Housing Lottery Launches for 1182 Woodycrest Avenue in Highbridge, The Bronx

 

The affordable housing lottery has launched for 1182 Woodycrest Avenue, a nine-story mixed-use building in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Crown Architecture and Consulting and developed by Bluestone Organization, the structure yields 45 residences. Available on NYC Housing Connect are 36 units for residents at 50 to 90 percent of the area median income (AMI), ranging in eligible income from $42,172 to $173,340.

Residents will have access to a shared laundry room, bike storage lockers, electric vehicle charging stations, community center, senior center, and an outdoor terrace. Tenants are responsible for electricity.

At 50 percent of the AMI, there is one one-bedroom with a monthly rent of $1,133 for incomes ranging from $42,172 to $69,900. For the one-bedroom unit with the income limit of 50 percent AMI, eligible households must have at least one household member who is 62 years of age or older at the time of the application, and must meet the income and household size requirements.

At 60 percent of the AMI, there are seven one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,383 for incomes ranging from $50,743 to $83,880; six two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,660 for incomes ranging from $61,303 to $100,620; and five three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,916 for incomes ranging from $71,143 to $115,560.

At 80 percent of the AMI, there are six one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,708 for incomes ranging from $61,886 to $111,840; one two-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,051 for incomes ranging from $74,709 to $134,160; and two three-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,367 for incomes ranging from $86,606 to $154,080.

At 90 percent of the AMI, there are five one-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $1,883 for incomes ranging from $67,886 to $125,820; two two-bedrooms with a monthly rent of $2,261 for incomes ranging from $81,909 to $150,930; and one three-bedroom with a monthly rent of $2,610 for incomes ranging from $94,938 to $173,340.

Prospective renters must meet income and household size requirements to apply for these apartments. Applications must be postmarked or submitted online no later than January 7, 2024.

Florida Ophthalmology Practice Agrees to Pay $1.3M to Resolve Allegations of Fraudulent Claims for Cranial Ultrasounds

 

Brandon Eye Associates P.A. (Brandon Eye), an ophthalmology practice with offices in Brandon, Sun City and Plant City, Florida, has agreed to pay $1.3 million to resolve alleged violations of the False Claims Act and an analogous Florida statute arising from its billing for trans-cranial doppler ultrasounds (TCDs) provided through a kickback arrangement with a third party. Brandon Eye has agreed to cooperate with the Justice Department’s investigations of other participants in the alleged scheme.

“The payment of kickbacks can bias medical decision making, result in unnecessary services, and drive up health care costs at the expense of the American taxpayers,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “This settlement demonstrates that the Justice Department will continue to hold accountable those who enter into kickback arrangements that undermine the integrity of federal health care programs.”

The settlement announced today resolves allegations that Brandon Eye knowingly submitted, and caused the submission of, false claims for medically unnecessary TCDs performed on Brandon Eye’s patients. Brandon Eye and a third-party provider of turnkey mobile TCD services, through an agreement, performed TCDs on Brandon Eye patients who had been diagnosed with common health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and glaucoma. Before the patient received the TCD result, Brandon Eye and the third-party provider identified the patients as having received a serious diagnosis — most commonly of occlusion and stenosis of their cerebral arteries — that could qualify the patient for reimbursement of a TCD by Medicare or Medicaid. However, nearly all patients who received TCDs never had occlusion and stenosis of cerebral arteries, and that diagnosis was accordingly not reflected in the patient’s medical history or in the TCD results. For each TCD ordered for each Medicare Part B patient, Brandon Eye claimed reimbursement for the technical component of the test, paid the third-party TCD provider based on the volume or value of tests ordered, and referred the patient to the TCD provider’s preferred radiology group for the TCD’s professional component.

The United States alleged that as a result of this scheme, Brandon Eye submitted, or caused the submission of, false claims to Medicare and Medicaid for TCDs that were medically unnecessary, that were premised on false diagnoses, and that resulted from violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law. Of the $1.3 million total settlement amount, $1,210,245.70 is to be paid to the United States, and $89,754.30 is to be paid to the State of Florida for its share of Medicaid, which is a jointly funded federal and state program.

“This settlement demonstrates the continued commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to investigate and hold responsible medical providers seeking reimbursement from federal health care programs for unnecessary medical tests at taxpayers’ expense,” said U.S. Attorney Roger Handberg for the Middle District of Florida. “We will continue to pursue these actions against providers who exploit federal health care programs for personal gain.”

