Thursday, April 4, 2024

Eight Bronx Men Charged For Participation In Beer Theft Enterprise

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York; James E. Dennehy, Special Agent in Charge of the Newark Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”); Edward T. Cetnar, Superintendent of Police and Director of Public Safety of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (“PANYNJ”); and Sean Douris, the Chief of Police, Public Safety, and Infrastructure Protection at CSX, announced today the unsealing of a seven-count Indictment charging JOSE CESARI, a/k/a “Cry,” MIGUEL CINTRON, LUIS IZQUIERDO, a/k/a “Luis Zapata,” WAKIEM JOHNSON, a/k/a “Waka,” KEMAR BONITTO, DEYLIN MARTINEZ-GUERRERO, ANTONIO GONZALEZ, and JUSTIN BRUNO with crimes arising from their participation in a multi-year scheme to steal beer — primarily Corona and Modelo shipped from Mexico — from railroad cars and beverage distribution facilities located throughout the Northeast, including in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York (the “Beer Theft Enterprise”).  Six defendants were arrested and went before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robyn F. TarnofskyCESARI remains at large, and BONITTO is in state custody in ConnecticutThe case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Edgardo Ramos. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “For years, the Beer Theft Enterprise has operated brazenly, allegedly breaking into railyards and beverage distribution facilities throughout the Northeast and filling U-Haul box trucks to the brim with cases of beerThat dangerous and disruptive conduct — sometimes allegedly accompanied by the threat of violence — has left several beverage distribution and railroad companies ailingToday’s arrests reinforce that the Beer Theft Enterprise’s staggering thefts will not be tolerated in the Southern District of New York.” 

FBI Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said: “Train heists harken back to the days of the Wild West and gunslingers riding horses, stealing loot from rail cars.  The romanticized image has nothing to do with the modern-day criminals we allege took part in a theft ring in New Jersey, New York, and beyond that targeted railyards and beverage distribution centers.  They used the cover of night to cut through fencing, off-load pallets of beer, and sold off the stolen goods, costing the victims’ companies hundreds of thousands of dollars.  The alleged ringleader Cesari often used a weapon during the robberies.  Our team of agents and investigators working on this case has done an outstanding job bringing these alleged thieves' crime spree to the end of the line.”

CSX Chief of Police, Public Safety, and Infrastructure Protection Sean Douris said: “CSX is committed to protecting the safety of its property and that of its customers.  We take criminal activity very seriously.  Railyards are privately owned property and unauthorized activity is considered criminal trespassing and violators will be prosecuted.  CSX appreciates the valuable partnerships we have with federal and local law enforcement agencies in New York, and across our network, who are crucial when it comes to investigating incidents and prosecuting individuals responsible for theft.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment:[1]     

Between in or about July 2022 and in or about March 2024, the Beer Theft Enterprise carried out dozens of beer thefts throughout the Northeast, which cumulatively resulted in losses to certain beverage distribution companies of at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In a typical theft, the Beer Theft Enterprise operated under cover of night.  At least some of the members of the Enterprise working that night assembled in the Bronx before travelling to that night’s target railyard or beverage distribution facility.  Typically, one or more members working that night drove a vehicle — often a U-Haul box truck — to the target location to be filled with cases of stolen beer.  After arriving at the railyard or beverage distribution facility, members of the Enterprise commonly gained unauthorized access by cutting a hole in the fencing surrounding the location.  When stealing from a railyard, members frequently cut the lock to railroad cars containing sealed pallets of cases of beer — usually Corona or Modelo — then unsealed the pallets and transported the cases of beer to their waiting vehicles.  Generally, they transported the stolen beer to the Bronx, where it was inspected and made available for sale.  The participating members of the Beer Theft Enterprise were usually paid hundreds of dollars for the night’s work after assisting in a beer theft.

As a leader of the Beer Theft Enterprise, CESARI was often present during these robberies.  Sometimes, during a particular beer theft, CESARI used a police scanner to monitor potential police activity.  In addition to participating in many of the Enterprise’s raids over the course of the conspiracy, CESARI sometimes sought to recruit new members to the conspiracy with promises of monetary gain.

CINTRON, IZQUIERDO, JOHNSON, BONITTO, MARTINEZ-GUERRERO, GONZALEZ, and BRUNO were members of the Beer Theft Enterprise.  These defendants participated in certain thefts perpetrated by the organization by, for example, renting or driving vehicles that were used in particular thefts, helping plan or execute particular thefts by communicating with CESARI, and otherwise assisting in particular thefts.

A chart containing the names, ages, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI, the PANYNJ, and the CSX Police Department.

This case is being handled by the Office’s General Crimes Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Rosenberg is 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.

