Palm Beach County Drug Dealer Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Fentanyl

 

On Jan. 30, 2025, a federal district judge in West Palm Beach, Fla., sentenced Anthony Raul Del Valle, 29, of Lake Worth Beach, Fla., to 10 years in federal prison. The sentence comes after a federal jury found Del Valle guilty of distributing acetyl fentanyl and fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in November 2024. 

On April 8, 2024, Del Valle distributed pills that appeared to be oxycodone, but in fact were fentanyl and acetyl fentanyl, to three family members in Lantana, Fla. All three family members immediately ingested the pills. Two of the family members died less than two hours later. 

On April 10, 2024, law enforcement agents identified and arrested Del Valle as the source of the pills after conducting a controlled purchase from Del Valle. Law enforcement agents recovered a loaded firearm from Del Valle during the arrest. 

U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, Special Agent in Charge Deanne L. Reuter of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Miami Field Division, announced the sentence. 

DEA, Miami Field Division, investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Miami Field Office, Lantana Police Department, Boynton Beach Police Department, and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office. The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida prosecuted it. 

According to the DEA’s National Drug Threat Assessment, synthetic drugs, such as fentanyl, are poisoning our nation. Fentanyl has proven to be a deadly poison that does not discriminate. Its victims include every gender, race, age, and economic background, and its debilitating effects are the same across all demographics. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even in small doses, fentanyl can be deadly. Just one fentanyl pill can kill, as noted in DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign. As little as two milligrams, about the size of 5 grains of salt, can be fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are the most common drugs involved in overdose deaths. Over 150 people die every day from overdoses related to synthetic opioids like fentanyl. The State of Florida has also seen an exponential increase in overdoses associated with fentanyl. In 2022, more than 5,622 people died from overdoses involving fentanyl and fentanyl analogs in Florida.

For more information visit: https://www.fdle.state.fl.us/MEC/Publications-and-Forms/Documents/Drugs-in-Deceased-Persons/2022-Annual-Drug-Report-FINAL-(1).aspx; https://www.cdc.gov/opioids/basics/fentanyl.html#; and https://www.dea.gov/factsheets/fentanyl. 

Russian and Uzbek Nationals Charged with Conspiracy to File False Voter Registration Applications

A Russian national and an Uzbek national, both residing in Florida, were arrested for their alleged participation in a scheme to submit false and fraudulent voter registration applications to the Pinellas County, Florida, Supervisor of Elections.

According to court filings, Dmitry Shushlebin, 45, a citizen of Russia living in Miami Beach, and Sanjar Jamilov, 33, a citizen of Uzbekistan living in St. Petersburg, conspired to submit 132 fraudulent voter registration applications to the Pinellas County Supervisor of Elections in February and March 2023. These applications were submitted in names other than their own, in envelopes with return and address labels that were identically formatted, including containing the same typographical error, and bore various indicia of fraud including, among other things, repeating dates of birth and addresses and nearly sequential social security numbers. Change of address forms were also submitted to the U.S. Postal Service to route mail to the names and addresses on the fraudulent applications to three locations that Shushlebin and Jamilov allegedly controlled.

Shushlebin and Jamilov are each charged with one count of conspiring to submit fraudulent voter registration applications and give false information in registering to vote. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg for the Middle District of Florida, Acting Inspector in Charge Steven Hodges of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Miami Division, and Special Agent in Charge Matthew W. Fodor of the FBI Tampa Field Office made the announcement.

USPIS, FBI, and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating the case. This case began after a referral from the Florida Department of State, Office of Election Crime and Security.

Trial Attorney Leo J. Wise of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Marcet for the Middle District of Florida are prosecuting the case.

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

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS TO LIFE FOR THE BRUTAL MURDER OF HIS MOTHER

 

Defendant Was Convicted After 3-Week Trial

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for second-degree Murder in the death of his mother. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant got into an argument with his mother and then killed her in a particularly gruesome manner before fleeing to California. He will spend decades in prison for his heinous actions.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Michael Marte, 33, of 2173 Clinton Avenue, was sentenced January 31, 2025, to 25 years to life in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood. The defendant was found guilty of second-degree Murder after a three-week jury trial. 

According to the investigation, on November 28, 2020, in the early morning hours, the defendant got into an argument with his mother, Teresita Rosario, 59, and stabbed her in the neck in their home. The defendant then strangled her with a cord and placed a plastic bag over her head. Video footage captured Marte leaving his home at 4:30 a.m. and getting into an Uber. The defendant took the cab to the John F. Kennedy International Airport and flew to California where he was apprehended and extradited to New York in June of 2021.

District Attorney Clark also thanked retired NYPD Detective Andrew Snider of the 48 Precinct and retired Detective Colin Higgins of Bronx Homicide, the Anaheim Police Department’s Aviation Unit, and Captain Gharah Pedram of the Fullerton, California Police Department for their work on the case. 

