D.A. BRAGG ANNOUNCES TRIAL CONVICTION OF CORRECTIONS CAPTAIN FOR NEGLIGENT HOMICIDE

 

 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced today the trial conviction of former Department of Correction (“DOC”) Captain REBECCA HILLMAN, 40, for issuing orders that prevented officers from saving the life of Ryan Wilson, a person in custody at Manhattan Detention Complex (“MDC”), in November 2020. A New York State Supreme Court jury found HILLMAN guilty of one count of Criminally Negligent Homicide. She will be sentenced on April 3.

 “Rebecca Hillman failed in her duty to provide for the safety of those under her watch as a Captain of the Department of Correction, causing the death of Ryan Wilson through her inexplicable negligence. Incarcerated individuals deserve to have their lives treated with dignity. I cannot imagine the pain that Mr. Wilson family and loved ones continue to feel, and I am deeply sorry for their loss,” said District Attorney Bragg.

 DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “Captain Hillman ignored her duty, and the plea of her subordinate officer, to provide immediate assistance to person in custody Ryan Wilson. Her callous inaction delayed emergency life-saving treatment for Wilson, who was dead by suicide by the time the medics arrived. Today’s conviction makes clear that we will vigorously pursue DOC employees of any rank who are responsible for the death of a person in custody in their care. I thank the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case and giving some measure of justice to Wilson’s family and the Department of Correction for its assistance in this investigation.”

 As proven at trial, HILLMAN was a Department of Correction Captain in the unit where Ryan Wilson was assigned housing. On the afternoon of November 22, 2020, HILLMAN was planning to have Mr. Wilson moved to another housing unit after an argument with another incarcerated person. Mr. Wilson, who remained locked in his cell pending the move, fashioned a noose out of a bedsheet and attached it to a light fixture. After calling an officer over, Mr. Wilson climbed on a stool, put the noose around his neck, and threatened to hang himself if HILLMAN would not come and let him out of his cell.

 The officer attempted to calm Mr. Wilson and called HILLMAN to inform her that she was needed immediately in the housing unit. Instead, HILLMAN went into the control room, where she began filling out paperwork. After waiting for approximately 10 minutes, Mr. Wilson moved onto his bed, his neck in the noose, began a countdown, and jumped off the bed. The officer, who saw Mr. Wilson jump, called for the cell to be opened immediately so he could cut him down.

 HILLMAN emerged from the control room and came up to the cell, which was opened. She ordered the same officer who had been standing at the door – and who was holding a tool to cut the noose Wilson had fashioned – not to enter and cut Mr. Wilson down, saying that he was fine and was “playing around.” She then casually looked inside and said that Mr. Wilson was faking it because he was still breathing. At this point, HILLMAN ordered that the cell door be closed, leaving Mr. Wilson hanging alone inside the locked cell. She left the area to do her usual work, including completing entries in a log book and walking around the unit.

 About 15 minutes after Mr. Wilson jumped, HILLMAN finally gave the order to open the cell again and called for a medical team. Officers in the area cut Mr. Wilson down, felt a faint pulse, and began chest compressions. When medical personnel arrived a few minutes later, Mr. Wilson was already dead. The New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”) launched an investigation in accordance with its policy to investigate all deaths in correctional facilities.

 D.A. Bragg thanked DOI for its assistance in this case.

Independent Proxy Advisors Glass Lewis and ISS Recommend Shareholders Vote YES on Proposal Requesting Starbucks Worker Rights Assessment

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander and a coalition of long-term investors (PIRC on behalf of pension fund clients, SHARE on behalf of The Catherine Donnelly Foundation, and Trillium Asset Management) welcomed reports that the two largest independent proxy advisors, Glass Lewis and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), recommended investors support the coalition’s shareholder proposal requesting Starbucks’ board of directors oversee an independent worker rights assessment.

In its reasoning, Glass Lewis noted that shareholders would benefit from the company assessing its adherence to their existing workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights commitment. The advisor echoed the legal and financial risk concerns raised by the investor coalition.

ISS noted that with implementation of the proposal, shareholders would be able to better assess the company’s compliance with their freedom of association policy and federal laws in response to collective bargaining by their workforce and how it is managing the associated legal, reputational, and financial risks.

