BROOKLYN MAN CHARGED WITH FRADULENTLY SUBMITTING ONLINE HEALTH SURVEYS TO ILLEGALLY OBTAIN NEARLY $8,000 IN CITY-FUNDED GIFT CARDS

 

Jocelyn E. Strauber, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Investigation (“DOI”), announced the arrest today of a Brooklyn man on charges of using a “Bot program,” a computer program that performs automatic repetitive tasks, to answer hundreds of online health surveys in order to steal $7,774 in electronic gift card (“e-gift card”) funds from the City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (“DOHMH”). The e-gift cards were offered as an incentive to complete two public health surveys distributed between August and November 2023. DOI’s investigation was prompted by a DOHMH report that the vendor administering the surveys, ABT Associates, noticed discrepancies on multiple survey submissions. The office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez is prosecuting the case.

KENNY CHAI, 42, of Brooklyn, N.Y., is charged with one count each of Grand Larceny in the Third Degree, a class D felony; Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, a class E felony; and Petit Larceny, a class A misdemeanor. Upon conviction, a class D felony is punishable by up to seven years in prison, a class E felony is punishable by up to four years in prison, and a class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year’s incarceration.

DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber said, “This defendant, as charged, abused a City program that provided e-gift cards to incentivize New York City families to complete a public health survey. Through use of a “Bot” that responded to hundreds of surveys, he stole nearly $8,000 worth of gift cards, defrauding the City of funds intended to facilitate this important public health initiative. I thank DOHMH for referring this matter to DOI and the Brooklyn District Attorney for its partnership to protect public resources.”

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez said, “This defendant is accused of brazenly exploiting a public health program to line his own pockets, stealing thousands of dollars intended to support New York City families. His alleged use of bots and fake identities to commit this fraud also undermined an important effort to collect health data and improve services. I commend the Department of Investigation and my office’s Public Integrity Bureau for exposing this alleged scheme and seeking accountability.”

According to the criminal complaint, ABT Associates, on behalf of DOHMH, administered two public health surveys between August and November 2023; the Community Health Survey for adults and the Kid Survey for children ages one through 13. These surveys were designed to collect data from randomly selected City households to better understand the health status, behaviors, and needs of residents across the five boroughs. Households were eligible to receive an e-gift card as an incentive for completing the survey -- $30 for each completed adult survey and $25 for each completed child survey -- with a cap of one adult and two children per household, for a potential maximum of $80 per household. Respondents were required to enter a valid email address in the portal to receive their e-gift cards electronically, distributed through a third-party vendor, Virtual Incentives.

According to the criminal complaint, CHAI’s household was legitimately selected to complete the survey in August 2023 and CHAI completed the survey, and then employed a Bot program to generate fraudulent User IDs and complete hundreds of additional surveys to obtain e-gift card incentives. Between August 2023 and November 2023, CHAI redeemed more than 250 fraudulently obtained e-gift cards using temporary email addresses and ultimately directed funds to PayPal and Amazon accounts linked to himself. Verizon records indicated CHAI completed the surveys and redeemed the e-gift cards via IP addresses associated with his Brooklyn address. In all, funds from 277 e-gift cards were transferred to the defendant’s Amazon and PayPal accounts and then to his personal bank accounts. Funds from 216 e-gift cards, totaling $6,417.50, were uploaded to the defendant’s Pay Pal accounts; and funds from 61 e-gift cards were uploaded to the defendant’s Amazon.com account, totaling $1,356.60. CHAI did not have permission and authority to obtain or retain the $7,774.10 in e-gift card funds. 

A criminal complaint is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. 

Governor Hochul Deploys State Police Canine Search Teams to Texas to Assist With Flood Recovery

Four State Police Staff and Three Canines to Deploy to Kerr County July 9 for 14 Days to Assist with Ongoing Search Efforts

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that four New York State Police staff and three canines will deploy to Kerr County, Texas to support search efforts following devastating floods. This assistance was primarily deployed as part of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), the nation’s all-hazards national mutual aid system. EMAC has been ratified by the U.S. Congress (PL 104-321) and is law in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Northern Mariana Islands. EMAC's Members can share resources from all disciplines, protect personnel who deploy and be reimbursed for mission-related costs.

