D.A. Bragg Announces Guilty Plea Of Fake Attorney For Stealing Over $290k From More Than 100 Clients

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced the guilty plea of SEAN MESCALL, 46, for posing as an attorney and stealing approximately $290,000 from more than one hundred clients who relied on him for legal services between April 2022 and January 2025. MESCALL pleaded guilty in a New York State Supreme Court to one count each of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree and Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree. Under the terms of his plea, he is expected to be sentenced on August 6, 2025, to a promised term of 2-to-6 years in state prison. The Court also ordered a confession of judgment in the amount of $294,275.63. 

“Sean Mescall went to extreme lengths to steal from over one hundred New Yorkers, falsely posing as an attorney providing legal assistance, while he was actually exploiting them,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Those who defraud Manhattanites seeking help will be held accountable. If you are a victim of financial crime, or know about a financial crime that requires investigation, please call our Financial Frauds Bureau at 212-335-8900.” 

According to court documents and statements made on the record, and as admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, between April 2022 and January 2025, MESCALL falsely posed as a lawyer and systematically defrauded dozens of people. MESCALL stole approximately $300,000 from victims who believed they were clients of a licensed attorney. MESCALL was never a registered lawyer in New York State. 

MESCALL created a fake law firm in the Financial District that went by many different names, including “Prospection Legal,” “Prospection Legal Group,” “Legal Prospection,” “Mescall Law P.C. and Prospection Legal Group,” and “Mescall Law P.C.” MESCALL also registered two corporate entities in Delaware named “Prospection Legal Corporation,” and “Attorney Mescall P.C.” 

To attract clients to his fake law firm, MESCALL created profiles on different online legal search platforms, including Justia.com, Law.com, Lawyer.com, and Nolo.com. He also created profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to advertise his fraudulent legal services. He provided false information on these platforms, including that he received a law degree in 2001 from “Texas Tech University School of Law,” and that he had more than a decade of litigation experience. 

The types of cases in which MESCALL agreed to represent clients included a class action lawsuit, a discrimination lawsuit, and a business dispute over a breach of contract. 

In April of 2024, MESCALL hired an attorney licensed in New York and New Jersey to work at his fake law firm. MESCALL told this attorney that he had graduated from law school, that he was licensed to practice law in New York, New Jersey, and other places, and that he had been practicing law since “before she was born.” Based on MESCALL’s representations, the attorney began working for him, and represented his clients in filings and in appearances at courts in various jurisdictions. 

Assistant D.A.s Minji Kim and Alexander Sanyshyn (Financial Frauds Bureau) are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Hope Korenstein (Deputy Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau), Kelly Thomas (Deputy Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau) and Kofi Sansculotte (Chief of the Financial Frauds Bureau), and Executive Assistant D.A. Jodie Kane (Chief of the Investigation Division). 

Financial Frauds Paralegal Jamyle Delgado, and former Financial Frauds Paralegals Kari Siegenthaler and Leila Mohammed provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Rackets Investigators Kyle Breen, and Luis Chuquiralao, Supervising Rackets Investigator Ryan Lemon, Deputy Bureau Chief Investigator Kevin Yorke and Investigations Bureau Assistant Chiefs Michael Wigdor and Jon Reid also provided valuable assistance in the investigation. Director of the High Tech Analysis Unit Steve Moran, Privilege Review Data Specialist Olivia Savell and Chief of the Privilege Review Unit Caroline Serino assisted with the investigation as well. 

Defendant Information: 

SEAN MESCALL 

Newburgh, NY 

Convicted:

• Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony, one count
• Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony, one count 

DHS Arrests Dangerous Criminal Illegal Aliens who Escaped from Delaney Hall Detention Facility

 

Law enforcement is offering a $10,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest of the remaining two dangerous criminal illegal aliens

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced it captured two of the four dangerous criminal illegal aliens who escaped Delaney Hall on June 12, 2025. Two additional criminal illegal aliens remain at large.  

Contrary to reporting, there has been no widespread unrest at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility. This privately held facility remains dedicated to providing high-quality services, including around-the-clock access to medical care, in-person and virtual legal and family visitation, general and legal library access, translation services, dietician-approved meals, religious and specialty diets, recreational amenities, and opportunities for detainees to practice their religious beliefs.  

CAPTURED 

On June 13, 2025, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), FBI, and Passaic Police in Passaic, New Jersey. During the arrest, Sandoval-Lopez kicked and threatened to kill the law enforcement officers. This criminal illegal alien’s criminal record includes unlawful possession of a handgun and aggravated assault.

