Attorney General James’ Health Care Helpline Recovers More Than $1.5 Million in Restitution and Savings For New Yorkers

 

Free Helpline Handled More Than 2,300 Cases for New Yorkers with Health Care Complaints In 2022

New York Attorney General Letitia James today released a report detailing the work of the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Health Care Bureau’s Helpline, a free service that handled more than 2,300 consumer complaints and recovered more than $1.5 million in restitution and savings for New Yorkers in 2022. The Helpline is also available to provide information to New Yorkers and ensure they can access medically necessary care or prescription medication unfairly denied to them.

“Access to health care is a fundamental right for every New Yorker,” said Attorney General James. “Through the critical work of our Helpline, we saved New Yorkers more than $1.5 million dollars last year, while helping to ensure people have access to the medical care they need. Anyone who believes they were wrongfully billed or denied health benefits are encouraged to contact my office for support.”

The Health Care Bureau’s 2022 Annual Report, Real Solutions for Real New Yorkers, details the work done over the past year to assist New Yorkers. The report highlights actions taken by Helpline advocates to resolve consumer complaints, discusses major cases handled by the bureau, and details health care concerns facing New Yorkers, including issues related to COVID-19. New Yorkers can call the toll-free Helpline at 1-800-428-9071 to report and resolve health care complaints and concerns ranging from simple payment processing errors to complex deceptive business practices. Consumers can also use OAG’s online complaint form to lodge a complaint. 

In 2022, Helpline staff handled 2,309 consumer complaints and provided another 1,722 consumers with information or referred them to an appropriate agency for assistance. Complaints addressed through the helpline include:

• Six consumers contacted OAG after receiving unexpected bills of $300 to $400 for office visits related to COVID-19 between 2020 and 2021, when their COVID-19 testing should have been free of charge. After OAG intervened, the patients’ balances were adjusted to zero.

• A consumer's infant was born prematurely with multiple complications, and needed a higher level of care that could only be provided at a children’s hospital. Their transfer request was initially denied by the health plan, but was then approved after OAG asked their health plan to review the medical necessity.

• A consumer received a bill for in-network services at a hospital that was nearly twice as much as the initial written estimate. After OAG got involved, the hospital issued a zero-balance statement, saving the consumer about $1,000.

• A consumer injured her foot and scheduled an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon, who required an MRI to determine the best course of treatment. Her health plan denied both the initial request for coverage and an appeal. After OAG intervened, the health plan approved coverage for the MRI.

• After receiving complaints about illegal billing practices at Mobile Life, an Orange County ambulance company, OAG conducted an investigation and found Mobile Life unlawfully billed patients for the difference between what their insurance plans paid and what the company charged. After these revelations, Attorney General James secured a settlement that required Mobile Life to pay restitution to the affected patients, update its billing practices, and pay a $100,000 penalty.

In addition to highlighting the challenges faced by New York health care consumers, complaints handled by the Helpline are also an important means of identifying systemic problems in the state’s health care system. While not all complaints and inquiries can be resolved favorably, the Helpline is a crucial source of reliable and objective information for New Yorkers. Helpline advocates also work to ensure that any negative effects from improper medical billing or insurance claims are removed from credit reports.

Any consumer who believes that they may have been treated unfairly by a health care provider, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), insurance plan, or health-related business should contact OAG’s Health Care Helpline online or by calling 1-800-428-9071.

The OAG Health Care Bureau’s Helpline is part of Attorney General James’ ongoing efforts to safeguard New York consumers and ensure health care access is protected. Last month, Attorney General James issued a consumer alert to warn New Yorkers about a new health insurance renewal scam and provided important tips to protect them. In December 2022, Attorney General James warned New Yorkers about potential price gouging of children’s medication. In May 2022, Attorney General James helped ensure the completion of $13.6 million in payments to consumers who were unlawfully denied coverage under her landmark settlement with the nation’s largest health insurer, UnitedHealthCare. In February 2022, Attorney General James secured refunds for New Yorkers who were wrongfully charged administration fees from two New York City pharmacies when they received their COVID-19 vaccine.

