Colombian National Sentenced To 150 Months In Prison For Conspiring To Import Tons Of Cocaine Into The United States

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced that Alberto Alonso Jaramillo Ramirez was sentenced to 150 months in prison for conspiring to import cocaine into the United States.  JARAMILLO RAMIREZ pled guilty on March 24, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman, who imposed today’s sentence.  

“Our fight against the flood of dangerous drugs from Colombia, Venezuela, and Mexico is about protecting our children and our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Jaramillo Ramirez conspired to traffic massive amounts of cocaine into our country, working with paramilitaries.  New Yorkers want him and others like him put out of business.” 

According to court documents and statements made during court proceedings:[1]

JARAMILLO RAMIREZ conspired with his co-defendants and other individuals associated with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (“FARC”)—a violent organization based in Colombia that was dedicated to the overthrow of the Colombian government and responsible for the production and distribution of the majority of the cocaine that eventually reached the U.S.—to source and distribute tons of cocaine destined for the U.S.  JARAMILLO RAMIREZ negotiated with individuals he believed to be narcotics traffickers from a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (the “Mexican DTO”) seeking to establish a cocaine supply line from Venezuela to the U.S.  These individuals, however, were actually confidential sources working at the direction of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”).

In recorded communications during the investigation, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ agreed to assist the planned cocaine venture through his connections in Colombia.  Specifically, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ agreed to provide connections to sources of supply for ton quantities of cocaine and to other individuals to assist with transportation and security for the planned large-scale cocaine loads.  In December 2021, to prove their bona fides and establish the quality of their cocaine supply, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ and his co-defendants sold the confidential sources a five-kilogram sample of cocaine containing a high level of purity—lab tests demonstrated the cocaine was between 86.6% to 89.1% pure—from a FARC-associated farm outside of Medellín.  JARAMILLO RAMIREZ was arrested in Colombia in February 2022, at the request of the U.S., while finalizing a much larger partnership with the Mexican DTO, which contemplated the shipment of approximately 500 kilograms of cocaine to the U.S. per week.

JARAMILLO RAMIREZ is the third defendant in this case to be sentenced.  On April 11, 2024, Libia Amanda Palacio Mena was sentenced to 168 months in prison, and on April 26, 2024, Alvaro Fredy Cordoba Ruiz was also sentenced to 168 months in prison.

In addition to the prison term, JARAMILLO RAMIREZ, 56, of Medellín, Colombia, was sentenced to four years of supervised release.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit and Bogotá Country Office, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia for securing the arrest and March 2024 extradition of JARAMILLO RAMIREZ.

Tour de Bronx: Register Now!

 

Register for Tour de Bronx Now

Registration for the 31st Annual Tour de Bronx bike ride is officially open! Join us to "Ride with a Purpose" on Sunday, October 5th.

Click the link below to view all details for the event, including how you can rent a bike for the ride.

Don't want to ride, but want to be part of this exciting event? Click below for information on volunteering. Follow us on Instagram @bronx.tourism for all Tour de Bronx-related updates!

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DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR EXAMS TO PURSUE CAREERS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Approximately 150 Entry-Level Law Enforcement Positions at DEC, State Parks, SUNY Anticipated Statewide Over Next Year

Applicants Can Apply Online to Take the Exam At No Cost Through Sept. 17 

Reflecting Changing Demographics, Park and University Police Officer Candidates Up to Age 43 May Take the Exam 

Candidates from Diverse Backgrounds Encouraged to Apply 

The New York State Department of Civil Service announced that the application period is now open for New York State’s entry-level law enforcement civil service exam. The exam is for interested, qualified applicants seeking a position throughout New York at the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the State University of New York. Qualified candidates can apply online until 11:59 p.m. EST on Sept. 17, 2025, to take the exam. There is no cost to take the exam as all state exam application fees are waived through December 2027. The exam is scheduled to be held in November. 

