable housing. In an effort to combat this, a coalition of Bronx-based organizations and community leaders like yourselves are coming together to talk about policies we are pushing forward that would support and ensure deep affordability. There will be food, music, and child care! We can’t have this conversation without you, so join us and bring your families and neighbors! Click or Scan below for details and RSVP. Click to RSVP

Ex-Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro Garcia Luna Convicted of Engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise and Taking Millions in Cash Bribes from the Sinaloa Cartel

 

The Once-Highest Ranking Law Enforcement Official in Mexico Is Now a Convicted Felon

 Genaro Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico from 2006 to 2012, was convicted today by a federal jury in Brooklyn of all five counts of a superseding indictment charging him with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise that includes six drug-related violations, international cocaine distribution conspiracy, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to import cocaine, and making false statements. The verdict followed a four-week trial before United States District Judge Brian M. Cogan.  When sentenced, Luna faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of life in prison. 

Breon Peace, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Anne Milgram, Administrator, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Ivan J. Arvelo, Special Agent-in-Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, New York (HSI), announced the verdict.

“Garcia Luna, who once stood at the pinnacle of law enforcement in Mexico, will now live the rest of his days having been revealed as a traitor to his country and to the honest members of law enforcement who risked their lives to dismantle drug cartels,” stated United States Attorney Peace.  “It is unconscionable that the defendant betrayed his duty as Secretary of Public Security by greedily accepting millions of dollars in bribe money that was stained by the blood of Cartel wars and drug-related battles in the streets of the United States and Mexico, in exchange for protecting those murderers and traffickers he was solemnly sworn to investigate.  Today’s verdict is a shining light for the rule of law, right over wrong, and justice over injustice for all those who have suffered as a result of the defendant’s deplorable crimes.”

“Today’s conviction of Genaro Garcia Luna clearly shows that DEA will stop at nothing to pursue corrupt political officials who engage in drug trafficking and violence,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “Garcia Luna, the former Secretary of Public Security in Mexico, received millions of dollars in bribes from the Sinaloa cartel in exchange for protecting its drug trafficking activities and facilitating the importation of cocaine and other drugs into the United States. This case affirms DEA’s dedication to target and bring to justice those that enable the Sinaloa criminal drug cartel to flood the U.S. with deadly drugs that are killing Americans at unprecedented rates. It should send a clear message – to all political leaders around the world that trade on positions of influence to further transnational organized crime – that DEA will relentlessly pursue drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety and health of the American people.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ivan J. Arvelo: “Criminal organizations cannot function at the level of the Sinaloa drug cartel without the support of corrupt politicians and officials such as Genaro Garcia Luna who aid and abet them. Garcia Luna, a trusted public servant, used his official position to assist this violent drug cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes. Not only did Garcia Luna betray his position, his people and his country, his actions facilitated the importation of tons of illicit drugs into the United States. Corrupt officials like Garcia Luna create a dangerous work environment for U.S. law enforcement who often share sensitive information with the Mexican government to stem the flow of dangerous narcotics into the United States. HSI, along with our law enforcement partners, will aggressively pursue individuals and organizations that negatively impact the national security of the United States and the safety of its citizens.”

As proven at trial, from 2006 to 2012, Garcia Luna was Mexico’s top law enforcement official, serving as Secretary of Public Security and, in that capacity controlled Mexico’s Federal Police Force.  Previously, from 2001 to 2005, the defendant was the head of Mexico’s Federal Investigative Agency (“AFI”).  The defendant used his official positions to assist the violent Sinaloa drug cartel in exchange for millions of dollars in bribes.  Garcia Luna’s conduct included facilitating the safe passage for the Cartel’s drug shipments, providing sensitive law enforcement information about investigations into the Cartel, and helping the Cartel attack rival drug cartels, thereby facilitating the importation of multi‑ton quantities of cocaine and other drugs into the United States.

The evidence included testimony from former high-ranking members of the Sinaloa Cartel with direct knowledge of the defendant’s corrupt activities.  For example, in exchange for bribes, the defendant’s Federal Police Force acted as bodyguards and escorts for the Cartel, allowing Cartel members to wear police uniforms and badges, and helped unload shipments of cocaine from planes at Mexico City’s airport, then delivered the cocaine to the Cartel. The defendant was paid in U.S. currency — $100 bills in bundles of $10,000 at times — stuffed variously in a suitcase, briefcases and duffel bags.  The bribe amounts increased over the years as the Sinaloa Cartel grew in size and power through the assistance of the defendant.   Former members of the Cartel testified that bribe money was handed off to the defendant in a variety of locations, including at a “safe house” located in Mexico City where large amounts of cash were hidden in a false wall,  at a car wash in Guadalajara, and at a French restaurant in Mexico City across the street from the U.S. Embassy.  Further, in exchange for the millions of dollars that the defendant was receiving in bribes, his federal police leaked sensitive information that enabled the Cartel to evade detection by law enforcement or use the information in attacks on rival traffickers.

Finally, after moving to the United States in 2012, Garcia Luna submitted an application for naturalization in 2018, in which he lied about his past criminal conduct on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel in an attempt to become a U.S. citizen.

Garcia Luna’s co-defendants in the superseding indictment, Luis Cardenas Palomino and Ramon Pequeno Garcia, former high-ranking Mexican law enforcement officials who worked under Garcia Luna, remain fugitives from U.S. authorities.

The investigation was led by the New York Strike Force, a crime-fighting unit comprising federal, state and local law enforcement agencies supported by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the New York/New Jersey High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area.  The Strike Force is based at the DEA’s New York Division and includes agents and officers of the DEA, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Secret Service, United States Marshals Service, New York National Guard, Clarkstown Police Department, U.S. Coast Guard, Port Washington Police Department and New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.