ICE Lodges Arrest Detainer for Criminal Illegal Alien Arrested for Aggravated Kidnapping, After He Allegedly Sexually Assaulted His Uber Passenger

Lebanese criminal illegal alien let in under Biden and overstayed visa before committing violent crime against woman

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today released the following statement on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcment (ICE) lodging an arrest detainer   against Sameh Mohamad Chami, a criminal illegal alien who was charged with aggravated kidnapping of his uber passenger.

On August 6, Sameh Mohamad Chami, 49, was arrested by Friendswood Police Department. According to reports, while working as an Uber driver, the criminal illegal alien sexually assaulted his young female rider. The victim, a 21-year-old female, fell asleep in the backseat of this illegal alien’s car after a late night out. Reportedly, she woke up in the front seat of Chami’s car parked near a school with her shorts unbuttoned. The victim’s family followed her location and thankfully, came to her rescue around 3:00 AM.  

The same day as his arrest, ICE lodged a detainer to ensure Chami is transferred to ICE custody and not released into American neighborhoods to prey on more innocent women.  

“ICE lodged an arrest detainer against Sameh Mohamad Chami—a criminal illegal alien let into our country by Joe Biden. This depraved criminal was charged with aggravated kidnapping after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 21-year-old girl who was a passenger in his Uber car,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump and Secretary Noem unleashed our brave law enforcement to take down these sickos and to protect women from sexual predators.” 

Chami entered the United States on Dec. 2, 2021—under the Biden administration--on a B-2 tourist visa with permission to remain for six months. He applied for and was granted an extension until Dec. 1, 2022, but failed to depart as required and has remained in the U.S. illegally for more than three years.  

President Trump and Secretary Noem are committed to restoring integrity to the visa program and ensuring it is not abused to allow aliens a permanent one-way ticket to remain in the U.S.  

BRONX HS GUIDANCE COUNSELOR INDICTED FOR SEXUAL AFFAIR WITH STUDENT

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Yonkers woman who worked as a guidance counselor at a Bronx high school has been indicted on third-degree Rape and additional charges for repeatedly having sex with a teenage boy who was a student in her school. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The victim was 16 when the guidance counselor allegedly began having sex with him. She allegedly exploited the teen for nearly a year while being entrusted with the care of students. Anyone who acts in such a disturbing and predatory manner will be prosecuted by our office.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Wendy Lora, 43, of Yonkers, was arraigned today on third-degree Rape, third-degree Criminal Sexual Act, two counts of Sexual Misconduct, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurance Busching. She is due back in court on September 30, 2025.

According to the investigation, from September 2023 to October 2024, the defendant allegedly engaged in sex with the boy at various locations including her office at the school. 

The alleged inappropriate relationship was reported to school officials on May 7, 2024. A second report was made on September 20, 2024. The case was referred to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office on April 21, 2025, by the NYPD, after the victim’s mother reported the allegations to them. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Yesenia Rengel of the NYPD Bronx Special Victims, Adult Squad for her work in the investigation.

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

Governor Hochul Grants Clemency to Thirteen Individuals

Continues To Fulfill Commitment To Grant Clemency on a Rolling Basis

Builds on Governor’s Efforts To Reform Clemency Process, Including Convening an Advisory Panel of Impartial Experts, Dedicating Additional Staff Resources and Increasing Communication With Applicants

Governor Kathy Hochul granted clemency in the form of a pardon to 13 individuals. This action recognizes individuals demonstrating remorse, exemplifying rehabilitation and displaying a commitment to improving themselves and their communities. After implementing procedural reforms to strengthen the clemency process, Governor Hochul has made a total of 107 grants of clemency during her time in office.

“When I took office, I pledged to reform the clemency process by bringing greater transparency and expert analysis to each case that comes before my desk,” Governor Hochul said. “After careful deliberation, I’m granting clemency to thirteen individuals who have demonstrated remorse for their actions and exemplify a commitment to bettering their communities.”

The Governor's Office has taken a number of steps to improve transparency and communication in the clemency process. The Executive Clemency Bureau has implemented a new policy of sending regular letters to individuals with clemency applications, informing them of their case status, and providing information about how to submit supplemental information in support of their applications. The Governor's Office also launched an updated online web hub to assist clemency applicants with the application process; this hub includes template clemency application forms for both pardons and commutations to provide prospective applicants with improved guidance about what information to include when they apply.