“Public safety is Governor Hochul’s top priority, and under her leadership, we’re looking to bolster the ranks of law enforcement officers and park rangers at the Department of Environmental Conservation, the Office of State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and SUNY, who bravely protect and serve our residents, students and visitors each and every day,” Department of Civil Service Commissioner and Civil Service President Timothy Hogues said. “If you like helping people and making a difference in others’ lives, a career in law enforcement may be the right fit for you. I encourage you to apply for the entry-level law enforcement exam and take the first steps toward a job that protects New York’s special resources, institutions and, most importantly, people.” 

Those interested in being considered for entry-level law enforcement positions within state government must first meet the minimum qualifications for the title or titles of interest and register for the civil service exam by submitting all the required information by Sept. 17 at this link, which also includes information about the examination process. The exam, a multiple-choice test, will be offered in November. All candidates who are qualified to take the New York State entry-level law-enforcement exam will receive an admission notice via mail approximately two weeks prior to the date of the written test. The admission notice will provide the candidate with details about the date, time and location they are scheduled to appear, along with other pertinent information. 

The entry-level law enforcement exam is used to fill the following titles within each agency: 

• DEC - Environmental Conservation Police Officer Trainee 1 & Forest Ranger 1
• Parks - Park Police Officer Trainee
• SUNY - University Police Officer 1 

As part of the FY 2026 Enacted Budget, prospective Park Police Officer and University Police Officer candidates cannot have passed their 43rd birthday on the date of the written test, up from their 35th birthday, to reflect changing demographics, broaden opportunities and increase the potential candidate pool. There is no maximum age requirement for Environmental Conservation Police Officer and Forest Ranger candidates. All prospective candidates must meet additional requirements before appointment as outlined on the Career Opportunities in New York State Law Enforcement webpages. 

The exam will also be used to hire Park Police Officers and University Police Officers with proficiency in Spanish, and Environmental Conservation Police Officers with proficiencies in Spanish or Chinese. While the online exam is in English, those with proficiency in another language will be required to pass a language proficiency exam at the time of hire. 

DCS estimates that approximately 150 entry-level law enforcement positions statewide will be filled over the next year. 

As part of the launch of the entry-level law enforcement exam, New York State will be promoting the exam across social media, and has developed videos and a dedicated webpage to help attract candidates to apply for the exam. 

Campaign content and additional information, including a test guide to prepare applicants for the exam, is available at https://www.cs.ny.gov/police/. 

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has implemented several initiatives to strengthen New York's public workforce. In February 2025, Governor Hochul launched the “You’re Hired” initiative to recruit talented displaced federal public sector workers into State service. In 2024, the state launched the NY HELPS program, temporarily waiving civil service exam requirements for many job vacancies, resulting in more than 30,000 appointments in state government, on top of 9,000 appointments in local governments. In 2023, Governor Hochul extended 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave to the entire state workforce for the first time in state history. 

Additionally, the state created 10 Centers for Careers in Government, offering job seekers guidance on civil service systems and career opportunities. The Governor has also lifted the state employment hiring freeze, expanded opportunities for individuals and veterans with disabilities, and funded new testing centers to further support the public workforce. 

To learn more about working for the State of New York and how to take the next step in pursuing a rewarding career in public service, please visit the Department of Civil Service website and follow the Department on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

CONSUMER ALERT: THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION RELEASES TIPS TO HELP AVOID MOVING SCAMS

 

Be Aware of Deceptive Business Practices That Can Cost Thousands of Dollars for Services Not Provided When Moving to a New Home

Secretary Mosley: “Moving can be stressful and expensive especially if consumers do not know who to hire or how to carefully research to find the right company. Lack of preparation can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial loss.” 

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection provides consumers with important tips to avoid moving scams. Moving from one place to another can be expensive and stressful. Scammers may take this opportunity to defraud consumers through deceptive business practices. According to the Better Business Bureau, in 2024, over 100,000 inquiries were made about moving companies and 718 complaints were filed with BBB against movers with a median average loss of $754. Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to a moving scam.

“Moving can be stressful and expensive especially if consumers do not know who to hire or how to carefully research to find the right company. Lack of preparation can add hundreds or even thousands of dollars in financial loss,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “The NYS Division of Consumer Protection’s tips help consumers avoid unscrupulous movers who are looking to grab their hard-earned money without providing the right service.”

