Ten Charged With Violent Kidnapping Of A Minor In The Bronx And Related Firearm Offenses

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Keechant L. Sewell, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging ADONYS CASTILLO, a/k/a “Candela,” GERARD VALENTINE FRIAS, a/k/a “Monkey,” JADEL ARAUJO, a/k/a “Negro,” a/k/a “Negromoneymaker,” HENRY MARCANO, a/k/a “KC,” JOSHUA TORRES, EDWIN RAMIREZ, RANDY BAUTISTA, JARYLIZ ORTEGA, ELVIO TORIBIO, and CLAUDY BRATINI, a/k/a “Cilantro,” with conspiring to kidnap a minor in the Bronx, New York.  The defendants have been charged in the violent abduction of a 16-year-old victim (the “Victim”).  The Indictment is assigned to United States District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.

CASTILLO, FRIAS, MARCANO, TORRES, BAUTISTA, ORTEGA, AND TORIBIO were arrested last night and this morning and are expected to be presented later today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn.  ARAUJO, who is currently in federal custody in connection with a separate firearms offense, and BRATINI, who was previously in state custody and has been transferred to federal custody, will also be presented later today.  RAMIREZ is a fugitive.   

According to the allegations in the Indictment unsealed today and statements previously made on the record in this case and related matters:[1]

In the early morning hours of April 26, 2022, the Victim, along with two others, robbed a location where marijuana was sold.  The defendants immediately gave chase, including EDWIN RAMIREZ and JOSHUA TORRES, who discharged a firearm as they pursued the Victim and his friends who had just stolen bags of marijuana from the drug-selling location.  The defendants were able to capture the Victim.  The defendants then held the Victim against his will for approximately 19 hours.  During this time, the Victim was severely beaten and transported from one building in the Bronx to another before being dropped off under an overpass.  The Victim was found by a bystander the next morning on April 27, 2022, after having been left on the street, hog-tied and drifting in and out of consciousness, the night before.  According to a doctor who treated the 16-year-old Victim, the Victim suffered from lacerations to his brain.

All 10 defendants have been charged with conspiracy to kidnap a minor, and RAMIREZ and TORRES have been charged with the use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

A chart containing the names and ages of the defendants who were charged today, the charges, and the minimum and maximum penalties they face is attached.  All of the defendants are residents of the Bronx, New York. 

The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencings of the defendants would be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the NYPD.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Violent and Organized Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ni Qian and Jim Ligtenberg are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant	Age	Charges	Minimum and Maximum Penalties
ADONYS CASTILLO	27	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
GERARD VALENTINE FRIAS	28	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
JADEL ARAUJO	23	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
HENRY MARCANO	27	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
JOSHUA TORRES	27	Kidnapping conspiracy; use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime	Mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
EDWIN RAMIREZ	28	Kidnapping conspiracy; use and discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime	Mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
RANDY BAUTISTA	21	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
JARYLIZ ORTEGA	28	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
ELVIO TORIBIO	27	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison
CLAUDY BRATINI	27	Kidnapping conspiracy	Mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison; maximum of life in prison

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Statewide Air Quality Issues and Provides Guidance for Safe Weekend Activities

 

New Data Show Moderate Increase in Emergency Department Admissions Due to Asthma and Other Respiratory Issues

State Distributed Thousands of Masks to Commuters and More Than 400,000 Masks to 30 Counties and Local Leaders

State to Refund Cancellations of Reservations at State Recreation Facilities this Weekend Out of Abundance of Caution and Ongoing Air Quality Concerns

 Governor Kathy Hochul today updated New Yorkers on the ongoing statewide response to air quality issues caused by wildfires in Eastern Canada. Forecasts show the New York City metropolitan area, Long Island and Western New York regions will be experiencing air quality that is unhealthy for sensitive groups, while Central New York, the Lower Hudson Valley, Upper Hudson Valley and Eastern Lake Ontario regions are experiencing moderate air quality.

"For more than a week, we have been sounding the alarm that air quality issues are serious and pose a threat to the health and well-being of New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "Now, as conditions gradually improve and it becomes safer to be outdoors in many regions of the state, it's critical that New Yorkers continue to stay informed and take common-sense safety precautions to protect themselves and their families."

