Armed Security Guard At Manhattan Federal Building Sentenced To Five Years In Prison In Connection With Sexual Assault Of Asylum Seeker

 

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that JIMMY SOLANO-ARIAS, a former armed security guard at the Jacob K. Javits Federal Office Building located at 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, was sentenced to five years in prison by Judge Paul G. Gardephe in connection with SOLANO-ARIAS’s sexual assault of an asylum seeker (the “Victim”) on May 4, 2023.  On April 10, 2024, SOLANO-ARIAS pled guilty to lying to federal law enforcement agents following his sexual abuse of the Victim.  The sentencing followed SOLANO-ARIAS’s guilty plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sarah Netburn. 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Jimmy Solano-Arias used his position as an armed security officer at a federal building to sexually assault a vulnerable asylum seeker.  In so doing, Solano-Arias abused a person he was charged with protecting, and then lied to cover up his crime.  This sentencing demonstrates that those who exploit their position of public trust will be held accountable for their conduct.” 

According to the Indictment, Superseding Information, other public court documents, and statements made during court proceedings:

On May 4, 2023, SOLANO-ARIAS was employed as a security guard by a company that contracts with the Federal Protective Service of the Department of Homeland Security to provide armed security services at 26 Federal Plaza, New York, New York.  On that date, SOLANO-ARIAS was on duty, wore a black and gray security guard uniform, and carried his employer-issued firearm.

Early in the morning on May 4, 2023, the Victim went to 26 Federal Plaza for the purpose of submitting an asylum application.  Once there, SOLANO-ARIAS offered to assist the Victim with his asylum paperwork.  Instead of providing assistance, however, SOLANO-ARIAS led the Victim through non-public areas of 26 Federal Plaza, eventually secluding the Victim in a locked office on the second floor.  Inside the locked office, SOLANO-ARIAS demanded that the Victim perform oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS.  When the Victim attempted to resist SOLANO-ARIAS’s demands, SOLANO-ARIAS reached to the company-issued firearm on his person.  Fearing that SOLANO-ARIAS would harm the Victim, the Victim performed oral sex on SOLANO-ARIAS, which caused physical pain and injury to the Victim.  Following the assault, when the Victim was able to leave the office, the Victim immediately reported the sexual assault to law enforcement.

The following morning, when SOLANO-ARIAS arrived at 26 Federal Plaza for his shift, law enforcement agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) approached SOLANO-ARIAS and asked to speak with him.  SOLANO-ARIAS agreed to speak with the federal agents.  During the interview that followed, SOLANO-ARIAS lied to the federal agents about his sexual abuse of the Victim, initially disclaiming entirely that he had engaged in a sexual act with the Victim and then falsely claiming that the sexual act was consensual when it was not.  SOLANO-ARIAS was arrested after the interview. 

In addition to the prison term, SOLANO-ARIAS, 45, of the Bronx, New York, was sentenced to three years of supervised release. 

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

Attorney General James Announces Sentencing of Disbarred Attorney for Role in Queens Deed Theft Ring

 

Anyekache Hercules Sentenced to One and a Half to Three Years in Prison for Helping Steal Three Homes and Illegally Profiting Over $1 Million

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that disbarred attorney Anyekache Hercules has been sentenced to one and a half to three years in prison for her role in a deed theft crew that stole homes in Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens owned by elderly or disabled New Yorkers or their estates. Hercules assisted the leader of the crew, Marcus Wilcher, and his other associates in stealing and selling three homes, which yielded over $1 million in illegal profits. Hercules pleaded guilty in May 2024 to Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree and was sentenced yesterday in Queens County Court. 

“Deed theft schemes target vulnerable communities and steal families’ most valuable assets,” said Attorney General James. “Anyekache Hercules used her knowledge of the law to scam and steal from those in her community, rather than protect them. She and her associates took advantage of elderly and vulnerable homeowners with their crimes, but today, we are making them pay for the harm they caused. We will continue to go after anyone who commits these horrible and heartless crimes.”

Hercules and Wilcher’s crew, which included former mortgage broker Stacie Saunders, and fellow co-conspirators Jerry Currin and Dean Lloyd, targeted homes owned by elderly or otherwise vulnerable owners or estates that were in distressed condition. Wilcher located homes in Jamaica and St. Albans, Queens in poor or run-down condition with absentee owners. Hercules created forged legal documents used to steal and sell the properties. As she was disbarred and could not practice law in New York, she fraudulently stole the identity of a practicing attorney to use on legal documents. Saunders would market the homes to investors at prices significantly below market rate for quick sales. Wilcher and Saunders then found people to impersonate the owners of the properties at contract signings and closings.

