BRONX COUPLE INDICTED FOR IMPRISONING, ENDANGERING TWO GIRLS, AGES THREE AND FOUR YEARS OLD

 

Left Alone Without Food, Children Began to Eat Foam Mattress; Apartment Was in Deplorable Condition

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx woman and her boyfriend have been indicted for the horrific neglect of the woman’s two young daughters, who were found by police locked in a feces-dotted room, naked and bruised and eating bits of a foam mattress.

 District Attorney Clark said, “The defendants allegedly kept these little girls in a house of horrors. They illegally occupied an apartment and left the children alone without food or clothing. Fortunately, police rescued the girls, and a nurse discovered signs of abuse for which they are being treated. The situation is beyond the pale.”

 District Attorney Clark said the defendants, Stephanie Grabowski, 40, and Mark Russell, 45, who were squatters in apartment at 300 East 138th Street, were indicted on two counts of second-degree Kidnapping, two counts of second-degree Unlawful Imprisonment, second-degree Burglary, and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for conduct that occurred on or about May 3, 2023 in the apartment. Grabowski additionally was indicted on two counts of firstdegree Kidnapping for conduct occurring on or about and between, November 14, 2022 through May 3, 2023 at 420 East 169th Street and the 138th Street apartment.

 They were arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Ralph Fabrizio and bail was continued for Grabowski at $150,000 cash/$400,000 bond/$400,000 partially secured bond at 10%, and for Russell at $100,000 cash/$200,000 bond/$200,000 partially secured bond at 10%. They are due back in court on September 13, 2023.

 According to the indictment, on May 3, 2023 at approximately 10:30 a.m., NYPD Officers from PSA 8 and Field Intelligence Detectives were vacating a NYCHA apartment at 300 East 138th Street that was inhabited by known squatters, and upon entry were determined to be Russell and Grabowski. The apartment was in terrible condition with urine and feces about the place and there did not appear to be sufficient food, amenities, clothing or clean diapers. The officers observed the doorknob of a bedroom and doorknob of an adjacent closet door tied together with a ropelike cord. They kicked in the bedroom door and found two girls naked and bruised on a filthy spongelike mattress on the floor, and feces, dirty diapers and garbage throughout the room. One officer observed the children to be eating pieces of the mattress. 

 Officers discovered that Grabowski had a Family Court warrant after absconding from Administration for Children’s Services in November 2022, and brought her to Family Court. Orders of Protection were issued at that time. The officers brought the children to the Children’s Advocacy Center on May 4, where a nurse examined the children and enhanced the case, and alerted the NYPD Bronx Child Abuse Squad. On May 5, the girls were examined at Jacobi Medical Center, where they were observed to have significant bruising and marks in various stages of healing, rashes throughout their bodies and difficulties walking, standing and speaking. 

 District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Johnathon Concepcion and Christina Flores of the Bronx Child Abuse Squad, and NYPD Field Intelligence Officer, Detective Michael Heinz for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  

Governor Hochul Urges New Yorkers to Prepare for Potentially Severe Weather Across the State This Week

 

Persistent Rain and Severe Thunderstorms in the Forecast Have the Potential to Cause Flash Flooding Across the State Monday and Tuesday

Localized Downpours May Cause Flash Flooding in Flood-Prone Areas of the State

New Yorkers Urged to Monitor Weather Forecast, Pay Attention to Watches, Warnings and Alerts, and Prepare to Follow Emergency Orders if Necessary

 Governor Kathy Hochul today urged New Yorkers to prepare for potentially severe weather this week, as severe thunderstorms and excessive rainfall are in the forecast for downstate regions on Monday and Tuesday, causing the potential for localized flash flooding in flood-prone regions. As thunderstorms are expected across the state throughout the week, Governor Hochul urged New Yorkers to monitor their local forecast for the latest weather conditions and to sign up for emergency alerts ahead of extreme weather events.

"Severe weather is expected across the State this week bringing with it persistent rain, thunderstorms and the potential to cause flash flooding," Governor Hochul said. "Our State agencies are preparing emergency response assets and we are in close contact with local governments across the state to ensure they are prepared. I encourage all New Yorkers to monitor their local weather forecasts, pay attention to alerts and plan accordingly."

New York State agencies and authorities are in constant communication with government partners throughout the state and are prepared to respond to any requests for assistance.

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, "Storms bringing heavy rain this week could cause localized flash flooding in impacted communities. Take time now to review your emergency preparedness plans and make sure everyone in your household knows what to do in case of a flooding emergency. Check your local forecast this week and be extra cautious if you are commuting or planning outdoor activities."