Governor Hochul Announces Over $90 Million in Capital Funding for Arts Organizations Across New York State

 

New York State Council on the Arts’ Capital Projects Fund Will Support Transformative Projects at 19 Arts and Cultural Organizations

Also Announces Groundbreaking for Storm King Art Center Redevelopment to Enhance Visitor Experience and Protect the Safety of Staff and Artwork

Part of Governor’s Historic Investment of $150 Million in Capital Projects for New York’s Arts and Cultural Institutions to Facilitate Large-Scale Placemaking and Community Development Projects

 Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a record $90.5 million in funding for large-scale capital projects at 19 arts and cultural organizations across New York State through the New York State Council of the Arts Capital Projects Fund. The announcement, which follows a $42 million investment in small and mid-sized capital projects announced in April, is part of the Governor’s historic $150 million investment in capital improvements for the arts. Governor Hochul announced the new funding at the groundbreaking for the campus-wide improvement project at Storm King Art Center, a 500-acre outdoor museum in the Mid-Hudson Region and a $7.5 million NYSCA Large Capital Improvement Grants recipient.

"From New York City to the North Country, we are investing in our state's robust arts and culture sector to ensure all New Yorkers, regardless of their background, have access to the transformative power of art," Governor Hochul said. "Our unprecedented support for this shared vision of accessible and sustainable cultural spaces will result in a stronger economy, more jobs, and improved community and personal health for New Yorkers and our visitors from around the globe.”

In addition to NYSCA’s support, Empire State Development awarded more than $3 million in funding to Storm King Art Center – a $2 million capital grant and a $1.2 million Market New York grant – at the recommendation of the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council. NYSERDA has also contributed $600,000 to the project, bringing New York State’s total support for the facility to more than $11 million.

NYSCA’s Large Capital Improvement Grants for Arts and Culture support arts and cultural institutions across the state that are undertaking impactful, large-scale capital improvements. Grants range from $2 million to $10 million for projects with a total cost of $4 million or more. This funding will support investments to expand cultural programming, reach new and diverse audiences, and promote accessibility. These grants will also help advance the State's goals around diversity, equity and inclusion and will require all grantees to commit to social equity initiatives and access plans that serve all New Yorkers. NYSCA’s Large Capital Improvement Grants program is administered in coordination with Empire State Development, which reviews applications to evaluate the potential for projects to support local placemaking, community development, and downtown revitalization efforts.

The grant to Storm King Art Center will enhance the visitor experience through the construction of two new building elements: the Welcome Sequence and the Conservation, Fabrication, and Maintenance Building. The Welcome Sequence will help to simplify visitors’ arrival by doubling parking capacity, removing traffic, and adding new facilities to accommodate guest arrivals and group tours. The Conservation, Fabrication, and Maintenance Building will be Storm King’s first-ever purpose-built space, allowing them to work with artists on fabrication, better care for their collection by conserving important artworks onsite, and provide staff with safe, well-equipped facilities. The new facility will also prioritize sustainability with all-electric buildings and LEED Gold Certification for the Welcome Sequence, reinforcing Storm King’s long history of land preservation and environmental education.

In addition to Storm King Arts Center, other NYSCA grantees announced today include:

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival, Phillipstown: LEED-Certified Outdoor Theater and Ecological Land Restoration  

• This project will transform a recently acquired 98-acre site into a destination campus, open for year-round world-class performances, engaging education programs and access to land that will be permanently conserved.

Lake Placid Association of Music, Drama and Art, Lake Placid: New Arts Facility Construction  

• This project will build a new modern arts complex, a destination for artistic excellence in the North County and an essential vehicle for boosting cultural tourism.

National Black Theatre Workshop, New York City: New Performing Arts Center Construction  

• NYSCA funds will support the construction of a unique multipurpose arts and job-training center that will provide a world-class arts facility, cultural and educational programming, job training services, and an incubator for creative sector entrepreneurs.

A complete list of NYSCA grantees is available here.

In September 2022, Governor Hochul announced the $150 million Capital Projects Fund to support New York’s arts and cultural institutions and facilitate large-scale capital projects that prioritize community development and placemaking. In addition to the Capital Projects Fund, NYSCA has awarded $90 million in non-capital grants to arts organizations and artists for FY2023.

EDITOR'S NOTE: 

Millions of dollars for Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens in New York City, plus millions of dollars for other counties, but not one dime for Arts Organizations in Bronx County. 

Maybe the Kingsbridge Armory should be redeveloped into an arts center, or at least a part of the armory. 

