Three MS-13 Members Charged with Racketeering Conspiracy Involving Murder

 

Three alleged members of the notorious gang La Mara Salvatrucha, commonly known as MS-13, made their initial appearance in the District of Maryland yesterday for their role in a racketeering conspiracy, including murder and drug trafficking.

“As alleged, the defendants are MS-13 members who carried out a brutal and senseless murder in exchange for promotions within the gang and drugs,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Their actions furthered MS-13’s reign of terror across communities in Maryland. The Criminal Division will continue to pursue charges against MS-13 members and associates and will not relent until this dangerous gang is eradicated from our streets.”

“The brutal retaliatory murder of this victim is a chilling reminder of the MS-13 gang’s callous disregard for human life,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland. “Those who assault and kill others must be brought to justice and ultimately held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to dismantle violent criminal organizations that terrorize our communities.”

“The FBI and our partners are committed to using every tool available to prevent violent criminals from terrorizing the communities they live in,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “We will not let up. We will relentlessly pursue those who engage in violent activity like murder and drug trafficking until they are held accountable.”

According to court documents, on July 4, 2024, Maxwell Ariel Quijano-Casco, 24, of El Salvador; Daniel Isaias Villanueva-Bautista, 19, of El Salvador; and Josue Mauricio Lainez, 21, of Hyattsville, Maryland, allegedly killed a homeless man as part of their involvement with MS-13. On July 5, 2024, a passerby called 911 after seeing the victim sitting in a blue 2008 Dodge Caravan that was parked in a used car lot in Hyattsville, Maryland. When the police arrived, they found the deceased victim, who appeared to have been stabbed in the neck. Investigators obtained video surveillance from a nearby business that captured the incident.

The surveillance video shows that at approximately 11:35 p.m Quijano-Casco and another person approach the victim. The video shows the victim wielding what looks like a metal pole at Quijano-Casco, at which point Quijano-Casco and the other person flee on foot and the victim returns to the Dodge Caravan. About 15 minutes later, Quijano-Casco returns with co-defendants Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and another person. At approximately 11:48 p.m., the video surveillance shows all four of them approaching the blue Dodge Caravan. 

The surveillance video then shows Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, Lainez, and the unnamed person opening the van’s rear sliding driver’s side door, reaching inside, and moving as if striking someone.

The victim does not exit the blue Dodge Caravan after the attack.

On Aug. 23, 2024, Prince George’s County Police arrested Quijano-Casco and Villanueva-Bautista. Quijano-Casco was in possession of a black Ruger P95DC semi-automatic handgun and about eight grams of cocaine at the time of his arrest. Quijano-Casco and Villanueva both admitted that they were present for the altercation where the victim was murdered. Quijano-Casco allegedly admitted to Prince George’s County Police to stabbing the individual.

Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez are each charged with racketeering conspiracy, including the July 4, 2024, murder. If convicted, Quijano-Casco, Villanueva-Bautista, and Lainez face a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Prince George’s County Police Department are investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Crespo for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

UPDATED AIR QUALITY HEALTH ADVISORY ISSUED FOR LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK CITY METRO, AND LOWER HUDSON VALLEY REGIONS

In Effect for Today, Wednesday, July 16

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and State Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Dr. James McDonald are updating the Air Quality Health Advisory for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for ozone to include the Long Island region, in addition to the advisory in place today for the New York City Metro and Lower Hudson Valley regions.  

The pollutant of concern is: Ozone  

The advisory is in effect 11 a.m. through 11 p.m.

The Wednesday, July 16, Air Quality Health Advisory regions consist of: Long Island, which includes Suffolk and Nassau counties; New York City Metro, which includes New York City, Rockland, and Westchester counties; and Lower Hudson Valley, which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Ulster, and Sullivan counties. 

Ozone 

Summer heat can lead to the formation of ground-level ozone, a major component of photochemical smog. Automobile exhaust and out-of-state emission sources are the primary sources of ground-level ozone and the most serious air pollution problems in the northeast. This surface pollutant should not be confused with the protective layer of ozone in the upper atmosphere. 