The Governor also convened a Clemency Advisory Panel comprised of impartial experts to assist in advising the Governor on clemency applications. Following recommendations from the Clemency Advisory Panel, Governor Hochul is granting pardons to 13 individuals.

Pardons

These individuals who have been granted a pardon have all lived crime-free lives for a significant period of time — and in many cases several decades — and have demonstrated positive contributions to their communities. Several of these pardon recipients were convicted of an offense while living in New York State, but they have since relocated to other states. These individuals receiving pardons have continued to have their lives impacted by their criminal convictions. The Governor’s pardons will help alleviate these challenges.

Theodore Goodman, 43, was convicted of Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree in 2003.

Hansel Dorsey, 64, was convicted of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree and Attempted Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree in 1991 and 1988.

Maryann Smith-Jackson, 65, was convicted of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1989.

Stephen Gary, 56, was convicted of Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 1993.

Ernesto Muñoz, 58, was convicted of Attempted Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree and Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree in 2005.

Frank Merola, 52, was convicted of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree in 1997.

Ruben Abreu, 61, was convicted of Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance in the Third Degree in 2001 and Bail Jumping in the First Degree.

Jimmy Jean-Baptiste, 42, was convicted of Arson in the Fourth Degree in 2008.

Giovanni Ordonez, 60, was convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Third Degree and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the First Degree in 1988 and 1986.

Hector Zelaya Quinonez, 65, was convicted of Criminal Mischief in the Fourth Degree and Attempted Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree in 1986 and 1984.

Susannah Morgan-Thomas, 60, was convicted of Assault in the Third Degree in 1989.

Zhi Yong Yu, 49, was convicted of Robbery in the Second Degree in 1992.

Sammy Vatthanavong, 52, was convicted of Manslaughter in the First Degree in 1990.

 

Arizona CEO Indicted for Embezzling Over $2.4M from Employee Benefit Plans

 

An indictment unsealed in the District of Maryland charges an Arizona man with embezzling more than $2.4 million from an Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) benefit plan and related money laundering offenses.

According to court documents, James Vincent Campbell, 47, of Scottsdale, Arizona, is CEO and founder of Axim Fringe Solutions Group, LLC (Axim), a company that processes employee benefits for employees of federal contractors. At the time of the alleged thefts, the company was headquartered in Maryland.

The indictment alleges Axim’s clients sent funds to the company to pay for health insurance premiums and 401(k) retirement contributions. Axim was responsible for forwarding those funds to insurance carriers and retirement accounts, charging clients a contractual fee of $40 per employee per month for its services.

Before forwarding the funds, Campbell allegedly pooled them in a master trust account. Between 2015 and 2024, he made 135 unauthorized withdrawals – totaling $2,486,905 – beyond the legitimate fees owed to Axim. Campbell used a significant portion of the stolen funds for personal expenses including big game hunting trips in Alaska, Africa, and other locations; taxidermy fees; jewelry; casino gambling; and direct payments to his girlfriend.

The indictment charges Campbell with a single count of theft from an ERISA plan and eleven counts of money laundering.

If convicted, Campbell faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison for each count of money laundering and up to five years for theft from an ERISA plan. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting Assistant Secretary Janet Dhillon of the Labor Department’s Employee Benefits Security Administration made the announcement.

The Employments Benefits Security Administration of the Labor Department is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Vincent Falvo and Jared Hernandez of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section 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.

State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli's Weekly News - State Pension Fund Valued at $283.9 Billion at End of First Quarter

State Pension Fund Valued at $283.9 Billion at End of First Quarter

The estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) was $283.9 billion at the end of the first quarter of State Fiscal Year 2025-26, Comptroller DiNapoli recently announced. For the three-month period ending June 30, Fund investments returned an estimated 5.46%.

“Financial markets have seen turbulence in the past few months, but returns for the Fund have been positive, even amid concerns over tariffs and a slowing job market,” DiNapoli said. “Thanks to our diverse portfolio and a long-term approach, the Fund is solidly positioned to continue to provide the retirement benefits our state and local government employees have earned.”

The Fund's audited value was $273.1 billion as of March 31, 2025, the end of the state’s fiscal year.