“We are all victims when the Medicare and Medicaid systems taxpayers fund are cheated,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office. “This is why the FBI vigorously investigates alleged kickback schemes and false billing practices, because it is our mission to protect the American people.”

“Kickback arrangements meant to boost company profits can corrupt the legitimate medical decision-making process and undermine the integrity of federal healthcare programs,” said Special Agent in Charge Stephen Mahmood of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners will continue to pursue allegations of improper billing and kickback schemes to protect both Medicare and Medicaid and those served by those programs.”

The settlement was the result of a coordinated effort between the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, with assistance from HHS-OIG and the FBI.

Trial Attorney Nelson Wagner of the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Mamie Wise for the Middle District of Florida handled the matter.

The government’s pursuit of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement can be reported to HHS at 1-800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

Governor Hochul Announces New York State Exceeds 30% Minority- and Women-Owned Business Utilization Goal for Fourth Straight Year

 

Current Nation-Leading 32.21% Utilization Rate Represents Nearly $3 Billion in Public Contracts Awarded to MWBEs

Official NYS MWBE Certified Decal Unveiled at 14th Annual Forum Themed “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs”

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has surpassed its 30 percent Minority- and Women-owned Businesses utilization goal for the fourth year in row – every year since the Hochul Administration took office. This year’s 32.21 percent utilization rate represents nearly $3 billion in public contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, and nearly $12 billion since Governor Hochul took office. The Governor made the announcement and unveiled a new MWBE certified decal at the 14th Annual New York State MWBE Conference Forum in Albany.

“Since becoming Governor, my administration has championed an economic agenda that benefits all New Yorkers, and this year’s utilization rate shows the progress we have made toward achieving that goal,” Governor Hochul said. “We have more to do, but diversity is New York’s greatest strength and our communities are our greatest voice – together, we will continue to promote nation-leading programs and policies that support a fairer, stronger, diversified economy.”

In addition to announcing the state surpassing its utilization goals, Governor Hochul also introduced a new NYS MWBE certified decal, which will serve as the official recognition of MWBEs that have been certified by the state’s MWBE Certification Program. This marker reflects New York State’s continued commitment to propelling MWBE growth, increasing equity in state contracting and enhancing diversity within our economy.

The new MWBE certified decal will provide a substantial number of benefits to MWBEs as they grow and thrive in the competitive New York State economy. These benefits include helping increase MWBE visibility and, in turn, helping small businesses differentiate themselves. It will also position MWBEs positively for potential contracting opportunities with government and private sector entities that prioritize diversity and equity in their projects. This could translate into contracting opportunities that elevate business success. The decal can also support meaningful public-private partnerships that are seeking MWBEs in their initiatives.

This decal is a strong and attractive marketing tool for MWBEs and can be used to leverage their business services, capabilities and certification into opportunities. MWBEs will have the opportunity to display the MWBE Certified Decal digitally via their websites, social media channels, marketing materials and other mediums and physically through brick-and-mortar locations. After January 1, 2025, the digital MWBE certified decal will be available for all NYS MWBE certified firms for download and an order form will be available for physical decal requests. Notification will be sent via email to all certified NYS MWBE firms.

Since its establishment in 1988, New York State’s MWBE program has been a national model for expanding economic opportunity and supporting diverse business growth, equipping MWBEs with the skills, resources and connections crucial for their success.

The annual NYS MWBE Forum caters to both new and established businesses, providing tailored information and resources to all entrepreneurs, regardless of their level of experience. This year’s theme was “Solidifying our Future: A Commitment to Expanding Opportunities for MWBEs” and featured facilitated networking opportunities between certified MWBEs, New York State agencies, prime contractors and private companies, in addition to panel discussions and workshops.

The Forum’s panel discussions covered topics including contracts in mega projects, discretionary opportunities and agency capital plans. The workshops focused on addressing access to capital, contract competition strategies, certification process navigation, retail and technology opportunities and training programs including the Business Growth Accelerator.

This announcement continues Governor Hochul’s larger effort to strengthen New York’s MWBEs. Last year, the Governor announced the elimination of the longstanding MWBE certification backlog. In 2022, the Governor signed legislation aimed at reducing fraud and abuse within the program, allowed businesses to use MWBE development and lending program funds to refinance existing debt, and authorized New York City to award contracts up to $1.5 million to MWBEs without a formal competitive process.