On June 13, 2025, Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia whose criminal record includes arrests for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary, attempted to turn himself in to local authorities at the New Jersey State Police Bridgeton Station. Due to their sanctuary policies, the State Police refused to take him into custody because they do not work with ICE. On June 15, Castaneda-Lozada surrendered himself to Agents from FBI and ICE in Milleville, NJ. 

“DHS has captured two of the detainees who escaped the privately held Delaney Hall Detention Facility. On June 13, Joel Enrique Sandoval-Lopez was apprehended. During his arrest, he kicked and threatened to kill law enforcement officers. Disturbingly, Joan Sebastian Castaneda-Lozada tried to turn himself into local authorities and was turned away because of the state’s sanctuary policies that prohibit law enforcement from working with ICE. Thankfully, this criminal alien has now been arrested and is no longer a threat to Americans,” said a Senior DHS Official. “We encourage the public to call 911 or the ICE Tip Line: 866-DHS-2-ICE if they have information that may lead to locating the two criminal illegal aliens who remain at large. DHS and FBI are offering a $10,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest of these public safety threats.” 

DHS and the FBI are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the two remaining criminal illegal aliens who escaped from Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey. The safety of Americans and the Newark community is DHS’ top priority. 

Below are the two criminal illegal aliens who are evading federal law enforcement and pose a threat to public safety.  

Franklin Norberto Bautista-Reyes is an illegal alien from Honduras who illegally entered the U.S. in 2021 under the Biden administration. On May 3, 2025, the Wayne Township, New Jersey Police Department arrested Bautista for aggravated assault, attempt to cause bodily injury, terroristic threats, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes.

Andres Pineda-Mogollon is an illegal alien from Colombia who overstayed a tourist visa and entered the U.S. in 2023 under the Biden administration. On April 25, 2025, the New York City Police Department arrested Pineda-Mogollon for petit larceny. On May 21, 2025, the Union, New Jersey Police Department arrested Pineda-Mogollon for residential burglary, conspiracy residential burglary, and possession of burglary tools.

Anonymous tips may be reported on this form and via the toll-free ICE tip line, (866) 347-2423. 

ICE’s 24-hour tip line gives Americans the ability to report suspicious criminal activity by illegal aliens including terrorist activity, gang related crimes, and suspected sex trafficking. The tip line is manned by highly trained specialists who take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on the more than 400 laws enforced by ICE. Secretary Noem will be providing more resources and personnel to this tip line to ensure DHS is able to quickly identify, locate, and arrest these criminal illegal aliens.

Eight Members and Associates of the Transnational 18th Street Gang Charged with Racketeering Crimes in Queens

 

The Defendants’ Crimes Involved Brutal Assaults, Extortion, Drug Trafficking, Production and Sale of Fraudulent Identification Documents, and Counterfeit Currency

Earlier today in federal court in Brooklyn, an indictment was unsealed charging eight members and associates of the 18th Street gang, a violent transnational criminal organization, with serious crimes.  Six defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy, including predicate acts involving narcotics and firearms trafficking, production and sale of fraudulent identification documents, and extortion. Seven defendants are also charged with assaults in aid of racketeering.  One defendant is charged with being an alien in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic pistol and ammunition. 

Seven defendants were taken into custody in New York City and are scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Cheryl M. Pollak.  Another defendant, currently in custody on separate criminal charges, is expected to be arraigned tomorrow. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York; Christopher G. Raia, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI); Jessica S. Tisch, Commissioner, New York City Police Department (NYPD); and Melinda Katz, Queens District Attorney, announced the arrests and charges.

“This indictment represents a significant step in our ongoing effort to dismantle violent gang networks in our communities,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “The 18th Street gang exploited a Queens neighborhood as a hub for violence and illicit activity.  Today’s arrests show the community that my Office and our law enforcement partners are working tirelessly to put these violent criminals behind bars.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Queens County District Attorney’s Office, the FBI New York Metro Safe Streets Task Force, the Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General – New York Office, the United States Secret Service, and the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, New York City Field Office, for their invaluable assistance with the case.

“These violent members and associates of the 18th Street gang allegedly relied on violence—including assault of innocent civilians and rival gang members—to exert and maintain control over a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. Those arrested today acted and behaved with callous and cruel disregard for those around them. Our actions today represent yet another example of the FBI’s commitment to crushing the violent transnational gangs plaguing our communities,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Raia.