NYCHCC Invites you to the 116th Street festival

 

New York City Hispanic Chamber  159 E 116th St, Second Floor, New York, NY 10029

MAYOR ADAMS UNVEILS FOOD EDUCATION ROADMAP TO PROMOTE HEALTHIER SCHOOL COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW YORK CITY

 

Roadmap Provides Comprehensive Approach to Food Education, Ensuring Students Have Tools and Knowledge to Lead Healthy Lifestyles 

Builds on Transformative Steps Mayor Adams Has Taken to Improve Student Health, Including Plant-Powered Fridays and Expansion of Cafeteria Enhancement Experience

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York City Department of Education (DOE) Chancellor David C. Banks, and Mayor’s Office of Food Policy (MOFP) Executive Director Kate MacKenzie today unveiled “Prioritizing Food Education in Our Public Schools: A Path to Developing a Healthy Next Generation” — a comprehensive roadmap to improving food education in New York City’s public school system. The report identifies specific goals, strategies, and key performance indicators that will ensure students across the city learn healthy eating habits, and how each component of our food system interacts with the climate, economy, and local community.

“New York City is leading the way in healthy food, eating, and lifestyles — and I am proud to announce the next step in our journey: New York City’s first ever food education roadmap,” said Mayor Adams. “I know the power of healthy eating firsthand: Switching to a plant-based diet reversed the effects of my type 2 diabetes and saved my eyesight. With this roadmap, we’re going to teach our children how to eat better — building healthier schools, healthier communities, and a healthier city for all New Yorkers.”

“New York City public schools are national leaders in public education, including and especially in nutrition and meal services. We are proud of the work we’ve done so far to expand options for our young people, and I am thrilled to be embarking on this next step to further help educate students on healthy eating habits that they will take with them throughout their lives,” said DOE Chancellor Banks. “I’m grateful to Mayor Adams for prioritizing this work to ensure a healthier future for our communities.”

“Food education throughout a child’s career in New York City’s public schools is essential,” said MOFP Executive Director MacKenzie. “Through comprehensive food education, students can build an understanding of food’s role in our many cultures, our relationships, our history, and our environment. This knowledge can empower our children to make healthy choices and achieve success inside the classroom and beyond. With the release of this roadmap, this administration is deepening its commitment to uplifting the health and wellbeing of all our students.”

“Beyond nutrition education, New York City public schools are already taking actionable steps towards sustainability and cultural responsiveness in our meal programs,” said DOE Office of Food and Nutrition Services Senior Executive Director Chris Tricarico. “This roadmap verbalizes these important commitments, and will help guide us towards a greener, healthier, and more responsive tomorrow. Our Office of Food and Nutrition Services is excited to continue to work alongside our agency partners on this important effort.”

The report released today highlights the critical importance of food education in building lifelong healthy habits, and helping students become better learners. Healthy eating habits are associated with a myriad of health benefits and reduce the risk of developing chronic diet-related diseases, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. They are also associated with higher cognitive functioning, reduced absenteeism, improved mood, and stronger academic performance.

The report identifies three goals for improving food education across all New York City public schools:

• Helping students build knowledge about healthy eating and wellness;
• Providing greater access to healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate meals in schools; and
• Empowering members of school communities, including parents, educators, food service workers, and administrators, to be wellness ambassadors.

The report outlines nine strategies to achieve these goals, as well as 30 key performance indicators to track ongoing progress. These strategies include developing a “Food Education Guidebook” to inform principal decisions on programming, expanding alternative meal options, including halal kitchens, prioritizing capital improvements to school kitchens and cafeterias, and more.

Since taking office, Mayor Adams has taken bold and transformative steps to create healthier school communities and set students up for success. Last year, he introduced Plant Powered Fridays in all public schools. He also announced the launch of the Chefs Council, which develops recipes of scratch-cooked, plant-based, culturally relevant recipes and provides hands-on training for DOE Office of Food and Nutrition Services (OFNS) workers. The mayor also expanded halal kitchens so that 87 public schools across the city are now certified to serve halal meals. 

