Attorney General James Sues Florida Woman for Falsely Claiming Control Over Brooklyn Housing Cooperative

 

Jessica Vargas Has Stolen At Least $442,000 and Is Attempting to Sell Low-Income Residential Building for Personal Profit Despite Having No Ownership Claim to Property

New York Attorney General Letitia James today sued Jessica Vargas, a Florida resident, for running a scheme to fraudulently claim control over the Housing Development Fund Corporation (HDFC) at 13 Scholes Street (13 Scholes), a low-income residential building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that Vargas created false documents to assume control of the corporation, collected at least $442,000 in rent meant for the cooperative, and is now attempting to sell the building for personal profit. Attorney General James’ civil lawsuit seeks to remove Vargas from her claimed position within the corporation, recover all stolen rent, and permanently bar her from any further business related to the property.

“Jessica Vargas declared herself president of a building she had no claim to, exploiting New Yorkers for her personal gain while living over a thousand miles away,” said Attorney General James. “What was meant to be affordable housing for New Yorkers has now been manipulated into a Floridian’s personal piggy bank. That is unacceptable. We are suing to take this building out of Vargas’ hands and ensure it remains available to low-income New Yorkers.”

13 Scholes HDFC is a low-income cooperative corporation established in 1996 exclusively to develop a housing project for low-income New Yorkers. HDFCs are affordable housing co-ops collectively owned and operated by their residents, or shareholders, who together make decisions about care and upkeep of the building. All the original resident shareholders of 13 Scholes have passed away, and the OAG investigation revealed that Vargas, a former shareholder’s daughter, has since exploited the corporation for her own personal benefit while leaving the building in debt. Attorney General James alleges that Vargas has attempted to deceive business associates, courts, and regulators into believing that she has control and ownership of the building, with the ultimate goal of selling the building for additional profit.

The OAG investigation revealed that although Vargas was once the administrator of the estate of her later father, Albert Rivera, the estate never contained any assets related to 13 Scholes, and it was closed in 2021. Despite never holding any legal position within the 13 Scholes HDFC, Vargas has falsely claimed to be its President, Secretary, Treasurer, and sole shareholder on multiple occasions.

Attorney General James alleges that Vargas fabricated stock certificates, falsely reported ownership to city agencies, and diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars that should have gone toward maintaining the cooperative to line her own pockets. The OAG investigation determined that Vargas unlawfully collected at least $442,000 in rent from a private company under an invalid lease agreement and failed to pay over $40,000 in property taxes, as well as over $3,000 in water bills, leaving the building in financial distress. Now, Vargas is seeking to sell the building and pocket the profits, despite not having the legal right to do so.

Attorney General James is suing to remove Vargas from her fraudulent position as an officer of 13 Scholes HDFC and is seeking a permanent ban on Vargas doing any business related to the property or company. Attorney General James is also seeking to recover all misappropriated funds, totaling at least $442,000.

Recover, Recruit, Rebuild: Governor Hochul Updates New Yorkers on Future of State’s Correctional System Following End of Illegal Work Stoppage

Approximately 10,000 DOCCS Security Personnel Are Working at Correctional Facilities Across New York; Deployment of 6,000 Additional Members of New York National Guard Continues

New York State Continues Recruitment Efforts With Trainees at Correction Officer Academy, While Previously Boosting Starting Pay and Proposes To Allow Out of State Applicants

Governor Signs Executive Order Barring the Hiring Into State Service of Individuals Who Are Participating in the Wildcat Strike

Governor Kathy Hochul today provided an update on the future of New York State’s correctional system following the end of the 22 day illegal work stoppage, creating a path to recover, recruit and rebuild the system moving forward. The end of the strike follows four attempts at an agreement between DOCCS and NYSCOPBA that seriously addressed concerns regarding safety and compensation. More than 10,000 security personnel are currently working at correctional facilities at this time, answering the call of duty to protect their colleagues, their communities and the individuals in their custody. Over 6,000 National Guard servicemembers continue to be deployed to maintain safety and security alongside the security and civilian staff. The Governor also signed an executive order barring the hiring into State service of individuals who are participating in the wildcat strike.