The shareholder proposal requests an evaluation of management’s adherence to Starbucks’ stated commitments to workers’ rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. It would also assess management non-interference when employees exercise their right to form or join a trade union, as well as recommend steps to remedy any practices found to be inconsistent with Starbucks’ stated commitments.

Shareholders will have the opportunity to vote for the proposal leading up to and during the company’s annual meeting on March 23.

The proposal underscores the importance of board oversight and transparency regarding Starbucks management’s adherence to the company’s human rights policy. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) issued numerous substantiated complaints against Starbucks, which heightened investor concerns regarding interference with worker organizing. Despite the coalition’s efforts to engage the company, Starbucks failed to respond sufficiently.

“We are encouraged that both Glass Lewis and ISS have recommended that shareholders vote YES on our proposal to address the very real impacts that management’s behavior has on their workforce and reputation,” said New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. “As shareholders, we expect and demand better from a company that claims to promote a positive work environment. The onus is on Starbucks’ board of directors to ensure that management is complying with applicable law as well as with company policy.”

“Whether the vote is in the 30 percent, 40 percent, or 50 percent range, an unignorably large group of investors will be sending a message to incoming CEO Laxman Narasimhan and Board Chair Mellody Hobson,” said Trillium Chief Advocacy Officer Jonas D. Kron. “The board needs to take an active lead in examining, with the benefit of a third-party assessor, whether management is living up to its commitments to worker rights.”

“It is already clear that investors want to have confidence that Starbucks is walking the talk in respect of its commitment to ILO Core Labor Standards,” said PIRC Head of Stewardship Tom Powdrill. “We urge the company to take the support for our proposal as an opportunity to get an independent assessment and to act on it.”

“Workers are at the heart of Starbucks’ success and central to the company’s reputation.” said Anthony Schein, Director of Shareholder Advocacy at SHARE. “The incoming CEO and board chair need to wake up and smell the coffee – their poor decisions have led to undeniable damage to the company’s reputation. Shareholders expect the company to align with international standards and its own policies.” 

Governor Hochul Announces Request for Proposals for Former Lincoln Correctional Facility Site in Harlem

 

Request for Proposals Prioritizes Affordable Housing and Minority and Women-Owned Development Firms

View Request for Proposals Due May 23 Here

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a Request for Proposals for the redevelopment of the former Lincoln Correctional Facility, located at 31 - 33 West 110th Street in Harlem. The currently unused, 10,000 square-foot site, across the street from Central Park, presents an opportunity to create a vibrant and sustainable development that maximizes economic potential, supports job creation, and meets the growing demand for affordable housing in New York City. Applicants can view the Request for Proposals document here and submit a proposal to Empire State Development by May 23, 2023 at 2:00pm ET.

"The former Lincoln Correctional Facility presents a prime opportunity to transform a massive, abandoned facility into a community anchor and address critical needs like affordable housing," Governor Hochul said. "My administration will continue to think creatively and strategically about vacant and unused prisons - including our review of the Prison Redevelopment Commission's recommendations - to unlock our housing potential, grow economic opportunity, and move New York forward."

Previously, Governor Hochul announced the New York Housing Compact, a statewide strategy to address New York's housing crisis by building 800,000 new homes over the next decade to meet the rising demand. In an effort to build on the Governor's vision of making New York more affordable, the RFP encourages proposals to maximize the number of affordable units created as part of the Lincoln Redevelopment. The project will also prioritize working with minority and women-owned (MWBE) development firms and would award up to 20% of the available points to proposals led by MWBEs.

Before opening as a correctional facility in 1976, the building has served several civic and community uses. Constructed in 1914, it was originally used by the Young Women's Hebrew Association to serve newly arrived immigrants. During World War II, the building provided a place of rest for the U.S. Army. In the late 1940's and early 1950's, the building was rented by the New York City school system and used as "The New Lincoln School." In 1951, New York City purchased the building for continued use as a school. From 1976 until September 2019, the building operated as a minimum-security correctional facility.