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NYC Budget Is Balanced but Risks Loom as Fiscal and Economic Concerns Grow

New York City’s adopted $119.7 billion fiscal year 2026 budget is currently balanced (including pre-payments) but there are significant concerns over funding from Washington and slowing economic growth that could jeopardize its financial position and discretionary programs if greater preparation is not taken, according to a report released by Comptroller DiNapoli.

“New York City’s finances in fiscal year 2025 benefited from better-than-projected revenues and savings from the lower cost of services for asylum seekers,” DiNapoli said. “Employment and tax revenues continue to grow, buoyed by a financial sector that has generated near-record profits in recent years. While this has enabled the city to fund substantial spending growth, given the systemic restructuring of federal fiscal policy underway and the risk of its lasting consequences, the city is vulnerable to reductions both in federal spending and perhaps from state responses to this retrenchment. It is concerning that the city made no efforts to codify plans to bolster reserves or set aside additional funds in its rainy-day fund.”

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Former Vernon Center Fire Department Treasurer Pleads Guilty to Stealing Over $300,000

The former Treasurer of the Vernon Center Fire Department pled guilty to stealing more than $300,000 from the department, Comptroller DiNapoli, Oneida County District Attorney Todd Carville, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced.

Read More

MUNICIPAL AND SCHOOL AUDITS

• Town of Pound Ridge – Procurement and Claims Auditing
• Otisco Fire District – Financial Activities
• Bayport Blue Point Union Free School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Harpursville Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Oxford Academy and Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Tupper Lake Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Johnstown City School District – Lead Testing and Reporting
• Poland Central School District – Lead Testing and Reporting

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S 

• N.Y. pension fund valued at $283.9B at end of first quarter 

• Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli discusses updated budget gap projection and rural healthcare shortages 

• State budget briefly spared pain as Trump squeeze looms 

• Is NYC running out of money? 

• NY missed out on nearly $500 million by not switching seniors to Medicare 

• Former Central NY fire department treasurer pleads guilty to stealing over $300,000 

Note: Some news links may require a paid subscription 

P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

 

This week on Talking Politics

 

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd2ORXB4LWE]

This week, Trump - Putin part one, Gaza, DOJ to investigate AG James, 1.6 million illegal aliens less in the U.S., Mayors race latest who's going after whom, Endorsements and non endorsements, Bronx Parks Department garbage dump, and lots more live at 12 PM or anytime at the link above or below.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gd2ORXB4LWE)

Governor Hochul Urges Students to Complete FAFSA and TAP Applications Ahead of Their Fall Semester Start Date

Statewide Push Aims To Maximize Distribution of Financial Aid to Students

New York State Offers Resources To Support Students and Families in Navigating FAFSA and TAP Application Process

Governor Kathy Hochul is urging students to complete both the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) application to maximize the availability of student financial aid heading into the fall college semester. The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC), the State University of New York (SUNY), and the City University of New York (CUNY) have events, resources, and hands-on support to help students complete these critical applications and access the financial aid for which they are eligible.

"Ensuring access to higher education is essential to building a stronger, more equitable future for all New Yorkers," Governor Hochul said. "By completing the FAFSA and TAP applications, students open the door to critical financial aid opportunities that can make college more affordable and achievable. I encourage every student and family to take advantage of the resources available and secure the support they need to invest in their education and future success."

Last year, New York students left over $200 million in federal aid unclaimed because they didn’t submit a FAFSA. Submitting a FAFSA is a key step in unlocking federal student aid, including Pell Grants, work-study opportunities, and federal student loans. It also opens the doors to many New York State grants and scholarships like TAP, Excelsior and the NYS STEM Incentive Program, which help make college more affordable for thousands of New Yorkers every year.

Thanks to Governor Hochul’s landmark Universal FAFSA legislation, New York currently ranks sixth in the nation for FAFSA completions — with 62 percent of high school seniors having completed the form — compared to the national average of 56.5 percent. This marks a significant jump from the same time last year, when New York ranked 11th nationally, with a completion rate of 58.1 percent.