Governor Hochul Announces Crackdown on Impaired Driving During Super Bowl Week

One of Several Annual Alcohol- and Drug-Related Enforcement Campaigns Funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee

Special Enforcement Campaign Runs from February 3 to February 9

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that State Police and local law enforcement agencies will participate in the national enforcement initiative on impaired driving in the week leading up to this year’s Super Bowl. The campaign which runs from Monday, February 3, 2025 through Sunday, February 9, 2025, is funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and targets underage drinking enforcement, along with increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints to deter, identify and arrest impaired drivers.

“As football fans gather across our state to watch the game on Sunday, I’m directing State Police and local law enforcement to elevate their enforcement action to protect New Yorkers from the dangers of impaired and reckless driving,” Governor Hochul said. “We have no tolerance for anyone endangering themselves or others on the road, and I encourage everyone to take the responsible steps necessary to keep our communities safe.”

During the 2024 Super Bowl weekend campaign, law enforcement officers arrested 262 people for impaired driving and issued 8,388 total tickets.

New York State DMV Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “The easiest path to victory is planning for a safe ride home during Super Bowl celebrations. We’re asking all drivers to plan for a sober ride home, watch their speed and avoid distractions behind the wheel. When you follow these basic rules and expectations, everybody wins.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “During this campaign, drivers can expect to see sobriety checkpoints, dedicated DWI enforcement patrols, and operations targeting underage drinking and illegal sales to minors across New York State. Our Troopers will also focus on keeping motorists and pedestrians safe by identifying drivers illegally using handheld devices. Partnering with local law enforcement is essential to saving lives and keeping drunk drivers off our roads.”

Whether you are hosting or attending a celebration, the New York State Police, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offer these tips to help your guests get home safely:

• Always drive 100 percent sober. Even one alcoholic beverage could be one too many.
• Plan ahead: You have options to get home safely. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare. Getting home safely is always worth it. Ask all of your guests to designate their sober drivers in advance or help them arrange ridesharing with sober drivers. If you don’t drink, offer to drive guests home.
• If it’s your turn to be the designated driver, take your job seriously and don’t drink.
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
• If you have a friend who is about to drink and drive, take the keys away and let a sober driver get your friend home safely.
• The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation “Have a Plan” mobile app, is available for Apple, Android and Windows smartphones. The app enables New Yorkers to locate and call a taxi service and program a designated driver list. It also provides information on DWI laws and penalties, and a way to even report a suspected impaired driver.
• Remember, if you serve a guest alcohol and he or she gets in a crash that night, you could be held liable. 

PHOTO RELEASE: Secretary Kristi Noem Rides with Border Patrol Agents on the Southern Border

Secretary Kristi Noem visited the Southern Border to meet with Border Patrol agents and see firsthand how the Department can best support their efforts. She pledged to ensure that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the resources it needs to stop the flow of criminals and drugs into the United States.

Already under President Trump’s leadership, daily encounters at our southern border have plunged 93 percent.

Secretary Noem and Border Patrol agents in Del Rio, TX. 

Secretary Noem took an aerial tour to survey the southern border flying from Del Rio to Eagle Pass, TX.  

Secretary Noem pledged to ensure that CBP has the resources it needs to secure the border.  

Attorney General James Announces Guilty Plea of Former NYPD Officer for Criminally Negligent Homicide

 

Bernadine Ramtahal-Thomas Was Off-Duty and Driving at High Speeds on the Palisades Interstate Parkway After Consuming Alcohol When She Struck a Tree, Causing Her Husband’s Death

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the guilty plea of former New York City Police Department (NYPD) Officer Bernadine Thomas, 36, of Maybrook, Orange County for causing her husband’s death while driving at speeds of up to 109 MPH with a blood alcohol content of .10 on the Palisades Interstate Parkway in Rockland County on February 26, 2023. Thomas pleaded guilty today to Criminally Negligent Homicide before County Court Judge Kevin Russo in Rockland County.

Thomas will remain out on bail until sentencing on May 7, 2025. For pleading guilty to the charge of Criminally Negligent Homicide, she will serve five years’ probation. Thomas has waived her right to appeal.

In the early morning hours of February 26, 2023, Thomas, who was off-duty at the time, was driving northbound with her husband in the passenger seat on the Palisades Interstate Parkway when their car went off the road and struck a tree. Mr. Thomas was declared dead at the scene.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident. 

Weekly News from State Senator Gustavo Rivera!

