DASHBOARD UPDATE: NYC Comptroller Releases New Monthly Data on Department of Correction Operations

 

The New York City Comptroller’s Office released its monthly update to the Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard, available here. The dashboard monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month, which decreased slightly last month to 5,915 people in custody. The detained population at Rikers remains well above the 3,300 person capacity of the borough-based jails intended to replace the notorious complex by 2027.

The DOC data from February shows limited progress on the key metrics available for the dashboard:

• As of March 1, the jail population was 5,915, a decrease of 55 people since February 1. 216 people were admitted into jail in February, however, February still saw more people admitted than discharged.
• Judges assigned cash bail to 1,106 people in January, which marks the ninth consecutive month in a row that over 1,000 people are assigned cash bail. However, pre-trial jail population decreased to 5,067 in January, a difference of 55 people from the month before.
• In February, the average length of stay remained at 112 days, unchanged from January.
• The number of people with serious mental illness held at Rikers continued to trend upwards, increasing from 1,111 in December to 1,153 in January, the latest available data.
• The Department’s total staff continued to decline with 6,632 uniformed officers employed last month. Uniformed staff on sick leave decreased by 12 officers from 692 in January to 680 in February. There are 22 fewer medically-restricted uniformed staff from 443 people in January to 421 people in February, a continuing downward trend since November 2021.
• Total number of violent incidents remain slightly higher than pre-pandemic levels, but all violent incidents decreased from January to February: 69 assaults on staff to 49; 356 fights to 283; 38 stabbings to 22.

This month’s findings show that although the DOC modestly reduced violence in jail and improved staffing management, New York City’s jail population remains persistently high. Since April 2021, judges continue to assign cash bail to more than 1,000 detained people per month. Rikers’ detained population still exceeds the capacity of the borough-based jails and is not on track to comply with the City’s mandated closure by 2027.

On March 13, the Department of Design and Construction posted a public notice revealing that the construction for the Brooklyn-based jail would be extended to 2029, two years past the deadline to close Rikers.

“As the extended timeline to build the borough-based jails and the growing number of people incarcerated demonstrate, the City of New York is not on track to close Rikers by 2027, as required by law. The month-to-month trends indicate a lack of serious efforts to decarcerate or provide alternatives-to-incarceration for people with serious mental illness. Without an accelerated plan to reduce the jail population and build the new facilities, justice and safety will remain out of reach for people awaiting trial at Rikers,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The Comptroller’s office publishes DOC data to this dashboard monthly since August 2022, as part of efforts to bring transparency and accountability to the Department’s operations.

Governor Hochul Provides Update on Nor'easter Impacting Upstate New York

 

Since Monday Evening, Areas of Capital Region and Mid-Hudson Regions Received Between a Foot and Foot and a Half of Snow, North Country Experienced Nearly Two Feet of Snow With Peak Snowfall Rates of Six Inches Per Hour; More than 85,000 Power Outages Remain Across the State With Most Impacts in Capital Region

Combination of Gusty Winds Tuesday Evening and Additional Foot of Snow Expected through Wednesday Morning Could Lead to More Outages

All Tandem and Empty Tractor Trailer Restrictions Lifted as of Tuesday Afternoon

State of Emergency Remains In Effect for Impacted Counties in Several Regions As Additional Snow and Wind Gusts to Produce Hazardous Travel Conditions Through Wednesday Morning; Governor Hochul Advises No Unnecessary Travel in Impacted Regions

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the nor'easter that dumped heavy snow overnight in several upstate regions and is expected to continue impacting several regions through Wednesday as more snow and wind gusts will impact travel conditions on Tuesday. Some parts of the North Country experienced nearly two feet of snow with peak snowfall rates of six inches per hour, parts of the Capital Region received a foot and a half of snow, and the Mid-Hudson and the Southern Tier Regions received more than a foot of snow since Monday night. Heavy, wet snow is expected to continue with gusty winds up to 45 mph Tuesday afternoon that will increase the chances of power outages. Impacted regions are forecast to receive up to an additional foot snowfall by Wednesday morning.

"As forecasted, several regions experienced between a foot and two feet of snow overnight and conditions will continue to be hazardous for travel throughout the evening Tuesday," Governor Hochul said. "My team is in constant contact with local officials and the National Guard is at the ready to assist with any necessary emergency response over the next two days as power outages remain a concern."