Ozone is not a direct emission, but rather forms when sunlight chemically reacts with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High ozone is not as visible as PM2.5 because it is a colorless gas, but will produce hazy skies and reduce visibility in high concentrations. Ozone production can also be enhanced by the presence of wildfire smoke. 

People, especially those with cardiovascular disease and those who have respiratory disease (such as asthma), young children, the elderly, those who exercise outdoors, and those involved in vigorous outdoor work should consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity when ozone levels are the highest (generally afternoon to early evening). When outdoor levels of ozone are elevated, going indoors will usually reduce exposure. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing should consider consulting their personal physician. 

Ozone levels generally decrease at night and can be minimized during daylight hours by curtailment of automobile travel and the use of public transportation where available.  

New Yorkers also are urged to take the following energy-saving and pollution-reducing steps:

• use mass transit or carpool instead of driving, as automobile emissions account for about 60 percent of pollution in our cities;
• conserve fuel and reduce exhaust emissions by combining necessary motor vehicle trips;
• turn off all lights and electrical appliances in unoccupied areas;
• use fans to circulate air. If air conditioning is necessary, set thermostats at 78 degrees;
• close the blinds and shades to limit heat build-up and to preserve cooled air;
• limit use of household appliances. If necessary, run the appliances at off-peak (after 7 p.m.) hours. These would include dishwashers, dryers, pool pumps and water heaters;
• set refrigerators and freezers at more efficient temperatures;
• purchase and install energy efficient lighting and appliances with the Energy Star label; and
• reduce or eliminate outdoor burning and attempt to minimize indoor sources of PM 2.5 such as smoking. 

Additional information on ozone and PM 2.5 is available on DEC's website and on DOH's website (PM 2.5) / DOH's website (ozone). A new DEC fact sheet about the Air Quality Index is available on DEC’s website or by PDF download.  

To stay up-to-date with announcements from DEC, sign up to receive Air Quality Alerts through DEC Delivers: DEC's Premier Email Service. A toll-free Air Quality Hotline (1-800-535-1345) was also established by DEC to keep New Yorkers informed of the latest air quality situation. 

NYS Office of the Comptroller DiNapoli: State Tax Receipts Higher Than Projections in First Quarter

 

State tax receipts totaled $33.2 billion through the first quarter of State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2025-26, $580.5 million higher than the most recent Division of the Budget (DOB) estimates. State tax collections were also $3.3 billion higher than the first quarter of 2024, according to the monthly State Cash Report released by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.

“Higher tax collections for the state primarily reflect strong personal income tax collections on 2024 income,” DiNapoli said. “Slowing employment and economic growth may present a challenge in the coming months, along with the potential impact of tariffs and federal policy changes that have yet to be fully realized.”

Personal income tax (PIT) receipts totaled $19.2 billion and were $66.3 million above DOB’s financial plan projections through the first quarter. However, PIT receipts were nearly $3 billion higher than the same period in SFY 2024-25, reflecting, in part, the 24.9% increase in collections from the settlement of the 2024 tax year.

Year-to-date consumption and use tax collections totaled $5.8 billion which was 3.3% or $182.5 million higher than the same period last year, and $2.5 million higher than anticipated by DOB. Sales tax receipts, the largest share of these taxes, increased by $34.1 million, or 1.7% in the month of June. Business taxes, which included collections from the Pass-through Entity Tax (PTET), totaled $7.5 billion, $176 million higher than through June in the prior fiscal year, and $558.2 million higher than DOB’s financial plan projections.

All Funds spending through June totaled $60.9 billion, which was $5.9 billion, or 10.8%, higher than last year for the same period, primarily due to higher Medicaid costs. All Funds spending through June was $1.7 billion lower than DOB projected, primarily due to lower spending on local assistance grants. State Operating Funds spending totaled $33.9 billion, $3.2 billion, or 10.3% higher than last year and $1.4 billion lower than DOB projected.