Watches and Warnings for Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding are currently in effect for several areas across the state. For a complete listing of weather alerts and forecasts, visit the National Weather Service website at https://alerts.weather.gov.

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

State Agency Preparations

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services' Emergency Operations Center is monitoring weather and travel conditions, and coordinating any response needs with local governments. The State's stockpiles are prepared to deploy assets to localities to support any storm-related needs, including pumps, chainsaws, sandbags, generators, cots, blankets, and bottled water.

Department of Transportation

The Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and prepared to respond with more than 3,489 supervisors and operators. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crews that are needed (flood response, chipper, load & haul, sewer jet, cut & toss, traffic signal, etc.). Crews are checking and clearing drainage structures to make sure they are free of debris and clogs.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,426 large dump trucks
• 327 large loaders
• 80 tracked and wheeled excavators
• 79 chippers
• 18 graders
• 18 vacuum trucks with sewer jets
• 14 tree crew bucket trucks

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is closely monitoring the weather forecast with 658 operators and supervisors prepared to respond to any wind or flood related issues across the state with small to medium sized excavators, plow/dump trucks, large loaders, portable VMS boards, portable light towers, smaller generators, smaller pumps, and equipment hauling trailers, as well as signage and other traffic control devices available for any detours or closures. Variable Message Signs and social media are utilized to alert motorists of weather conditions on the Thruway.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 355 Large and Small Dump Trucks
• 59 Loaders
• 32 Trailers
• 6 Vac Trucks
• 13 Excavators
• 8 Brush Chippers
• 100 Chainsaws
• 23 Aerial Trucks
• 22 Skid Steers
• 84 Portable Generators
• 68 Portable Light Units

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available to download for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to live traffic cameras, real-time traffic information and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert emails which provide the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

Follow @ThruwayTraffic on Twitter and visit thruway.ny.gov to see an interactive map showing traffic conditions for the Thruway and other New York State roadways.

Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers, Emergency Management staff, and regional staff are on alert and monitoring weather conditions. DEC personnel are actively patrolling areas and infrastructure likely to be impacted by severe weather—including heavy rainfall and local flooding—and will work closely with state and local agencies to coordinate flood mitigation equipment including pumps and sandbags in the event mitigation is needed to protect homes, businesses, or infrastructure. All available assets, including swift water rescue teams, are positioned to assist with any emergency response.

Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available to engage in damage assessment, response, repair, and restoration efforts across New York State for this event. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police are prepared to deploy additional Troopers, as needed, to affected areas. All State Police specialized vehicles, including four-wheel drive vehicles and Utility Task Vehicles, are staged and ready for immediate response. All Troop emergency power and communications equipment has been tested.

Safety Tips

Prepare for severe weather:

• Know the county in which you live and the names of nearby cities. Severe weather warnings are issued on a county basis.
• Learn the safest route from your home or business to high, safe ground should you have to leave in a hurry.
• Develop and practice a 'family escape' plan and identify a meeting place if family members become separated.
• Make an itemized list of all valuables including furnishings, clothingand other personal property. Keep the list in a safe place.
• Stockpile emergency supplies of canned food, medicine and first aid supplies and drinking water. Store drinking water in clean, closed containers.
• Plan what to do with your pets.
• Have a portable radio, flashlights, extra batteries and emergency cooking equipment available.
• Keep your automobile fueled. If electric power is cut off, gasoline stations may not be able to pump fuel for several days. Have a small disaster supply kit in the trunk of your car.
• Have disaster supplies on hand, including:

• • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Battery-operated radio and extra batteries
  • First aid kit and manual
  • Emergency food and water
  • Non-electric can opener
  • Essential medicines
  • Checkbook, cash, credit cards, ATM cards

For more safety tips, visit the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Safety Tips web page at https://www.dhses.ny.gov/safety-and-prevention.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE PUSHES TO PASS RE-INTEGRATION BILL TO SUPPORT NEW PARENTS RETURNING TO WORK

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams pushed to pass his legislation aimed at addressing inequities and issues that primarily arise for new parents post-pregnancy, during re-entry into the workplace. At a hearing of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights, he stressed the importance of providing transitional information and accommodations when a parent returns to work after an absence.