After the sales were finalized, the defendants opened bank accounts in the names of the homes’ real owners using forged drivers’ licenses and social security cards. Wilcher, Hercules, and their co-conspirators used these bank accounts and other entities and LLCs they controlled to funnel more than $1 million in proceeds to themselves.

In December 2022, Attorney General James announced the arrests and indictments of Wilcher, Saunders, Hercules, Currin, and Lloyd. Hercules, who was previously convicted of deed theft in Kings County in 2019, pleaded guilty to Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree on May 16, 2024. She was sentenced yesterday to one and a half to three years in prison. Wilcher was convicted of Grand Larceny in the Second Degree and sentenced to three to nine years in prison for the thefts of five homes in July 2024. Jerry Currin and Dean Lloyd pleaded guilty to felony counts of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree. Stacie Saunders is awaiting trial and is considered innocent until proven guilty.

This is the latest in Attorney General James’ efforts to protect New York homeowners from deed theft and other housing-related scams. In July 2024, Attorney General James announced the conviction and sentencing of Marcus Wilcher. In July 2023, Attorney General James announced the indictment and arraignment of Joseph Makhani of Long Island for deed theft. In April 2023, Attorney General James announced two pieces of legislation to strengthen protections and remedies for victims of deed theft, which have both been signed into law. In February 2021, Attorney General James announced an $800,000 grant to combat deed theft in vulnerable neighborhoods. Attorney General James also launched the Protect Our Homes initiative in January 2020 and announced the formation of an interagency law enforcement task force to respond to deed theft and other real estate fraud. 

Governor Hochul Announces $21 Million is Now Available to Install Electric Vehicle Fast Chargers Along Major Travel Corridors Across New York State

New Competitive Program Supports the Expansion of Infrastructure to Improve Consumer Access to Electric Vehicle Charging

Initial Round of Funding Focuses on Upstate Charging Along Key Travel Corridors 

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $21 million is now available to install electric vehicle fast chargers along major travel corridors across New York State. Funded by a federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) grant, the State’s new competitive Upstate NEVI Direct Current Fast Charger (DCFC) program supports the expansion of DCFC infrastructure to improve consumer access to a network of reliable electric vehicle charging. The initial round of funding focuses on locations along and north of Interstate 84, including areas of the State north to the Canadian border and west to Buffalo.

“As we make the transition away from gas-powered vehicles, New York is accelerating the number of electric vehicle fast chargers available to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality in our communities,” Governor Hochul said. “With the strong support of the Biden-Harris Administration, this federal funding supplements our ongoing investments in clean transportation advancements and ensures drivers throughout the state have access to a quick charge when they need it.”

The competitive Upstate NEVI DCFC Program, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) in partnership with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), provides funding to qualified electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure developers to install and operate DCFC stations at one or more sites along Federal Highway Administration-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs). Proposed sites must meet all federal requirements, including being located within one travel mile of an exit, being publicly accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and having the ability to charge at least four electric vehicles simultaneously. Sites are also required to have no less than 150 kilowatts and must meet federal uptime requirements for the percentage of time the charging station is functional. Proposals that close gaps between existing and planned charging stations, offer amenities such as restrooms and food, or have stations that provide multiple types of charging connectors (CCS and NACS) will be prioritized.

Designated AFCs eligible under the first round of the program include:

• Interstate 81
• Interstate 84
• Interstate 86
• Interstate 87 north of I-84
• Interstate 88
• Interstate 90
• Interstate 190
• Interstate 390
• Interstate 490
• New York 13 between I-86 and I-81
• New York 17 north of I-84

Proposals are due on December 4, 2024 by 3:00 p.m. ET. A complete list of all eligibility rules and evaluation criteria can be found at the solicitation summary on NYSERDA’s website.

NYSERDA will host a webinar on September 19 from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. and another webinar on October 21 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. to provide more details on the solicitation, project requirements and the application process.

New York State was allocated $175 million under the federal NEVI program and was one of the first states to open a DCFC site with NEVI funding in December 2023. This was quickly followed by two additional locations opening in the first quarter of 2024 and six more DCFC NEVI-funded sites are expected to come online in New York by the end of next year. New York's NEVI Plan describes how the State will invest its funding and was developed by NYSDOT in collaboration with NYSERDA; the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC); the New York Power Authority (NYPA); the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS); the New York State Thruway Authority (NYSTA); and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA).