Demolition Permits Submitted For 1918-1920 Longfellow Avenue In West Farms, The Bronx

 

Permits have been filed for the demolition of two neighboring three-story residential buildings at 1918-1920 Longfellow Avenue in West Farms, The Bronx. Atlantis Development Inc. is listed as the owner behind the applications.

Each of the two existing buildings rise 28 feet tall and contain three units. Full demolition is proposed for the structures, both of which sit on 3,000-square-foot lots. Permit filings currently have objections that will need to be addressed prior to the start of construction work.

An estimated completion date has not been announced. Both 1918 and 1920 Longfellow Avenue are located steps from the West Farms Square–East Tremont Avenue subway station, which provides service for the 2 and 5 trains.

In Honor of Veterans Day, Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order and Legislation to Support the Heroes Who Served Our Nation

 

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order to Enhance Quality of Supportive Housing Available to Veterans and Military Families

Legislation S.8596-A /A.9205-A Expands The Veterans Tuition Awards Program to Non-Combat Military Veterans Residing in New York

Legislation S.5195-B/A.4611-B Expands Access to Veterans' Benefits For Individuals Who Served Outside Of Wartime

Legislation S.7544/A.7173 Requires State Agencies to Establish A Veterans' Liaison to Coordinate With The Department Of Veterans' Services

Legislation S.9258 /A.9850 Will Improve Veterans' Access to Information About Their Benefits

Legislation S.2413-C/A.4613-C Provides Additional Financial Support For Veterans’ Funerals

Eight New Laws Will Rename State Roads and Bridges to Honor The Memory of Our Fallen Heroes

Governor Kathy Hochul today signed a legislative package in appreciation of Veterans Day to honor the service and sacrifice of New York’s veterans. The legislation enacted today includes the renaming of bridges and highways across the state in honor of fallen heroes as well as measures enhancing access to veterans benefits, reflecting New York’s unwavering commitment to honoring and supporting veterans and their families. Governor Hochul also signed an executive order to enhance the quality of supportive housing services available to New York’s veterans and military families by establishing training requirements for supportive housing providers that receive State funds to provide supportive housing to veterans.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the brave men and women who have served our country by ensuring their legacy lives on in communities across New York,” Governor Hochul said. “These laws not only honor our fallen heroes but also expand vital resources for veterans and their families, making sure they receive the recognition and support they deserve.”

Executive Order 41 mandates annual training for supportive housing providers throughout New York that receive State funds to designate a certain number of their housing units for veterans. The training program, which will be provided free of charge by the New York State Department of Veterans' Services, will focus on military cultural competency and access to benefits and services for veterans and military families. This will help ensure that any veteran in a state-funded veteran supportive housing program is served by individuals who understand their unique experiences and can connect them with the benefits and services they earned through their military service.

Through an agreement with the Legislature, Legislation S.8596-A /A.9205-A will ultimately entitle military veterans who served for at least 4 years and reside in the state to be eligible for the Veterans Tuition Award, regardless of whether they served in combat. Under this historic expansion of the Veterans Tuition Award, more Veterans than ever before in New York State will gain access to higher education opportunities, opening new doors for Veterans who reside in New York State in sustainable, rewarding career paths in their chosen post-military professions.

Legislation S.5195-B/A.4611-B removes the requirement that a veteran served during wartime to be granted certain benefits. New York State proudly recognizes that all Veterans deserve the benefits and resources afforded to them by the State that they have protected and defended through their military service. This legislation amends current law by removing the requirement that veterans must have served during a specifically defined period of wartime service to access important state veterans benefits and services.

Legislation S.7544/A.7173 requires the designation of a veterans' liaison in each executive state agency. Numerous New York State agencies offer many vital services for Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. To exemplify the “no wrong door” approach of State government toward serving those who serve our nation, this legislation directs New York State agencies to designate a Veterans' liaison to provide information and assistance to Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families regarding benefits and services available within that particular State agency, and to coordinate directly with the New York State Department of Veterans' Services.

Legislation S.9258/A.9850 relates to veterans receiving information on benefits. Accurate information about Veterans’ benefits is one of the most important tools to place in the hands of Veterans, Service Members, and Military Families. This legislation ensures that individuals requesting and obtaining a Veteran notation on their New York State driver's license or non-driver identification card receive information about the services that New York State’s Department of Veterans’ Services provides free of charge, as well as the option to be connected directly with the Department of Veterans’ Services to receive individualized attention and advocacy from the Department.