In the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Executive Budget, Mayor Adams proposed $50 million in funding to expand the Cafeteria Enhancement Experience, transforming more than 80 school cafeterias into warm and welcoming spaces for students to enjoy nutritious meals. Further, in the FY24 Executive Budget, Mayor Adams proposed $5.5 million for culinary training for school food service workers, as well as $1 million in funding to integrate food education into school curriculums through core courses, hands-on learning, and afterschool programming.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES SUMMERLONG CELEBRATION OF DIGITAL GAMES COMMUNITY ACROSS FIVE BOROUGHS

 

‘NYC Summer of Games’ Delivers on Vital Piece of Mayor Adams’ “Blueprint for Economic Recovery”

 

First-Ever In-Person ‘Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup’ to Take Place at Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Saturday

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the launch of ‘NYC Summer of Games’ — a citywide celebration of New York City’s booming digital games community featuring marquee events, expos, tournaments, exhibits, workshops, and programs across all five boroughs from June – September 2023. NYC Summer of Games officially kicks off with the first-ever in-person ‘Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup’ on Saturday, June 10^th at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. Presented in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) and the New York City Department of Education (DOE), this event will also include a digital games career expo and promotional items provided by the Mayor’s Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation (MOSWR). Making New York City a leading hub for digital game development is a vital piece of Mayor Adams' “Rebuild, Renew, Reinvent: A Blueprint for New York City's Economic Recovery.”

 

“New York City has always been the world’s center of innovation, but our administration is dedicated to taking that to the next level by becoming the world’s leader in the digital gaming space and the ‘NYC Summer of Games’ takes a massive stride toward doing just that,” said Mayor Adams. “Our jam-packed calendar with gaming events not only provides an incredible way to draw in tourism this summer, but also showcases our city as the global destination for digital games. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to watching this blossoming industry grow and flourish across the five boroughs, providing jobs and opportunities for New Yorkers well into the future.”

 

“Since we announced our ‘Blueprint for New York City’s Economic Recovery,’ the Adams administration has engaged industry partners to make New York City a global hub for digital games,” said Deputy Mayor of Economic and Workforce Development Maria Torres-Springer. “I applaud the work of the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment in launching the ‘NYC Summer of Games’ campaign, which will highlight — for the first time — the citywide presence of the gaming industry events and partnerships. We also are thrilled to host the ‘Mayor’s Cup Battle of the Boroughs’ to test and train the digital game design skills of our very own New York City public school students so they can go on to further bolster this growing sector.”

 

“We are proud to present the inaugural Mayor’s Cup and the first-ever ‘NYC Summer of Games,’ which encourages New Yorkers and visitors alike to get out and play at a wide range of digital gaming events taking place across the city this summer,” said MOME Commissioner Anne del Castillo. “‘NYC Summer of Games’ celebrates our city’s burgeoning digital games industry, which supports 7,600 jobs, $762 million in wages, and $2 billion in economic output.” 

 

“The kickoff of the ‘NYC Summer of Games’ with the Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup puts the ingenuity of our students front and center,” said DOE Chancellor David C. Banks. “Games and competition are often a critical part in igniting a child’s creativity and can play an important role in developing critical-thinking skills. I’m eager to see how our students harness the opportunities available to them in the e-sports arena and look forward to seeing how we can take learnings from this event into our schools.”

 

"We are thrilled to be part of the ‘NYC Summer of Games’ initiative, as it aligns perfectly with our mission to promote sports, wellness, and recreation in New York City,” said Mayor's Office of Sports, Wellness and Recreation Director Jasmine Ray. “The digital games community is an integral part of our city's diverse and innovative landscape, and we recognize the immense economic and cultural value it brings. Through events like the Microsoft's ‘Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs Mayor's Cup,’ we aim to provide an exciting platform for young gamers and students to showcase their skills and passion for digital games. We believe that by fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, we can further strengthen New York City's position as a global hub for digital game development. We are proud to be part of Mayor Adams' vision for economic recovery and look forward to witnessing the growth and success of the digital games industry in our city.”

 

“The competition prompt for the Battle of the Boroughs challenge was inspired by initiatives in PlaNYC: Getting Sustainability Done, the Adams administration’s climate action plan,” said Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ) Acting Executive Director Victoria Cerullo. “We are proud to partner with C40 and Microsoft to help foster the creative minds of New York City public school students as they envision local climate solutions and an environmentally just future for all.”

