Justice Department to Monitor Compliance with Federal Voting Rights Laws in Alaska

 

The Justice Department announced today that it will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in the State of Alaska, for the Oct. 1 Regional Education Attendance Area (REAA) elections. The department will monitor in the Bethel Dillingham and Kusilvak Census Areas, as well as the Northwest Arctic and North Slope Boroughs.

The Justice Department will assign federal observers to monitor the election in the Dillingham and Kusilvak Census Areas to observe compliance with the Voting Rights Act. A federal court previously issued an order to resolve claims under Section 203 of the Voting Rights Act regarding the rights of Yup’ik-speaking voters. The order authorizes federal observers to monitor election day activities in these two census areas. The department is also sending its staff to monitor compliance in the Bethel Census Area, Northwest Arctic Borough and North Slope Borough, Alaska.

The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities across the country. In addition, the department also deploys federal observers from the Office of Personnel Management, when authorized by federal court order.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section, working with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Civil Rights Acts and the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act.

More information about voting and elections is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Information on the language requirements of Section 203 of the Voting Rights and about voting rights generally is available in Yup’ik on the department’s website. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931.

Attorney General James Secures Over $4.6 Million for Small Businesses from Northern Leasing Affiliates

AG James Successfully Sued Northern Leasing foPredatory and Deceptive Practices Under New York Anti-Fraud Law 63(12)

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has secured over $4.6 million in restitution for small businesses affected by predatory and illegal schemes conducted by spinoff companies of Northern Leasing: NLS Equipment Finance LLC (NLS EF) and Leasing Expenses Company, LLC (LEC). Northern Leasing and its affiliates rented credit card processing equipment to small businesses. The restitution is the result of lawsuits brought by OAG under a key New York anti-fraud law, Executive Law 63(12), against NLS EF, LEC, and the individuals behind them for deceptively and illegally trapping small businesses in overpriced leases for this equipment. 

“Small businesses are at the heart of communities across our state, and when they are taken advantage of, we all suffer as a result,” said Attorney General James. “Northern Leasing and the individuals who ran it spent years preying on small businesses with their fraud. They tried to continue these schemes using different names, but we put a stop to that, and now those companies will have to pay back millions of dollars to the small businesses they took advantage of. I will continue to go after anyone who tries to profit off small business owners with predatory and fraudulent schemes.” 

In June 2020, Attorney General James won her lawsuit against Northern Leasing, several of its affiliated companies, and those involved in its operations. The court found that Northern Leasing committed “persistent fraud” when it targeted small family-owned businesses, such as flower shops, hair salons, automotive repair shops, and restaurants, and trapped them in overpriced, uncancellable lease agreements for credit card processing equipment. The court also found that Northern Leasing abused the judicial process by suing to collect on these leases in New York, when the vast majority of its customers were located out-of-state. As a result, Northern Leasing and its affiliates were ordered to cancel their contracts, stop leasing credit card processing equipment, and stop collecting debts under their leases. Northern Leasing was also ordered to cease operations and dissolve. 

In November 2020, OAG brought another, separate lawsuit after discovering that Northern Leasing’s owners and officers had created two new entities – NLS EF and LEC – to continue defrauding small businesses using the same scheme barred by the court. In February 2021, Attorney General James secured a judgment against NLS EF and LEC ordering them to stop engaging in the same fraudulent practices as Northern Leasing and stop enforcing the equipment leases that were canceled by the June 2020 decision. 

As a result of these decisions, Attorney General James has secured over $4.6 million in restitution for impacted small businesses. On September 25, 2024 the New York County Supreme Court entered a judgment against NLS EF and LEC for $2,671,562.21 to be paid as restitution to the small businesses harmed by their fraud. This is in addition to $2,014,979.95 OAG has already collected in restitution from the same companies.   

Attorney General James has been a state and national leader in helping protect small businesses against fraud. In March 2024, Attorney General James sued over 30 lenders for targeting small businesses with illegal, fraudulent loans. In February 2024, Attorney General James secured a historic court judgment of more than $77 million against Richmond Capital Group, Ram Capital Funding, and Viceroy Capital Funding (the Richmond companies) and their principals who were harming small businesses through high-interest loans and undisclosed fees following a September 2023 court judgment against three merchant cash advance companies. In April 2023, Attorney General James shut down two websites that impersonated the New York State Department of State and significantly overcharged aspiring small business owners and users for services provided for free from state government. Also in April 2023, Attorney General James released a guide to help businesses adopt effective data security measures to better protect New Yorkers’ personal information.

Governor Hochul Sends National Guard Soldiers, Helicopters and Generators to Assist with Hurricane Helene Recovery

New York Army National Guard Deploying 17 Soldiers and Three CH-47F Chinook Heavy Lift Helicopters to South Carolina to support North Carolina National Guard

Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority Working Together to Provide Generators to Georgia

Equipment Follows Deployment of Swift Water Rescue Team on Wednesday

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 17 soldiers from the Army National Guard, three heavy lift helicopters and four 100 KW generators have been sent to support recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. The storm caused widespread damage and left millions without power in many parts of the south including Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. The 17 soldiers and three CH-47F Chinook heavy lift helicopters will provide general airlift assistance moving people and cargo to support the North Carolina National Guard. The generators, which are part of the NYS stockpiles, are being transported to Macon, Georgia on trucks supplied by the Department of Transportation and Thruway Authority and are expected to arrive in Georgia on Monday.