Count  

Charge 

Defendants 

Min. and Max. Penalties 

1 

Conspiracy to steal from interstate or foreign shipments by carrier, and to break and enter carrier facilities with intent to commit larceny therein 

CESARI, 27; CINTRON, 32; 

IZQUIERDO, 40; JOHNSON, 31;  

BONITTO, 38; MARTINEZ-GUERRERO, 28; 

GONZALEZ, 33; and 

BRUNO, 23 

Maximum sentence of five years in prison 

2 

Theft from interstate or foreign shipments 

CESARI, CINTRON, 

IZQUIERDO, and 

JOHNSON 

Maximum sentence of 10 years in prison 

3 

Theft from interstate or foreign shipments 

CESARI, BONITTO, 

and GONZALEZ 

Maximum sentence of 10 years in prison 

4 

Theft from interstate or foreign shipments 

CESARI and 

BRUNO 

Maximum sentence of 10 years in prison 

5 

Conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery 

CESARI 

Maximum sentence of 20 years in prison 

6 

Hobbs Act robbery 

CESARI 

Maximum sentence of 20 years in prison 

7 

Using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to, or possessing a firearm in furtherance of, a crime of violence 


CESARI 

Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of seven years in prison 

Maximum sentence 

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.

Texas Man Sentenced for Hate Crimes Following Mass Shooting Targeting Muslims at Car Repair Shop

 

A Dallas man was sentenced to 37 years in prison, with credit for time served in state custody, following his guilty plea to hate crime charges arising out of a fatal shooting at a car repair shop.

On Sept. 14, 2023, Anthony Paz Torres, 39, pleaded guilty to five federal hate crime counts for killing one individual and attempting to kill four others during a mass shooting at Omar’s Wheels and Tires in Dallas on Dec. 24, 2015. Torres also pleaded guilty to one count of using a firearm to commit the murder.

“As this sentence makes clear, hate crimes fueled by Islamophobia, or by bias of any kind, will be met with the full force of the Justice Department,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “No person in this country should have to live in fear because of who they are, what they look like, or how they pray.”

“The defendant attempted to commit a mass shooting and intentionally targeted victims at a Muslim-owned business,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “This case is an abhorrent example of how deadly Islamophobia can be in our own country and the severe consequences that wait for anyone who commits acts of hateful violence. The FBI places civil rights investigations as one of our highest priorities because everyone deserves to practice their religion without fear.”

“No person in the United States should fear that they will be the target of violence because of their religion,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The sentence handed down today ensures that Torres will be held accountable for the hate-fueled, Islamophobic violence he inflicted on the victims in this case. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously investigate and prosecute such hate crimes.”

“North Texans come from a variety of religious traditions and backgrounds, and no one should have to live in fear because of the way they worship,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas. “This case demonstrates the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s dedication to protecting members of our north Texas community from acts of violence fueled by hatred toward any religious group. Let the message be clear: if you commit such acts, we will seek to prosecute you and send you to prison for as long as possible.”

According to court documents, Torres admitted that a few days prior to the shooting, he went to Omar’s Wheels and Tires, made anti-Muslim comments, and pledged that he would come back. When he returned to the business on Dec. 24, 2015, Torres asked customers if they were Muslim. After being escorted back to his vehicle by Omar’s Wheels and Tires employees, Torres discharged his firearm in the direction of multiple employees and customers. Torres admitted that he killed one person and attempted to kill four other people at Omar’s Wheels and Tires because he believed that they were Muslim. 

The FBI Dallas Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the Dallas Police Department and Dallas Criminal District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana for the Northern District of Texas and Rebekah J. Bailey, formerly a Trial Attorney with the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, prosecuted the case, with the help of Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Gilstrap for the Northern District of Texas.

For more information and resources about the Department’s work to combat hate crimes visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.

Governor Hochul Announces $4 Million to Enhance Services for Individuals With Complex Mental Health Care Needs Statewide

A person is comforted.

Will Enable Providers to Increase and Expand Outpatient Services; Better Engage New Yorkers Struggling with Mental Illness 


Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that nearly $4 million has been awarded to 77 community-based providers to establish, enhance, or expand access to specialized treatment for New Yorkers with complex mental health care needs. Administered by the New York State Office of Mental Health, the awards are part of the Governor’s $1 billion plan to strengthen the state’s mental health care system by adding capacity system-wide, expanding existing programs with a record of success, funding new evidence-based initiatives, and increasing direct engagement at every stage of service. The $4 million will allow healthcare providers on the front lines to increase outpatient engagement, provide effective group intervention, and fast-track access to vital behavioral health programs, including for groups not historically reached by traditional systems of care.