Financial Aid Deadlines Approaching

Several of New York State’s major financial aid programs are now open for applications. The NYS STEM Incentive Program, which supports students pursuing degrees in high-demand STEM fields at SUNY or CUNY colleges, is accepting applications through August 15, 2025. The Excelsior Scholarship, for students attending SUNY or CUNY colleges, and the Enhanced Tuition Award (ETA), for those attending private colleges in New York, are both open through August 31, 2025. To be eligible for the Excelsior and ETA programs, students must first complete the FAFSA and the New York State TAP application.

A complete list of New York State Grants and Scholarship programs is available on the Higher Education Services Corporation website.

Financial Aid Resources and Support

Each year, the New York State Higher Education Services Corporation awards grants, scholarships, or loan forgiveness to nearly 300,000 students in support of their higher education, and over the last two years, through the support of Governor Hochul and the legislature, historical enhancements have been made to allow even more students to receive TAP.

Thanks to these enhancements, New York’s Part-Time TAP further expands opportunities by making higher education more accessible for students who choose to pursue their degree on a part-time basis. Available to students attending SUNY, CUNY, proprietary and independent degree-granting colleges, Part-Time TAP can now be awarded to those enrolled in as few as three credits per term.

New York State is committed to ensuring that students and families have the guidance and support they need to successfully navigate the financial aid process. Virtual and in-person FAFSA and TAP completion events offer one-on-one assistance, while additional resources, such as CUNY’s online FAFSA Guide, provide step-by-step instructions. Through its FAFSA Ready program, HESC also equips high school counselors with specialized training and tools to better assist students in accessing the aid they need.

SUNY and CUNY Reconnect Programs Offer Free Community College To Adult Learners

As part of Governor Hochul’s effort to expand access to higher education, the SUNY and CUNY Reconnect program is available beginning in the fall semester to help eligible adults ages 25–55 earn degrees in high-demand fields. To date, more than 16,500 New Yorkers have already applied to the program, highlighting its success and the vital importance of supporting adult learners pursuing careers in critical areas of study. New York State will cover tuition, fees, books, and supplies for students enrolled in select associate degree programs at community colleges. To help adult learners get started, campuses are hosting info sessions and recruitment events. Applications are now open, and those interested can apply at SUNY here and at CUNY here.

To help make state financial aid accessible to all eligible New York students, HESC provides three pathways for applying: the FAFSA, the NYS DREAM Act, and the Alternate Eligibility Pathway. A quick and easy prescreening tool is available to help students and families determine which option is right for them.

For assistance with completing the FAFSA and TAP applications, students and families can visit the HESC website, which offers a variety of tools, resources, and information on upcoming events to support them throughout the financial aid process.

 

GANG MEMBER SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN PRISON FOR SHOOTING THAT WOUNDED FOUR BYSTANDERS

 

Defendant Fired 13 Shots in Pelham Parkway Houses in Broad Daylight; Pleaded Guilty to Attempted Murder

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Bronx man has been sentenced to seven years in prison for Attempted Murder for firing a gun into a crowd of people, injuring four men who were innocent bystanders. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant was 17 years old when he callously fired 13 shots into a crowd of people in broad daylight. He missed his intended targets, and four men were wounded by bullets. They will carry the emotional trauma of their injuries for the rest of their lives. It is a miracle that no one was killed.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Isaac Garcia, 20, of East 181st Street, the Bronx, was sentenced to seven years in prison and five years post release supervision by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Seth Steed. The People had recommended a sentence of nine years in prison and five years post release supervision. Garcia pleaded guilty to Attempted Murder in the second degree on May 15, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on September 9, 2022, at approximately 4:40 P.M., Garcia, an associate of the “1300” gang, got into a fight down the street from his school, Pelham Preparatory Academy on Astor Avenue. Garcia contacted a gang associate and told him that he needed a gun. After retrieving a 9-mm pistol, Garcia went to the Pelham Parkway Houses and fired 13 shots. Four men in their 20s were struck by bullets: one victim was hit in the leg, two victims were each shot in the buttocks, and the other victim was struck by three bullets in his right leg. The shooting was captured on video surveillance.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Kyle Keiser of the 49th Precinct Detective Squad, NYPD Officer Christopher Multari of the Evidence Collection Team, Jonathan Ortiz of the NYPD’s Tapes and Records Unit and Luis Santiago of NYCHA for their work on the case. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Jacob Gianelli, and Lieutenant Benjamin Nelson of the Criminal Enterprise Investigation Section for their assistance with the case.