“My top priority is the safety and well-being of all New Yorkers — and I have been working around-the-clock to end this illegal work stoppage and restore safety in our correctional system,” Governor Hochul said. “We have taken unprecedented steps to protect public safety, and I am grateful to the National Guard and DOCCS personnel who stayed on the job, going above and beyond to protect their fellow New Yorkers. Today, we can finally say this work stoppage is over and move forward towards making our prisons safer for all, supporting our correctional staff, and recruiting the correction officers of the future.”

When the illegal walkout began, Governor Hochul deployed significant public safety resources to ensure the safety of civilian DOCCS personnel, Correction Officers who remain on the job, the incarcerated population and the surrounding community. The Governor mobilized more than 6,000 National Guard servicemembers across the State to staff prison facilities and authorized additional compensation for National Guard in recognition of their critical work.

On Saturday, DOCCS and NYSCOPBA reached the fourth and final agreement to end the illegal walkout. Despite not meeting the 85 percent return threshold, the State is recognizing components of this agreement as well as the March 6th agreement in full. Components of the agreements that the State will honor include:

• Allowing the Commissioner of DOCCS to exercise his existing discretion under the HALT Act and continue the temporary suspension of the programming elements of the HALT Act for 90 days from the date of the MOA.
• Minimizing and working towards eliminating 24-hour mandatory overtime.
• Establishing a committee to analyze each facility's staffing and operational inefficiencies with the goal of providing more relief to existing staff.
• DOCCS shall not issue notices of discipline under the collective bargaining agreement for an employee who engaged in the strike so long as the employee returned to work by the deadline.
• Reiterating rescission of the 70/30 memo.
• Immediately reinstating the health insurance of any returning employee.
• Continue to pay the 2.5 times overtime rate originally established by mutual agreement on February 20, 2025, for 30 days from the date of the MOA.
• Allowing employees to purchase health insurance covering the full State share and employee share to the first day of AWOL/terminated health insurance.
• Establishing a committee comprised of representatives of NYSCOPВА and DOCCS and other parties to present recommendations to the New York State Legislature regarding changes to the HALT Act.

Any employee who did not report to work yesterday will be terminated, with about 2,000 termination notices going out. Governor Hochul also signed an Executive Order establishing a policy barring the hiring into State service of individuals who are participating in the wildcat strike and recommending their removal from the Central Registry of Police and Peace Officers for cause, which would prevent them from being hired as a Police or Peace Officer in state and local jurisdictions.

Attention now turns to the future to support staff at correctional facilities and recruiting the correction officers of the future. New York continues to expand efforts to increase recruitment and hiring of new correction officers. This includes:

• Supporting correction officer trainees at New York’s Correction Officer Academy
• Introducing Article 7 language in this year’s Executive Budget to amend the public officers law, in relation to residency requirements for certain positions as a correction officer, allowing recruiting from other states which would greatly expand the number of potential applicants.
• DOCCS has contracted with OGS Media Services on a large-scale social media recruitment campaign that includes a multi-channel approach including social media, multicultural digital, streaming audio, video and static ads to better familiarize the public on DOCCS mission. The campaign went live in February 2025 targeting upstate NY community college campuses and military bases.
• DOCCS Statewide Recruitment Unit has been running Recruitment Centers in various locations and currently is operating Recruitment Centers in the Destiny USA mall (Syracuse) and Champlain Centre mall (Plattsburgh).
• DOCCS launched an advanced placement initiative to attract applicants with Correction Officer experience into our Correction Officer ranks at a pay rate commensurate to their experience.
• In February 2025, the DOCCS Recruitment Unit collectively attended a total of 157 career fair and table events across colleges, high schools and community events.
• In July 2024, the Department launched “CNY200”, a regional hiring incentive promoting direct placement of Correction officer recruits to vacancies – a program that has been expanded to eight counties.
• The DOCCS recruitment team launched a new initiative to increase DOCCS applications into the NYS HELPs program, by collecting electronic resumes at career and community events and disseminating them to the facilities in their regions.

NYC PUBLIC ADVOCATE ARGUES FOR MORE TARGETED SPENDING ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY BEYOND LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

New York City Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams today called for smarter, more targeted investment in public health and safety in the city budget. At a hearing of the City Council Committees on Public Safety and Finance, he pushed for strategies and spending that do not rely entirely on law enforcement. 