“New Yorkers struggling with mental illness should be able to access care when needed so they can live safely and successfully within their communities,” Governor Hochul said. “This funding will support providers as they enhance and deliver critical outpatient services including rehabilitative services, psychiatric assessment, and crisis intervention services.”

Programs receiving funding must provide complex care management and specific mental health outpatient treatments for individuals, groups, and families. These programs collectively serve more than 350,000 individuals annually, including many with a variety of high-risk or specialized mental health needs.

Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “This funding will provide innovative approaches to engage and involve individuals and families who have been underserved by our mental health system. These dollars support services that fast-track access to care and work to ensure quality coordinated services. By building these programs, Governor Hochul is helping to ensure everyone in our state has access to critical mental health supports when and where they need them.”

The 77 community-based providers are located throughout New York State. A list of recipients by OMH region is available here.

Providers awarded funding have experience as OMH-licensed mental health outpatient treatment rehabilitative service programs, serving individuals with significant mental health needs or experiencing a mental health crisis. Nearly all of the allocated $1 billion is now in procurement.

Governor Hochul’s proposed FY 2025 Executive Budget builds on this vision through establishing new inpatient capacity, strengthening youth mental health programs; and codifying regulations to safely discharge individuals from inpatient settings.


Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) - Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet Performance: "From Tradition to the Future"


BRONX RIVER ART CENTER 

Celebrating 37 Years of Bringing Arts & Cultural Programs to the Bronx


Five Boroughs Music Festival and Bronx River Art Center co-present


Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet:

"From Tradition to the Future" 


Saturday, April 27th at 4:30PM


BRAC is proud to partner with Five Boroughs Music Festival to present Latin GRAMMY Award winner Pedro Giraudo and his Tango quartet. Pedro Giraudo is internationally acclaimed for his compelling, emotional music that not only celebrates the works of the great Astor Piazzolla, but is an active ambassador of the continuing evolution of tango into new territories. With immense respect for its roots and rich musical past, his virtuoso tango has thrilled audiences at both classical and jazz venues, and at festivals nationwide.


The Pedro Giraudo Tango Quartet includes Pedro Giraudo on compositions and bass, Nicolás Danielson on violin, Rodolfo Zanetti plays bandoneón and Ahmed Alom on piano.


The performance at BRAC will include selections from great tango masters from the 1930s to the present: e.g., Alfredo Gobbi, Francisco Canaro, Osvaldo Pugliese; the revolutionary Astor Piazzolla and— evolving even further—Pedro Giraudo. In this program, the ensemble offers the audience insight into how tango evolved from marginal venues to cafes and dance halls, and finally to prominent concert halls. The musical journey will be accompanied by short anecdotes about the main figures in the history of tango, as well as some explanation of the principal rhythms of the genre (milonga, waltz, and tango).


The combination of Pedro's own innovative compositions and arrangements, as well as his interpretations of the great tango masters from Pugliese to Piazzolla, and the impeccable musicianship of the members of his quartet, make for an exceptional, enriching experience.


Tickets:

$10.00 for adults, $8.00 for seniors, $5.00 for Students with ID, and pay what you can for currently enrolled BRAC students

SNAP Discounts will be available.


Pedro Giraudo: Bio

As a composer and arranger, Latin GRAMMY Award winner Pedro Giraudo leads his own jazz and tango ensembles and has been hailed by critics as one of the most creative and daring bandleaders on the scene today. His compositions combine his love of classical forms, Argentine tango and folk music, and the spontaneity of jazz improvisation. The band, which boasts some of New York’s finest musicians, has performed regularly in the most prestigious jazz clubs in the New York City area, including the Jazz Standard, BirdlandThe Jazz GalleryBlue NoteJoe’s Pub, as well as abroad. John Murph of Downbeat described Giraudo’s music as “an opulent listening experience of modern, orchestral jazz, brimming with passionate improvisations, deliberate contrapuntal melodies and plush harmonies. Pedro Giraudo has also conducted the world renown WDR Big Band and Cologne Contemporary Jazz Orchestra.

It was his album Vigor Tanguero that won a Latin GRAMMY award in 2018 for “Best Tango Album.” In 2014 Ruben Blades’ CD “Tangos” on which Pedro recorded bass won two Grammy Awards. Pedro has collaborated with Pablo ZieglerPaquito D’Rivera, and Dizzy Gillespie’s protégé William Cepeda, as well as ‘Tango meets Jazz’ guests: Branford MarsalisKenny GarrettRegina CarterNestor TorresMiguel Zenon among many others. He has also collaborated as a performer and arranger for The New York Philharmonic and has played the bass for the New York City Ballet Orchestra. He has also been the musical director of Tango for All’s ‘Blind’, Mariela Franganillo Company’s “Tango Connection” and “Tango Recuerdo” and performed with U.S.’s most prominent tango ensembles including ‘Forever Tango’, Hector Del Curto’s ‘Eternal Tango’ and Daniel Binelli’s ‘Tango Metropolis’. He has participated in numerous jazz and music festivals throughout the North America, Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, and performed in venues such as The Blue Note (Japan & USA), Birdland (Austria), London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall, Jazz Festival Royale in Thailand, Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Iridium, Jazz Standard, Blue Note, Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall (NYC).