As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, there were approximately 87,000 power outages statewide as a result of the storm, with the majority of outages impacting counties in the Capital Region.

As of 2 p.m. on Tuesday, the New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Police and New York State Department of Transportation have lifted all previous restrictions on tandem and empty tractor-trailers that began Monday evening.

The State's Emergency Operations Center activated Monday morning to further coordinate the State's response to the weather event. On Monday evening, in advance of the nor'easter, Governor Hochul declared a State of Emergency for counties in the eastern part of the state, north of Westchester County. Governor Hochul also activated the New York National Guard, which mobilized on Monday to assist the State's response in the Capital and Mid-Hudson Regions. There are more than 100 personnel and 20 vehicles on standby to assist emergency response missions.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "This winter storm has already dumped nearly two feet of snow in some of the eastern regions of the state, north of Westchester County, with heavy, wet snow causing power outages. As power restoration and snow removal efforts continue, please check on your neighbors and loved ones to make sure they are weathering the storm safely.

Multiple winter storm warnings and advisories are in effect for the eastern part of New York State, north of New York City. Additional warnings and/or advisories may be issued. For a listing of weather alerts in your area, visit your area's National Weather Service website.

Safety Tips

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Do not drive unless necessary.
• 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

• Check with 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.

Report an Electric Outage

• 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.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
• 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.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE OPPOSES CHANGES TO JAILS OVERSIGHT AND BOARD OF CORRECTION OPERATIONS AT PUBLIC MEETING

 

Amid an ongoing crisis on Rikers Island and as the city indicates it will not meet the mandated timeline to close the facility by 2027, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams urged the Board of Correction to oppose both proposed changes to Department of Correction procedures in jails and changes to the Board's oversight and accountability role. At a public meeting today, he highlighted both the harm caused by the proposals and their ineffectiveness at meeting stated goals. Following his and others' public statements in opposition to the proposals, the Board declined to vote on the changes.

"The Board of Correction is intended to serve in a key oversight role – as Public Advocate, a position built on the need for oversight, I identify with that mission and mandate," opened Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. "Today the Board is considering a number of troubling policy changes both the operations of the Department of Correction, which it is charged with overseeing, and to its own operations and procedures."

The Board today considered two requests from the Department of Correction related to incoming mail for incarcerated individuals. The Department is seeking to limit the source of packages, as well as a shift that would present detainees with a digital copy of any correspondence rather than the original physical document. Each of these requests was purportedly rooted in a desire to limit contraband - in opposing them, the Public Advocate noted not only that the changes would reduce the rights of incarcerated New Yorkers, but that they would not address the most pervasive sources of contraband, which comes through staff.

"If DOC is serious about reducing harm and shifting the culture on Rikers, they should focus on known points of entry and on reducing the population of overcrowded jails through producing individuals for court appearances, rather than fixating primarily on methods which do not address the bulk of incoming contraband and contribute to the dehumanization and reduction of rights of detained individuals..." the Public Advocate argued, later adding that "During the height of the pandemic, when visitors were not allowed on the island, drug seizures skyrocketed, and were blamed on incoming mail, but the data did not support that. The drugs found via mail wouldn’t account for even a third of the surge in seizures, and it was at this point that measures aside from limits of mail and packages should have been implemented. What is clear is that generally, the primary entry for drugs into facilities, nationwide, has been staff."

In addition, the Board considered proposals to reduce the number of annual public meetings and the number of members of the public able to speak at these meetings. In opposition to these changes which would limit the voices of incarcerated people, their families, and the broader city, the Public Advocate said "It can’t be further emphasized that limiting both the number of meetings and comments harms both the public and the Board. It limits the public’s trust in the Board as an oversight entity and eliminates a crucial knowledge base for the Board. The Board, and its role in overseeing operations in city jails, should be centered on the principles of access, transparency, and accountability. In both its guidelines for the Department and in its own procedures, it must exemplify those ideas."

The Public Advocate's full comments as delivered are below.

Good afternoon, and thank you for making space for me to speak today.

The Board of Correction is intended to serve in a key oversight role – as Public Advocate, a position built on the need for oversight, I identify with that mission and mandate. Today the Board is considering a number of troubling policy changes both the operations of the Department of Correction, which it is charged with overseeing, and to its own operations and procedures.