“Our hearts break for the tragic loss of life in Texas, and we are sending our prayers as they continue to heal and recover from this devastating flooding,” Governor Hochul said. “New York State is committed to helping those in need, and I am grateful for our State Police personnel who will be assisting officials in Kerr County as they continue their search efforts.”

New York State has a history of deploying resources to neighbors in need. In 2024, More than 200 emergency management staff members from numerous State agencies responded to calls for help in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in October and November. Team members included staff from the National Guard, Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Agriculture and Markets, Office of Information Technology Services, New York City and Ulster and Montgomery counties.

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - Summer Concert Series Continues!

 

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Say NO! to Proposed ConEd Rate Hikes in the Bronx

Dear Neighbor, 

Tomorrow, the NYS Public Service Commission will hold an in-person public statement hearing in the Bronx regarding Con Edison's proposed hikes in electric and gas delivery rates. The event in The Bronx will be held at Residence Inn Marriott Meeting Rooms A and B at 1776 Eastchester Road Bronx, NY, 10461 at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. 

In February of this year, Con Edison proposed a double-digit rate increase for the more than 3.4 million customers they serve in New York and Westchester Counties. If approved, New Yorkers would see an 11.4% increase on their electric bill and a 13.3% increase on their gas bill, which would heavily impact the residents of the Bronx. If this rate hike gets approved, it would be the fourth increase in the past three years. Read my statement about these proposed hikes here. 

It is incredibly important that as many Bronxites participate in this hearing.  The Bronx already has the highest energy burden share in New York City and one of the highest of any county in the state, paying an average of $251 per month. Our City is already in an affordability crisis and these hikes could prove devastating to our families. Your voice matters so make it heard!

Here are ways you can participate: 

In-Person

It is not necessary to make an appointment in advance or to present written material to speak at an in-person hearing. Individuals will be called to speak after completing a request card.

Each public statement hearing will be open for at least thirty minutes or until everyone wishing to speak has been heard or other reasonable arrangements have been made to include their comments in the record. A verbatim transcript of each public statement hearing will be included in the record of these proceedings.

Other Ways to Comment

For those who cannot attend or prefer not to speak at a public statement hearing, there are several other ways to provide your comments to the Commission. All comments should refer to “Case 25-E-0072 – Con Edison” or “Case 25-G-0073 – Con Edison.” All comments must be received by November 21, 2025.

Internet

Go to www.dps.ny.gov, click on “File Search” (located under the heading “Commission Files”), enter “25-E-0072” or “25-G-0073” in the “Search by Case Number” box, and then click on “Post Comments” at the top right of the page. NOTE: Electronic filing of comments is strongly encouraged. 



Mail

 

Comments may be mailed to the Hon. Michelle L. Phillips, Secretary, Public Service Commission, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, New York, 12223-1350. 

Sincerely,

Gustavo Rivera

New York State Senate

33rd District

Join Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr. For a Movie Under The Stars Night

 

Lights, Camera, Action!

Friends, please join me this Saturday, July 12, 2025 for a Movie Under the Stars event featuring the 2024 children's favorite Wicked.

 

In partnership with the NYC Parks Department, this event is FREE to the public. 

• When: Saturday, July 12th
• Where: Parkside Playground (Arnow Ave and White Plains Rd)
• Time: Movie will begin at approximately 8:40pm

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there to enjoy a fantastic night under the stars with friends and family. 

 

Yours Truly,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

Attorney General James Urges New Yorkers to Be Cautious When Donating to Texas Flooding Relief

New Yorkers Should Make Sure They Are Giving to Trustworthy Organizations before Donating 

New York Attorney General Letitia James today provided guidance to New Yorkers looking to support relief efforts in response to the devastating flash flooding in central Texas over the July 4th weekend. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) warns New Yorkers to be wary of sham charities attempting to take advantage of their situation and encourages everyone to ensure they are giving to legitimate charitable organizations. 

“My heart breaks for the Camp Mystic families and all Texans impacted by this devastating flash flooding, and I am grateful to the first responders who have jumped into action to care for their neighbors,” said Attorney General James. “As New Yorkers seek to support relief efforts, I urge them to be careful of scams and make sure they give to trustworthy organizations and groups. I encourage anyone who experiences any issues when donating to reach out to my office.”