TIPS WHEN MOVING:

• Verify company credentials. Confirm that it’s a government-regulated entity and that they are licensed or registered.
• Moves within New York State: The NYS Department of Transportation licenses companies for moves statewide. To ensure that your moving company is licensed in New York, contact the NYS Department of Transportation at 518-457-6512 or e-mail nymoving@dot.ny.gov. Review “The Summary of Information for Shippers of Household Goods” on the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles website for information on what to expect from your in-state mover.
• Research moving companies. Research potential moving companies thoroughly, and check for reviews and ratings. Even a registered mover may have a significant number of complaints associated with their business. Confirm that the moving company is a reputable business with a physical address, has detailed contact information and is rated well by others in consumer reviews. Consider checking databases that collect consumer complaints like the Better Business Bureau, which has a searchable database of consumer reviews.

• Moving out of State:  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration registers companies that meet legal and safety requirements for moves between New York and other states. Find out whether an interstate moving company is registered through the FMCSA’s Mover Registration Search function. Review the FMCSA’s guide and the Protect Your Move website for more information on your interstate move 

• Get multiple estimates.Plan to get estimates from at least three companies. Do not rely on any estimates provided over the phone or email without an additional inquiry on the number of items to be moved. Moving companies should gather detailed information about the number of items you need to move.

• Pay attention to bait and switch sales practices.This deceptive practice involves providing an initial misleading quote and then making last-minute changes to agreed-upon price quotes. Be wary of companies that offer instant quotes instead of gathering detailed information to provide an accurate estimate. When you receive a binding estimate, you cannot be required to pay more than that the amount you agreed upon, unless you’ve requested additional services after.

• Never sign a blank or incomplete estimate. Unscrupulous movers could use a blank or incomplete estimate to change the terms of your move, including the cost, without your knowledge or consent.

• Get written estimates and contracts. Moving companies should provide you with multiple documents before, during and after your move with information on the requested services, cost calculations and other agreements between you and the movers. Before signing a contractual agreement, understand what the company is and is not liable for and never sign any blank or incomplete forms. 

For any sections that are not applicable to an estimate or agreement, write “N/A” or “Not Applicable” and draw a line through the blank space to prevent unauthorized additions. Understand the factors that will influence the overall price such as the distance between both locations, the number of flights of stairs, and if furniture needs to be disassembled and reassembled.

• Create an inventory of your belongings.Make a photo record and keep a written inventory of all your items. This can help to avoid the loss of personal items.

• Prevent a no-show scam. This occurs when consumers pay a deposit or the full payment upfront, however, the movers never show up to fulfill their obligation. While deposits may vary, reputable companies generally do not require significant advances. Be wary of requests for large upfront payments or full payments in advance. In addition, be selective with your payment method. If possible, pay with a credit card, which offers protection against fraud and permits you to dispute unauthorized charges if a problem arises. Reputable companies will send a confirmation email, text, or phone call with the names and direct contact numbers of the movers prior to move day.

• Review all terms and conditions prior to loading.Before the movers have moved any of your items into the truck, meet with the company representative at your home to review material terms of the contract, most notably the cost and delivery terms.

• Try to resolve any disputes. If you have a dispute with an interstate mover, file a complaint with the FMCSA on their National Consumer Complaint Database. If the move occurred in New York State, first notify the company in writing as soon as possible. If you can’t resolve the issue with the company and the dispute relates to the loss or damage of your goods, file a complaint with DCP. For all other moving disputes, file a complaint with the NYS Department of Transportation. 

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.

Governor Hochul Directs State Parks to Suspend Swimming on Long Island Ocean Beaches

As Effects of Hurricane Erin Approach New York, Swimming at Robert Moses, Hither Hills and Jones Beach State Parks Is Prohibited Through Thursday

Flooding and Rough Surf Conditions Expected Along With Potential Rip Tides 

Governor Kathy Hochul today directed the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to suspend swimming at Long Island ocean beaches due to flooding and rough surf conditions and potential rip tides resulting from Hurricane Erin. Swimming has been restricted at Jones Beach, Robert Moses and Hither Hills State Parks through Thursday.