The State’s General Fund ended June with a balance of $53.6 billion, $2.7 billion higher than DOB projected and $4 billion higher than last year, primarily due to higher than anticipated tax collections and lower than anticipated spending.

Report

June Cash Report

Related Report

Enacted Budget Financial Plan 

Coast Guard seizes over 240,000 pounds of cocaine, doubling amount interdicted over previous year

 

The U.S. Coast Guard announced that it has seized 242,244 pounds of cocaine since the start of President Trump’s administration on January 20th. This is a more than 100% increase over the cocaine seized under the previous administration over the same period in 2024.

Since just 1.2 grams of cocaine can be lethal, the Coast Guard has seized over 91 million potentially lethal doses — enough to kill the entire population of the states of California, Texas, and New York combined.

This milestone comes after President Trump ordered a surge of Coast Guard resources to America’s maritime border on his first day in office, tripling the number of forces along the U.S. southern border and maritime approaches. 

“The U.S. southern border is an interconnected system, and as illegal migration and smuggling become harder across the southwest land border, cartels may try different routes,” said Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday. “Our message to the cartels is this: We own the sea, not you. Using every capability at our disposal, the Coast Guard will prevent threats from reaching our borders.” 

"Thanks to the heroic and diligent work of the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, these drugs will never hit American streets to poison our communities and destroy American families," said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. "Securing our maritime borders is critical to making America safe again. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem's leadership, the Coast Guard is getting the resources and support it needs to fulfill its mission like never before."

Under the President’s leadership, Secretary Noem is implementing Force Design 2028, a full-scale effort to transform the Coast Guard into a more agile, capable, and responsive force. This effort will make the Coast Guard even more effective maritime force, empowering it to crack down on the international drug trade and keep deadly drugs like cocaine and fentanyl out of American communities.

80 percent of all US-bound drugs are seized on the high seas, and the Coast Guard is the primary force charged with interdicting those drugs and breaking up international maritime drug smuggling rings.  

For more information about the Coast Guard, visit www.uscg.mil.

State Senator Gustavo Rivera - Testify at Borough President's Kingsbridge Armory Hearing!

 

Dear Neighbor, 

 

I have another update on the Kingsbridge Armory Redevelopment project application. As part of the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP), Community Board 7 held two public hearings in June to hear from the community about the proposed redevelopment and voted in favor of the project with some recommendations. 

 

You have another opportunity to make your voice heard this Thursday! The upcoming Bronx Borough President’s hearing is an important opportunity to share your input on the Kingsbridge Armory project application submitted by 8th Regiment Partners LLC, and help inform Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson’s recommendation. 

 

To testify, register at the hearing. Written testimony is accepted anytime, but only submissions received by Friday, July 18, 2025, will be considered for the Borough President’s recommendation. Send written testimony to: publictestimony@bronxbp.nyc.gov. 

 

WHEN: Thursday, July 17th from 5 PM to 9 PM  

WHERE: KIPP Elementary School, 2720 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10468 

 

Please direct any questions concerning these matters to the Office of the Borough President: (718) 590-6124. 

 

I hope to see you there!  

 

Sincerely, 

 

 

Senator Gustavo Rivera 

New York State Senate 

33rd District 

Attorney General James Leads Coalition Urging Congress to Protect Americans from Masked ICE Agents

 

Attorneys General Highlight Disturbing Pattern of Agents Refusing to Identify Themselves During Enforcement Actions 

New York Attorney General Letitia James led a coalition of 20 other attorneys general in urging Congress to pass legislation that prohibits federal immigration agents from wearing masks that conceal their identities and requires them to clearly identify themselves and their agency during civil enforcement actions. In a letter sent to all members of Congress, Attorney General James and the coalition warn that the increasingly routine use of masked, plainclothes Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents threatens public safety, evades accountability, and instills fear in communities across the country.

“It is deeply disturbing that, in the United States of America, masked agents can pull people off the streets in unmarked cars without ever identifying themselves as law enforcement,” said Attorney General James. “Congress needs to act now to ensure that all law enforcement agencies, including ICE, are held to basic standards of transparency, accountability, and respect for civil rights. There is no place in this country for a secret police force operating in the shadows.”