I want to acknowledge the backdrop of this hearing – a new announcement from the administration has pushed the timeline for the first borough-based facility, in Brooklyn, back to 2029. Our city has a moral and legal mandate to close Rikers by 2027, and this undercuts the timeline as well as the urgency of ending the crisis on the island. While we continue to push to expedite the closure, it is vital that we address the operations there today, and with that, I want to speak to three proposals before this Board. 

First, the board is considering a variance to restrict packages as the DOC claims that changes are needed to confront the influx of fentanyl into the prison and a growing number of overdoses. However, this argument is contradicted by the fact that DOC is already empowered to open every single letter or package to people in custody for the explicit purpose of seizing any weapons, or drugs. Just last year, the Department of Investigation (DOI) stated that “the mail and visits are not significant entry points for contraband.” Furthermore, recent reports from the Department of Investigation found that officers exploit weakened security checkpoints in order to smuggle contraband. If DOC is serious about reducing harm and shifting the culture on Rikers, they should focus on known points of entry and on reducing the population of overcrowded jails through producing individuals for court appearances, rather than fixating primarily on methods which do not address the bulk of incoming contraband and contribute to the dehumanization and reduction of rights of detained individuals.

Second, DOC is seeking a variance to allow the department to open and electronically deliver mail to incarcerated people, rather than providing physical letters. This reduces the ability for loved ones to connect with those isolated by incarceration and has been shown to decrease the volume of correspondence. The proposed variance also represents a large-scale violation of the privacy and civil rights of people in DOC custody. 

Digitization is often cited for the lack of intimacy, privacy and connection. Not only is this distressing from a human standpoint, we've yet to see concrete evidence that incoming mail is solely responsible for the rash of overdoses. During the height of the pandemic, when visitors were not allowed on the island, drug seizures skyrocketed, and were blamed on incoming mail, but the data did not support that. The drugs found via mail wouldn’t account for even a third of the surge in seizures, and it was at this point that measures aside from limits of mail and packages should have been implemented. What is clear is that generally, the primary entry for drugs into facilities, nationwide, has been staff. At this juncture, I know the commissioner has begun a pilot program at one facility to scan staff. Investigators were easily able to smuggle contraband in through cargo pants and limited security protocol for staff. One of the first moves by the new administration at DOC was to reverse a rule that was put in place to limit their usage. Former corrections officers have testified about the ease of which drugs are smuggled in using cargo pants and about the complicity of leadership in this culture. Many jurisdictions have found themselves in litigation questioning the ability to safely and securely handle mail digitization including the vendor chosen by the Department of Corrections.

Lastly, the board is considering a change that strikes at my very ability to have input in these changes, or for the public to observe and weigh in on critical issues. This board seeks to reduce its mandate from 12 public meetings each year to 6, with three happening virtually, and to limit time and the number of participants for public comment. By decreasing the number of annual meetings to six meetings per year, this resolution would drastically impede the free-flowing exchange of current information from people incarcerated to this oversight body. Although the Board suggests that this Resolution is needed to “achieve enhanced results more efficiently,” any alleged efficiency gains would come at a great cost to incarcerated New Yorkers and to the general public. Frequent, open meetings give incarcerated New Yorkers and their loved ones a chance to have their voices fully heard. Also, these meetings play a critical role in educating the public and the Board itself on current issues in New York City Jails. The information relayed in these meetings, however, can only be as current as the meeting schedule allows and if this schedule is limited it would delay the transfer of critical, life saving information. 

I also oppose the Board’s new policy of limiting public comments to only elected officials and the first six people to sign up for each comment period. Both measures undermine the Board’s oversight authority and its accountability to the public. The best way for the public to voice their concerns is to testify in real time, before any vote is taken–the Board should allow all registered individuals to do so. To refer the general public to written comments is not an adequate substitute for real time verbal testimony. During a typical Board of Correction meeting, votes on proposed measures are taken in the very same meeting at which the measure is presented making written testimony less impactful, if at all.

Moreover, both of these proposed changes are indicative of a troubling larger trend. I want to say, any one of them could make some argument, but all of them combined give me some great concern. The Board of Correction seems to be moving away from a model of transparency and toward secrecy. This is troubling, as the Board’s purpose is to be an independent oversight body. Recently, the Department of Correction revoked the Board of Corrections staff access “to independently view Genetec, the Body worn Camera System, and handheld video at any time.” DOC also “forbade the recording and use of such video in [the Board’s] work”. With this resistance from the Department of Correction, the Board should be applying more pressure—not less. It can’t be further emphasized that limiting both the number of meetings and comments harms both the public and the Board. It limits the public’s trust in the Board as an oversight entity and eliminates a crucial knowledge base for the Board.