 YouTube links that support the theme of the program (tradition to the future):

"Canaro en Paris" (Caldarella & Scarpino)

Prepárense (Astor Piazzolla)

Ávido (Pedro Giraudo)

And Pedro's YouTube channel if you'd like to see more!


This program is made possible with support from the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, including Council Members Eric Dinowitz, Althea Stevens, Kristy Marmorato and the Bronx Delegation. Additional support is from Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson, the NYS Council on the Arts with support from Governor Kathy Hochul and the NYS Legislature. Foundation support is from Con Edison: The Power of Giving, The New Yankee Stadium Community Benefits Fund, The Lincoln Fund and private donors.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Community Resources & Updates

 

Dear Neighbor,


Thank you for joining us for another week in review.


We are excited for the return of Bronx Week! Thank you to everyone who submitted a healthcare nomination for this year`s People`s Choice Award. We will make the formal announcement of our 2024 inductees to the Bronx Walk of Fame on May 6th. Bronx Week celebrates the people and places that help to make our borough a great place to live, work, and visit and we are excited to have all of you join us this year.


As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 718-590-3500 or email us at webmail@bronxbp.nyc.gov.

 

In partnership,

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson



IN THE COMMUNITY
We just made history in the Bronx with the first-ever raising of the transgender flag at Bronx Borough Hall! Even as we are seeing an attack on our TGNC brothers, sisters, and siblings across the country, in the Bronx, we stand against all forms of hate and fully embrace all members of our community. Thank you to the members of our LGBTQIA+ Task Force and everyone else who joined us today in solidarity with our TGNC residents in commemoration of Transgender Day of Visibility.

Easter was in full bloom this weekend in the Bronx. It was an honor to join Assembly Member Karines Reyes, NLPOA BX Chapter, the 40th Precinct Council and the Bronx Community Partnership Council, Inc. for their annual Easter Extravaganzas. Thank you to all the families who came out to celebrate with us.

In partnership with My Brother’s Keeper and our anti-gun violence partners, we held a Stomp the Violence event to provide resources and education to better prepare our young Kings for the future.


I want to give special recognition to Jamir Boria for receiving the MBK Leadership Award and his NUMEROUS acceptance letters from various colleges and universities across New York State.


These are the stories we need to amplify of our scholars exemplifying excellence in their communities.


Congratulations to Jamir and all of our MBK fellows!


Our educators provide an invaluable service to our families, communities, and society but we must equip them with the tools to be successful.


I joined with Superintendents Jaqueline Rosado, District 12, and Maribel Hulla, District 10 and the Office of Teacher Recruitment and Quality (NYCPS) for their Teacher Recruitment Fair at Fordham University to encourage the next generation of teachers in our borough to be the change makers our scholars need to be the future leaders of our city.


UPCOMING EVENTS





RESOURCES



Painters Recruit Apprentices

 

Logo

Finishing Trades Institute of New York will conduct a recruitment from May 3, 2024 through May 16, 2024 for 75 Painter, Decorator, and Paperhanger apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today.

Applications can be obtained, in person only, from Finishing Trades Institute of New York, 45-15 36th Street, Long Island City, NY 11101, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, with the exception of extended period ending on Wednesdays (May 8th and May 15th) until 5:00 PM, during the recruitment period. This is a limited-application recruitment. Only 750 applications will be distributed, on a first-come, first-serve basis. The recruitment will be offered for 10 business days or until 750 applications have been issued, whichever comes first.

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 GED or TASC). Proof of high school diploma or equivalent will be required at the time of enrollment in apprenticeship.
  • Must be physically able to perform the work of a painter, decorator, paperhanger as determined by site evaluations and personal statement (more information will be provided during a mandatory orientation).
  • Must take a drug test prior to enrollment in apprenticeship, at the expense of sponsor.
  • Must be able to read, hear, understand instructions and warnings in English.
  • Must sign an affidavit attesting to:
    • Lifting and carrying material and equipment up to 70 pounds.
    • Working from ladders, scaffolds, lifts and suspended scaffolds.

For further information, applicants should contact Finishing Trades Institute of New York at (718) 937-7440. 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.