Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Queens

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on August 23, 2025 following a motor vehicle incident involving New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens County.

At approximately 4:37 p.m. on August 23, an NYPD officer was driving in a marked police car on United Nations Avenue South in Flushing Meadows Corona Park when the officer drove over a man who was allegedly lying on the roadway. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.    

Three More Minneapolis Gang Members Charged with RICO Conspiracy and Murder

 

14 Total Defendants Now Indicted

A federal grand jury in Minneapolis charged three additional alleged members or associates of the violent street gang known as the Lows, bringing the total number of defendants in this indictment to 14.

“The defendants are allegedly responsible for 10 murders carried out through repeated shootings in public spaces, including gas stations, barbershops, food trucks, and crowded streets,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “By opening fire into groups of people, they took lives, spread fear, and inflicted devastating harm on families and entire communities. This case underscores the Criminal Division’s commitment to dismantling violent gangs and protecting communities from the terror and destruction they cause.”

“The Lows are killing our neighbors, and we’re taking them down,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson for the District of Minnesota. “RICO charges give us the power to dismantle the violent street gangs that fuel the violence and trap families in fear. Every time we bring one of these cases, shootings drop, neighborhoods calm, and law-abiding families reclaim their streets. This progress is only possible because of the relentless work of our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice’s Violent Crime & Racketeering Section. To every family that has lost someone to gang violence: we will not stop until your streets are safe.”    

“This violent street gang, the Lows, will not continue to wreak havoc in Minneapolis neighborhoods,” said Assistant Director Jose A. Perez of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Violent groups don't belong in our communities. These charges demonstrate our overall strategy and relentless determination to eradicate the drug-fueled gang violence plaguing our community. The FBI and our partners will continue to aggressively pursue gangs wherever they surface and are steadfast in making sure our communities are a safe place for our citizens.”

“Street gangs have been a persistent source of violence in Minneapolis, and the allegations in this indictment show the toll they continue to take on our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul Field Division. “ATF has been committed to this city for decades, and we will continue working to keep firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited and to hold accountable those who use violence to threaten the safety of our neighborhoods.”

“This criminal street gang treated gun violence and murder as business tools to maintain power and control,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Jason Bushey of the IRS Criminal Investigation Chicago Field Office. “IRS-CI special agents followed the money to expose how this enterprise was financed, uncovering the cash flow that allowed them to buy weapons, traffic drugs, and sow fear in Minneapolis neighborhoods. By tracing their illicit proceeds, we gave our law enforcement partners the evidence to not only disrupt this conspiracy but to hold its leaders accountable for the violence they inflicted. This case shows how IRS-CI’s financial expertise is critical to dismantling organized crime and protecting communities from violent threats.”

The newest defendants – Marques Armstrong Jr., 30, Davant Moore, 23, and Jahon Lynch, 20, all of Minneapolis — made their initial appearances in the District of Minnesota.

The superseding indictment charges the Lows with racketeering conspiracy involving murder; using a firearm to kill during murder in aid of racketeering; attempted murder; robbery; and firearms and drug trafficking, including fentanyl distribution. According to the superseding indictment, the Lows have operated in north Minneapolis since approximately 2004. Members and associates allegedly traffic in firearms and narcotics and use threats, intimidation, and violence to protect their territory, reputation, illicit proceeds, and power.

The superseding indictment alleges that the gang committed a total of 10 murders as part of its racketeering activities, including the following:

• On May 6, 2021, Albert Lucas V, 21, shot and killed a victim at a Minneapolis gas station while the victim was pumping gas.
• On Sept. 9, 2021, Kaprice Richards, 24, and Marques Armstrong Jr. stood on a sidewalk and fired at least 26 rounds through the window of a crowded Minneapolis barbershop. The barrage of bullets killed one victim and injured another victim who was inside with a young child.
• On May 14, 2022, Glenn Carter III, 25, shot and killed two victims near a food truck in Minneapolis.
• Just days later, on May 19, 2022, Lows members and associates murdered two victims in a drive-by shooting in Minneapolis, after days of threats and taunting. Lows members and associates located the victim’s vehicle and pulled alongside when it was stopped at a traffic light. Lows members and associates then fired multiple shots from their vehicle at the victim’s vehicle, killing both the driver and passenger. 
• On April 27, 2023, Shannon Jackson, 33, and Kaprice Richards, and others opened fire on a group in Minneapolis, killing one victim.
• On Nov. 6, 2023, Jahon Lynch, using a vehicle he carjacked about a week before, drove Albert Lucas V, Davant Moore, and other Lows members and associates to North Minneapolis, where they shot into a group of people, killing one victim.
• On Dec. 3, 2023, Damari Douglas, 20, Davant Moore, and other Lows members and associates attended a party in Minneapolis. After leaving the party, the group was walking down a street when they began firing at a passing vehicle. A stray bullet struck and killed a victim standing on the sidewalk. Law enforcement recovered discharged cartridge casings at the scene from multiple firearms.
• On Feb. 27, 2024, Albert Lucas V, Victor Collins, 23, and other Lows members and associates drove to the area of the Minneapolis Market, and shot into a group of people, injuring several victims and killing one victim.