"Having spoken to many of my staff, who have welcomed children during their tenure in my office, and as a parent myself, I know the challenges of returning to the workplace," Public Advocate Williams explained. "It is an adjustment, not only for employees and their families but for employers as well. Things shift quickly in the workplace, policies can change and lapse, public health emergencies necessitate rapid response as we saw with the pandemic and the recent air quality issues. With this bill, we want to ensure that employees and employers can come together and facilitate an easy integration back into the workforce."

The legislation, Intro 84, would require employers, under guidance from the NYC Commission on Human Rights, to hold an onboarding meeting to discuss an employee's reintegration back into the workplace after parental leave. Employees returning from parental or medical leave often struggle during their return to work, lacking critical information about changes to the workplace or projects that have occurred while they were away. This bill would help correct that information gap.

"It is customary for employees to write exit memos in anticipation of parental leave, for work to be reassigned but the same is not always true for their reintegration into the workplace..." continued the Public Advocate in his statement. "... Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace requires open lines of communication, and this bill formalizes one such instance when that kind of communication is most needed."

This bill was part of a maternal health package from the Public Advocate, and was introduced alongside legislation to establish a maternal health bill of rights and ensure that pregnant individuals are informed of those rights through a public education campaign. That piece of the legislative package became law in August of 2022.

The Public Advocate’s office has long been engaged in efforts to combat maternal health inequity. His office released a report on the issue in 2021 entitled Equitable Pregnancy Outcomes for Black and Brown New Yorkers, which analyzes systemic issues and outlines potential policy solutions. While progress has been made in recent years, including passage of the Public advocate’s previous bills and recent budget allocations, more can be done to address all parts of this ongoing issue.

Read the Public Advocate’s full comments to the committee below. 

Good morning, 

My name is Jumaane D. Williams, and I am the Public Advocate for the City of New York. I would like to thank Chair Williams and the members of the Committee on Civil and Human Rights for holding this very important hearing. Intro 84 would require employers to hold an onboarding meeting to discuss an employee's reintegration back into the workplace after parental leave. 

Having spoken to many of my staff, who have welcomed children during their tenure in my office, and as a parent myself, I know the challenges of returning to the workplace. It is an adjustment, not only for employees and their families but for employers as well. Things shift quickly in the workplace, policies can change and lapse, public health emergencies necessitate rapid response as we saw with the pandemic and the recent air quality issues. With this bill, we want to ensure that employees and employers can come together and facilitate an easy integration back into the workforce. 

It is customary for employees to write exit memos in anticipation of parental leave, for work to be reassigned but the same is not always true for their reintegration into the workplace. The policy this bill sets forth would ensure that employers are prepared to reassign previous or new workload to the employee upon their return. It also gives employees the space to discuss expectations as well as restraints and limitations throughout the transition period. Creating an inclusive and supportive workplace requires open lines of communication, and this bill formalizes one such instance when that kind of communication is most needed. 

This bill was originally part of our Black maternal health package, we know it has much further implications. We hope we can get support from the committee, and of course, from the administration. 

Thank you. 

MAYOR ADAMS, OLR COMMISSIONER CAMPION ANNOUNCE TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH TEAMSTERS LOCAL 237 FOR OVER 9,000 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

 

Agreement Provides Substantial Wage Increases to Members, Secures Fair Deal for NYC Taxpayers, Improves Recruitment and Retention

 

Agreement Conforms to Pattern Established With DC 37 and UFT

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today announced a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with Teamsters Local 237. This agreement will cover over 9,000 municipal employees, including school safety agents who work in New York City public schools as well as special officers who serve as hospital police at NYC Health + Hospitals, as homeless services police at New York City Department of Homeless Services shelters, and at other agencies. The agreement also covers other hospital employees, like radiographers, custodians, bridge operators, New York City Department of Education food service managers, custodians, supervising special officers, evidence and property control specialists, taxi limousine inspectors, and stock workers.

 

The tentative agreement is retroactive — beginning on April 26, 2022 — and expires on October 25, 2027. It conforms to the pattern established by the agreement with District Council (DC) 37 earlier this year and followed by the agreement with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT). The agreement includes wage increases of 3 percent for each of the first four years of the contract and 3.25 percent in the fifth year. The agreement also includes a $3,000 lump sum ratification bonus for all Local 237 members, and, as of this October, eliminates two steps from the salary schedule for school safety agents and special officers — allowing them to reach top pay after only five years of service instead of the current seven years. With this agreement, the administration has reached agreements covering 78 percent of municipal employees.