Lincoln Correctional Facility closed in 2019 as part of the State's ongoing initiative to decommission several underutilized correctional facilities across New York State. The location of the site sits directly across from Central Park and proximate to transit, retail, schools, and premier cultural institutions. This presents a unique and exciting opportunity for redevelopment for the purposes specified in the RFP, including the creation of affordable housing as well as new cultural and educational spaces for the Harlem community.

The primary development objectives for this RFP are to maximize economic benefit to New York City and the State through the redevelopment of the site in ways that advance the creation of affordable homes, new jobs, provide job training opportunities, stimulate the local economy, and integrate the site into the local community. By prioritizing these goals, the site can serve as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable urban development, positively impacting the lives of residents, and contributing to the long-term growth and prosperity of the region.

To receive a higher score in the RFP evaluation, proposals should address the following development objectives:

• Maximize the number of affordable housing units
• Provide new job opportunities for local residents
• Exhibit well-considered planning and design principles
• Incorporate sustainable and green building practices
• Ensure meaningful participation of Minority Owned Business Enterprises ("MBE"), Women Owned Business Enterprises ("WBE") and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned-Businesses ("SDVOB")

The redevelopment of Lincoln Correctional Facility complements Governor Hochul's efforts to reimagine Upstate closed prisons for innovative redevelopment opportunities across New York State. In December 2022, Governor Hochul released the New York Prison Redevelopment Commission recommendations that details analyses of 12 closed prisons and considers redevelopment opportunities for each site to help them better serve the State's economic needs.

DEC Releases Draft Solid Waste Management Plan

 

Actions and Recommendations Advance ‘Circular Economy’ to Promote Reuse, Prevent Landfilling, and Support Efforts to Meet New York’s Climate Goals

Public Comments Accepted Until May 15; Informational Webinar on April 11

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the release of the draft New York State Solid Waste Management Plan for a 60-day public comment period. The “New York State Solid Waste Management Plan: Building the Circular Economy Through Sustainable Materials Management” recommends actions to reduce the climate impact of solid waste and provides direction for New York's waste reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, transportation, and disposal investments, policies, and practices over the next decade.

"Solid waste is the fourth-largest contributor to climate-altering greenhouse gases and New York’s efforts to reduce landfilled waste is critical to help meet the State’s ambitious climate goals," Commissioner Seggos said. "The draft Solid Waste Management Plan is a roadmap for more sustainable solid waste management. By focusing on reducing waste at its source, returning materials back to productive use, and diverting waste from landfills, harmful greenhouse gas emissions will be avoided while sustaining the supply chain. New York continues to advance efforts that support cleaner and healthier communities, encourage product reuse, promote recycling, and protect our natural resources statewide."

The plan proposes a 10-year planning period, from 2023 through the end of 2032, with a broader planning horizon through 2050. The plan prioritizes advancing a circular economy and initiatives to prevent environmental degradation and economic loss by minimizing waste and ensuring valuable materials continue to circulate in the economy. A circular economy helps conserve natural resources, reduce energy consumption, prevent pollution, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and protect the health of communities, with a focus on addressing unacceptable disproportionate burdens on Disadvantaged Communities and Potential Environmental Justice Areas. The draft plan is available on DEC’s website and public comments will be accepted through Monday, May 15.

DEC will also host an informational webinar on the draft plan on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, from 10 - 11:30 a.m. During this time DEC will review the key elements of the Plan and allow attendees to ask questions. Attendees can register for the webinar here.

The release of the draft plan is a milestone in the history of the State’s ongoing efforts to ensure New York is at the forefront of rethinking waste. The waste sector is the fourth-largest contributor to climate change-causing emissions, after buildings (1), transportation (2), and electricity (3). To meet the climate crisis, DEC is already advancing strategies to encourage a circular economy for other materials by designing for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, repairing, and recycling, as well as utilizing renewable resources and supporting a more sustainable food system. Diverting waste from landfills and renewing a resilient and recycled supply chain is integral to achieving the goals of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting a just and equitable transition to a greener economy.

In addition to resource conservation, the circular economy benefits communities across the state by reducing pollution and creating new jobs and economic opportunities. DEC estimates at least 80 percent of the material currently sent to landfills or combustion facilities has monetary value, either directly as material that could be used to produce goods or other beneficial uses, or indirectly through the creation of recycling sector jobs. Through a new business model materials with value can remain within the economy and continue to provide value instead of ending up in landfills or combustors. The plan outlines major goals and potential action items that may be taken to help meet these goals.