 

“New York City is committed to being a global hub for the digital gaming space. We applaud Mayor Adams on launching the ‘NYC Summer of Games’ campaign that will include expos, exhibits, and other programming across all five boroughs,” said New York City Economic Development Corporation President & CEO Andrew Kimball. “We believe our physical assets, deep bench of creative talent, business attraction services, and policy offerings are unmatched for the gaming industry. We look forward to driving inclusive growth and sparking new economic opportunities in this rapidly growing sector.”

 

“The launch of ‘NYC Summer of Games’ provides an opportunity for visitors to explore New York City through a local lens, showcasing the creativity and talent of New Yorkers across all five boroughs,” said New York City Tourism + Conventions President and CEO Fred Dixon. “This exciting launch propels our city forward into becoming a global hub for the digital games industry, attracting a new segment of visitors from around the world.”

 

The kickoff of ‘NYC Summer of Games’ comes one year after Mayor Adams took initial steps to make New York City a global hub for the digital games industry with a $2 million investment in the first-ever bachelor’s degree program in Digital Game Design at City College of New York (CCNY), as well as the establishment of the city’s first Game Development Industry Council, created to advise the city's policies and programs in the games development sector. Earlier this year, MOME launched the first-of-its-kind ‘Made in NY’ marketing credit program for digital games, which provides free advertising opportunities for digital games made in New York City — the number one media market in the nation. 

 

The contest prompt for students in the Minecraft Education Battle of the Boroughs was provided by MOCEJ and inspired by Mayor Adams’ long-term climate strategic plan ‘PlaNYC.' Four-hundred teams, comprised of five students each, were challenged to create the most inclusive future-ready city spaces earlier this year and have since been competing in several rounds of competition across all five boroughs. The finalists will now compete for the first time in-person for the Mayor’s Cup at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum on Saturday, June 10^th.

Additional ‘NYC Summer of Games’ events include: 

• Tribeca Games and Immersive Experience at the 2023 Tribeca Festival
• PaleyGX Gaming Studio and VR Lab
• Mouse Emoti-Con 2023
• Urban Arts Arcade Expo
• 20^th Anniversary Games for Change Festival
• Play NYC Gaming Conference
• Game Devs of Color Expo

 The Mayor’s Cup will provide each borough champion with a custom Xbox controller designed by Urban Arts Nagler Scholar 2023 Giselle Muriel. Additional event sponsors include Adidas, CDW, Intel, Lenovo, and Spectrum Industries. The Digital Games Career Expo will feature representatives from Adobe, Bronx Gaming Network, Computer Science for All (CS4All), City University of New York (CUNY) Gaming Pathways, CUNY Hostos Community College, Esports and Game Design Collective, Entertainment Software Rating Board, EPIC Games, Games for Change, Generation ESports, GUMBO Collective, Lego, Overwatch League, Play NYC, SAM Labs, Sphero, The Animation Project, Wagner College, Urban Arts, among others.

“New York has always been the nerve center of pop culture, and with the Summer of Games festival, New York is leading the way again,” said Sarah Bond, corporate vice president, XBox. “Four months of activities celebrating the creativity, ingenuity, and fun of the gaming industry – the Minecraft Battle of the Boroughs Mayor’s Cup is just the beginning. Mayor Eric Adams shares our belief that gaming is a great way to play, be part of a community, and is an important, relatable gateway into STEAM learning, meaningful career opportunities and entrepreneurship. More than just fun and games - these are powerful pathways for every New Yorker.”

 

“Level Up All Gamers! The Paley Museum’s PaleyGX Gaming Studio and VR Lab is your ultimate year-round destination for all things gaming! Whether you're a casual or avid gamer, or you're looking for gaming fun for the whole family this summer or all year long, we've got you covered with the hottest video game titles, newest VR games, multiple platforms, special events, workshops, and exciting tournaments,” said Diane Lewis, chief programming officer and executive vice president, The Paley Center for Media. “We thank Mayor Adams and the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment for the opportunity to participate in the launch of NYC Summer of Games and look forward to welcoming everyone to The Paley Museum’s PaleyGX Gaming Studio and VR Lab for a fun-filled summer of gaming and interactive entertainment.”

 

“More than 4,100 New York City Public School students completed Mouse’s Design League course during the 2022-2023 school year, learning the computer science skills needed to prototype games and mobile apps,” said Larry Lieberman, CEO, Mouse. “Mouse is delighted to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment, New York City’s hub for digital business development, to kick-start our students’ career development with the NYC Summer of Games.” 