Additionally, Governor Hochul in March announced more than 100 new electric vehicle fast chargers will be built in New York City. Electric vehicle purchases in New York have risen 660 percent in the last five years, and there are currently more than 15,000 chargers (a combination of DCFC and Level 2 chargers) at more than 4,000 locations across the state. Federal funding received in January 2024 has further facilitated this growth with New York State receiving a $15 million Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Program Grant for small- to medium-sized cities, state parks and other tourist destinations, such as hotels to build out the number of EV chargers. Separate federal awards under this program were made to the New York City Department of Transportation and Oneida County. Also, New York State was also awarded $13 million to repair or replace outdated, broken or non-operational electric vehicle charging ports through the Charger Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program.

Department of City Planning Names New Leadership Team for Queens Office

 

New Director and Deputy Director Will Further Strengthen a Queens Office Working on Ambitious Initiatives, Including Neighborhood Plans for Long Island City and Jamaica

Department of City Planning (DCP) Director Dan Garodnick announced the appointment of Lin Zeng and Kathi Ko to respectively serve as Director and Deputy Director of the agency’s Queens Office. Their appointments further strengthen a team that is already advancing an ambitious work program including neighborhood plans for Long Island City and Jamaica that would deliver thousands of new homes and jobs, an annual pipeline of over 150 land use applications, and community and stakeholder engagement for major citywide initiatives like City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.

“Lin Zeng and Kathi Ko have the right mix of initiative, innovation, passion, and planning knowhow to lead the Queens Office during an exceptionally busy time in the office and across the agency,” said Department of City Planning Director Dan Garodnick. “With years of experience at city government and a steadfast commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers, I am confident that they will drive forward our work to address the borough’s challenges and expand housing and economic opportunity for its residents.”

"I am honored to lead DCP’s Queens Office during such a pivotal time for the borough,” said DCP Queens Office Director Lin Zeng. “Queens is a remarkably dynamic and diverse community, and I am committed to working closely with residents, community partners, stakeholders, and my talented team to help plan a brighter future for all who call Queens home.”

“Having spent the past decade working with Queens communities on planning projects, I am thrilled to step into the role of Deputy Director at DCP’s Queens Office,” said DCP Queens Office Deputy Director Kathi Ko. “I am deeply committed to advancing initiatives that address our housing and economic needs and help build vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. I look forward to collaborating with Lin Zeng and our dedicated team to address the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead for Queens.”

Lin Zeng began her planning career with the City of New York in 2010 at the Office of the Manhattan Borough President and later held managerial roles at the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), where she led the Brooklyn Planning Office from 2015 to 2021, overseeing affordable housing developments across the borough. Since joining the School Construction Authority (SCA) in 2022, she has significantly enhanced interagency coordination, including with DCP on Queens neighborhood plans. Leading a team of 20 planners as Director of DCP’s Queens Office, Zeng will oversee neighborhood planning projects and land use applications for the borough’s 2.6 million residents.

Kathi Ko joined the Queens Office of the Department of City Planning in 2014 after a career in the non-profit sector focused on transportation equity policy and community organizing. Over the course of her decade at DCP, Ko has played several key roles, including Borough Planner, Borough Certification Manager, and Team Leader. A Manhattan native raised in Queens, Ko brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for her home borough into her daily work, blending technical expertise with a strong commitment to community engagement and equity.

Department of City Planning

The Department of City Planning (DCP) plans for the strategic growth and development of the City through ground-up planning with communities, the development of land use policies and zoning regulations applicable citywide, and its contribution to the preparation of the City’s 10-year Capital Strategy. DCP promotes housing production and affordability, fosters economic development and coordinated investments in infrastructure and services, and supports resilient, sustainable communities across the five boroughs for a more equitable New York City.

In addition, DCP supports the City Planning Commission in its annual review of approximately 450 land use applications for a variety of discretionary approvals. The Department also assists both government agencies and the public by advising on strategic and capital planning and providing policy analysis, technical assistance and data relating to housing, transportation, community facilities, demography, zoning, urban design, waterfront areas and public open space.

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA INTRODUCES BILL TO ELIMINATE OUT OF POCKET COSTS FOR INHALERS

"Our state must use every tool we have to address the serious asthma crisis that disproportionately affects children in the Bronx and other parts of New York impacted by environmental and economic injustice. I'm proud to introduce legislation with Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas that recognizes how imperative it is to remove the financial barriers to life-saving inhalers," said State Senator Gustavo Rivera. "No parent should have to spend hundreds of dollars for an inhaler that can save their child's life."