Fraudulent organizations can try to take advantage of New Yorkers’ good intentions, especially following natural disasters. Given the significant impact of the flooding in Texas, it is essential for New Yorkers to be informed as they seek to help. The OAG offers the following tips to ensure donations are safe and effective:

• Solicited by Email? Find Out Who Is Soliciting. If you receive a solicitation by email, find out who is behind that email address. Contact the charity whose name is in the email or visit its website to find out if the email is really from the charity. Do not give personal information or your credit card number in response to an email solicitation unless you have checked out the charity.   
   
• Be Careful When Giving Through Social Media or Other Fundraising Sites. Before giving through social media or fundraising sites, research the identity of the organizer of the fundraising efforts and ask the same questions you would of a charity. Online platforms that host groups and individuals soliciting for causes may not thoroughly vet those who use their service. Donors should only give to campaigns conducted by people whom they know. Donors also should take a close look at the site’s FAQs and Terms and Conditions to see what fees will be charged. Also, don’t assume that charities recommended on social media sites, blogs, or other websites have already been vetted. Research the charity yourself to confirm that the charity is aware of the campaign and has given its approved permission for the use of its name or logo. If available, sign up for updates from the campaign organizer to keep abreast of how contributions to the campaign are being spent.
   
• Check Before Giving. Donate to charities you are familiar with and carefully review information about the charity before you give. Check a website like https://disasterphilanthropy.org/ to find out which charities are at the aid forefront. Most charities are required to register and file financial reports with OAG's Charities Bureau if they solicit contributions from New Yorkers. Check OAG’s website for financial reports of charities or ask the charity directly for its reports.  
   
• Ask How Your Donation Will Be Used. Find out how the charity plans to use your donation, including the services and individuals your donation will support. Find out more than just the cause. Find out what organization or entity will receive the money and what programs it conducts or what services it provides. Find out how much of the organization’s budget supports its mission. All charities have administrative expenses, but be wary if these costs outweigh the amount spent on relief.  
   
• Look Into Newly Formed Organizations Carefully. Often, in the aftermath of tragedies, new organizations emerge to meet community needs. While most of these organizations are well-intentioned, and some may provide innovative forms of assistance, some may not have the experience or infrastructure to follow through on their promises, and some may turn out to be scams.  
   
• Exercise Caution Before You Text a Contribution. Check the charity’s website or call the charity to confirm it has authorized contributions to be made via text message.  
   
• Don't Give Cash. Give directly to the charity either by check made payable to the organization or through the charity's website.  
   
• Be Careful About Personal Information. Be cautious before giving credit card or personal information over the phone, by text message, or via the internet. In all cases, make sure you are familiar with the organization to which you give such information and check to see that the fundraising campaign is legitimate.  
   
• Report Suspicious Organizations. If you believe an organization is misrepresenting its work or that a fundraising or charitable scam is taking place, please file a complaint with the Charities Bureau, or call 212-416-8401.

 

DEC Releases Draft Visitor Use Management Plan for Formerly Trailless Catskill High Peaks

 

Draft Plan Incorporates Use Data and Stakeholder Input to Inform Sustainable Management Strategies for Ecologically Sensitive High-Elevation Peaks

Public Meeting Aug. 6; Comments Accepted through Sept. 15 

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the release of the Draft Visitor Use Management Plan for the Formerly Trailless Catskill High Peaks. The plan outlines sustainable management strategies to protect ecologically sensitive high-elevation peaks in the Forest Preserve that have historically been managed to be free of trails and other recreational facilities. 

“While the Catskills have long provided a wild and scenic escape for hikers, an ongoing increase in use of herd paths and other informal trails is damaging sensitive ecosystems,” Commissioner Lefton said. “By proactively engaging in Visitor Use Management in highly visited locations, DEC is protecting natural resources while maximizing the public's experience in and appreciation of the Catskills. DEC encourages feedback on the draft plan to help continue balancing long-term conservation goals with safe and sustainable public access.” 

A surge in user-created, informal trails is threatening fragile ecosystems and resulting in soil compaction, increased erosion, and damage to vegetation and wildlife habitat. Informal trails can also adversely impact the landscape through forest fragmentation and the introduction of invasive species into interior forest habitats. These types of unplanned trail networks in high-elevation areas are especially harmful to the breeding behavior and nesting success of migratory, ground-nesting mountain birds that rely on these peaks for critical habitat. 