 

“The men and women who protect our schools, our hospitals, and our shelters, and all of the members of Teamsters Local 237, work tirelessly to serve our city, and we are pleased to have reached this tentative agreement to provide them with the pay they deserve,” said Mayor Adams. “This agreement provides for fair wage increases and a quicker route to top pay to ensure we continue to recruit and retain the top talent for the best workforce in the best city in the world.”

 

“Thank you to Teamsters Local 237 President Greg Floyd for his partnership in reaching this agreement that provides fair compensation to more than 9,000 employees and takes important steps to improve the compensation of our school safety agents and special officers so we can better recruit and retain these valuable employees,” said OLR Commissioner Campion.

 

“Upon contract ratification by our members, I am delighted to announce that today, history was made. Thanks to a collaborative effort with Mayor Eric Adams and Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion, a groundbreaking tentative agreement with the city was negotiated and successfully reached that marks an extraordinary achievement in labor relations that includes a 16.21 percent increase in wages across the board and a $3,000 lump sum cash payment to our members upon ratification,” said Gregory Floyd, president, Teamsters Local 237, and vice president at-large, General Board of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. “Our members, who work tirelessly to help keep the city up and running, now know that their efforts are recognized and rewarded. This contract victory also underscores the importance of solidarity as union members. We have the vision and voice of all working people who deserve and demand dignity and fairness in the workplace. Workers’ rights are human rights, and this accomplishment celebrates the fact that, today, the two have come together.”

 

The tentative agreement must be ratified by Local 237’s membership.

 

The total cost of the tentative agreement, through Fiscal Year 2027, will be $293 million, which is fully funded in the labor reserve in the proposed Fiscal Year 2024 Executive Budget.

 

In addition to wage increases planned over the next five-plus years, the tentative agreement includes:

• Ratification Bonus: Upon contract ratification by Local 237 membership, members will receive a one-time bonus of $3,000.
• Enhanced Salary Schedule for School Safety Agents and Special Officers: These employees will now reach top pay after five years of service instead of seven years.

Local 237 members will receive the following compounded wage increases:

• April 26, 2022: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2023: 3.00 percent
• October 2, 2024: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2025: 3.00 percent
• April 26, 2026: 3.25 percent

100 PERCENT Primary Day Predictions

Let's do the easy race first For Bronx District Attorney in the Democratic Primary, the prediction is incumbent Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark will win this race with 80% or better of the vote. 

There were only three city council districts that had Democratic primaries, the 12th, 13th, and 14th  districts, and one district that had a Republican Party and a Conservative Party primary, the 13th council district. Democratic primaries first.

In the 12th Council District the prediction is that incumbent city council member Kevin C. Riley will win the primary without having to go through Rank Choice Voting  with 71% of the vote. challenger Aisha Hernandez Ahmed receiving 17% of the vote, and challenger Pamela A. Hamilton-Johnson receiving 12%  of the vote.

In the Democratic primary in the 13th council district the prediction is that incumbent council member Marjorie Velazquez will win the primary without having to go through Rank Choice Voting with 61%  of the vote. Challenger John Perez will receive 19% of the vote, challenger Bernadette Ferrara will receive 14% of the vote, and challenger Irene Estrada will receive 6% of the vote.

In the 14th Council District the prediction is that Incumbent city council member Pierina Sanchez will win the primary with 68% of the vote, and challenger Rachael T. Miller Bradshaw receiving 32% of the vote.

In the Republican primary in the 13th City Council district the prediction is that Kristy Marmorato will win without having to go into Rank Choice Voting with 56% of the vote. Challenger George Havranek will receive 31% of the vote, and challenger Hasime Samantha Zherka receiving 13% of the vote. 

There is no prediction for the Conservative Party primary in the 13th City Council race. 

NYC EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ADVISES NEW YORKERS TO PREPARE FOR POTENTIAL SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS

 

The New York City Emergency Management Department today issued a travel advisory for Monday afternoon, June 26, through Tuesday, June 27. According to the National Weather Service, New York City may experience scattered showers with the potential for severe thunderstorms starting late afternoon through the evening. The severe thunderstorms may affect the evening’s commute, with rain expected to continue into Tuesday morning. Rain amounts will range from a quarter of an inch to half an inch. There is also a potential for minor flooding in poor drainage areas.

“New York City Emergency Management has been monitoring this weather pattern with the National Weather Service and we urge New Yorkers who live in flood prone areas to take precautions. New York City may experience severe thunderstorms and we encourage New Yorkers to take precautions during this evening’s commute,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol. “New Yorkers should exercise caution when moving about the city during and after the heavy rains.”