 

“Urban Arts is thrilled to be included in the mayor's Summer of Games, as the premier nonprofit designing and implementing arts and technology programs for underrepresented students,” said Philip Courtney, CEO, Urban Arts. “We teach students from low-income communities digital game development through computer science, coding, animation, music, and storytelling. We provide intensive college-access services as well as mentorships at some of New York City's most powerful media and technology companies. We’re generating a new diverse talent pipeline for the city. Urban Arts students are the future leaders and creatives of New York City's robust tech industry—defining their own futures, launching real economic mobility and advancing the success of their hometown. Game on!”

 

“Every summer for the past 20 years, innovative game-makers have converged in New York City for the Games for Change Festival, the largest gathering in the world for people who believe that games can drive positive change,” said Susanna Pollack, president, Games for Change. “Games for Change is looking forward to celebrating our 20^th annual festival this July with an expanded week of programming for creators, gamers, and fans of all ages as part of New York City’s Summer of Games — ensuring that New York City remains the center of a global community dedicated to games and social impact.”

Former Co-Owner Of Minnesota Vikings Sentenced To 75 Months In Prison For Providing Shadow Banking Services To Cryptocurrency Exchanges

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced today that REGINALD FOWLER was sentenced to 75 months in prison for arranging to process more than $700 million of unregulated transactions on behalf of cryptocurrency exchanges, in violation of federal anti-money laundering laws, lying to U.S. banks to do so, and defrauding the Alliance of American Football (“AAF”), a short-lived professional football league, in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league. 

According to court filings and statements made in court proceedings:[1]

In or about February 2018, REGINALD FOWLER established Global Trading Solutions LLC (“GTS”) and began working with Crypto Capital and other related companies (the “Crypto Companies”), which were operated by Israeli nationals.  The Crypto Companies marketed themselves as providing a seamless way for individuals to exchange standard currency for cryptocurrency.  A number of cryptocurrency exchanges began using the Crypto Companies to process their fiat-to-cryptocurrency transactions.

Because banks were reluctant to handle cryptocurrency transactions, in reality, the Crypto Companies could not access legitimate financial institutions.  Instead, the Crypto Companies lied to banks in order to open accounts that were used to process cryptocurrency transactions without the banks’ knowledge.  FOWLER opened dozens of such accounts in the United States and around the world.  He did not disclose GTS’s involvement with the Crypto Companies and the fact that it was operating as a payment processor for hundreds of millions of dollars in cryptocurrency transactions.  FOWLER also directed other individuals to include false information on wire transfer instructions to further deceive banks about the nature of GTS’s business.  In less than 10 months, FOWLER processed approximately $750 million in cryptocurrency transactions in various currencies.  At no point were FOWLER, GTS, nor any of the Crypto Companies ever licensed as a money transmitting business in the United States, as required by federal law.      

Additionally, in 2018, FOWLER defrauded the AAF in connection with his acquisition of a significant ownership stake in the league.  In the course of negotiating his investment in the AAF, FOWLER falsely claimed personal ownership of GTS funds that, in fact, belonged to clients of FOWLER’s illegal money transmission service established in support of the Crypto Companies.  As he did when opening bank accounts, FOWLER lied to AAF executives, telling them that the funds in the GTS bank accounts derived from real estate investments as well as government contracts and that the tens of millions of dollars in the GTS accounts were liquid assets he could use to invest in the AAF.  FOWLER did not disclose his involvement with the Crypto Companies.  Moreover, although FOWLER experienced account closures and government seizure of GTS funds in the month leading up to his investment in the AAF, FOWLER did not disclose those facts to the AAF.  FOWLER acquired a significant investment stake in the AAF in November 2018 yet was unable to fund that investment.  Based, in part, on FOWLER’s lies, the AAF declared bankruptcy in about April 2019, ending the season and dashing the hopes of FOWLER’s victims.

In addition to the prison sentence, FOWLER, 64, of Chandler, Arizona, was ordered to pay forfeiture of $740,249,140.52 and restitution in the amount of $53,189,261.80 to the AAF.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of Special Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s New York Money Laundering Investigation Squad and Special Agents from the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations.

[1] As to FOWLER’s co-defendants, the entirety of the text of the Indictments and the descriptions in the Indictments set forth below constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.