“The peak hurricane season is approaching, and we have strong preparations in place to keep people safe,” Governor Hochul said. “With Hurricane Erin causing dangerous surf conditions along our beaches on Long Island, we are taking proactive steps to protect New Yorkers by restricting swimming at state beaches. I urge everyone to remain vigilant as the storm approaches.”

New York State Parks Commissioner Pro Tempore Randy Simons said, “Even if the local weather is sunny and warm, hurricanes and tropical storms can cause dangerous and unpredictable conditions at our swimming beaches. Don’t take chances. Please follow the direction of our lifeguards and park staff, who are trained to recognize dangerous conditions such as rip tides that may go unnoticed.”

The restrictions will be in place at Robert Moses, Hither Hills and Jones Beach State Parks as through Thursday, when conditions will be re-evaluated. These three State Parks posted red flags on the beachfront to warn visitors that swimming is prohibited. Lifeguards remain on duty to prevent anyone from entering the water. Swimming remains available at Sunken Meadow and Wildwood State Parks on Long Island Sound, which are not experiencing dangerous impacts from the storm. The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will continue monitoring conditions across state parks

In addition, Jones Beach State Park maintenance staff have constructed a temporary wall of sand from the East Bathhouse through the Central Mall to the West Bathhouse to prevent flooding of main facilities. At the other ocean beaches, State Parks staff have stockpiled and placed sandbags around vulnerable buildings. The beaches have been cleared of all non-essential lifeguard equipment as well as trash receptacles and signage.

For updated information, park visitors should visit parks.ny.gov, check the free NY State Parks Explorer mobile app or call their local park office for the latest updates regarding park hours, openings and closings.

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO ONE AND ONE THIRD TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOR VEHICULAR MANSLAUGHTER IN THE KILLING OF 67-YEAR-OLD MAN

 

Defendant Who Was Impaired on Marijuana and Speeding, Pleaded Guilty 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man has pleaded guilty to second-degree Vehicular Manslaughter and sentenced to one and one third to four years in prison for fatally striking a 67-year-old man while speeding through an intersection in Castle Hill. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant had no business getting behind the wheel of a car. As a result of his selfish decision, a man’s life was cut short. He now is being held accountable with this sentence.” 

District Attorney Clark said that Victor Ramos, 29, of Randall Avenue, the Bronx, was sentenced today to one and one third to four years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree Vehicular Manslaughter by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Joseph McCormack. He pleaded guilty to that charge on May 7, 2025. 

According to the facts of the investigation, on September 25, 2023, at approximately 9 p.m. at the intersection of Castle Hill Avenue and Turnbull Avenue, a 1994 Infiniti driven by Victor Ramos at almost twice the speed limit, struck Mohammed Rahman, 67, who was crossing Castle Hill Avenue within the unmarked crosswalk with the right of way. Rahman was propelled into the air by the impact and sustained fatal injuries. The defendant remained on scene and was found to be impaired by drugs, specifically, cannabis (marijuana), and he admitted to smoking a blunt before driving. A check of defendant’s license showed he had active suspensions.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Kevin Long of the Collision Investigation Squad and Police Officer Russell Lerch of the NYPD Highway Patrol for their work on the case.  

Former New York City Department of Education Business Manager Sentenced in Bid Rigging Scheme

The owner of a New York-based budget and procurement consulting company was sentenced today to six months in prison for rigging bids submitted to dozens of New York City public schools. The defendant and his company were also ordered to pay $141,511 in restitution to the victim, the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE).

Victor A Garrido of Peekskill, New York, and his company, TranscendBS LLC, pleaded guilty on March 19 to rigging bids to NYC DOE from at least as early as November 2020 through at least as late as January 2023. In his plea agreement, Garrido also admitted to fraudulently obtaining over $20,000 in COVID-19 relief unemployment benefits and to failing to file and pay federal or state income taxes for himself or for his company for tax years 2020 to 2023.

“The Defendant stole money from public school students, and taxpayers more generally, all for his own selfish gain,” said Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Omeed A. Assefi of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division and its PCSF partners will aggressively prosecute and hold accountable those who defraud American students and the American taxpayer.”