“...This is a cycle that happens, and I’m hoping at some point, we can stop the cycle by agreeing where we agree, but backing that up with funding to other agencies and other organizations that can do the jobs that we’re asking our NYPD to do,” argued the Public Advocate. “It causes unnecessary tension, unnecessary conversations, unnecessary pressures that the public sees. So I’m pleading with the Commissioner to rethink some of the strategies they’re trying to do, and make the law, the NYPD the last resort, not the first resort.” 

 

On police overtime, which increased to over $1.1 billion during the last fiscal year, he said that “Excessive overtime does not only drain resources that could be used to invest in what we know makes us safer: housing support, mental health services, employment opportunities, crisis intervention, credible messengers, and education – It also harms officer retention…For an agency that struggles with recruitment and retention, it is in the NYPD’s best interest to ensure that officers are not putting in excessive overtime.” 

 

He also addressed the expenses associated with police misconduct settlements, saying that “In 2024, the city paid over $205 million in police misconduct lawsuit settlements, the most since 2018… In September of last year, the NYPD shot a person accused of holding a knife pursued for fare evasion, as well as bystanders and one of their own officers—leaving one bystander in critical condition with a gunshot to the head. Two of the victims announced their intentions to sue the city for $80 million and $70 million, respectively. It bears repeating that the fare for the subway is $2.90.”  The Public Advocate pushed for sufficient funding for public defender services as essential to the city’s safety as well.  

 

NYSOFA and GetSetUp Celebrate One Million Class Attendances, Empowering Older Adults Across New York

 

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA), Association on Aging in New York and GetSetUp are proud to announce a milestone achievement: over one million class attendances by almost half a million older adults across New York State. This landmark reflects the success of NYSOFA’s commitment to empowering older adults through technology-driven learning, social engagement, and wellness programs.

To explore GetSetUp offerings and classes, free for older New Yorkers, visit www.getsetup.io/nystate.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with GetSetUp. Reaching one million class attendances means that older New Yorkers are learning on their devices of choice and staying connected, actively engaging in lifelong learning, and improving their overall well-being. This partnership is essential in NYSOFA’s mission to support older adults living independently and thriving in their communities.”

Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “New York’s partnership with GetSetUp has extended our collective mission to empower older New Yorkers, overcome social isolation and engage with peers. This milestone of one million classes is proof that the demand exists for powerful technological tools that create opportunities in digital environments for older adults to learn new skills and grow.”

GetSetUp President and Co-founder Lawrence Kosick said, “Our partnership with NYSOFA has been instrumental in bringing accessible, peer-led learning opportunities to older adults across New York. Reaching one million class attendances is a testament to the curiosity, resilience, and enthusiasm of older learners. We’re proud to support them in staying engaged, learning new skills, and building meaningful connections.”

Since launching this partnership almost four years ago, thousands of New Yorkers age 60 and older have connected with GetSetUp’s peer-led online classes, gaining skills in technology, health and wellness, financial literacy, and more. The program has grown to be one of the most popular programs for older adults throughout the state, and the impact extends beyond learning — participants have formed new social connections, discovered personal passions, and enhanced their independence.

Transforming Lives Through Learning

Learners across New York have shared inspiring stories about how GetSetUp has made a difference in their lives. Some quotes from online testimonials are below.

Lauri from Northeastern New York said, “I had a stroke and some medical issues, and I’ve been really depressed. GetSetUp got me interested in life again.”

Mary from Olean, New York, said, “I really like GetSetUp, especially the tech classes. It’s great for learning about what’s new in the tech world … I had to learn Zoom during COVID, and that was probably the best class for me because so many meetings are still on Zoom. That skill has been really helpful.”

Wendy from Syracuse, New York, said, “The greatest benefit of GetSetUp has been to my mental health. Classes have given me people to talk to and something to do in retirement. Now that I am retired, I don’t see people every single day, and several of the people I worked with and were friends with retired about the same time. They all moved, and now that we don’t work together, we don’t see each other very often, so my friend circle has decreased by 95%. GetSetUp gives me people to see every single day and talk to and gives me something to do.”

Lorraine from Westchester County, New York, said, “The instructors are all knowledgeable, and each brings a different energy and focus to their classes. I tend to pick the [classes] that are more high-energy, but sometimes a more gentle pace is nice, too … My steps have increased tremendously. I don’t love to walk, but these classes encourage me to keep moving."

Bridging the Digital Divide

By providing free access to GetSetUp’s classes, NYSOFA ensures that older adults across the state, regardless of income or location, can benefit from learning new skills and staying socially connected. The platform’s peer-to-peer model, where older adults teach and learn from one another, fosters a welcoming and engaging environment.