Examples of goals include, but are not limited to:

• Waste Prevention, Reduction, and Reuse
  • Increase opportunities for New York State residents, businesses,and institutions to participate in waste prevention, reduction, and reuse; and
  • Foster community resiliency by developing programs, supporting communities and organizations, and supporting proposals and initiatives that prevent and reduce waste and promote reuse.
    

• Product Stewardship and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
  • Promote the development and passage of EPR legislation for packaging and paper products; and
  • Promote the development and passage of EPR framework legislation, as well as EPR legislation for priority products, including textiles, furniture, solar panels, wind turbine blades, and electric vehicle batteries.
    

• Recycling and Recycling Market Development and Resiliency
  • Support commercial, industrial, and institutional waste generators to improve recycling practices through education and technical assistance; and
  • Support efforts in New York and the Northeast to build capacity for processing secondary material commodities collected for recycling
    

• Organics Reduction and Recycling
  • Prioritize wasted food reduction, food donation, and food scraps recycling programs and initiatives in the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors; and
  • Engage the farming and agriculture community in food donation, recycling organics waste, and using waste-derived organics products.
    

• Design and Operation of Solid Waste Management Facilities and Related Activities
  • Minimize GHG emissions from solid waste management facilities; and
  • Investigate innovative means of reducing environmental impacts from solid waste management activities.

The plan recognizes the importance of partnerships in achieving the solid waste management objectives for 2032 and beyond. It also includes a summary of the data relating to the current impacts of waste management on Disadvantaged Communities and Potential Environmental Justice Areas throughout the state to help identify disproportionate burdens and allow for meaningful analysis and policy options to address these circumstances. 

Comments on the draft plan should be sent to NYSSolidWastePlan@dec.ny.gov (using “Comments on SSWMP” in the subject line) by May 15. After reviewing public comments on this draft, DEC will further refine the plan before adopting and publishing a final plan to guide New York’s materials management efforts over the next 10 years.  

Bolstering these efforts to recycle solid waste more efficiently, Governor Hochul’s 2023-24 Executive Budget proposed the Waste Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (WRRIA) to properly manage and reduce waste throughout the state. This initiative will increase recycling rates, save local governments tens of millions of dollars annually – an estimated $150 million in New York City alone - and protect the environment.

In 2021, New York City was faced with an estimated $458 million cost to recycle packaging and printed paper, and even smaller municipalities like Syracuse ($2.9 million) and North Tonawanda ($1.2 million) are facing steep costs that could be significantly reduced with a change in packaging strategy. WRRIA would save millions of dollars by requiring producers or producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to develop, finance, and implement a program providing for the convenient collection and recycling of consumer packaging and paper products, the majority of which are recyclable materials. The law would also require a producer or PRO to consult with an advisory committee of diverse stakeholders, established by DEC, to assist in plan development and annual reporting. The bill would establish aggressive minimum recycling rates, recovery rates, post-consumer recycled content rates, and source reduction rates for producers to achieve, as well as set forth enforcement provisions and penalties for noncompliance. A new Waste Reduction, Reuse and Recycling Fund would be established to support DEC’s implementation of the program.

Note: DEC will hold a virtual media availability on the Draft Solid Waste Management Plan on Thursday, March 16 at 11:30am with Dereth Glance, DEC’s Deputy Commissioner for Environmental Remediation and Materials Management.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81542353898?pwd=MWtGWkUzLzdRT1dvNjROWXgxcGFTdz09

Meeting ID: 815 4235 3898

Passcode: bM9tP2

Permits Filed For 304 East Tremont Avenue In Tremont, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into a four-story residential building at 304 East Tremont Avenue in Tremont, The Bronx. Located near the intersection of Anthony Avenue and East Tremont Avenue, the lot is near the Tremont Avenue subway station, serviced by the B and D trains. Steven Westreich of Westorchard Management is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 57-foot-tall development will yield 8,903 square feet designated for residential space. The building will have 21 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 423 square feet. The steel-based structure will also have a cellar, penthouse, and a 31-foot-long rear yard.