“The defendants in this case are accused of unleashing terror onto Queens communities through brutal assaults, extortion, fraud, and drug trafficking—all in furtherance of the 18th Street gang’s agenda. Every resident deserves to feel safe walking down the street, without having to worry about gang violence. My office will continue to combat violent criminal enterprises and assist partner investigations to dismantle gangs as they try to establish themselves in our neighborhoods, stated Queens District Attorney Katz.  “We thank the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the FBI and the NYPD for their hard work in this case.”

As alleged in the indictment and other court filings, the 18th Street gang is a violent transnational criminal organization with members and associates throughout the United States and Central America.  The gang is divided into several “cliques.”  The defendants are members and associates of the “54 Tiny Locos” clique, which controls a busy commercial corridor along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens. For years, 18th Street has maintained control over this area through violence, including assaults on perceived rival gang members that often result in harm to innocent civilians.  The gang financed its operations through drug-dealing and various other crimes, including trafficking in fraudulent identification documents and counterfeit currency.  The gang’s production and sale of fraudulent documents—including fake passports, permanent resident cards, Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) cards—was a primary driver of income for its members and associates.  Members of 18th Street, including the defendants, also committed extortion by charging “rent” to other illicit businesses operating in the area, including unregulated brothels. 

Certain of the defendants are also charged in connection with three assaults in-aid-of racketeering in Queens, New York, that wounded four individuals.

The December 2021 Assault

As alleged, on December 31, 2021, members of 18th Street, including Bonilla Ramos, Ramirez, and a co-conspirator, assaulted two victims, including John Doe #1, outside of a bar in Queens, New York, after asking if they were in a gang.  The defendants violently beat both John Doe #1 and his friend, including twice smashing John Doe #1’s head with a glass bottle of tequila, leaving him with severe lacerations to his face and nerve damage.

The January 2022 Assault

As alleged, on January 15, 2022, members of 18th Street attacked two victims, John Doe #2 and John Doe #3, outside a bar in Queens, New York. A co-conspirator stabbed John Doe #2 while two other defendants held him in place.  John Doe #2 sustained serious injuries, including injuries to his lung. The defendants then attacked a second victim, John Doe #3, with large wooden planks, causing lacerations that required sutures.  The serious injuries to John Doe #2, the victim who was stabbed, were reflected in the blood left behind after the assault.

The June 2024 Assault

As alleged, on June 20, 2024, members of 18th Street attacked a victim, John Doe #4, who they believed was a rival gang member, in a parking lot in Queens, New York.  The assailants, including certain of the defendants, beat John Doe #4 with a bike lock and a metal chair, among other things.  John Doe #4 received medical care for lacerations to his head, which required sutures. 

1. The charges announced today are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
2. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eradicating transnational criminal organizations, combating violent crime, and restoring the rule of law.
3. This prosecution also is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF targets the highest-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S., using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.  More info is available here: www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.  Assistant United States Attorneys Lauren A. Bowman, Andy Palacio, and Kamil R. Ammari are in charge of the prosecution.

The Defendants:

FELIX BONILLA RAMOS (also known as “Chabelo” and “Ferras”)

Age: 36

Corona, New York

URIEL LOPEZ (also known as “Tanke”)

Age: 30

Jackson Heights, New York

REFUGIO MARTINEZ (also known as “Cuco”)

Age: 32

Elmhurst, New York

MARGARITO ORTEGA (also known as “Pinocchio”)

Age: 38

Elmhurst, New York

ORLANDO RAMIREZ (also known as “Niñote”)

Age: 24

Elmhurst, New York

GERMAN RODRIGUEZ (also known as “Loco”)

Age: 34

Woodhaven, New York

DAVID VASQUEZ CORONA (also known as “Teba”)

Age: 29

Elmhurst, New York

MARCO VIDAL MENDEZ (also known as “Matute”)

Age: 36

Formerly of Elmhurst, New York

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO 12 YEARS IN PRISON FOR BROAD DAYLIGHT SHOOTING ON WALTON AVENUE

 

Defendant Convicted by Jury of Weapon Possession

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced today that Bronx man has been sentenced to 12 yearsin prison and five years post release supervision for second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon for firing a gun at a man on a Fordham Heights street. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant chased a man and fired two shots at him as he ran for his life on Walton Avenue. Fortunately, no one was injured even though the defendant fired the gun at 11 o’clock in the morning. He was sentenced as a predicate felony offender.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Kenny Urbaez, 38, of 2195 Grand Concourse, the Bronx, was sentenced to 12 years in prison and five years post release supervision for seconddegree Criminal Possession of a Weapon by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Joseph McCormack. He was found guilty of the top charge against him after a jury trial on February 26, 2025, and was sentenced as a predicate felony offender. New York State imposes stricter sentencing rules on individuals who have a prior felony conviction within 10 years of committing a new felony. 