 

SENATOR RIVERA MEETS WITH THE BRONX WIDE COALITION TO DISCUSS FUNDING FOR THE BRONX SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY PARTNERSHIP (SEP)

This week, Senator Rivera had a great meeting in his Albany office with members of the Northwest Bronx Community and Clergy Coalition (NWBCCC) and Mekong NYC on behalf of the Bronx Wide Coalition. During their conversation, they advocated for funding in this year’s budget for the Bronx Sustainable Economy Partnership (SEP) initiative, which addresses workforce and environmental justice issues for the future of The Bronx. Thank you for the visit!

Learn more about the plan here.

SENATOR RIVERA'S STATEMENT ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S OUTRAGEOUS DECISION TO LOCK OUT NEW YORK OF ITS MEDICAID REIMBURSEMENT PORTAL

Senator Rivera had an insightful Q&A with Crains' Ethan Geringer Sameth where he shared some of the healthcare policies that he will prioritize this year including his CDPAP Accountability Act (S1189) as well as the challenges that our State will face especially with a more adversarial administration in Washington.

Senator Rivera said:

“Let's tax the wealthy. That's something I've been pretty consistent on. I think that we need more revenue overall, particularly to make up for what will be cutbacks from the federal government. The depth of these, the extent of them, or the timing of them are still up in the air, but we know they're coming. They’ve made it very clear…I know that we're not going to be able to make up everything that the federal government gives us. Now, I recognize that, however, we need more revenue so that we can have a conversation about what we can cover."

Read the full interview here.

In a conversation with NY Focus' Sam Mellins, Senator Rivera spoke about Governor Hochul's newly proposed organ donor tax credit and about the lack of implementation of his groundbreaking Living Donor Support Act, which became law in 2022.

"It is a law that we have appropriated funds for, and for some godforsaken reason, the Department of Health doesn’t get off their tuchus and just put it into effect.” “I wish I had an answer for you, but I don’t."

Senator Rivera said that while he supports Hochul’s proposed tax credit, it isn’t a good replacement for implementing his law — not only because it offers donors $4,000 less, but also because New Yorkers considering donation may not be able to wait until tax season to get reimbursed.

Read the full story here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS!

Senator Rivera wants to share important information about how you can protect your rights in face of the immigration raids by ICE agents in New York. Remember that you are not alone and that you are protected by the United States Constitution, regardless of your immigration status.

You can call Senator Rivera's district office at (718) 933-2034 or send an email to grivera@nysenate.gov if you need assistance. 

MAYOR ADAMS, GOVERNOR HOCHUL, AND UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION ANNOUNCE $500 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR UNITED NATIONS PLAZA THAT WILL HELP CREATE MORE THAN 1,800 JOBS

 

Historic Development Will Further Secure New York City’s Reputation as Global Capital, Create 1,800 Jobs, and Support City’s Efforts to Revitalize Commercial Office Spaces

Announcement Comes as City Celebrates Breaking All-Time High Jobs Record for Eighth Time Since Start of Administration, Unemployment Down Across All Demographics 

Part of Adams Administration’s “Jobs Week,” Highlighting City’s Effort to Ensure Opportunity Reaches Every Borough, Block, and Neighborhood, and Working-Class Families Have Access to Good-Paying Jobs

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul, and the United Nations Development Corporation (UNDC) today continued “Jobs Week” by announcing a $500 million development plan for One and Two United Nations Plaza that will help create more than 1,800 jobs and infuse billions of dollars back into the city’s economy. As part of the agreement, the United Nations (UN) has committed to long-term leases of space at UN Plaza, creating an estimated 1,800 jobs, securing New York City’s reputation as a global capital, and supporting the city’s effort to revitalize commercial office space. Today’s announcement comes as the city celebrates recently breaking the all-time high jobs record for the eighth time and unemployment going down across all demographics since the start of the Adams administration. This week, the Adams administration is celebrating “Jobs Week,” highlighting the city’s efforts to ensure job opportunities reach every borough, block, and neighborhood and advancing Mayor Adams’ 2025 State of the City commitment to make New York City the best, most affordable place to raise a family.

"Having the United Nations headquartered in New York City is a powerful, symbolic reminder of our city's proud reputation as a global capital along with being an economic engine and job creator," said Mayor Adams. "As we kick off 'Jobs Week,’ we're proud to partner with the state for this groundbreaking development plan for the UN Plaza that will create1,800 jobs in the process, re-energize our commercial office space, and generate billions in economic impact for our city. 'Jobs Week' doubles down our efforts to make New York City the best, most affordable place to raise a family, starting with delivering the best jobs on the globe."

“This $500 million investment by the United Nations Development Corporation is more proof that New York’s resurgence is in full swing,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Projects like this create good-paying jobs, drive economic growth, and reinforce our position as the global capital of commerce and diplomacy. When we build, we create opportunity — and there’s no better place for it than right here in Manhattan.”