Noel Wong is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for an expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

VCJC News & Notes 3/16/23

 

Van Cortlandt Jewish Center
News and Notes

Here's this week's edition of the VCJC News and Notes email. We hope you enjoy it and find it useful!

Reminders Shabbos Shabbos information is, as always, available on our website, both in the information sidebar and the events calendar. Here are the times you need:   Shabbos Candles Friday 3/17/23 @ 6:46 pm Shabbos morning services at 8:40 am.  Please join the services if you can do so safely.  Shabbos Ends Saturday 3/18/23 @ 7:50 pm   Sisterhood Meeting Sunday, 3/19/23 at 10:30am   CPR training  Thursday, VCJC will have a hands-only CPR Training event from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. Course given by the FDNY.  Call the office and leave your name & phone # or email vancortlandtjc@aol.com if you plan to attend.   4. Register for the Blood Drive Now!  Sunday, March 26th, 2023 9:30am - 2:00pm Van Cortlandt Jewish Center Game Room 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463 To schedule an appointment, please click here. For more information, please call NYBC at (800)933-2566. 5. Passover Package Distribution  Volunteers are needed to distribute about 80 Passover packages in the Amalgamated Park Reservoir houses and surrounding area on Sunday March 26th starting at 9 am.  Distribution is from the 9th Building Club Room on Gale Place opposite the train park. Packages are made up in advance. You can find the location by using 95 Gale Place as the address. Please bring a shopping cart as most of these packages can be walked. A few packages will require a car.  Please let BJCC know if you are planning on helping by sending an email to Brad Silver at the Bronx Jewish Community Council.  Van Cortlandt Jewish Center 3880 Sedgwick Ave Bronx, NY 10463

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - The Armory Belongs to the Bronx

Español abajo

Dear Neighbor,  I've lived two blocks away from the Kingsbridge Armory for more than 22 years. Since I was elected in 2010, I have been committed to amplifying the voices of my neighbors about what the Armory should become. We have made sure that the development of this historic asset is led by our community and benefits our community.  I was able to secure more than $100 million in the state budget exclusively dedicated to development of the Kingsbridge Armory and we'll make sure those funds remain allocated to this project this year.

We need you to be involved in this unprecedented community engagement process. Join me at the upcoming public workshop, take a community tour, and make your voice heard. This is the Bronx's Armory! In Solidarity,  Gustavo Rivera New York State Senator  33rd District, The Bronx Together for Kingsbridge Community Working Group Member KingsbridgeTogether.com

SATURDAY: Make your voice heard at the Kingsbridge Armory Public Workshop!

When: Saturday, March 18th at 12pm Where: Lehman College, Music Building  The Bronx is going to decide how we transform the Kingsbridge Armory through a Community Visioning Process. We're making sure that the development benefits our community directly, that the plan includes co-ownership, shared wealth, and co-governance, and that the process has the community at the center from planning to opening. The vision document that you help create will shape the request for proposals for projects at the Kingsbridge Armory, so show up and help decide our future!

Tour the Armory!

NYC Economic Development Corporation Tours: Click here to sign up for a slot. Friday, March 17 from 11 am – 2 pm  Sunday, March 26th from 11am – 2 pm Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition Tour Membership Meeting: Saturday, March 25 11:30am-12:30pm at PS 340 Annex (25 West 195th St) Walking Tour of the Kingsbridge Armory: 1-2pm RSVP is required at info@northwestbronx.org! Complete the Community Survey It takes 5 minutes to complete this form and make sure your opinion is part of the Community Vision for the Kingsbridge Armory! Contact our office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov if you have any questions and to stay involved in this process. Visit KingsbridgeTogether.com for more updates.

Querido/a vecino/a He vivido por más de 22 años a dos cuadras de la Armería de Kingsbridge. Desde que fui electo en el 2010, me he comprometido a amplificar las voces de mis vecinos sobre en lo que debería transformarse. Nos hemos asegurado de que el desarrollo de este histórico bien público sea liderado por y para nuestra comunidad.

