Cox: The Worst Governor in America Defends her Title
NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement:
"In a four-way race, Kathy Hochul just endorsed an avowed communist and anti-Semite for Mayor of the City of New York.
"It's no wonder Kathy Hochul's New York continues to lead the nation in outmigration: New Yorkers are fleeing Democrats' worst-in-the-nation tax and regulatory regime, as well as their open embrace of extremism.
"The Worst Governor in America defends her title."
This barbaric criminal with a rap sheet that includes child sex abuse was released into America by the Biden Administration
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced it lodged a detainer for the federal arrest and removal of a criminal illegal alien from Cuba who was taken into custody by local authorities in Dallas, Texas on homicide charges.
On September 10, Yordanis Cobos-Martinez—an illegal alien from Cuban with a rap sheet including child sex abuse, grand theft of a motor vehicle, false imprisonment and carjacking—was arrested by Dallas Police Department at a motel in Dallas for murder. Cobos-Martinez allegedly used a machete to behead a merchant he had an argument in front of the merchant’s spouse and child. Reportedly, Cobos-Martinez then kicked the head of the victims ‘around like a soccer ball.’ ICE has lodged the detainer with the Dallas County Jail, where this criminal illegal alien is being held.
“This vile monster beheaded this man in front of his wife and child and proceeded to kick the victims’ head on the ground. This gruesome, savage slaying of a victim at a motel by Yordanis Cobos-Martinez was completely preventable if this criminal illegal alien was not released into our country by the Biden Administration since Cuba would not take him back,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This is exactly why we are removing criminal illegal aliens to third countries. President Trump and Secretary Noem are no longer allowing barbaric criminals to indefinitely remain in America. If you come to our country illegally, you could end up in Eswatini, Uganda, South Sudan, or CECOT.”
Yordanis Cobos-Martinez has a past final order of removal to Cuba. He was most recently in ICE Dallas custody at the Bluebonnet Detention Center until he was released on an Order of Supervision on January 13, 2025—under the Biden administration. This barbaric criminal was released because Cuba would not accept him because of his criminal history.
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Uber Technologies Inc. for discriminating against passengers with disabilities, including those who use service animals and mobility devices such as stowable wheelchairs. Uber is the largest provider of ride-hailing services in the United States. The lawsuit seeks $125 million for individuals who have been subject to discrimination and previously submitted complaints to Uber or the Department.
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges Uber violated Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination based on disability by private transportation companies like Uber. The ADA also requires Uber to allow service animals to accompany individuals with disabilities in vehicles and to provide rides to, and assist, riders with stowable wheelchairs and mobility devices.
The Department’s civil complaint alleges that Uber and its drivers routinely refuse to serve individuals with disabilities; impose impermissible surcharges by charging cleaning fees for service animal shedding and cancellation fees to riders whom Uber has unlawfully denied service; and refuse to reasonably modify Uber’s policies, practices, or procedures, where necessary, to avoid discriminating against riders with disabilities, including by denying individuals with mobility disabilities the option to sit in the front seat when needed. Due to Uber’s ride denials, individuals with disabilities have experienced significant delays, missed appointments, and have been left stranded in inclement weather.
“For too long, blind riders have suffered repeated ride denials by Uber because they are traveling with a service dog,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit seeks to end this persistent discrimination and allow riders with disabilities to use Uber. We will enforce the ADA’s guarantee that people with disabilities have equal opportunity and full participation in all aspects of American society, including transportation.”
“Rideshare companies like Uber are prohibited from denying riders with disabilities the same access to transportation that riders without disabilities enjoy,” said U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian of the Northern District of California. “This complaint underscores the United States’ commitment to enforcing the ADA’s promise of equal access.”
The lawsuit seeks a court order to force Uber to stop discriminating against individuals with disabilities, to modify its policies to comply with the ADA, and to train its staff and drivers on the ADA. In addition to the monetary damages to compensate aggrieved individuals subjected to Uber’s discrimination, the lawsuit demands that Uber pay a civil penalty to vindicate the public’s interest in eliminating disability discrimination.
To learn more about the Civil Rights Division visit www.justice.gov/crt, and to report possible violations of federal civil rights laws go to www.civilrights.justice.gov. For more information on the ADA, please call the department’s toll-free ADA Information Line at 800-514-0301 (TTY 1-833-610-1264) or visit www.ada.gov.