“Let today’s sentence be a warning to those who attempt to cheat the system. You will be held accountable,” said FBI Operations Director Chad Yarbrough of the Criminal Cyber Branch. “The FBI has zero tolerance for those who attempt to rig the system to benefit themselves, inflicting lasting harm on our communities and undermining the principles of fair competition.”

“Bid-rigging with school contracts is thoroughly unacceptable, as it deprives the school district of vital funds and students of a supportive learning environment — and it is a crime that SCI will continue to tirelessly root out,” said Special Commissioner of Investigation Anatasia Coleman of the Office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the NYC School District. “SCI is grateful for its continued partnership with the DOJ Antitrust Division and the FBI in bringing this case to justice.”

“Victor Garrido defrauded the New York State Department of Labor by illegally obtaining pandemic-related unemployment insurance benefits. This sentencing underscores the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General's unwavering commitment to safeguard the American workplace from fraud and corruption,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General Northeast Region. “We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in these criminal activities within our jurisdiction”

According to court documents, Garrido was previously employed by NYC DOE as a business manager where he provided budget and procurement guidance and training to various schools. Shortly after leaving that role, Garrido formed TranscendBS to provide similar services as a consultant to New York City public schools. During the scheme, Garrido, TranscendBS, and their co-conspirators submitted fake, artificially high “competitor” bids to make it appear as if TranscendBS was the lowest bidder for dozens of business consulting services contracts. None of the “competing” bidders actually provided these services. In addition to thwarting NYC DOE’s procurement rules to ensure that TranscendBS obtained the contracts, Garrido priced his services to just under the threshold which would have required additional scrutiny.

The scheme impacted approximately 28 New York City public schools, predominantly in low-income communities. TranscendBS won at least $707,555 in contracts from those schools, resulting in estimated losses to NYC DOE of $141,511.

In connection with his unemployment benefit fraud, Garrido was also ordered to pay $23,100 in restitution to the New York State Department of Labor.

The Antitrust Division’s New York Office prosecuted the case, which was investigated with the assistance of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Labor. Trial Attorneys Helen Christodoulou, Kathryn Carpenter, and Maia Lichtenstein are prosecuting the case.

In November 2019, the Justice Department created the Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF), a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government—federal, state and local. To learn more about the PCSF, or to report information on bid rigging, price fixing, market allocation and other anticompetitive conduct related to government spending, go to www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force. Anyone with information in connection with this investigation can contact the PCSF at the link listed above.  

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES CITY BEACHES TO BE CLOSED FOR SWIMMING DUE TO HURRICANE ERIN AND EXPECTED DANGEROUS CONDITIONS

 

City Beaches Will Be Closed Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21, Lifeguards Will Not Be on Duty 

  

National Weather Service Predicts Large Breaking Waves of up to 13 feet, Life-Threatening Rip Currents Even for Strong Swimmers 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYC Parks) Commissioner Iris Rodriguez-Rosa today announced that access to water will be prohibited at all city beaches tomorrow, Wednesday, August 20 and on Thursday, August 21 due to the hazardous conditions expected as Hurricane Erin makes landfall. While the sand will remain open for visitors, swimming will be prohibited at all beaches. The National Weather Service predicts a dangerous rip current threat with large waves breaking from 9 to 13 feet, affecting beaches along the East Coast. 

  

“We are working with all of our city agencies to prepare for Hurricane Erin and keep New Yorkers safe,” said Mayor Adams. “This storm is expected to create dangerous rip currents and large waves, and so we are closing all city beaches to swimming on Wednesday and Thursday. We are asking New Yorkers to take precautions and please sign up for NotifyNYC for additional updates.” 

  

“Keeping New Yorkers safe is our top priority. In consultation with our sister agencies and based on conditions projected by the National Weather Service, NYC Parks is prohibiting access to the water at all beaches on August 20 and 21,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Rodriguez-Rosa. “We strongly urge all New Yorkers to heed these warnings and not risk their lives by entering the water.” 

  

Lifeguards and Parks Enforcement Patrol will be posted along the coastline to enforce the prohibition. New Yorkers are advised to adhere to all instructions for their own safety, and to sign up for Notify NYC for updates on beach closures.