The Board, and its role in overseeing operations in city jails, should be centered on the principles of access, transparency, and accountability. In both its guidelines for the Department and in its own procedures, it must exemplify those ideas. 

I urge the Board to reject these changes and stay true to the mission and mandate of transparency and oversight and find some other ways to get at what you’re trying to get at – both providing and being subject to that transparency and oversight. Thank you.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES PLACEMENT OF TWO NEW HUMANITARIAN EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND RELIEF CENTERS

Two New Humanitarian Relief Centers to Open as Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Closes as Scheduled 

New York City Continues to Handle Unprecedented Crisis Almost Entirely on Its Own 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced the city will soon open two additional Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers as the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal location transitions back to normal operations ahead of cruise season as always planned. The two new humanitarian relief centers — located at 220 West 42^nd Street in Manhattan and 455 Jefferson Street in Brooklyn — will serve single adult men moving from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, in addition to other newly arriving adult men, as space permits. Asylum seekers at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will be provided bus transportation to the new sites at the end of March. As the estimated number of asylum seekers who have arrived in the city since last spring surpasses 51,000, these sites together will serve up to approximately 1,200 asylum seekers in a congregate, fully indoor setting and will offer the same services adult men have been receiving at other humanitarian relief centers, including reconnections. As previously planned, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will close as a humanitarian relief center at the end of March 2023 and resume its normal operations ahead of cruise season this spring.

 

“With more than 51,000 asylum seekers arriving here since last spring and over 31,000 asylum seekers currently in our care, New York City continues to call for a national strategy to handle this humanitarian crisis,” said Mayor Adams. “We continue to do more than any other city in the nation, but as the number of asylum seekers continues to grow, we are in serious need of support from both our state and federal governments. The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal will resume its normal operations as always planned, so these two new Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will provide up to approximately 1,200 single men seeking asylum with a place to stay, access support, and get to their final destinations.”

 

“These new sites will enable single men to seek services in a sustainable way, as the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal resumes regular operations,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “We will continue to serve each individual, family, and child seeking asylum with dignity, respect, and care. Thank you to our partners at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and to our partners at these new sites that will welcome our newest neighbors.” “We have responded to the changing needs of this crisis at every turn to make sure each asylum seeker is cared for,” said Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Philip Banks IlI. “New York City is doing its part in providing critical support at these centers.”

“These new sites continue our mission of helping asylum seekers feel welcome, get back on their feet, and complete their journeys,” said Ted Long, MD, MHS, senior vice president, Ambulatory Care and Population Health, NYC Health + Hospitals. “We know the arduous journey asylum seekers have experienced getting here, and we know that in New York City, our humanitarian centers offer the services and connections to help them take their next step forward. I am proud be a part of the Adams administration’s efforts to help asylum seekers find a better life.” “New York City continues to receive and welcome an unprecedented number of asylum seekers. Our interagency team continues to demonstrate the flexibility, forward-thinking, and innovation needed to meet this challenge and help people arriving in New York City seeking asylum and a better life,” said New York City Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “These two new Humanitarian Emergency Response and Relief Centers will provide single men the services needed to navigate the challenges of rebuilding their lives.”

Since this humanitarian crisis began, the city has taken fast and urgent action, managing the arrival of a rapidly increasing number of buses across New York City with virtually no coordination from states sending them — already opening 96 emergency shelters and several other large-scale humanitarian relief centers, standing up navigation centers to connect asylum seekers with critical resources, enrolling children in public schools through Project Open Arms, and more. The city also recently released “The Road Forward: A Blueprint to Address New York City’s Response to the Asylum Seeker Crisis,” detailing how the city will continue to manage the influx of asylum seekers and advocate for support from federal and state partners.

Attorney General James, Mayor Adams, Speaker Adams Offer Tips For This Tax Season

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, and New York City Council Speaker Adrienne E. Adams continued their efforts to protect and inform New Yorkers by offering tips and information on various resources available this tax season. With this year’s Tax Day only a month away, the officials are raising awareness about tax credits that may be at New Yorkers’ disposal, to ensure taxpayers receive the benefits they have earned. Additionally, Attorney General James urged New Yorkers to stay vigilant and report any suspected tax scams to her office. 