Attorney General James and the coalition detail a disturbing pattern of ICE agents conducting arrests without identifying themselves, often wearing masks and plainclothes while operating unmarked vehicles. These actions, the attorneys general argue, sow confusion and fear, make it difficult for witnesses or bystanders to determine whether a kidnapping is taking place, and obstruct the public’s ability to report misconduct. The attorneys general also express their concern over escalating incidents involving ICE detaining individuals on streets, at homes, workplaces, and courthouses.

Federal law already requires ICE agents to identify themselves at the time of arrest “as soon as it is practical and safe to do so.” The attorneys general argue that current ICE practices flout those standards, which is why they are demanding that Congress codify clear requirements to prevent further harm. The attorneys general note that certain protective measures may be appropriate in limited cases, but they emphasize that the use of masks and anonymity should not be standard practice in federal civil immigration enforcement.

In the letter, the attorneys general cite the significant safety risks not only to the individuals being apprehended, but also to the ICE agents themselves and to members of the public who may feel compelled to intervene in what they believe is an abduction. The coalition also notes that impersonation of immigration officers is on the rise, enabled by ICE’s lack of transparency.

Attorney General James and the coalition are urging Congress to pass legislation that ensures accountability and transparency for all ICE agents. The attorneys general cite proposed legislation including the “No Secret Police Act,” the “No Anonymity in Immigration Enforcement Act,’’ and the “ICE Badge Visibility Act” in the House, as well as the “Visible Identification Standards for Immigration-Based Law Enforcement (VISIBLE) Act” in the Senate as examples.

Joining Attorney General James in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.

Delta Air Lines Agrees to Pay $8.1M to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations Related to Payroll Support Program

 

Delta Air Lines Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has agreed to pay $8,100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by awarding compensation to certain corporate officers and employees that exceeded the compensation limits Delta agreed to as part of its participation in the Department of the Treasury’s Payroll Support Program (PSP).

The PSP was established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to provide payroll support to passenger and cargo air carriers and certain contractors for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries, and benefits. The program was administered by the Department of Treasury (Treasury), and participating air carriers were required to enter into written agreements with Treasury that imposed certain conditions in exchange for the receipt of PSP funds. Among other program requirements, PSP agreements included limitations on the amount of compensation that PSP participants could pay to certain corporate officers and employees earning annual compensation in excess of $425,000. 

Delta entered into PSP agreements with Treasury in 2020 and 2021, under which Delta agreed to the PSP compensation limits. The settlement resolves allegations that, between March 2020 and April 2023, Delta awarded compensation to some corporate officers and employees that exceeded the limits set by the PSP agreements. Delta allegedly violated the False Claims Act by inaccurately certifying compliance with PSP requirements in quarterly reports submitted to Treasury, as well as by not notifying Treasury of the breach once it was discovered by Delta, which would have given the government the right to demand the return of funds.

“The PSP was intended to provide critical assistance to the airline industry during the pandemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to holding accountable those who failed to abide by the terms and conditions governing their receipt and use of federal funds.” 

“When companies accept federal assistance, especially generous pandemic-relief funds like those at issue here, they owe a duty to the American people to respect the conditions placed on those funds,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “We will continue to enforce all available laws to punish the misuse of taxpayers' money.”

“Our criminal investigators have been at the center of this investigation as a core part of our responsibility to safeguard the integrity and efficiency of Treasury programs and operations, and we remain steadfast in our determination to hold recipients of public funds to the highest standards,” said Treasury Deputy Inspector General Loren Sciurba.

The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by H. Remidez LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. H Remidez LLC  v. Delta Air Lines Inc., No. 1-23-cv-01116 (N.D. Ga.). The whistleblower will receive $850,500 in connection with the settlement.

The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, with assistance from the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General.

The matter was handled by Trial Attorney James Nealon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony DeCinque for the Northern District of Georgia.

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