The GetSetUp partnership is part of a multilevel NYSOFA effort to combat social isolation, building on many long-established programs such as senior center programming, social adult day programs, home-delivered meals and congregate meals, volunteer opportunities, friendly visiting or friendly call programs, and in-home support. Contact your local office for the aging to learn more about these supports.

More recently, NYSOFA has invested in several initiatives, like GetSetUp, which leverage technology and digital tools to combat social isolation and provide support for caregivers. These offerings supplement direct services and support provided at the local level. Learn more by visiting https://aging.ny.gov/innovations-aging. 

State Comptroller DiNapoli and Dept. of Financial Services Superintendent Harris Designate New Banking Development District Branch to Support Community Banking in Red Hook

 

Comptroller Deposited $10 Million in Public Funds to Spring Bank Branch as Part of Program to Increase Access to Financial Services in Historically Underserved Communities

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Department of Financial Services Superintendent Adrienne A. Harris today announced the approval of Spring Bank’s Red Hook Branch as a Banking Development District (BDD) and deposited $10 million in public funds to the bank.

The BDD program, administered by the Department of Financial Services, supports the establishment of bank and credit union branches in areas across New York State where there is a demonstrated need for banking services. The Spring Bank Branch, located at 356 Van Brunt Street, Brooklyn, is now a designated branch within the previously designated Red Hook BDD.

To encourage participation in the BDD program, the State Comptroller’s office makes public deposits available to banks and credit unions to open or maintain a bank branch. The $10 million in public funds for Spring Bank will support their operations and provide affordable and accessible banking products and services in the community.

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli said, “The residents of Red Hook shouldn’t have to travel outside the community to open a savings account, apply for a loan or simply take out money, DiNapoli said. “The state's Banking Development District program helps bring banks where they are desperately needed and invests in their future. With $10 million, we hope to see Spring Bank spur business growth, job creation and family savings in Red Hook.”

New York State Superintendent of Financial Services Adrienne A. Harris said, “When I came into DFS three years ago I wanted to ensure that New Yorkers know that the Department is working for them, making sure that financial services are both affordable and accessible. The BDD program is a powerful tool to encourage savings and credit building in our local communities.”

“We are excited to open our doors in Red Hook, a neighborhood that, like others in New York City, has faced barriers to banking access,” said Akbar Rizvi, President of Spring Bank. “Our goal is to bring affordable, equitable financial services to this community and provide the support that many families and small businesses need to grow, succeed, and build a better future. The deposit of State and New York City funds into our institution is critical to support our ability to provide these services and ensures that their deposits fund local growth.”

The designation of this branch is the result of strong community support from local organizations, residents, small businesses, and elected officials, as part of the BDD application process.

The branch is committed to providing technical support and lending to small businesses, including nonprofits, increasing product affordability, expanding banking access and supporting financial empowerment and inclusion within the Red Hook community. New services include increasing access to loan products, credit lines, banking accounts and business development guidance to meet the needs of small businesses, providing free checking accounts to nonprofits within the BDD, offering free payroll check cashing services, ensuring bilingual staff and product information and sponsoring financial education workshops.

New York State has now approved fifty-seven BDD designations to date. As of 2/10/2025, the Comptroller’s office had deposits totaling approximately $543 million in 13 banking institutions that have opened branches in BDDs across the state.

Learn more about the Banking Development District program on the DFS website.

Governor Hochul Announces Statewide Impaired Driving Enforcement and Education Campaign Ahead of St. Patrick’s Day

New York State Police and Local Law Enforcement To Increase Road Patrols and Underage Drinking Surveillance; Statewide Mobilization To Run From March 10 Through March 17

Governor Kathy Hochul announced increased New York State Police and local law enforcement patrols will be present through St. Patrick’s Day to combat drunk, impaired and reckless driving. This annual traffic safety enforcement period — funded by the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee — begins today, March 10, and will operate through Monday, March 17. 

"When I became Governor, I promised to make New York safer for everyone,” Governor Hochul said. “Impaired driving can shatter lives — just as it did for Atoria Elem, who had turned 21 the day before an impaired driver crashed into her after leaving a St. Patrick’s Day parade. That crash changed the trajectory of Atoria’s life and the young life of the driver — who was also 21 at the time and spent several prime years of his life behind bars because of it. These traffic enforcement periods are critical to holding motorists accountable and preventing tragedies on our roadways.”