“Tax season may feel overwhelming to many New Yorkers, but thankfully there are resources available to lighten the load,” said Attorney General James. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of the organizations dedicated to helping out during the tax preparation process, and to utilize all of the tax breaks for which you qualify. Additionally, please stay vigilant against bad actors trying to take advantage, and you can always report concerns and complaints to my office. I am proud to partner with Mayor Adams and Speaker Adams to help raise awareness and ensure New Yorkers have all the information they need for a less stressful tax season.”

“This tax season, working class New Yorkers can expect to see more cash back than ever before, but only if they claim what’s theirs,” said New York City Mayor Eric Adams. “Last year, we went to Albany and secured an expansion of the city’s EITC for the first time in almost 20 years, and matched that with city action. We also continue to offer our NYC Free Tax Prep program to individuals who made less than $56,000 or families who made less than $80,000 last year, and were proud to announce an expansion of the program to freelance workers and small businesses for the first time. With the deadline to file rapidly approaching, we encourage all New Yorkers to file their taxes as soon as possible and for those eligible to take advantage of these valuable programs.”

“It is important that New Yorkers know about the resources available to assist with filing their taxes and receiving full refunds, including various tax credits that put money back into the pockets of working families,” said New York City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams. “I am proud to partner with Attorney General Letitia James to help inform and empower New Yorkers to get the tax refunds and benefits they deserve, while avoiding the deception of fraudulent efforts that target tax preparers. We urge New Yorkers to take advantage of city, state, and federal government-sponsored free tax return services, and I am proud to offer these services in my own district.”

As part of their ongoing efforts to help New Yorkers file their taxes safely and help reduce the stress the tax filing process can cause, Attorney General James, Mayor Adams, and Speaker Adams want to ensure New Yorkers are aware of the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) Free Filing program. Additionally, New York state has the Taxpayer Assistance Program (TAP) under which eligible New Yorkers can receive free virtual tax assistance from the state’s Department of Taxation and Finance. New Yorkers should know that there are Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites where they can get their tax returns prepared free of charge. In New York City, the NYC Free Tax Prep provides free, professional tax preparation to help eligible individuals and families keep their full refund. The NYC Free Tax Prep for self-employed New Yorkers also now provides income tax services to freelance workers and small business as well. Anyone using a tax preparer is encouraged to check their qualifications and history through the Better Business Bureau and consult New York’s Consumer Bill of Rights Regarding Tax Preparers.  

Attorney General James, Mayor Adams, and Speaker Adams also remind New Yorkers filing their taxes to apply for tax credits, which can reduce the amount of income tax you owe. Major programs available for eligible New Yorkers include the Empire State child credit, the property tax relief credit, the earned income credit, the solar energy system equipment credit, and many more. For more information about available tax credits, please visit New York state’s Department of Taxation and Finance income tax credit page. 

In addition, some tax credits, such as the New York City Child Care Tax Credit (NYC CCTC) and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), are refundable and can increase your tax refund amount if you owe less than the credit balance. The NYC CCTC is a tax benefit that help families in New York City who earn less than $30,000 pay for childcare for children ages four and younger. This tax credit is worth up to $1,733. The newly-expanded NYC EITC now provides greater benefits for qualifying individuals and families in New York City who are working or self-employed. New York City families with incomes below $5,000 are eligible for the maximum expanded NYC EITC. For more information, please visit New York City’s Department of Consumer and Workers Protection page.  

Additionally, Attorney General James, Mayor Adams, and Speaker Adams urge New Yorkers to remain vigilant against deceptive tax preparer schemes. One scheme to be aware of is tax preparers who deceptively claim to get your tax refund quicker, but will charge high interest rates and fees in the form of Tax Refund Advance Loans. Additional schemes include tax preparers who manipulate your financials to illegally inflate your tax return, and fraudsters who make false promises of free tax preparation services, only to deceive people into paying for those services.  

Any New Yorker who suspects that they are a victim of a scam are encouraged to report it to the Office of the Attorney General by submitting a complaint online or calling 800-771-7755. Tax scams should also be reported to the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 800-366-4484.  

Today’s action is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to protect consumers from fraudulent tax schemes and practices. Last week, Attorney General James provided tips to protect consumers from fraudulent tax schemes. In May 2022, Attorney General James secured $141 million for millions of Americans who were deceived by TurboTax into paying for tax services that should have been free. In March 2022, Attorney General James issued a notice to ensure New York cryptocurrency investors were informed about their tax obligations. In March 2021, Attorney General James shut down a deceptive telefunding charity and ensured that future efforts to raise money would clearly inform New Yorkers that such donations are not tax deductible. 