This week, Senator Gustavo Rivera and Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas introduced legislation (S9906/A10692) which would eliminate deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, or any other cost-sharing requirements for asthma inhalers.

In January 2023, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) released the Asthma Burden in NYC Report that showed the Bronx had a substantially higher asthma mortality rate than other NYC boroughs as well as the highest pediatric emergency department visit rates among NYC. Additionally, almost every census tract represented by Senator Rivera has been designated a disadvantaged community by the Climate Justice Working Group. Senator Rivera believes that there should be no financial barrier for life-saving treatments like inhalers.

Read more in Politics NY and the Bronx Times.

Senator Rivera joined Council Member Pierina Sanchez, and 52nd Precinct Council President Brenda Caldwell Paris for a visit to On Point NYC's Overdose Prevention Center (OPC) in Harlem. Executive Director Sam Rivera provided Senator Rivera, Council Member Sanchez and Ms. Caldwell Paris with a tour of the life-saving services they provide that is vital in combatting the overdose crisis. On Point reports that since they opened November of 2021, they have saved over 1500 people from overdose and collected over 2.5 million units of hazardous waste.

Senator Rivera joined neighbors for the 27th Annual Ferragosto festival in Little Italy, including State Senator Nathalia Fernandez (pictured above). According to the Bronx Times, Ferragosto, an ancient Italian celebration that literally translates to “the festival of Augustus,” gets its name from the Roman Emperor who ruled from 27 B.C. until his death in 14 A.D and who also named the festival after himself.

The Ferrogosto Festival always falls on the Sunday after Labor Day, and takes place in Bronx's Little Italy, which Senator Rivera proudly represents. Ferragosto is a day filled with Italian culture, food, live entertainment, and games. Thank you to the Belmont Business Improvement District (BID) for putting together a great festival!

SENATOR RIVERA VISITS PELHAM PARKWAY NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Senator Rivera attended Pelham Parkway Neighborhood Association's September meeting. Senator Rivera discussed his priorities for the upcoming legislative session and flood prevention and home protection with the NYC DEP's Bronx Borough Commissioner Effie Ardizzone. Thank you to Stephen Glosser, president of the PPNA, for inviting the Senator.

                                                                                                                                     Senator Rivera attended MetroPlusHealth's Annual Back to School Bash at their community office. The Senator distributed backpacks and supplies to families from local schools and shelters in preparation for the upcoming school year. Thank you to Community Relations Specialist AJ Yusuf and the entire MetroPlusHealth team for putting together a great event!                                                                  

Senator Rivera shares the community's concerns about public drug use and syringe litter near the Kingsbridge Underpass, Poe Park, and nearby hot spots. There are local harm reduction providers who clean up the needles safely and who connect with users to help them with recovery, medical care, and basic needs.

Our team created this schedule and contact informational sheet in collaboration with the harm reduction organizations serving the Northwest Bronx so that neighbors can contact them to assist with issues near Kingsbridge Road and the Grand Concourse. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 718-933-2034 or grivera@nysenate.gov. 

                                         

                                                                                                              

DEC ANNOUNCES START OF SMALL GAME HUNTING SEASONS

 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the opening of small game hunting seasons across New York State. Depending on species and location, New York offers small game hunting opportunities from Sept. 1 through March 30.

“New York offers abundant opportunities for hunters seeking small game, from a variety of game birds to a diverse cross section of furbearing mammals,” Interim Commissioner Mahar said. "New for this year, DEC has expanded pheasant stocking programs in an effort to bolster small game hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation and to provide greater opportunity for current pheasant hunters.”

Season dates, bag limits, and other hunting regulations for New York's small game species are available in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, which can be obtained from any license-issuing agent or on DEC's website.

Squirrel, Rabbit, and Hare Hunting

Opportunities to pursue squirrels and rabbits can be found throughout the state, including on many public lands. Squirrel seasons started Sept. 1 in upstate New York and begins Nov. 1 on Long Island. Rabbit hunting begins Oct. 1 in Upstate New York and on Nov. 1 on Long Island. With ample opportunities and mild weather, squirrel and rabbit hunting are great ways to introduce novices to hunting.

Snowshoe hare (or varying hare) season starts Oct. 1 in the Northern Zone. Hare hunters in the Southern Zone, where the season starts in late fall or early winter, are encouraged to report their observations to DEC through DEC’s website.