According to the NYSDOH Electronic Syndromic Surveillance System, there were 147 asthma related Emergency Department visits to New York Hospitals, not including New York City, on June 7, 2023, compared to an average of 80 for the five-day period June 1 through June 5. Using data reported for "respiratory symptoms" on June 8 from Emergency Medical Services response data, which is a timely early-warning source, the Department of Health observed:

• A statewide increase of 17.8 percent in the rates per 100,000 on 6/7 as compared to the average of the 5-day period of 6/1-6/5
• For the metropolitan NYC region, this increase was 28.4 percent and for the Capital Region this was 12.4 percent

With current levels in impacted regions across New York State ranging from Yellow to Orange, the Department of Health is advising precautions as necessary. Steps for individuals to take to reduce risk, include:

• When AQI is greater than 100, New Yorkers in vulnerable groups should avoid exertion outdoors and watch for symptoms when exposed to the outdoors. Vulnerable individuals include those with cardiovascular disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, history of prior heart attach) or lung disease (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), as well as children under 18, adults 65 and older.
• When AQI is greater than 150, all New Yorkers should avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and those in vulnerable groups should avoid exposure to the outdoors.
• Individuals who are pregnant may also be more vulnerable and become short of breath more easily, staying indoors when AQI is greater than 150 is advised.

As unhealthy air conditions persist in your area, and in the days that follow, the Department of Health recommends that any New Yorker who experiences symptoms or have symptoms that worsen, including those indicative of complications from heart disease or a heart condition, should consult their personal physician or seek immediate medical help. If experiencing symptoms of respiratory irritation while outside, like coughing, first go inside to find cleaner air.

An Air Quality Health Advisory for particulate matter in the Long Island, New York City Metro, and Western New York regions remains in place through at least the end of the day. Particulate matter carried by the wind from wildfires are expected to be on the edge of higher concentration readings in these areas.

The State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Health (DOH) issue Air Quality Health Advisories when DEC meteorologists predict levels of pollution, either ozone or fine particulate matter are expected to exceed an Air Quality Index (AQI) value of 100. The AQI was created as an easy way to correlate levels of different pollutants to one scale, with a higher AQI value indicating a greater health concern. The latest AQI Forecast can be viewed here.

The air flow is expected to continue to send the heaviest smoke south and west of New York, with the southernly and western regions of the state continuing to see smoke conditions. The forecast for tomorrow shows winds turning to a more north-northwesterly direction, with the possibility some smoke could come into the state late Saturday.

In response to the Canadian wildfires, earlier this week, Governor Hochul announced approximately one million high-quality N95-style masks are available to New Yorkers to help address air quality impacts. In New York City, the state quickly distributed hundreds of thousands of masks to commuters at major transit hubs throughout the day in addition to parks and to state elected officials. Nearly 400,000 masks were delivered or picked up from state stockpiles by counties and the state Legislature for distribution, with more distribution scheduled for today. 

Governor Hochul recommended that outdoor school activities be suspended while air quality remains a concern. The Governor also encouraged New Yorkers to postpone any outdoor activities in impacted regions until conditions improve.

Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "While conditions are improving overall across the state, we continue to remind people, especially those vulnerable to health impacts from unhealthy air quality, to self-monitor for symptoms and to stay inside if the air quality in their area is deemed unhealthy. Vulnerable individuals such as those with heart conditions or lung disease, as well as the very young, those over 65 years old, and pregnant people, should reduce exposure and minimize exertion when outdoors. If vulnerable individuals must go outdoors during poor air quality conditions, they are encouraged to use a high-quality, well-fitting mask."  

In addition, the Governor announced full refunds to those who made reservations to visit a DEC or Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) campgrounds or day use area and wish to cancel due to air quality concerns. OPRHP operates 68 campgrounds with 8,148 campsites, 967 cabins and cottages, and a lighthouse. DEC manages 52 campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill parks with more than one million visitor camper nights each season. Visitors who wish to cancel on the day of arrival should call their campground directly. Visitors who wish to cancel prior to their day of arrival should call the ReserveAmerica Customer Service at 1-800-777-9644. New York State campgrounds remain open, and all reservations will be honored for those who chose to camp this weekend.

State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, "DEC's campgrounds and day use areas offer a variety of outdoor activities and experiences that bring back visitors year after year. In light of the current air quality concerns, we want to make sure to keep those customers happy and will refund any cancellations made for plans this weekend. Our experts will continue our daily monitoring of air quality to help keep the public informed." 