"New York City stands as an undeniable global hub, and the United Nations’ commitment to long-term commercial office space in our city underscores that distinction,” said First Deputy Mayor Maria-Torres Springer. “The redevelopment of the UN Plaza properties will not only revitalize Midtown’s office market but also modernize office spaces for the thousands within the UN community, all while generating high-quality jobs. We are grateful for the partnership with Governor Hochul and the UNDC in bringing this visionary plan to life"

“New York City's global leadership is reinforced by our deep and enduring partnership with the United Nations. As the proud host of the UN, we recognize the immense value this institution brings to our city and the world,” said New York City Mayor’s Office for International Affairs Commissioner Edward Mermelstein. “It is an honor to represent the city on the UNDC Board and to support these efforts. This investment, occurring as the UN celebrates its 80^th anniversary, stands as a powerful testament to New York City’s continued leadership and the significant economic benefits the UN brings to New Yorkers.”

“The United Nations and New York City have a partnership that goes back nearly 80 years, and this announcement of a comprehensive repositioning of the buildings combined with new long-term leases continues that partnership for years to come,” said George Klein, chairman, UNDC.

The development plan is expected to support approximately 1,800 construction and related jobs, in addition to preserving thousands of existing jobs created directly or indirectly by the UN community. Finally, more than 20,000 full- and part-time jobs in New York City are attributable to the presence of the UN community, through both direct employment as well as through the number of jobs its presence is estimated to support.

The project will include building-wide renovations by UNDC, together with renovations by the tenants of their leased office space. CBRE acted as advisor to UNDC, and Newmark acted as advisor to the UN for the project. The total project will cover approximately 900,000 square feet. Building-wide renovations will include new systems with enhanced energy efficiencies under New York state’s BuildSmart 2025 program, which will help the state achieve its ambitious energy goals to make it more affordable, cleaner, and resilient for all New Yorkers. Additional projects include updates to current fire safety, and disability codes and regulations.

The architect for the project is Spacesmith; the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineer is Cosentini Associates; and the construction manager is Turner Construction Company. Construction is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025, and the project will be completed in approximately 48 months. Turner Construction Company has signed a Project Labor Agreement with the Building and Construction Trades Council that will benefit trade contractors and result in cost savings for the project. UNDC plans to issue up to $380 million in bonds to fund the project. The underwriters for the financing will be Goldman Sachs and Siebert Williams Shank.

UNDC is a public benefit corporation established by New York state in 1968 to provide office space and other facilities for the UN community. UNDC developed and operates the UN Plaza buildings, which were designed in the 1970s and 1980s by Kevin Roche, recipient of architecture’s highest honor, the Pritzker Prize. One and Two UN Plaza, which include office space and a hotel on the top floors, together with Three UN Plaza, were developed to meet the needs of the UN as it expanded. The planned development of One and Two UN Plaza will enable further consolidation of UN personnel, maximizing efficiencies for the organization. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which maintains its world headquarters at Three UN Plaza, will own the building in 2026.

The Adams administration has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in creating good-paying, family-sustaining, public- and private-sector jobs for New Yorkers. The New York City Mayor’s Office of Talent and Workforce (NYC Talent), last year, announced that nearly 8,500 job-seeking New Yorkers were connected to employment, free training, and workforce development resources over six months through Mayor Adams’ “Jobs NYC” initiative. Jobs NYC is a multi-pronged citywide effort to reduce barriers to economic opportunities and deliver workforce development services directly to communities across the five boroughs that are experiencing high unemployment. To find job opportunities, free training, and employment resources, New Yorkers can visit the Jobs NYC website.

The Adams administration has also launched and advanced transformative projects in all five boroughs to support job creation, including projects ranging from the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, to the Brooklyn Army Terminal and Brooklyn Marine Terminal in Brooklyn, to SPARC Kips Bay in Manhattan, to Willets Point in Queens, to the North Shore Action Plan on Staten Island. Cumulatively, these projects will create tens of thousands of permanent and temporary construction jobs, generate more than $100 billion in long-term economic impact for the city, and cultivate good-paying, 21st-century job opportunities.

Additionally, last year, NYC Talent announced the city delivered more than 15,000 apprenticeship opportunities to New Yorkers in less than three years — more than halfway to the administration’s moonshot goal of creating 30,000 apprenticeships by 2030 announced in Mayor Adams’ 2023 State of the City address.  Further, last summer, NYC Talent announced expanded workforce services for New Yorkers with disabilities and celebrated a hiring milestone for the community. Finally, Mayor Adams, also last summer, announced the city’s first-ever community hiring effort, which leverages more than $1.2 billion in city contracts to create job opportunities for underserved New Yorkers. Community hiring allows the city to use its purchasing power, set hiring goals across city procurement contracts, and build on the success of existing project labor agreements and agency-specific hiring programs.