Legislation S.2413-C/A.4613-C provides for an annual adjustment for reimbursement for certain veterans’ funerals. Providing an honored final resting place for those who have served our state and nation is one of New York’s sacred and essential duties. This legislation will provide for regular increases in New York State’s reimbursement program to aid in covering the funeral and interment costs for Veterans who pass away indigent, ensuring that no Veteran in New York State ever goes without their rightful final honors.

Legislation S.6469-A/A.4089-A renames a portion of highway on State Route 747 in Montgomery as the “Steve Nicoli Memorial Highway.” The honoree Steve Nicoli dedicated his life to public service, his community, and his country. As an Army veteran, Steven served our nation with honor and distinction. Upon completing his service, he then spent his time honoring American veterans. Steve, along with a patriotic group of friends, established the Hudson Valley Honor Flight in Walden, NY. The mission of this organization, which is just one out of more than 100 chapters throughout the country as part of the National Honor Flight Network, is to honor our veterans with an all-expense-paid visit to their memorials in Washington D.C. This trip is a day of honor that many of our veterans never experienced during their years of service. Over the past ten years Hudson Valley Honor Flight has taken more than 2,000 veterans on more than 25 flights serving the Hudson Valley and tri-state area. In 2021, Steve passed away suddenly but his impact continues to be felt today through the honor flight and countless other selfless endeavors he was a part of. The stretch of road to be named in his honor is the road that every group of honor flight veterans drives on as they enter New York - Stewart International Airport. By naming this roadway in Steven's honor, it will forever memorialize his lifetime of service to our veterans and their families.

Legislation S.5937-B/A.4924-B renames the bridge on State Route 79 crossing the Chenango River in Greene as the “SP4 Herman Emil Anders, Jr. Memorial Bridge.”  The honoree Herman Emil Anders, Jr. joined the US Army as an SP4 assigned to the A Company, 3rd Platoon, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry where he received numerous medals such as the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, National Defense, Military Merit, Gallantry Cross with Palm. He earned the medals for his heroism in connection with military operations serving as part of the Artillery Battery of the 4th Infantry Division against a hostile force. While in Vietnam, SP4 Anders distinguished himself as serving as a Team Leader on a combat operation. There, he exposed himself to highly accurate small arms attack and rocket fire to point out enemy targets while directing his unit to withdraw to the secondary position. SP4 Anders engaged several enemy soldiers before being overwhelmed by enemy forces. SP4 Anders displayed bravery and devotion to duty while keeping with the highest traditions of military service.

Legislation S.6715-B/A.9578 renames the bridge on State Route 109 crossing the Southern State Parkway in Babylon as the “Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.” The honoree Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson served his state, his country and his community on Long Island for his entire life. He graduated from the US Merchant Marines Academy and served in the reserves until his honorable discharge in 2001. During his service, he developed Navy Training plans for the Naval Landing Ship tank program, the Naval Reserve Ocean-going Mine Sweeper program and the Naval Reserve Naval Embarked Advisory Teams programs. Following his service, he worked as an engineer designing projects such as the Sunrise Highway project and later working for over a decade for NYCHA. In recognition of his contribution to his country and community, the NYS Route 109 Bridge over Southern State Parkway in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk shall be dedicated in his honor as the “Lieutenant Commander Phillip Wayne Johnson Memorial Bridge.”

Legislation S.4563-A/A.10523-A renames State Route 17M in Wallkill as the “Private First Class Richard Cleveland Dunn Memorial Highway.” The honoree Richard Cleveland Dunn was wounded in France during World War Two and received the service medal, good conduct medal, and WWII victory medal.

Legislation S.8338-A/A.7956-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 19 in Gainesville as the “T Sgt Walter Shearing Memorial Highway.” The honoree TS Shearing served his country with valor and honor during the Second World War. T Sgt. Walter W. Shearing was in General Patton's 7th Army, 324 Infantry Regiment, famed 44th division. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. TS Shearing sadly was killed in action on April 17th, 1945. He was awarded two Bronze Star Medals, with one oak leaf cluster each, Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge.