Tips for New Yorkers to Stay Safe:

• Limit time outdoors to reduce exposure to smoke
• Keep windows of homes and buildings closed
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Outdoor activity across all groups should be limited or minimized when possible, as those with asthma, allergies or other conditions may be affected.
• Avoid prolonged exposure
• Individuals with health vulnerabilities, such as cardiovascular or lung disease, as should those who are pregnant
• For those who must travel outdoors for significant periods, properly fitted, high-quality masks help reduce exposure.

Governor Hochul has been in contact with Canadian officials and yesterday announced that a team of seven DEC Forest Rangers is deploying to assist with efforts to help contain the wildfires. They will head to Quebec to lead a 15-person team of expert wildland firefighters from Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont for the next two weeks, and are in addition to a DEC Forest Ranger currently leading firefighting efforts in Nova Scotia. New York State often deploys highly trained wildland firefighters to help battle fires as part of interstate and international firefighting compacts.

From the New York State Department of Labor - Laborers Recruit Apprentices

 

Laborers Recruit Apprentices

The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Laborers, Local Union #731, will conduct a recruitment from July 10, 2023 through July 21, 2023 for 50 Skilled Construction Craft Laborer apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applications will be available online at https://recruitment.local731.com from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday through Friday, during the recruitment period. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 500 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered online for 10 business days or until 500 applications have been issued, whichever comes first. Applicants who do not have access to a computer should visit their local library or their nearest Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

The Committee requires that applicants:

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Must have a high school diploma or a high school equivalency diploma (such as TASC or GED). Must submit a HS Diploma, TASC or equivalent at the time of initial interview.
• Must take and pass Work Keys Applied Mathematics and Workplace Documents (Reading for Information) Assessments.
• Must pass a drug test, at the expense of the sponsor, after acceptance into the program and at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship program.
• Must have reliable transportation to and from various job sites and related instruction classes.
• Must submit proof of any technical or trade related, adult or continuing education, and/or proof of trade related and general work experience at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship program.
• Must be physically able to perform the work of a Skilled Construction Craft Laborer, and the top 50 applicants must attend and complete a hands-on assessment to include:
• Excavating by hand 11’ x 2’ x 2’ trench
• Backfilling the trench and compacting soil in 6” lifts using manually operated hand tempers.
• Using a wheelbarrow relocate 12 small railroad ties approximately 250’ and re-stack on pallet.
• Carrying two pieces of 10’ long OSHA grade scaffold planks approximately 250’ and placing on storage rack.
• Carrying two pieces of 10’ long #8 rebar approximately 250’ and placing on storage rack.

For further information, applicants should contact Local 731 at (718) 752-9860. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

Apprentice programs registered with the Department of Labor must meet standards established by the Commissioner. Under state law, sponsors of programs cannot discriminate against applicants because of race, creed, color, national origin, age, sex, disability, or marital status. Women and minorities are encouraged to submit applications for apprenticeship programs. Sponsors of programs are required to adopt affirmative action plans for the recruitment of women and minorities.

Housing Lottery Launches For 2455 Third Avenue In Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 2455 Third Avenue, a 23-story residential building in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Woods Bagot and developed by Artimus NYC, the structure yields 139 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 80 units for residents at 130 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $80,572 to $187,330.

2455 Third Avenue in Mott Haven, The Bronx via NYC Housing Connect

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, a dog washing station, garage with electric vehicle charging stations, bike storage lockers, a shared laundry room, common area Wi-Fi, gym, recreation room, package lockers, storage, doorman, on-site resident manager, and a rooftop terrace. Residences come with washers and dryers, air conditioning, energy-efficient appliances, patios or balconies, and name-brand kitchen appliances, countertops, and finishes.

At 130 percent of the AMI, there are 33 studios with a monthly rent of $2,350 for incomes ranging from $80,572 to $138,840; ten one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,550 for incomes ranging from $87,429 to $156,130; and 37 two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $3,200 for incomes ranging from $109,715 to $187,330.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than July 13, 2023.

Permits Filed For 3240 Grace Avenue In Baychester, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to convert a two-story factory into a non-profit institution with sleeping accommodations at 3240 Grace Avenue in Baychester, The Bronx. Located between East 222nd Street and Burke Avenue, the lot is near the Baychester Avenue subway station, serviced by the 5 train. Mark Glassman is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 24-foot-tall development will yield 39,218 square feet designated for community facility space, as well as 17 residences. The concrete-based structure will also have a basement and a 45-foot-long front yard.

Mayerfeld Architecture is listed as the architect of record.

Demolition permits will likely not be needed as the permits call for a conversion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.