"New York stands shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors in the south as we respond to the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene,” Governor Hochul said. “I am proud of our dedicated soldiers that will supply vital resources, including helicopters and generators, to aid in recovery efforts. In times of crisis, we come together as one community, embodying the spirit of solidarity and resilience. We are here to support all those affected, ensuring that no one faces this challenge alone."

The soldiers and aircraft are based at Army Aviation Support Facility #2 in Rochester. The helicopters are assigned to Detachment 1, B Company of the 3rd Battalion 126th General Support Aviation Battalion. They are expected to be on the ground for seven to ten days.

In October 2018, the same unit deployed two CH-47s and 11 personnel to Florida following Hurricane Michael.

The equipment was deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC's Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

On Wednesday, the Governor deployed of a team of 16 swift water rescue personnel, two canines and emergency response equipment to North Carolina. That team is currently assigned to assist the Yancy County Emergency Management Office.

News, updates and more from NYC Council Member Rafael Salamanca, Jr.

 

THE WEEK IN REVIEW

$2.073 MILLION FOR IS 217!

 

 It was an evening of celebration in the Bronx as we cut the ribbon on IS 217/School of Performing Arts & Acción Academy’s new $800,000 auditorium!

 I was proud to help fund this project as part of a $2,073,000 investment in upgrades to the school’s auditorium, playground space and technological equipment.

GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR EARL MONROE NEW RENAISSANCE BASKETBALL SCHOOL!

 

 It was a pleasure to welcome NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, New York Knicks Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, Earl Monroe, Walt Frazier, Julius Randle, Michele Roberts, John Starks, Allan Houston, and Tim Thomas to the South Bronx as we gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony of the new, state-of-the-art Earl Monroe New Renaissance Basketball School!

 Founded in 2021 & dedicated to Knicks legend Earl Monroe, this historic campus provides a tuition-free curriculum built around basketball - while still placing an emphasis on education. 

 To commemorate Julius Randle’s “30 for 3” pledge to the school — whereby he donated $500 for every three-pointer he hit, for a total of $38,000 last season alone — the school also made a surprise dedication in his honor, naming their basketball court the Julius Randle All-Star Court.

GRAND OPENING OF THE HONORABLE EUGENE G. OLIVER, JR. EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

 

 East Side House Settlement for the invitation to join your grand opening festivities and ribbon-cutting ceremony for The Honorable Eugene G. Oliver, Jr. Early Childhood Center

Judge Eugene G. Oliver, Jr.’s unwavering dedication and service to the Bronx community left an indelible legacy - one that will now continue with the opening of this state-of-the-art early childhood and special needs education facility.

IN THE NEWS

“Dave Valentin was more than a musician; he was a beacon of hope for the Bronx. These street co-naming ceremonies are for individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their community, and Dave was the embodiment of that. No matter where his career took him, he never forgot where he came from.”

Read more

https://www.bxtimes.com/salamanca-dave-valentin-street-co-naming-ceremony/

Visit our District Office at: 
1070 Southern Boulevard
Bronx, New York 10459
(718) 402-6130
salamanca@council.nyc.gov

Permits Filed for 1723 Boston Road in Crotona Park East, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed to expand a two-story structure into an eight-story mixed-use building at 1723 Boston Road in Crotona Park East, The Bronx. Located between Crotona Park East and East 173rd Street, the lot is steps from the 174th Street subway station, served by the 2 and 5 trains. Shimon Kleinman is listed as the owner behind the applications.

The proposed 85-foot-tall development will yield 99,425 square feet, with 78,327 square feet designated for residential space and 21,097 square feet for commercial space. The building will have 98 residences, most likely rentals based on the average unit scope of 799 square feet. The masonry-based structure will also have a cellar and 50 enclosed parking spaces.

Kao Hwa Lee Architects is listed as the architect of record.

Full demolition permits will likely not be needed as the project calls for a vertical and horizontal expansion. An estimated completion date has not been announced.

New Affordable Housing Development Opens At 4519 White Plains Road In Wakefield, The Bronx

 

Occupancy has begun for The Plains, a nine-story affordable and supportive housing project at 4519 White Plains Road in Wakefield, The Bronx. Designed by OCV Architects and developed in collaboration between The Doe Fund and Robert Sanborn Development, the 82,465-square-foot structure yields 98 apartments, with 20 units reserved for adults age 62 and older. The $51.6 million project is located between East 239th and 240th Streets.

Units are allocated for low- and moderate-income individuals and families with income eligibility thresholds of up to 80 percent of New York City area median income, with priority given to local residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The Doe Fund will provide housing and clinical case management services to supportive tenants, including mental healthcare, therapeutic groups, and referrals to medical care.

The Plains also features offices for program staff, a multi-purpose room, a live-in superintendent, on-site laundry units, a fitness center, and outdoor private recreation space. The developers are aiming to achieve LEED Gold certification.