13th City Council candidate Shirley Aldebol showed up to the June Democratic Primary forum of the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance, only to stumble and fumble, thus leading to her receiving less than 30% (3,411 votes or 29.9% of the 11,402 votes to be exact) in the June 24, 2025 Democratic Primary election night results. Democratic candidate Shirley Aldebol then did not show up to the Van Nest Neighborhood Alliance 13th City Council November General Election forum on September 10, 2025 to face Incumbent Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato, and Independent Democratic candidate Joel Rivera.
Saturday September 13, 2025 was a Working Families Party Day of Action for Shirley Aldebol, where I tried to catch up with Democratic candidate Shirley Aldebol to ask her why she didn't show up at the VNNA General Election forum with incumbent Councilwoman Kristy Marmorato and Independent Democratic candidate Joel Rivera. Democratic candidate Shirley Aldebol was hiding behind her campaign manager and she then took off when I started to ask her why she didn't show up at the VNNA General Election forum. As I was trying to take photos of Democratic candidate Shirley Aldebol her campaign manager put her hand in front of my cell phone (as seen in photo #3 below), and Democratic candidate Shirley Aldebols campaign manager kept stepping in front of me so I could not get a photo of the Coward Shirley Aldebol as she fled away.
I then saw one of the few people who showed up Ms. Diana Finch arguing with a man on whom he was voting for. Then 80th Assembly District Democrat Female District Leader Christine Culpepper showed up (photo 4) and started to hurl insults at me. I said to District Leader Culpepper that I hope she has a primary next year (2026) when she is up for reelection in the June Democratic Primary. To be succesful there would need to be a slate of candidates, one candidate for the State Assembly 80th Assembly District, one candidate for Female District Leader 80th A.D., one candidate for Male District Leader 80th A.D., one candidate for Female Statecommitteewoman 80th A.D. and one candidate for Male Statecommitteeman.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that Jamel McGriff was arraigned on 12 counts of murder in the first degree, two counts of murder in the second degree, robbery, burglary, arson and other crimes for the deaths of a husband and wife in their Bellerose home on Monday. McGriff allegedly restrained 76-year-old Frank Olton in the home’s basement and stabbed him to death before setting the house on fire. The defendant also allegedly attacked and killed 77-year Maureen Olton before exiting the home.
District Attorney Katz said: “As alleged, in a brazen act of violence, the defendant forced himself into a Bellerose home, stabbed one of the elderly homeowners to death and then deliberately set the house on fire. This is a horrific double murder that has shocked our entire city. Frank and Maureen Olton were simply spending a Monday morning at home and their deaths have shattered the sense of safety and security in New York. The defendant is now charged with multiple counts of first-degree murder and faces life in prison if convicted. I thank the NYPD and the members of my office for their work in apprehending this defendant.”
McGriff, 42, of Creston Avenue in the Bronx, was arraigned last night on 12 counts of murder in the first degree; two counts of murder in the second degree; two counts of kidnapping in the first degree; two counts of kidnapping in the second degree; three counts of burglary in the first degree; burglary in the second degree; two counts of arson in the second degree; three counts of robbery in the first degree; criminal possession of a weapon in the third degree; two counts of grand larceny in the fourth degree; two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree; two counts of criminal possession of stolen property in the fifth degree; identity theft in the second degree; and two counts of identity theft in the third degree.
Queens Criminal Court Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar remanded McGriff and ordered him to return to court on September 16. If convicted, McGriff faces up to life in prison if convicted.
District Attorney Katz said that, according to the charges and investigation, on September 8, 2025, at approximately 10:08 a.m., McGriff entered the Oltons’ residence on 254th Street in Bellerose.
McGriff was allegedly seen at approximately 3:08 p.m. leaving the residence and carrying a duffle bag. A few minutes later, the Oltons’ son received a notification from an alarm company that there was a fire at the residence.
When the FDNY responded, the Oltons were found deceased inside the home. Maureen Olton was in the living room with extensive burns to her body. She also sustained a fractured larynx and had soot in her trachea and one lung. Frank Olton was discovered in the basement with his hands bound with a cord and tied to a pole. He was stabbed multiple times in the neck and chest, which caused his death. A fire had been set in the living room and a separate one in the basement.
McGriff allegedly used two of Frank Olton’s credit cards to make two clothing purchases totaling $796.10 at Macy’s in Herald Square in Manhattan. McGriff allegedly provided his own Macy’s loyalty card number for the transactions.
McGriff allegedly deposited two cell phones belonging to the Oltons into a machine at a store on Fordham Road in the Bronx. The machine provides instant cash for phones. He allegedly used his own identification for the transaction.