Atoria Elem was driving on I-90 in Albany on March 17, 2018, to meet her family to celebrate her birthday. While on her way, a vehicle being driven by a drunk driver collided with her head-on. Both Atoria and the other driver were seriously injured. Atoria suffered a broken femur and had to have a metal rod inserted in her leg, as well as a shattered kneecap that had to be rebuilt and other internal injuries. At the time, she was preparing to be a New York State Trooper but was forced to change her future plans as a result of the crash.

In addition to DWI (driving while intoxicated) checkpoints, law enforcement officers will increase road patrols during the traffic enforcement period to surveil for drivers who are speeding or distracted, or those violating the “Move Over Law.” New York State Police will also conduct checks at retail establishments targeting underage drinking and unlawful sales to minors during the campaign. 

During last year's St. Patrick's Day impaired driving enforcement campaign, officers statewide arrested 935 motorists who were DWI, issued 24,699 tickets — 4,600 of which were for speeding violations. Choosing to drive impaired can ruin your life or someone else’s. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that each day, approximately 37 people in the United States are victims of drunk driving crashes — about one person every 39 minutes. Every one of those deaths is preventable. This St. Patrick's Day, if you drink and drive, you will face jail time, the loss of your license, a higher insurance rate and dozens of unexpected expenses. Charges related to impaired driving carry fines of up to $10,000. 

The New York State Police and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) asks you to commit to following these easy steps, so you can enjoy a safe holiday without jeopardizing lives on the road. 

• Before the festivities begin, plan a way to safely get home at the end of the night. 
• Before you start drinking, designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home. 
• If you're impaired, use a taxi or ridesharing service, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely. 
• If you see a drunk driver on the road, call local law enforcement. You could save a life.

The GTSC and the New York State STOP-DWI Foundation's "Have a Plan" mobile app, is available for Apple and Android 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 report a suspected impaired driver. 

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state's toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).    

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, community residence, or outpatient care can be found using the NYS OASAS Treatment Availability Dashboard at FindAddictionTreatment.ny.gov or through the NYS OASAS website. 

 

Medical Clinic Owners and Clinical Investigator Plead Guilty in Connection with Fraudulent Clinical Drug Trials

Two owners of a clinical research facility pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with their work on two clinical trials testing drugs designed to treat asthma.

According to court documents, Angela Baquero, 49, and Ricardo Acuna, 52, both of Weston, Florida, owned A&R Research Group (A&R), located in Pembroke Pines, Florida. A&R was a medical research facility that conducted clinical trials of prospective new drug treatments on behalf of drug sponsors seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Baquero served as A&R’s clinical research director and study coordinator. Acuna served as A&R’s regulatory and contract affairs manager.

Pursuant to their plea agreements, Baquero and Acuna admitted to conspiring to unlawfully enrich themselves by making fraudulent representations to the asthma drug trial sponsor regarding subject eligibility, and falsifying and fabricating material documents and data, including case histories, spirometry readings, and echocardiogram data. As a result of the conspiracy, A&R provided fraudulent clinical research data to the drug trial sponsor and to an FDA investigator. According to the plea agreements, fraudulently enrolling subjects who did not qualify, and submitting data for subjects who were not participating, allowed A&R to inflate payments due from the sponsor.

“Clinical trials are essential to evaluating the safety and efficacy of potential drug treatments,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Justice Department will continue to work with the FDA to investigate and prosecute those who illegally undermine the integrity of the clinical trial process to facilitate fraudulent payments.”

The guilty pleas by Baquero and Acuna follow a March 3 guilty plea to a separate criminal information by Dr. Matthew Teltser, 70, of Hollywood, Florida, who served as the clinical investigator for numerous A&R clinical trials. Teltser pleaded guilty to making false statements to an FDA investigator regarding his work on the trials. According to his plea agreement, Teltser was the clinical investigator responsible for performing physical examinations on subjects and maintaining accurate records of data pertinent to the clinical trial. Teltser admitted that, during an FDA inspection, he knowingly and falsely told the FDA investigator that he had been present at every subject visit during the two asthma clinical trials.