On May 25, 2018, at approximately 11:00 a.m., the defendant, acting in concert with at least two unapprehended men, waited for the target outside his building on Walton Avenue in Fordham Heights and then chased the man, firing two shots from a 9mm semi-automatic pistol at him. The defendant was arrested shortly after.

District Attorney Clark thanked Trial Preparation Assistant Ivan Reyes of the Public Integrity Bureau for his assistance with the case.

After Two-Day Manhunt, Suspect Charged with Shooting Two Minnesota Lawmakers and Their Spouses

 

Vance Boelter, 57, of Green Isle, Minnesota, has been charged by federal complaint with stalking and murdering Minnesota House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, in addition to stalking and shooting Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife.

According to court documents, in the early morning hours of June 14, 2025, Vance Luther Boelter put into effect a calculated plan to inflict fear and violence upon Minnesota elected officials and their families. Boelter equipped himself with firearms and body armor, disguised himself as a law enforcement officer, and drove to the home of Senator Hoffman. Boelter knocked on the door repeatedly, claiming to be a police officer. Shortly after the Hoffmans opened the door, they were alarmed to realize Boelter was wearing a facemask. The Hoffmans tried to close the door on Boelter, but Boelter repeatedly shot both Senator and Mrs. Hoffman.

“The horrific, targeted murders of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman, as well as the shooting of Minnesota State Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette Hoffman, have shocked the nation and united us in grief,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “These horrific acts of violence will not go unanswered: the Department of Justice will prosecute this suspect to the fullest extent of the law and if convicted deliver severe consequences for his alleged crimes.”

“According to the charges, the defendant had a list of possible targets and went to the homes of public officials to conduct violent attacks,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This type of violence is unacceptable, and the FBI stands united with our law enforcement partners to find and hold accountable anyone who commits such despicable acts. I commend all the law enforcement officers who worked throughout the weekend to find the defendant and take him into custody.”

“Vance Luthor Boelter went on a violent rampage against our elected officials,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “These were targeted political assassinations the likes of which have never been seen in Minnesota. It was an attack on our state and on our democracy. We will not rest until he is brought to justice.” 

“This was a horrific act of targeted violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Alvin M. Winston Sr. of the FBI Minneapolis Field Office. “A gunman, impersonating a police officer, deliberately lured public servants to their own doorstep and opened fire. A Minnesota lawmaker and her spouse were murdered in cold blood, and others wounded, simply for serving as elected officials. This is not only unacceptable — it is an attack on the democratic values that define this nation. This marked the largest manhunt in Minnesota’s history, and it would not have been possible without the extraordinary partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The tireless coordination and commitment ensured Boelter was located and taken into custody without further incident. The FBI remains steadfast in our pursuit of justice. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and the communities they served.”

“The deliberate targeting of elected officials and their families is an appalling act of political violence that has no place in our country,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul Field Division. “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this tragedy. In response, ATF brought forward key investigative resources, including firearms tracing, NIBIN analysis, and a specially trained K-9 team, to help recover evidence and generate leads. Our agents contributed their full expertise and manpower to the search and continue to support the ongoing investigation. I’m proud of the role ATF has played and commend the extraordinary work of all law enforcement partners who came together to bring the suspect into custody.”

Boelter then traveled to the homes of two other Minnesota elected officials, still disguised as a law enforcement officer. Boelter did not manage to make contact with either of those officials or their families.

Next, Boelter drove to the home of Speaker Emerita and Representative Melissa Hortman. Meanwhile, local law enforcement, having heard of the shooting at the Hoffman residence, drove to the Hortman household to conduct a safety check. Upon arriving, officers saw Boelter’s car, a black Ford Explorer SUV designed to look like a law enforcement vehicle. It was equipped with police-style lights that were on and flashing. Officers saw Boelter, standing several feet from and facing the front door of the Hortman home. Moments later, Boelter fired several gunshots into the home, repeatedly striking Mr. Hortman. As Boelter did so, he rushed into the home and fired several additional shots, repeatedly striking Representative Hortman. Officers provided medical aid to the Hortmans and attempted to pursue Boelter, who abandoned the SUV and fled, initially, on foot. Both Hortmans died from their wounds.