Since 2019, DEC has collected data to better understand the distribution of visitor-created, informal trails on 16 peaks over 3,500 feet that were historically managed as “trailless” areas. The draft Visitor Use Management Plan for the Formerly Trailless Catskill High Peaks shares findings from DEC’s research and provides recommendations to address the impacts of increased public use while protecting ecologically significant natural resources and providing a safer, more enjoyable hiking experience. 

The draft plan helps fulfill a recommendation from the Catskill Strategic Planning Advisory Group to adopt the federal Interagency Visitor Use Management Framework (VUMF) as a core management tool throughout the Catskill Park to establish desired conditions, the associated user capacities of each area, and the management steps that are necessary to enhance visitor experiences while also protecting natural resources. 

Upon final adoption of the Visitor Use Management Plan, DEC land managers will begin to address the fragmentation created by informal trails by using official trail markers to indicate a single, preferred route to the summit of each formerly trailless peak. Measures will also be taken to close and rehabilitate the remaining undesirable trails. Over time, the success of these actions will be monitored and if impacts continue, or if rehabilitation measures prove to be unsuccessful, new sustainable trails will be professionally designed and built to properly guide the public to each summit in a manner that allows the previously impacted areas to heal and provides a safer hiking experience for the public. DEC will update its website and work with partners to ensure the public is properly notified of changes as they occur. 

Protected by the New York State constitution as “forever wild,” the Forest Preserve comprises state land within the Adirondack and Catskill parks which is managed by DEC and its partners in a manner that maximizes public appreciation of its wild setting while ensuring it remains welcoming and accessible. As public interest in outdoor recreation has increased nationwide, balancing public access with the ongoing protection of the Forest Preserve continues to be a high priority for DEC. 

To learn more about monitoring efforts and to see previous reports documenting the adverse impacts of informal trails on the Catskill High Peaks, visit DEC’s website at https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-preserve/visitor-use-management. 

DEC will hold a virtual public meeting on Aug. 6, 2025, at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to share their comments and provide input on the on the Draft VUM Plan during the virtual public information meeting. To participate, visit the meeting page for details. 

The VUM plan is available for public comment through Monday, Sept. 15, by sending comments to catskillpark@dec.ny.gov or by mail to Pine Roehrs, NYSDEC, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY 12561. Comments will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 15. 

NOTE: Photos attached

PHOTO 1: STRAVA heat map image of Rocky Mountain, an unmarked Formerly Trailless peak. Visitor-created, informal trails significantly fragmented the landscape.

PHOTO 2: STRAVA heat map image of a high use marked trail in the Slide Mountain Wilderness. The marked trail consolidates foot traffic resulting in minimal landscape fragmentation.

Catskill Peaks heat maps.jpg

MAYOR ADAMS, DOHMH ACTING COMMISSIONER DR. MORSE ANNOUNCE LOWEST QUARTER OF OPIOID OVERDOSE DEATHS IN FIVE YEARS, INVEST IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENTS TO FURTHER DECREASE OPIOID OVERDOSES

 

Provisional Overdose Death Count for Third Quarter of 2024 is Lowest on Record Since 2020, Continuing Decrease in Overdose Deaths 

$4 Million in Annual Spending Will Support Providers to Expand and Improve Access to Medication Treatment  

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse today announced the lowest quarter in five years for opioid overdose deaths and new investments to drive opioid overdoses even further down. New provisional data from  shows that 498 people in New York city died from an overdose in the third quarter of 2024 — the lowest number of overdose deaths in a single quarter since 2020. In 2023, New York City saw a slight decline for the first time since 2018 when 3,046 people died of an overdose. Additionally, Mayor Adams also today announced contracts with nine treatment providers to increase access to medications for opioid use disorder, including methadone and buprenorphine, to further drive down opioid overdoses and deaths. A total of $4 million in annual funding across all contracts will help recipients improve their existing practices and shift towards a low-threshold model of care to serve people at greatest risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. Each awardee will tailor their services to support their community’s needs, using a model of care focused on same-day treatment entry and medication provision, flexibility, and wide availability across settings.