Safety Tips

• Allow for extra travel time. New Yorkers are urged to use public transportation. 
• If you must drive, drive slowly. Use major streets or highways for travel whenever possible. 
• If you live in a basement apartment in a flood prone area, prepare to move to higher ground.
• Do not drive into flooded streets or enter flooded subway stations.
• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, access and functional needs, or health conditions. Help them to prepare if needed.
• Stay informed. Before and during an emergency, the City will send emergency alerts and updates to New Yorkers through various channels, including Notify NYC. Sign up for emergency notifications at NYC.gov/NotifyNYC or call 311. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

For more safety tips, visit NYC.gov/SevereWeather. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system, to stay informed about the latest weather updates and other emergencies. To learn more about the Notify NYC program or to sign up, visit NYC.gov/NotifyNYC, call 311, or download the free app for your Android or Apple device. You can also follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CREATION OF NEW YORK CITY’S FIRST JEWISH ADVISORY COUNCIL

 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the formation of the city’s first-ever Jewish Advisory Council. Members of the newly-formed council will focus on all issues affecting Jewish New Yorkers, including public safety, quality of life, and education, and will ensure Jewish communities across New York City are connected with all of the city’s resources and services available. Chaired by Joel Eisdorfer, senior advisor to Mayor Adams, the council will be comprised of 37 members and will convene regularly to discuss issues affecting the city’s Jewish community.

 

“Our Jewish community — the largest in the world outside of Israel — is a critical part of New York City,” said Mayor Adams. “From the top of the Bronx to the bottom of Staten Island, the work and contributions of our Jewish brothers and sisters are felt across all five boroughs. With antisemitic crimes up across the nation, our newly-formed Jewish Advisory Council will ensure that Jewish New Yorkers in every community have a seat at the table and have access to the support and resources the city offers.”

 

“The establishment of the Jewish Advisory Council demonstrates the Adams administration’s commitment to fostering strong relationships with the Jewish community in New York City,” said New York City Community Affairs Unit Commissioner Fred Kreizman. “The Jewish community is valued and vital to the vibrancy of New York City’s culture. I look forward to working together with Jewish community leaders from all five boroughs to address issues and ensure access to city resources.”

 

“The Jewish community is extremely fortunate to have a mayor who has a deep understanding of the challenges facing the Jewish community,” said Senior Advisor to the Mayor Joel Eisdorfer. “While antisemitic hate crimes are rising around the world, Mayor Eric Adams proudly, vocally, and physically stands with the Jewish community at every opportunity. With the creation of this unprecedented council, the mayor is clearly showing that actions speak louder than words and that he leads from the front.”

 

“I’ve seen firsthand Mayor Adams’ commitment to the Jewish community,” said Deputy Chief of Staff Menashe Shapiro. “Regardless of your denomination, affiliation, or sect, New York’s Jewish community has a mayor who understands the unique cultural and ethnic sensibilities of the Jewish community and who is dedicated to ensuring their needs are met and everyone is safe and secure.”

The council includes Jewish leaders from all five boroughs and across sectors, including not-for-profit organizations, community-based organizations, and religious leaders. The following members were appointed to the Jewish Advisory Council today:

• Rabbi Rachel Ain
• Rabbi Joseph Beyda
• Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove
• Rabbi Joshua Davidson
• Abe Eisner
• Rabbi Danielle Ellman
• Rabbi Efraim Fink
• Shia Friedman
• Rabbi Diana Gerson
• David Greenfield
• Amy Guss
• Devorah Halberstam
• Rabbi Moshe Indig
• Yossi Itzkowitz
• Rabbi Yechiel Kalish
• Jack Kliger
• Rabbi Bini Kraus
• Rabbi Yossi Levine
• Ruth Lichtenstein
• Rabbi Mendy Mirocznik
• Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov
• Shimi Pelman
• Howard Pollack
• Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
• Hindy Poupko
• Alex Rapaport
• Rabbi Boruch Rothman
• Rabbi Joanna Sammuels
• Joe Shamie
• Rabbi Daniel Sherman
• Rabbi Chanina Sperlin
• Mina Sputz
• Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz
• Rabbi Yaakov Tesser
• Steve Weill
• Rabbi Itzak Yehoshua
• Rabbi Dovid Zirkind

“Today’s creation of the Jewish Advisory Council by Mayor Eric Adams is historic in several respects,” said David G. Greenfield, CEO, Met Council. “First, it brings together Jewish leaders of different backgrounds and denominations from across New York to work together. Second, it provides a regular forum for consultation with City Hall on issues that are critical to the broader Jewish community. Finally, it comes at a time that antisemitism is at a record high and proves the commitment that Mayor Adams has made to fight hatred and antisemitism. Mayor Eric Adams made history when he appointed the first Chasidic Jew, Joel Eisdorfer, to the role of senior advisor. Today’s announcement is equally important. We’re grateful for Mayor Adams’ leadership and look forward to working with Chair Joel Eisdorfer on this critical initiative.”