Legislation S.9338/A.10312 renames the bridge on Washington Avenue crossing Interstate 90 in Rensselaer as the “CW2 Casey N. Frankoski Memorial Bridge.” The honoree Chief Warrant Officer 2 ("CW2") Casey N. Frankoski of the New York Army National Guard was patrolling the US-Mexico border near La Grulla, Texas when a tragic helicopter crash took her life on March 8, 2024. Deployed to Texas in October 2023, she was part of the federal government's border security mission. CW2 Frankoski enlisted in the New York Army National Guard in October 2016. She was appointed as a warrant officer in 2019 and trained to become a UH -60 Black Hawk helicopter pilot. She was promoted to the rank of warrant officer 2 in 2021. CW2 Frankoski deployed to Kuwait from November 2018 to September 2019 with Detachment 5, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 245th Aviation Regiment. The unit flies the Army's C-12 transport aircraft. CW2 Frankoski's military awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Basic Aviator Badge, and the Basic Aviation Badge.

Legislation S.8939-A/A.9846-A renames the portion of highway on State Route 40 between Carvers Lane and Warren Lane in Schaghticoke (Rensselaer County) as the “Assemblyman Pat M. Casale Memorial Highway.” The honoree Assemblymember Pat Casale served the people of Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Greene and Columbia Counties in the Assembly for seven terms. He was known for his bipartisan approach with his colleagues and genuine connection with his constituents, especially his neighbors in Troy and Rensselaer County. On the Troy City Council, Pat founded the city's Flag Day Parade and was instrumental in the construction of the famous Uncle Sam Monument. He served as Mayor of Troy and later as Rensselaer County Clerk, where his leadership ensured residents accessed efficient government services. He was also a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Korean Conflict. He received many civic honors, including the Uncle Sam Citizen of the Year Award, the LaSalle Institute Distinguished Alumni Award, the Brunswick Lincoln Award, the Father Flanagan Award, and the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club's Frank P. Kennedy Award.

Legislation S.9764/A.6287-D renames the portion of I-278 (the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway) from the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to 6th Avenue in Brooklyn as the “Fort Hamilton Veterans Memorial Highway.”

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Fires in Van Cortlandt Park

Over the last week, Van Cortlandt Park was the site of multiple fires. 

 

The lack of rain, high winds, and the sheer size of the park’s vast wooded area have made combatting the fires a challenge. 

 

Van Cortlandt Park’s devoted team of NYC Parks workers, VCPA staff, and Vital Volunteers have worked together tirelessly identifying new fires that continue to pop up, alerting FDNY and NYPD, and in some cases – assisting with putting the fires out. They are true heroes. 

 

We especially thank the FDNY and NYPD who responded quickly to contain each flare up and NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol and Rangers who have patrolled Van Cortlandt Park at all hours. 

 

Thanks to those of you who have been vigilant and alerted us to fire conditions in the field. 

We very much appreciate your help and hope that we can count on you in the months ahead. 

 

Caring for the woodlands is core to VCPA’s mission, and we will be assessing the damage and starting work to stabilize the area and restore it with native plantings as soon as we can.

 

For those who are able, we appreciate your contribution of any size to help with these efforts. We will also provide volunteer opportunities to support our woodland work.

Donate

Please also use your voice to advocate for a fully funded NYC Parks budget, which is critical for keeping our city's green spaces thriving. 

  

Lastly, during this drought, we ask our community to use caution in the park.  

Open fires, BBQs, and smoking are prohibited, and any fires should be reported immediately to 911.  

  

Be safe,  

  

Stephanie Ehrlich 

Executive Director  

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 

Our Contact Information
Van Cortlandt Park Alliance
80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1
Bronx, NY 10463
718-601-1460
http://vancortlandt.org

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR INTRODUCES GHOSTBUSTER ACT TO BANISH GHOST CARS FROM NEW YORK FOR GOOD

 

RAJKUMAR’S COMPREHENSIVE BILL PROHIBITS VEHICLES WITH PAPER LICENSE PLATES, ALLOWS BOOTING AND TOWING OF GHOST CARS, AND PROVIDES ENFORCEMENT BY VIN

Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar has introduced the Ghostbuster Act, a comprehensive set of reforms to end the proliferation of “ghost cars”—motor vehicles with obscured, missing, or counterfeit license plates that render them untraceable. Ghost cars are the vehicles of choice for those wishing to commit crimes. They also cost our State millions in lost revenue because they cannot be traced by traffic enforcement cameras or tolling systems. The Assemblywoman’s bill empowers law enforcement to quickly take these vehicles out of commission and off our streets.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “I authored the Ghostbuster Act to put the brakes on the thousands of ghost cars in New York City. There is a clear connection between these illegal vehicles and violent crime. They are involved in hit and runs, robberies, and shootings. They also cost us hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue. My bill provides the tools so that the NYPD can take all ghost cars out of commission. Together, we will be the exorcist that banishes the ghost cars haunting New York City.”