Sayfullo Saipov To Be Sentenced To Life In Prison For 2017 Truck Attack For Isis

 

A Manhattan Jury was Unable to Reach a Unanimous Verdict on the Penalty Phase of the Trial; Saipov to Receive Life in Prison for his Conviction

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that a jury was unable to reach a unanimous decision as to whether to authorize the death penalty for SAYFULLO SAIPOV.  U.S. District Judge Vernon S. Broderick will sentence SAIPOV to the statutorily mandated sentence of life in prison for carrying out a terrorist attack on October 31, 2017, in the name of the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (“ISIS”), in which SAIPOV used a truck to murder eight victims and injure many more on a bike path in lower Manhattan. 

On January 26, 2023, the same jury convicted SAIPOV of all 28 counts in the Indictment, which charged SAIPOV with murder for the purpose of gaining entrance to a racketeering enterprise (ISIS); assault with a dangerous weapon and attempted murder for the purpose of gaining entrance to a racketeering enterprise (ISIS); providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization (ISIS) resulting in death; and damage and destruction to a motor vehicle resulting in death.     

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “On October 31, 2017, Sayfullo Saipov stole eight innocent lives – and devastated the lives of many more – in a horrendous terrorist attack.  This evil act was fueled by Saipov’s allegiance to ISIS, an allegiance which Saipov proudly maintained after the attack and up through his trial.  Today a jury has declined to authorize the death penalty for Saipov, and accordingly the defendant will be subject to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.”

Saipov’s crimes were predicated on ISIS’s commitment to murder innocent civilians and its disdain for rule of law.  But, in the end, Saipov’s actions have highlighted one of the pillars of the rule of law in this country: the right to a full and fair public trial before a jury drawn from the community.  We thank the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and the law during this long trial, and for their willingness to serve.  We also thank the families of the murdered victims, and the surviving victims, for their patience and understanding as the legal process played out.  Even though the trial has ended, we know that their pain and grief endures.  We stand with them in honoring the lives of their loved ones, and all who were affected by this senseless attack.”

As set forth in public documents in the case and statements made during court proceedings:

On Halloween afternoon in 2017, SAYFULLO SAIPOV used a 6,000-pound truck to strike more than 20 innocent people on the Hudson River Bike Path in lower Manhattan.  SAIPOV killed eight of his victims and critically injured many others, including a 14-year-old child.  SAIPOV’s surviving victims suffered amputations, serious brain injuries, life-altering physical injuries, and significant psychological trauma.  SAIPOV committed his attack after years of devotion to the brutal terrorist organization ISIS and after months of careful planning.  In the weeks before his attack, for example, SAIPOV rented a truck to practice maneuvering it so that he could hit as many people as possible.  SAIPOV brought a note to the attack with the ISIS flag and rallying cry written on it.  After his attack, while in custody at a hospital, SAIPOV told the FBI that he committed the attack in response to calls from the leader of ISIS and that he was proud of what he had done.  SAIPOV smiled when describing his attack and sought to hang the ISIS flag in his hospital room.  After the attack, ISIS praised SAIPOV as an Islamic State soldier and called his attack one of the most prominent attacks in the United States.  In the years since his attack, SAIPOV continued to demonstrate his devotion to ISIS, including though statements in court, recorded telephone calls, and writings seized from his prison cell.  In prison, SAIPOV also made statements confirming his continued belief that enemies of ISIS should be eliminated and threatening to cut the heads off of corrections officers.  At the liability and sentencing phases of trial, many of SAIPOV’s victims and their family members bravely described the terror he caused and the pain and suffering they continue to endure.

SAIPOV, 34, of Uzbekistan, will be sentenced to life in prison on all nine capital counts in the Indictment. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consists of investigators and analysts from the FBI, the NYPD, and over 50 other federal, state, and local agencies.  Mr. Williams also thanked the FBI Legal Attaché Office for Central Asia and the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division, Laboratory Division, Victim Services Division, and Language Services Section, Homeland Security Investigations, New York, and the Department of Justice’s National Security Division, Capital Case Section, Organized Crime and Gang Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and Office of International Affairs for their assistance.