“For too long, opioid overdoses have ripped families and communities apart, but there is light on the horizon with opioid overdose deaths citywide seeing their lowest numbers in five years,” said Mayor Adams. “We are committed to maintaining this downward trend by continuing to invest in the programs and treatments that support those who are struggling. With smart investments, including those awarded through opioid settlement funds, we are making our city safer, healthier, and the best place to raise a family.”

“While overdose deaths in New York City show signs of continued decline, we must keep our foot on the gas pedal to continue to save more lives,” said DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Morse. “The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene remains committed to investing in equitable access to harm reduction, treatment, and services that will not only keep our neighbors alive but help them thrive. Using these dollars to support evidence-based interventions through trusted community partners will allow us to reach more New Yorkers and keep people engaged in these lifesaving services.”

The contracts being announced today further the city's ongoing commitment to supporting New Yorkers in their journeys to stability and recovery and reducing overdose deaths by 25 percent by 2030 as part of “HealthyNYC,” the Adams administration’s ambitious plan to improve and extend the average lifespan of all New Yorkers. Methadone and buprenorphine have been demonstrated to reduce the risk of overdose death by more than 50 percent. Traditionally, delivery of medications for opioid use disorder have included strict requirements for treatment entry and continuation, increasing barriers to care for people with opioid use disorder. In addition to funding programs to implement low-threshold access to these medications, DOHMH will also facilitate trainings and provide technical assistance to awardees, allowing organizations to focus on providing high-quality, individualized care.

This funding will also support programs that help build bridges across health care and social service systems to strengthen the continuum of care for people with opioid use disorder. Funded programs will conduct engagement and offer services in locations where people with opioid use disorder spend time, which may include non-traditional settings such as shelters, supportive housing programs, and syringe service programs.

In January 2018, the City of New York sued manufacturers and distributors of prescription opioids to remedy the harms caused within the city by the misleading marketing and improper distribution of these drugs. New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a similar lawsuit in March 2019. Settlements reached by both the city and the state, as well as a court victory by Attorney General James, have provided the city with over $154 million to date, which is expected to grow to a total of more than $500 million by 2040. In June 2022, Mayor Adams and Attorney General James announced allocations for the first of hundreds of millions of dollars coming to New York City to combat the opioid crisis. In September 2024, Mayor Adams announced city funding will ramp up to an annual $50 million for opioid prevention and treatment.

Ongoing funds from opioid settlements through DOHMH have supported wraparound services for syringe service programs, including on-site medical care, connections to health care and social services, and support for basic needs. Between July 2024 and April 2025, syringe service programs that operate Overdose Prevention Centers provided more than 38,000 harm reduction services to approximately 6,600 participants, reducing the risk of overdose and infectious disease and providing referrals to treatment and other health and social services. In 2023, the Adams administration also allocated $3 million to eight providers on Staten Island through a request for proposal to directly support the expansion of buprenorphine treatment, outreach and engagement, and care navigation services in the borough. Procurement to expand the number of hospitals participating in DOHMH’s emergency department-based nonfatal opioid overdose response program called Relay remains ongoing.

Since beginning to receive funding through opioid settlements, NYC Health + Hospitals has had over 8,600 patient engagements with expanded substance use services at Street Health Outreach and Wellness vans, nearly 70,000 encounters with patients in emergency departments with addiction services provided by the Emergency Department Leads program, and has successfully launched a cutting-edge addiction simulation training for emergency department prescribers. Additionally, NYC Health + Hospitals has provided comprehensive addiction consultations at over 20,700 inpatient admissions through the Consult for Addiction Treatment and Care in Hospitals program. Additionally, the New York City Office of the Chief Medical Examiner’s Drug Intelligence and Intervention Group program has offered support services to more than 2,000 individuals following the death of a loved one from an overdose. 

Today’s investment and all of the actions taken by Mayor Adams and the Adams administration to prevent overdose deaths also underscore the administration’s efforts to improve and extend the average lifespan of all New Yorkers through “HealthyNYC” to 83 years by 2030. HealthyNYC sets ambitious targets to address the greatest drivers of premature death, including chronic and diet-related diseases, screenable cancers, overdose, suicide, maternal mortality, violence, and COVID-19.

New Yorkers looking to access substance use services can call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. Resources can also be found on the “NYC HealthMap” and on DOHMH’s website.