“We are proud to partner with leaders in New York State government and the private sector to open The Plains, building on The Doe Fund’s nearly 40-year track record of leading proven solutions to homelessness and addressing New York City’s housing affordability crisis head on,” said Jennifer Mitchell, president and CEO of The Doe Fund. “With the opening of the Plains, nearly 100 New Yorkers with histories of homelessness will be able to live with the dignity they deserve, thanks to the building’s innovative features and The Doe Fund’s talented staff. I am thrilled to welcome The Plains as the newest addition to our network of residences serving over 1,200 individuals and families in need.”

Mayor Eric Adams Delivers Remarks at 25th Anniversary Celebration of Emmanuel Presbyterian Reformed Church

On a cool rainy fall day Mayor Adams arrived at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church located in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx. As he exited his car Mayor Adams tried to answer some reporters questions, declaring his innocence of charges brought by the U.S. Attorney's office. He went inside the church and sat down in the front row waiting to be brought up to the pulpit.

When Mayor Eric Adams was introduced he spoke of his African Heritage in Ghana, and bringing his mothers soul back to Ghana to rest. He went on to say that his GPS is set on God. 

Mayor Adams then went into what his administration has done since coming into office in January of 2022. He has created more jobs, there are higher reading and math scores in the public schools, how he has made the city safer, noting that the subway system has had the lowest number or robberies ever. Mayor Adams then spoke about the 217,000 migrants seeking asylum where none of them wound up sleeping on a sidewalk but it was done the christian way where each was taken care of as he ended his sermon.

On his way outside the church the mayor was greeted by a standing ovation, with parishioners snapping his picture with their cell phones. Once outside Mayor Adams shook hands and posed for pictures with some churchgoers who had gone outside with him. He then entered his car and the car drove him back to Gracie Mansion, the home of the mayor. 

Upon entering the church Mayor Adams was seated in the front row until he was called to come to the pulpit and speak.

Mayor Adams at the pulpit giving his sermon.

Mayor Adams exiting the church on his way to take photographs with some churchgoers outside.

Here Mayor Adams poses with two churchgoers.

Mayor Adams leaves the church as he is led to his car by his security detail. 

California Man Charged in Complaint Alleging He Injured Five People in Bomb Attack in Lobby of County Courthouse

 

A California man was charged in a federal criminal complaint alleging he committed a bomb attack at a courthouse in Santa Maria, California, on Wednesday, in which at least five people were injured.

Nathaniel James McGuire, 20, of Santa Maria, is charged with maliciously damaging a building by means of explosive.

McGuire, who was arrested Wednesday shortly after the attack, is expected to make his initial appearance today in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

“This defendant will now face justice in federal court for his alleged attack that injured at least five people and struck fear across a county courthouse and an entire community,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Attacks on our public institutions and on public servants threaten the safety of our communities and the rule of law itself. Such attacks will not be tolerated by the Justice Department.”

According to an affidavit filed with the complaint, on Sept. 25, McGuire entered a courthouse of Santa Barbara County Superior Court and threw a bag into the lobby. The bag exploded and McGuire left the courthouse on foot. The explosion injured at least five people who were present at the courthouse at that time.

Shortly thereafter, McGuire was apprehended and detained by law enforcement officials as he was trying to access a red Ford Mustang car parked outside the building. McGuire allegedly yelled that the government had taken his guns and that everyone needed to fight, rise up, and rebel.

Inside the car, a deputy saw ammunition, a flare gun, and a box of fireworks. A search of the car revealed a shotgun, a rifle, more ammunition, a suspected bomb, and 10 Molotov cocktails. Law enforcement later rendered the bomb safe.

A search of McGuire’s residence revealed an empty can with nails glued to the outside, a duffel bag containing matches, black powder, used and unused fireworks, and papers that appeared to be recipes for explosive material.

“This defendant’s alleged misconduct was chilling,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for Central District of California. “Not only did he injure five people and traumatize many more, but he possessed a cache of weapons that would have allowed him to wreak even greater destruction had he not been stopped. Attacks on our courts, law enforcement officers, and other public servants are unacceptable, and it is critical that those who carry out such assaults be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”

“The idea of intentionally setting off an explosive device to do harm and avoid justice in the process shocks the conscience,” said Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office. “Make no mistake, we are committed to holding McGuire accountable for this blatant act of violence. As always, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious activities which could represent a threat to public safety.”

“This was a shocking and unprecedented crime in our county, but, in spite of its audacity, the security of the Santa Maria courthouse was maintained,” said Sheriff Bill Brown of Santa Barbara County. “The suspect was swiftly apprehended by a court security officer, a sheriff’s deputy, two California Highway Patrol officers, and a district attorney’s investigator; we are proud of their resolute actions that almost certainly prevented further violence. We are also grateful for the substantial investigative assistance that has been provided by our colleagues with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and from U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada and his office.”

If convicted, McGuire faces a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Takla and Kathrynne N. Seiden for the Central District of California are prosecuting this case with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney Patrick Cashman of the Justice Department’s National Security Division.

A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.