McGriff was apprehended by the NYPD in Manhattan.
The investigation was conducted by Detective Raul Torres of the 105th precinct and Detective Thomas Cappolla of the Queens South Homicide Squad.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., announced the indictment of BENEDETTO CUPO, 66, the owner of concrete construction firms EASTLAND ASSOC. CORP., EASTLAND SERVICES CORP., and IMN GROUP, INC., for multiple alleged frauds including the theft of more than $1.6 million in COVID-related loans, $3 million wage theft from his employees, defrauding the New York State Insurance Fund (“NYSIF”) of more than $1.1 million, and expansive criminal tax fraud. CUPO is charged in a New York State Supreme Court Indictment with multiple counts of Grand Larceny in the First and Second Degrees, Scheme to Defraud in the First Degree, Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second and Third Degrees, among other charges.[1]
The 30-count indictment is the result of an investigation conducted by the Manhattan D.A.’s Rackets Bureau with assistance from multiple law enforcement and government partners, including NYSIF, the New York City Business Integrity Commission (“BIC”), New York City Department of Finance (“NYC DOF”), New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), New York State Department of Labor (“NYS DOL”), New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (“NYS Tax”), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”).
“As alleged, Benedetto Cupo orchestrated numerous frauds over the course of years, stealing millions from hard-working New Yorkers’ wages and the public funds they rely on when hurt on the job,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Despite never filing tax returns or remitting his workers’ withholdings, we allege, his companies fraudulently secured substantial PPP loans at the height of the pandemic. This case exemplifies the work that my office’s Rackets Bureau does each and everyday: protect New Yorkers’ wages and New York’s public fisc by uncovering corruption and fraud. I thank them for their work on this case, as well as the numerous partners who helped make this prosecution possible.”
$1.6 Million COVID-19 Loan Fraud
As alleged in court documents and according to statements made on the record in court, for more than 20 years CUPO has owned and operated multiple concrete construction firms that perform foundation, concrete superstructure, masonry, and waterproofing work, including EASTLAND ASSOC. CORP (“EAC”), EASTLAND SERVICES CORP. (“ESC”), and IMN GROUP, INC. (“IMN”).
On April 17, 2020, CUPO submitted an application for a $1,009,990 COVID-19 related Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan to an SBA-approved lender. In the application, CUPO falsely certified that EAC had employees for whom it paid payroll taxes. EAC received the loan on May 1, 2020.
On January 19, 2021, CUPO submitted a second PPP loan application for $625,000, asserting that he was the full owner of EAC despite falsely listing an associate as the owner on a NYSIF application executed two weeks prior. EAC received the loan on March 23, 2021. The next day, CUPO transferred $400,000 to IMN, from which he withdrew more than $67,000 for payments to himself and his ex-wife, golf and country club membership dues, and cash withdrawals.
Both applications, contained multiple false statements and falsified supporting documents, including fabricated tax returns and Statement of Account documents. In 2021, CUPO applied to have the loans forgiven, similarly submitting false statements and falsified documents.
In fact, EAC never paid state, local, or any associated payroll taxes, as further described below. The loans were forgiven in whole based on the false applications and supporting documents.
$3 Million Wage Theft & Expansive Criminal Tax Fraud
As further alleged in court documents, both EAC and IMN failed to file tax returns from 2020 to 2023. Their annual tax liabilities ranged between $11,000 and $100,000.
Additionally, between 2019 and 2023, CUPO withheld more than $3 million from his employees’ wages purportedly to cover their federal, state, local, and other tax obligations. Instead of remitting them to the appropriate government agency, CUPO allegedly stole the funds.
Hundreds of employees were impacted. Many were billed for unpaid taxes or had difficulties obtaining tax refunds and unemployment insurance.
$1.1 Million New York State Insurance Fund Fraud
Finally, as alleged in court documents, in 2020 and 2021, CUPO obtained two different NYSIF workers’ compensation insurance policies on behalf of EAC by providing materially false information. For instance, CUPO claimed that EAC had less than ten employees, when in reality, EAC typically employed more than 100 people, including laborers, carpenters, and rebar workers.
Between August 20, 2021, and August 24, 2023, EAC employees filed more than 20 claims related to workplace injuries, many of which occurred on Manhattan jobsites. Because CUPO had never registered his companies as employers, the New York State Department of Labor had no work records pertaining to any of the claimants. After examining EAC’s financial records, NYSIF determined that its insurance premium fraud totaled more than $1.1 million.