Law enforcement searched Boelter’s SUV and recovered five firearms, including semi-automatic, assault-style rifles, a large quantity of ammunition, and several notebooks filled with handwritten notations. Those notes listed out the names of dozens of Minnesota state and federal elected officials. The notes often identified those officials’ home addresses.

A two-day manhunt, coordinated among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies across the state, ensued. As a result of those efforts, at approximately 9:15 on the evening of June 15, law enforcement located Boelter in a field in Green Isle, Minnesota, approximately one mile from his family residence. Law enforcement officers then took Boelter into custody.

Boelter will make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court today, before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty.

The FBI, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, ATF, Brooklyn Park Police Department, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office, Champlin Police Department, and New Hope Police Department, together with several other state and local partners, are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs, Bradley M. Endicott, Matthew D. Forbes, and Daniel W. Bobier for the District of Minnesota are prosecuting the case, with valuable assistance from Trial Attorney Dmitriy Slavin and Deputy Chief Joshua Champagne of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

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

Attorney General James Secures $250,000 from MoneyGram for Violating Consumer Protection Laws

 

MoneyGram Failed to Deliver Funds or Provide Timely Refunds

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured $250,000 from MoneyGram International, Inc., and MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc., (MoneyGram) for failing to follow consumer protection laws and jeopardizing their customers’ money transfers. MoneyGram is an international money transfer provider that serves hundreds of thousands of customers in the United States every year. In April 2022, Attorney General James and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) sued MoneyGram for failing to either transfer funds on time or provide timely refunds, and for ignoring its legal requirements to swiftly and accurately investigate errors. After CFPB chose to end its participation in the lawsuit, Attorney General James secured a settlement with MoneyGram requiring it to pay a $250,000 penalty and follow all relevant consumer protection laws.

“New Yorkers who want to send funds to their loved ones abroad should be able to trust that the companies handling their hard-earned money are operating honestly,” said Attorney General James. “MoneyGram failed to follow the law for years, sometimes leaving its customers in the dark about where their money went. My office stopped MoneyGram’s illegal behavior and will continue to protect those who rely on MoneyGram to support their families.” 

MoneyGram is a non-bank financial services company that enables consumers to send money, known as remittances, from the United States to more than 200 countries and territories. The company has 440,000 locations in the U.S. and worldwide, and also operates through a digital platform. Hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers use MoneyGram every year for millions of transactions.

The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and CFPB sued MoneyGram in April 2022, alleging that MoneyGram violated state and federal laws meant to protect its customers. For years, MoneyGram failed to make funds available to its customers on time, quickly resolve errors, or provide accurate information to its customers, in violation of the law.

The settlement with OAG ensures that MoneyGram does not escape accountability for its illegal actions impacting New Yorkers, despite CFPB’s decision to withdraw from the lawsuit. The settlement requires MoneyGram to comply with consumer protection laws by transferring funds and processing refunds on time. It also requires MoneyGram to ensure that disclosures to consumers are accurate and to investigate errors in a timely fashion. In addition, MoneyGram is prohibited from providing money senders with inaccurate disclosures and telling consumers that they are not liable for errors. In addition to complying with the law, MoneyGram must pay a penalty of $250,000.

BROOKLYN MAN INDICTED FOR SECOND-DEGREE MURDER IN SHOOTING OF TEEN OUTSIDE SCHOOL IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Brooklyn man has been charged with second-degree Murder and other related charges for the fatal shooting of a 17- year-old high boy after an argument between two girls outside a school. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly shot the victim multiple times in the back in broad daylight because of a fight between their girlfriends. This is another example of a dispute escalating to a senseless death, because a gun was handy.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Terrell Loyd, 19, of East New York Avenue, Brooklyn, was indicted on second-degree Murder, first-degree Manslaughter, two counts of second-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon and Criminal Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds. Loyd was arraigned on Friday, June 13, 2025, by Bronx Supreme Court Justice George Villegas and remanded. His next court date is September 22, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at approximately 4 p.m. on the grounds of P.S. 157 Grove Hill Elementary School in the Woodstock section, Loyd’s girlfriend was involved in a fight with the girlfriend of Laquai Dash, 17, a Legacy High School student and football player. Dash tried to break it up, and Loyd allegedly pulled out a semiautomatic 9mm pistol and fired six shots, hitting Dash twice in the back. The incident was recorded on a surveillance camera. Dash was taken to NYC Health +Hospitals Lincoln where he later died. Loyd was arrested on May 21, 2025, by members of NYPD Bronx Warrant Squad.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detectives Colin Higgins and Kyle Keiser of the Bronx Homicide Squad, Detective Rossi Mata of the 40th Precinct Detective Squad and Detective Gary Capellan of the Bronx Warrants Violent Felony Squad.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.  