If convicted, the defendants face a range of penalties, including up to life in prison for racketeering conspiracy involving acts of murder, using a firearm to commit murder, and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after the consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

ATF, FBI, DEA, IRS-CI, HSI, USPIS, Minneapolis Police Department, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Minnesota Department of Corrections are investigating the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service.

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

Wave Hill Weekly Events (Aug 28 – Sep 4) | Plan Your Visit for Fishy Fun & Final Art Exhibits

 

A newer sunrise, a different day, and a fresh start, simmer along the horizon and glimmer with chance across the river.  Many become inspired by our natural landscapes here at Wave Hill and others through the artwork that lives on the grounds. Artists like Monica Duncan and SuRan Song & William M. Weis III help us reflect on our relationships and who we have the chance of becoming as individuals and as a society. If you haven’t yet, take the opportunity to explore the final art exhibits of the season as they offer you new perspectives and insights into a reimagined tomorrow.   

  

Gardens & Nature: 

 

Garden Highlights Walk 

Sun, Aug 31, 1:00PM – 1:30PM 

Mon, Sep 1, 1:00PM – 1:30PM 

Free with admission to the grounds   

Registration not required.

Take a leisurely guided walk with a Wave Hill Garden Guide to observe summer garden highlights while we ease into the fall season!  

 

Art: 

 

Public Gallery Tour 

Thur, Aug 28 , 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Sat, Aug 30, 2:00PM – 3:00PM 

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required. 

Visitors can expect an in-depth look at artworks on view in Glyndor Gallery and in the Sunroom Project Space, showcasing the work of both emerging and established artists in the unique context of a public garden between nature, culture and site.  

 

Family: 

 

Family Art Project: Fishy Fun 

Sat, Aug 30, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

Sun, Aug 31, 10:00AM – 1:00PM   

Free with admission to the grounds  

Registration not required. 

Focus on friends with fins, especially the goldfish swimming in Wave Hill’s Aquatic Garden. Turn colorful paper bags into fantastic 3D fish that can swim through the air and flutter home with you. 

 

Special Events: 

 

Afternoon Tea 

Thur, Aug 28, 11:00AM – 1:30PM 

7 Day Advanced Booking Required 

Every Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00AM or 1:30PM, enjoy delicious tea sandwiches and delectable pastries with a specialty tea selection served on our Kate French Terrace, provided by our exclusive partner Great Performances. Due to the nature of the event, no substitutions or changes are available. 

   

HOURS STARTING MARCH 15: 10AM–5:30PM, Tuesday–Sunday  

Shuttle Service Free from Subway and Metro-North, Saturday–Sunday 

Information at 718.549.3200. On the web at wavehill.org.   

Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Movie lovers… come out and play-ay

 

Celebrate NYC’s 400th birthday with VCPA’s free movie series Starlight Cinema! 

Each Friday in September, VCPA will show a film that features our spectacular city. We start with the cult classic The Warriors on September 5th. 

Movies begin at sunset, and from 6 pm, DJs from WFUV spin music and VCPA educators lead movie-themed crafting. 

Make it a special night in Van Cortlandt Park – BYOB (bring your own blanket), grab some friends, and celebrate with a movie under the stars.

Click here for more details!

Got an anniversary, special occasion, or a birthday? Announce your personal message on the big screen for $150.

Our movies in the park are FREE thanks to local sponsors like Horace Mann School, but we need your support, too! 

Do you have a business you’d like to promote? Check out how to purchase a corporate ad for $250.

If you have any questions please contact Dana Settles at dana@vancortlandt.org or 718-601-1460.

See you soon at Van Cortlandt Park!

Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

Broadway Producer Sentenced for Fraudulent COVID-19 Grant Scheme

Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Falsifying Records to Obtain $69,000 in Pandemic Relief Funds

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, together with New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang, announced today that a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining more than $69,000 in COVID-19 small business recovery grants by filing falsified records.

District Attorney Gonzalez said, “This defendant took advantage of a public health crisis by falsifying records to secure government aid that was meant to keep struggling small businesses afloat. My office will continue to investigate and prosecute those who attempt to enrich themselves through fraud at the expense of programs designed to protect New Yorkers.”

Inspector General Lang said, “Abuse of scarce state resources — during the pandemic and always — is a crime against both government and New Yorkers in need. Thank you to our partners at the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office for sharing our commitment to public integrity and to ensuring accountability for those who undermine it.”

The District Attorney identified the defendant as Suzanne Gilad, 54, of Prospect Heights, Brooklyn. She pleaded guilty to second-degree falsifying business records and was sentenced by Brooklyn Criminal Court Judge Janet McDonnell on April 28, 2025 to a conditional discharge and ordered to complete 210 hours of community service, proof of which she provided to the court today. The defendant previously reimbursed the State for the funds.

The District Attorney said that, according to the evidence, between December 2021 and January 2022, the defendant submitted multiple fraudulent applications for grants offered by the New York State Empire State Development to assist businesses that experienced financial losses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The defendant submitted falsified copies of federal business income tax returns on behalf of three companies she controlled: In Fine Company LLC, Custom Broadway LLC and All the Josh Cohens LLC. As a result of the fraudulent applications, the defendant received approximately $69,099 in grant funds, which she then transferred into her personal bank accounts. 

Operation Pacific Viper: U.S. Coast Guard Announces Largest Drug Offload in its History

 

The Coast Guard achieved its largest-ever drug seizure in a single operation in its history

Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton offloaded over 76,000 pounds of illegal drugs, valued at $473 million, at Port Everglades, Florida as part of Operation Pacific Viper. This offload included approximately 61,740 pounds of cocaine and approximately 14,400 pounds of marijuana. 

This is the largest drug offload in Coast Guard history. 

This is the first major offload of Operation Pacific Viper, a historic partnership between the Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy that is surging forces to the Eastern Pacific to cut off drugs and human smuggling before they ever reach American shores. As part of this operation, the Coast Guard conducted 19 interdictions in international waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. They are defending the Homeland with overwhelming force. 

With a lethal dose of cocaine being as little as 1.2 grams, the amount offloaded by Hamilton’s crew is enough to potentially kill 23 million people.

“The Coast Guard continues leading U.S. efforts to control, secure, and defend the U.S. border and maritime approaches,” said Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. “The cutter HAMILTON’s record-breaking offload is the latest demonstration of the success of Operation Pacific Viper, the Coast Guard’s aggressive operations to defeat drug smugglers at sea in the Eastern Pacific Ocean near Central and South America. We are incredibly proud of our crews who are safeguarding our nation. HAMILTON’s success sends a strong signal to the cartels that we own the sea. We will defeat them and protect our communities from the death and devastation from the scourge of illegal drugs.”

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson (DDG 102), USCGC Stone (WMSL 758), USCGC Venturous (WMEC 625), and USCGC Seneca (WMEC 906), transit in formation while conducting operations in the Pacific Ocean. (U.S. Navy Photo by Naval Aircrewman (Tactical Helicopter) 2nd Class Teague Bullard)

"The crew of Hamilton, who have been on the ship for over the last two months, personally interdicted over 47,000 pounds cocaine,” said Rear Adm. Adam Chamie, Coast Guard Southeast District Commander. “These men and women put themselves in harm's way time and again to stop the bad guys, apprehend the smugglers and seize the drugs. This is grueling and dangerous work, and I am extremely proud of them.”

Operation Pacific Viper is part of a wider effort ordered by President Trump to combat foreign drug cartels in Latin America. This operation is still ongoing, and, under the leadership of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, the men and women of the Coast Guard will continue deploying overwhelming force against the cartels, cutting off the flow of drugs into the United States and put an end to the cartel’s reign of terror. 

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton offloads more than 76,140 lbs of illicit narcotics at Port Everglades, Florida, on August 25, 2025. This is the largest cocaine offload to date in Coast Guard history, with the assistance of partner agencies, during counterdrug operations in the Eastern Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. (Photo by Petty Officer 2nd