Youth Waterfowl and September Canada Goose Seasons

Waterfowl seasons in New York begin with a September Canada goose season designed to help manage resident or less migratory local Canada goose populations. The season in upstate New York and eastern Long Island is open from Sept. 1 through 25. The season closes when migratory Canada geese return to New York at the end of the month.

In addition to September Canada goose seasons, New York also offers youth waterfowl hunting days and Military waterfowl hunting days. Military season dates vary by zone, but the youth waterfowl dates in all upstate zones are the weekend of Saturday, Sept. 28 and 29. On Long Island, the youth dates are Nov. 9 and 10.

Pheasant Season and Pheasant Program Update

DEC has made significant efforts to modify the pheasant propagation program to more effectively recruitment new hunters and to retain or reactivate existing hunters. Changes include:

• DEC’s Reynolds Game Farm hatched roughly 13,000 pheasants for cooperators across the state to raise to adulthood and release on public hunting areas;
• Improved hunting experiences by increasing the number of stocking locations, targeting areas closer to populated areas, increasing the number of days pheasants are stocked and the number of birds released per day, and releasing birds into December in some upstate regions (avoiding southern zone firearms deer season);
• DEC reserved up to 6,000 birds for the Sponsored Hunt Program. Sponsored hunts are free, non-competitive events coordinated by a group, club, individual, or organization to benefit youth, women, first-time hunters, veterans, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. Sponsored hunts can occur any time during the hunting season, not just during special seasons. DEC is still accepting applications from people interested in hosting an event; and
• DEC developed a new HuntFishNY registration page for mentored hunting and fishing opportunities. Hunters interested in attending a mentored hunt can find opportunities in their area and register directly through the website for sponsored hunts. 

An interactive map of statewide pheasant release sites, approximate timing of stocking, and number of birds stocked can be found on DEC's website. If hunters prefer to search based on the property name, region, county, or township, they can use the table view. Please note that stocking in some regions extends later into the hunting season. Late season stockings are snow depth-dependent and stocking locations and the number of birds released are subject to change.

Ruffed Grouse Hunting

Ruffed grouse hunting season runs from Oct. 1 through the last day of February in most parts of the state. In Northern New York, the season opens Sept. 20 and runs through the last day of February. In New York City and on Long Island, the season is closed.

Ruffed grouse hunters in the Northern Zone are reminded to positively identify quarry before shooting. The Northern Zone, specifically Wildlife Management Units 5C, 5F, 6F, and 6J, is also home to the spruce grouse, a State-endangered species that is illegal to hunt. Loss of a single spruce grouse, particularly a female, could be a significant setback for a small local population. For tips on how to discern the two species, view the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or the Ruffed Grouse Hunting Information page on DEC's website.

DEC encourages ruffed grouse hunters to take part in the grouse hunting log program and submit feathers from harvested birds to assess recruitment (number of young produced per adult female grouse) for different parts of the state. Interested hunters should visit the DEC website to learn more.

Furbearer Hunting Seasons

With 16 species of furbearers in New York, furbearer hunting and trapping opportunities are abundant. Coyote hunting season begins Oct. 1 across much of the state and hunting seasons for other furbearers such as bobcat, raccoon, and fox begin Oct. 25.

As a reminder, hunters that harvest a bobcat in New York must complete a furbearer possession tag and get the pelt or unskinned animal sealed. DEC is also interested in examining coyotes that exceed 50 pounds as part of an effort to better understand the genetic makeup of these uncommon specimens. Hunters can contact a regional wildlife office or DEC law enforcement (1-844-332-3267) to arrange for DEC to collect a biological sample.

Season dates and zone boundaries for all furbearers can be found on DEC's website and in the Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide.

DEC Encourages Hunter Safety

While statistics show hunting in New York is safer than ever, mistakes are made every year. Every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable, and DEC Interim Commissioner Mahar encourages hunters to use common sense this season and remember what they learned in DEC’s Hunter Education Course:

• Point your gun in a safe direction.
• Treat every gun as if it were loaded.
• Be sure of your target and beyond.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

In addition to blaze orange or pink being required for hunting big game with firearms, DEC encourages small game hunters to wear blaze orange or blaze pink. Wearing orange or pink makes hunters more visible to other hunters.

For more information and other important safety tips, please visit DEC's website and watch videos about hunter safety. For more information about getting outdoors safely and responsibly, visit DEC's Website.