Governor Hochul Announces $13.7 Million Awarded to 19 Farm and Food Organizations Through 2024 Partnership Agreement With U.S. Department of Agriculture

Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program Offers Competitive Grants for Projects Designed to Build Middle of Supply Chain

Equipment-Only Grant Funding To Open Soon

Governor Hochul today announced that 19 farm and food organizations are being awarded a total of $13.7 million through the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Grant Program. The funding announced today is the first of two grant programs announced last year as part of a cooperative agreement between New York State and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service to expand middle of the supply chain work to create a more resilient food system in New York State.

“Farmers are our lifeblood – they nourish our families and fuel our economy, and it is more important than ever that we invest in projects that bolster our local food supply chain here in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program provides critical funding to make our food systems at the local and state level more resilient for years to come by investing in projects that modernize agricultural facilities, improve training, and facilitate the purchase of new equipment. I’m proud to support this great work and shore up a strong future for New York State.”

First announced in May 2024, the RFSI Grant Program offers a total of over $14.7 million through two grant opportunities — Infrastructure Grants and Equipment-Only Grants — to provide capital and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating at the middle of the supply chain, helping to enhance coordination throughout the food system and improve access to markets for farmers. Grants of $13.7 million are being awarded to 19 projects across the state through the program’s Infrastructure Grants, which support projects focused on the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of agricultural food products. A list of the awarded projects is available here.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) has partnered with Farm and Food Growth Fund, Inc (FFGF) to administer the funding available through the program’s Infrastructure Grants as well as the Equipment-Only Grants, which will be open for applications soon.

As part of the RFSI Grant Program, AGM is also partnering with Tierra Viva Collective to provide technical assistance to producers to improve supply chain coordination activities. Additionally, the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York Program will conduct an updated assessment of New York State’s processing infrastructure to identify challenges and opportunities for growth, as well as an analysis of the State’s institutional purchasing to provide market information to New York State producers.

 Equipment-Only Grants

Applications for the RSFI’s Equipment-Only grants will open soon. Following USDA’s accelerated timeline for the execution of this program, the application for this opportunity will be open for a very limited time. The Department encourages all potential applicants to take advantage of the resources available below to be ready to apply promptly when the application opens.

Applications will be open to New York State entities and will provide awards ranging from $30,000 to $100,000. The funding may only be used for post-harvest equipment that will expand capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including value-added food products. Successful projects will focus on increasing the supply of New York-sourced food products available in New York markets. Competitive project applications will benefit multiple producers and multiple markets.

To help potential applicants prepare to apply, the FFGF has developed a quick reference sheet on the required documents and information needed to submit an application. Required documentation will include:

• A letter of support
• A letter of commitment
• NEPA questionnaire
• Budget quotes for each requested equipment item
• Evidence of Critical Resources and Infrastructure
• Evidence of permitting requirements
• Any site plans/drawings
• Other items as needed

View the full pre-application checklist here.

Complete information about how to apply for Equipment-Only Grants will be available on AGM’s website and FFGF’s website when applications open. In addition, potential applicants are encouraged to follow the Department on social media to hear the latest information, or sign up to receive the Department’s monthly newsletter at agriculture.ny.gov.

These investments build on the Governor’s commitment to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York's food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers can access fresh, local foods. This includes the Governor’s Executive Order 32 directing State agencies to increase the percentage of food sourced from New York farmers and producers to 30 percent of their total purchases within five years.

New York State continues to prioritize increasing access to food for all New Yorkers and providing new markets for farmers through a number of programs and initiatives supported in the New York State’s FY 2026 Budget, including Nourish New York, Farm to School Programs, the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs, the Urban Farms and Community Gardens Grants Programs, and more.

The Budget includes additional support in key areas to continue to strengthen the agricultural community, provide a boost to New York’s farmers, and create a stronger, more resilient food supply chain. This includes a record investment of over $90 million in agricultural stewardship programs that implement climate resilient and best management practices on farms, and help protect farmland. Additionally, building on last year's commitments to New York’s dairy industry, the state’s largest single agricultural sector, the Budget includes $10 million for the second round of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program and provides additional funding to research and implement climate-resilient practices on dairy farms.