 

“I wish to commend Mayor Eric Adams for organizing the Jewish Advisory Council,” said Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, New York Board of Rabbis. “We can best confront the challenges today if we work collectively as one community. We believe that unity of spirit and diversity of thought are essential as we write a new chapter in our great city.”

 

“UJA Federation of New York is deeply grateful to Mayor Adams for his close attention to the needs and priorities of our diverse Jewish community,” said Hindy Poupko, senior vice president, UJA Federation of New York. “We are excited to work with this advisory council and the mayor’s team to help strengthen this great city.”

 

“Wolf Of Airbnb” Pleads Guilty In Connection With PPP And Real Estate Fraud Scheme

 

 Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that KONRAD BICHER pled guilty today to wire fraud in connection with his fraudulent operation of real estate companies, including by entering lease agreements for residential apartment units in Manhattan on false and fraudulent pretenses and by making false statements to obtain loans guaranteed by the United States government.  BICHER pled guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah L. Cave.

According to the allegations in the Complaint, Indictment, other court documents, and statements made in Court:

Beginning in at least February 2019, BICHER, and/or individuals working in concert with BICHER, began renting apartment units (the “Units”) in Manhattan.  The Units were leased pursuant to lease agreements which required that the lessee make monthly rental payments and also included clauses that prohibited the lessee from renting the Units to third parties on a short-term basis and/or included clauses that prohibited the lessee from subletting the Units to third parties without written consent of the owner.  Despite the requirement to make monthly rental payments, BICHER failed to make payments as required by the lease agreements.  For many of the Units, BICHER also refused to vacate the Units after the expiration of the lease agreements.  During the period of time that BICHER failed to make required rental payments, including the period of time after a lease agreement expired and the premises had not been vacated, BICHER derived income by renting the Units on a short-term basis, including by posting the Units for rent on various online marketplaces, such as Airbnb, Inc. (“Airbnb”). 

Between in or about July 2019 and in or about April 2022, BICHER and his associates failed to make more than $1,000,000 in payments pursuant to the Lease Agreements or, for the period of time after the expiration of the Lease Agreements, based on the estimated fair market value for the Units.  During this period, BICHER caused the Units to be listed for short-term rent on Airbnb and at least one other online marketplace for short-term rentals, resulting in at least $1,170,000 in rental income to BICHER and his associates.

Throughout the course of this scheme, the lessors of the Units made numerous efforts to recover rental payments from BICHER and/or to stop BICHER from continuing to rent the Units on a short-term basis, including by initiating civil litigation against BICHER.  BICHER relied on legal protections intended to benefit tenants, including tenant protections adopted in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic, in order to oppose the lawsuits.  Despite relying on tenant protections for New Yorkers in need, BICHER continued to generate revenue by renting certain Units on a short-term basis. 

In addition, between at least in or about April 2021 until in or about July 2021, BICHER obtained government-guaranteed loans through a loan program of the United States Small Business Administration designed to provide relief to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, namely the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  In furtherance of this scheme, BICHER submitted at least four applications for PPP loans on behalf of at least three entities and obtained over $565,000 in loan proceeds.  These PPP applications contained fraudulent documents and false information.  For example, in connection with the PPP applications, BICHER submitted tax documents which were purportedly filed with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  These documents were falsified in that the entities seeking PPP loans had not actually filed the purported tax returns with the IRS, and BICHER has not otherwise reported the purported income to the IRS.

During the course of the scheme, BICHER referred to himself as the “Wolf of Airbnb” and explained to media outlets that this nickname referred to the fact that he was “hungry and ruthless enough to get on top of the financial ladder” and had the “ferocity…of a wolf, because wolves are territorial, vicious, and show no mercy when provoked.”

BICHER, 31, of Hialeah, Florida, pled guilty to one count of wire fraud, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  BICHER also agreed to forfeit $1,740,407.12 and to make restitution to victims in the amount of $1,985,251.

The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge. 

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.