Pude asegurar más de $100 millones en el presupuesto estatal de años pasados exclusivamente para el desarrollo de la Armería de Kingsbridge y me aseguraré de que estos fondos permanezcan asignados a este proyecto. Necesitamos que usted se involucre en este proceso comunitario sin precedentes. Acompáñenme en el próximo taller público, tome un recorrido por el Armory y haga que su voz se escuche. ¿De quién es este Armory? ¡Es del Bronx!  ¡Pa’lante!  Gustavo Rivera New York State Senator  33rd District, The Bronx Together for Kingsbridge Community Working Group Member KingsbridgeTogether.com

¡SÁBADO: Haga que Su Voz Se Oiga en el Taller Público de la Armería de Kingsbridge!

Cuándo: Sábado, 18 de marzo, 12pm Dónde: Lehman College, Music Building El Bronx decidirá como transformamos la Armería de Kingsbridge a través de un proceso de Vision Comunitaria. Nos estamos asegurando que el desarrollo beneficie a la comunidad directamente, que el plan incluya copropiedad, riqueza compartida y cogobernancia, y que el proceso tenga a la comunidad en el centro desde esta planificación hasta la apertura. El documento de visión que usted puede ayude a crear dará forma a la solicitud de propuestas para proyectos en la Armería de Kingsbridge, así que ayúdenos a decidir nuestro futuro.

¡Haga un recorrido por la Armería!

La Corporación de Desarrollo Económico de NYC también organiza recorridos por la Armería: Haga clic aquí para registrarse en un espacio. Viernes, 17 de marzo desde 11 am a las 2 pm  Domingo, 26 de marzo desde 11 am a las 2 pm  Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition Tour Reunión de Miembros de NWBCCC: Sábado, 25 de marzo 11:30 am a 12:30 pm en el anexo de la escuela PS 340 (25 West 195th St) Recorrido a pie del Kingsbridge Armory, 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm RSVP en info@northwestbronx.org!   Complete la Encuesta Comunitaria No toma más de 5 minutos el completar este formulario. ¡Participe y haga que su voz se escuche durante el proceso de visión comunitaria de la Armería devKingsbridge! Contacte a mi oficina al (718)-933-2034 o via el correo electrónico grivera@nysenate.gov si usted tiene preguntas o quiere involucrarse en el proceso. Visite KingsbridgeTogether.com para más información.

Minnesota Man Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Scheme To Commit Computer Intrusion And To Illegally Stream Content From Four Major Professional Sports Leagues

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JOSHUA STREIT, a/k/a Josh Brody,” was sentenced today in Manhattan federal court by United States District Judge Andrew L. Carter for conducting intrusions into Major League Baseball (“MLB”) computer systems and illegally streaming copyrighted content from MLB, the National Basketball Association (the “NBA”), the National Football League (the “NFL”), and the National Hockey League (the “NHL”) on a website that STREIT operated, which offered the illegally streamed content to the public for profit.   

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said:  “Joshua Streit intruded into MLB computer networks and illegally streamed sports content online from MLB, the NHL, the NBA, and the NFL for his own personal profit.  Today’s sentence shows that this crime is no game.  Those who compromise computer networks and steal copyrighted content will be held accountable.”

According to allegations in the Complaint, the Information, and statements made during court proceedings:

Beginning in or about 2017 to in or about August 2021, STREIT operated a website which streamed copyrighted content, primarily livestreamed games from major professional sports leagues, including MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL, which STREIT had no authorization to stream.  STREIT obtained the copyrighted content by gaining unauthorized access to the websites for those sports leagues via misappropriated login credentials from legitimate users of those websites.  One of the victim sports leagues sustained losses of approximately $3 million due to STREIT’s conduct.

In addition, at the same time STREIT was illicitly streaming copyrighted content from MLB, STREIT engaged in an attempt to extort approximately $150,000 from MLB via a threat from STREIT to publicize unrelated vulnerabilities in MLB’s internet infrastructure.  Specifically, in multiple communications with MLB employees, STREIT claimed that he knew MLB reporters who were “interested in the story,” and stated that it would be bad if the vulnerability were exposed and MLB was embarrassed.

In addition to the prison sentence, STREIT, 31, of St. Louis Park, Minnesota, was sentenced to three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $2,995,272.64 in restitution and $500,000 in forfeiture.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He also thanked MLB, the NBA, the NFL, and the NHL for their ongoing support and assistance with the case.