District Attorney Bragg thanked the numerous agencies that supported this investigation, particularly NYC DOF’s Auditor LaToya Fleming; NYPD Detective Jeremy Natal; NYSIF’s Division of Confidential Investigations, including Supervising Investigator Elaine Leach and Auditor Winston Sapigao; NYS Tax’s Auditor Ellen Cheu; NYS DOL’s Auditor Ladislao Batista, Jr.; and U.S. SBA attorneys Kandace Zelaya and Rachel Dodd.
[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.
The Defendant and India-Based Co-Conspirators Targeted Elderly and Vulnerable Victims in the United States in a Telemarketing Scam
In federal court in Brooklyn, Yveler Marcellus was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit money laundering and conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme that targeted dozens of vulnerable victims in the United States. The verdict followed a five-day trial before United States District Judge Carol Bagley Amon. When sentenced, Marcellus faces up to 40 years in prison.
Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Daniel Brubaker, Inspector in Charge, United States Postal Inspection Service, New York Division (USPIS), announced the verdict.
“The evidence showed that Yveler Marcellus worked closely with a crew based in New York, along with co-conspirators abroad, to perpetrate a sprawling, transnational money laundering and fraud scheme that cruelly preyed on vulnerable victims’ fears that their money was compromised and that they were running afoul of the law,” stated United States Attorney Nocella. “This verdict underscores our Office’s commitment to vigorously prosecute criminals who conspire with foreign actors for their own monetary gain and to the financial detriment of elderly and other vulnerable victims.”
Mr. Nocella thanked Homeland Security Investigations, New York, and the Nassau County Police Department for their assistance on the case.
“Postal Inspectors have long investigated telemarketing scams and mail fraud, and unfortunately the elderly are often victims of these schemes by greedy and callous individuals. This verdict is another victory for consumers, and sends a strong message to those who use the U.S. Mail to prey on our seniors, you will be brought to justice and pay for your crimes.” said USPIS Inspector In Charge Brubaker. “The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to combating elder fraud designed to defraud innocent victims primarily by illegal use of the U.S. Mail, and we continue taking steps to educate Americans about the dangers of various types of frauds.”
As proven at trial, between January 2022 and December 2023, Marcellus and his co-conspirators participated in a “tech” scheme, through which co-conspirators based in India contacted victims by phone and convinced them to send money instruments, including checks and money orders, to the defendant and other U.S-based co-conspirators at various addresses in the Eastern District of New York. After receiving the victims’ checks, Marcellus and his U.S.-based co-conspirators laundered the check proceeds through their own bank accounts and other bank accounts that they controlled, shared the proceeds amongst themselves, and sent the remainder of the laundered proceeds to the co-conspirators in India. The scheme is estimated to have netted over $12 million from victims across the United States.
Seven of Marcellus’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing.
A Louisiana chiropractor was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in health care fraud and unemployment insurance fraud schemes.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Benjamin Tekippe, 40, of New Orleans, was a chiropractor and owner of Metairie Chiropractic & Rehab in New Orleans. Tekippe solicited patients with insurance from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) to visit his clinic by misleadingly offering “free” chiropractic massages for BCBSLA members. Tekippe would typically bill their insurance for the massage, which was generally a full-body massage performed by a massage therapist, and which was not covered. Tekippe would also routinely bill BCBSLA for several other chiropractic services that were either not performed or not performed as billed, including thousands of false and fraudulent claims for chiropractic services he purportedly provided to patients while he was out of the office, including on vacation in Aruba and incarcerated in Arizona and Washington in connection with state charges. When audited by BCBSLA, Tekippe fabricated patient records and instructed his staff to rewrite them in their own handwriting to make it falsely appear that services had been performed as billed. In total, Tekippe submitted over $2.3 million in claims to BCBSLA, and was paid approximately $740,000. Evidence at trial showed that Tekippe spent the fraudulent proceeds on luxury goods and gambling, including over $90,000 at Harrah’s Casino in New Orleans, among other things.
In addition, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tekippe submitted weekly certifications falsely claiming that he was unemployed when he was billing for chiropractic services purportedly performed during his claimed unemployment. Through this scheme, Tekippe received $12,952 in unemployment insurance benefits to which he was not entitled.
In April 2025, Tekippe was convicted by a federal jury of six counts of health care fraud and one count of wire fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, he was ordered to pay$753,794.36 in restitution.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson for the Eastern District of Louisiana; and Special Agent in Charge Jason Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Service Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region, Baton Rouge Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI and HHS-OIG investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Kelly Z. Walters and Samantha Usher of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of 9 strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