She added, “When I pass the Ghostbuster Act, if there’s something strange in the neighborhood about a vehicle’s license plate, who ya gonna call? The police, who will immediately take the vehicle out of commission.”

The issue of ghost cars became acute in 2020, when pandemic precautions prompted many states to issue temporary paper license plates. Before long, people were selling counterfeit paper plates, allowing the owners to forgo insurance and evade tolls and traffic enforcement cameras. Ghost cars have become popular vehicles for committing crimes, and to disguise stolen vehicles or ones not safe to operate. Since the pandemic, there have been over 20,000 complaints to 311 about counterfeit paper plates. Ghost plates are also a drain on funding for transportation, costing us an estimated $200 million per year in foregone toll revenue.

The Ghostbuster Act continues Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s commitment to addressing the biggest quality of life issues facing New Yorkers. This year she passed the SMOKEOUT Act that has empowered the City to already close over 1,200 illegal smoke shops. She also authored Priscilla’s Law, a bill that will crack down on reckless e-bikes by requiring them to have license plates, registration, inspection, and insurance.

The Ghostbuster Act creates a comprehensive set of tools for law enforcement to end the ghost car epidemic. It authorizes law enforcement to boot or tow all vehicles with fake plates. To crack down on the proliferation of counterfeit out-of-state temporary paper plates, the Ghostbuster Act ends all recognition of out-of-state paper plates, and establishes that such a plate is presumptive evidence of being fake. People needing a legitimate temporary plate to transport a vehicle from another state could receive one from the New York State DMV.  The bill also adds teeth to the existing prohibition on selling counterfeit plates by prohibiting websites like Facebook from even allowing transactions.

Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s bill likewise authorizes the booting and towing of vehicles with obscured plates. It also requires officers to confiscate any instrument used to obscure a plate.

For vehicles with no plates at all, the Ghostbuster Act allows law enforcement to immediately tow them, repealing a legal requirement that the vehicle first be unoccupied for at least 6 hours. This ends the cumbersome requirement to check a vehicle for plates multiple times to tow or even report it, despite the improbability that the car will gain legitimate plates in this timeframe.

To further empower police to crack down on ghost cars, Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s bill allows law enforcement to use Vehicle Identification Numbers in lieu of license plates. Currently, police can only use a license plate to enforce certain violations, even if the plate is counterfeit. To bolster enforcement by VIN, the Ghostbuster Act will phase in a requirement that all vehicles have an engraved VIN. The bill also eliminates the requirement that a summons include a description of the vehicle’s body type, whose subjectivity has led to dismissals of otherwise accurate summonses when descriptions were deemed wrong.

At his press conference on ghost car enforcement, Mayor Eric Adams said, “We're going to need our partners in Albany, and that's why Assemblywoman Rajkumar is so important, as we continue to put together a State plan of how do we crack down even more on these ghost cars.”

The bill number is pending.

Pharmacist and Brother Convicted of $15M Medicare, Medicaid, and Private Insurer Fraud Scheme

 

A federal jury convicted a pharmacy owner and his brother for conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Raad Kouza, a pharmacist in Wayne County, Michigan, and his brother, Ramis Kouza, of Oakland County, Michigan, billed Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for prescription medications that they did not dispense at pharmacies they owned or operated in Michigan. The defendants collectively caused over $15 million of loss to Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Raad Kouza and Ramis Kouza were convicted of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and wire fraud. Raad Kouza was also convicted of one count of health care fraud. Both defendants face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the conspiracy count, and Raad Kouza faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the health care fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing hearings will be set at a later date.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of the FBI Detroit Field Office; and Special Agent in Charge Mario Pinto of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

The FBI Detroit Field Office and HHS-OIG investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Claire Sobczak Pacelli, Jeffrey A. Crapko, and Andres Q. Almendarez of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.

The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.