Baquero and Acuna’s matters are set for further hearings before U.S. District Judge David S. Leibowitz on Sept. 19. Teltser is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Raag Singhal on June 10. Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations, Miami Field Office, investigated the case. 

Six Defendants Sentenced To Prison For Corruption At Rikers Island

 

Matthew Podolsky, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced the sentences imposed on former Rikers Island corrections officers JASON SKEET, CHANTAL DE LOS SANTOS, and STEPHANIE DAVILA; former Rikers Island program counselor SHANEQUA WASHINGTON; former Rikers Island contractor KENNETH WEBSTER; and former Rikers Island inmate KRISTOPHER FRANCISCO, each for conspiring to commit honest services wire fraud in connection with their involvement in corruption at Rikers Island.  The last of the defendants to be sentenced, DAVILA, was sentenced to 12 months and a day in prison today by U.S. District Judge Lorna G. Schofield.  The remaining five defendants were previously sentenced to terms of prison ranging from 12 months to 40 months.  

Acting U.S. Attorney Matthew Podolsky said: “The defendants—former Rikers Island employees, a Rikers Island contractor, and an inmate—engaged in corruption on Rikers Island by agreeing to have contraband smuggled into the Rikers Island jail facilities in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribes.  The defendants’ crimes contributed to a dangerous contraband market within Rikers Island, making Rikers Island less safe for inmates and officers alike.  The sentences imposed in this case demonstrate this Office’s commitment to hold accountable those who criminally abuse their positions of public trust and undermine the security of jails for their own benefit.” 

According to the Complaints, Informations, public court filings, and statements made in court:

SKEET, DE LOS SANTOS, DAVILA, WASHINGTON, WEBSTER, and FRANCISCO engaged in conspiracies to smuggle contraband, including, among other things, controlled substances—such as fentanyl, marijuana, and synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as “K2”—cellphones, and cigarettes, into Rikers Island in exchange for thousands of dollars in bribe payments.  Each of the charged conspiracies involved a Rikers Island insider—either a corrections officer, program counselor, or contractor—who was responsible for smuggling contraband into the facility; a co-conspirator outside of Rikers Island who provided the contraband and/or bribe payments to the insider; and an inmate co-conspirator who received the contraband smuggled by the insider.  The inmate who received the contraband from the insider typically sold at least part of the contraband to other inmates inside Rikers Island, in exchange for thousands of dollars in payments to the inmate or the inmate’s co-conspirators. In particular:

From at least January 2020 through June 2022, SKEET, who was then a corrections officer assigned to the Northern Infirmary Command on Rikers Island, smuggled contraband into Rikers Island approximately 100 times in exchange for more than $45,000.

From at least March 2022 through April 2022, WASHINGTON, who was then a program counselor assigned to the Robert N. Davoren Center on Rikers Island, smuggled contraband into Rikers Island in exchange for approximately $13,000.

From at least May 2022 through September 2022, WEBSTER, who was then an employee of a Rikers Island contractor and a former Rikers Island inmate , smuggled contraband into Rikers Island in exchange for more than $64,000.

From at least March 2022 through June 2022, DE LOS SANTOS, who was then a former Rikers Island corrections officer, passed contraband and made bribe payments to WASHINGTON and WEBSTER, so that they would smuggle the contraband to inmates inside Rikers Island.

From at least July 2021 through August 2021, DAVILA, who was then a former Rikers Island corrections officer, passed contraband and made bribe payments to a Rikers Island corrections officer (“CC-1”), so that CC-1 would smuggle the contraband to FRANCISCO inside Rikers Island.

From at least July 2021 through August 2021, FRANCISCO, who was then an inmate incarcerated in the Anna M. Kross Center on Rikers Island, directed DAVILA to provide bribe payments and contraband to CC-1, so that CC-1 would smuggle contraband to FRANCISCO inside Rikers Island.

Each of the defendants pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud.  A chart containing the sentences that the defendants received is set forth below.

Mr. Podolsky praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Department of Investigation.

The case is being handled by the Office’s Public Corruption Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Z. Margulies and Jonathan Rebold are in charge of the prosecution.  

Defendant	Age	Sentence of Imprisonment
Stephanie Davila	31	12 months and a day
Chantal De Los Santos	31	15 months
Kristopher Francisco	29	37 months
Jason Skeet	47	37 months
Shanequa Washington	40	12 months and a day
Kenneth Webster	43	41 months