Attorney General James Announces Indictment and Arraignment of Former NYPD Officer and Civilian on Manslaughter Charges

 

Former Officer Stanley Cadet and Kayla Lopez Were Speeding When Their Vehicles Collided, Killing Anna Wilson

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictment and arraignment of former New York City Police Department (NYPD) Officer Stanley Cadet, 27, of North Babylon, and Kayla Lopez, 28, of Bayshore, on charges of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, Assault in the Second and Third Degrees, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, Reckless Driving, Excessive Speed, and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device. The indictment alleges that on May 11, 2024, Officer Cadet and Lopez were dangerously speeding when their vehicles collided, ejecting and killing passenger Anna Wilson, and causing injury to three other passengers. Officer Cadet was off-duty and driving his personal car at the time.

Former Officer Cadet and Lopez were arraigned before Judge Ambro in Suffolk County and were released on supervised release. Former Officer Cadet and Lopez are due back in court on November 17, 2025. The maximum sentence is an indeterminate sentence of five to 15 years in prison.

The factual allegations are that at 2:20 a.m. on May 11, 2024, Officer Cadet and Lopez were driving in their personal vehicles at a speed of more than 100 MPH on Union Boulevard in West Islip. Both vehicles proceeded through a steady red light and drove side-by-side for a half mile in a single lane roadway. When the vehicles reached the Route 231 overpass between Union Boulevard and John Street, they collided. Lopez lost control of her vehicle and struck multiple telephone poles. Ms. Wilson, who was a passenger in Lopez’s vehicle, was ejected from the car. Ms. Wilson was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Another passenger in Lopez’s vehicle suffered serious injuries as a result of the collision.

Pursuant to New York Executive Law Section 70-b, the Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) assesses every incident reported to it where a police 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. If OSI’s assessment indicates an officer caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.

On August 8, 2025, Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order appointing the Attorney General’s Office as a special prosecutor to investigate and, if warranted, prosecute matters relating to the death of Anna Wilson and the injury of another passenger on May 11, 2024.

Criminal charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty at trial or by plea. 

Governor Hochul Announces Nearly $80 Million to Support Expanded Use of Zero-Emission Vehicles Across New York State

Funding Fuels Transition to Zero-Emission Fleets for Non-MTA Transit Providers and Supports Reduction of Greenhouse Gases

Governor Kathy Hochul announced that nearly $80 million in state funding has been awarded to help seven transit providers expand their use of zero-emission vehicles under the state’s Zero-Emission Transit Transition Program (ZETT). The program supports the Governor’s nation-leading agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve New York’s energy goals.

“New York’s push to transition public transit agencies to zero-emission fleets is a crucial step in achieving our clean energy goals,” Governor Hochul said. “Increasing the number of zero-emission transit vehicles in every corner of our state will deliver cleaner air and healthier communities across New York.”

Non-MTA transit authorities were encouraged to apply for funding to support the acquisition of zero-emission transit vehicles, construction of facilities and utility infrastructure for charging and fueling, and necessary planning and design phases for zero-emission capital projects.

Award recipients and their projects:

• Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) – $17.5 million: This project will involve the planning, design, and construction of a new training and maintenance facility to support a zero-emission fleet that will cover service in Schenectady and Montgomery Counties, and parts of Saratoga County. The project also includes the purchase of two hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
• Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) – $17.5 million: This project will consolidate facilities and operations in Oneida County to support the transition to a zero-emission fleet, allowing for potential expansion to Madison and Herkimer Counties. The project also includes the purchase of battery-electric and/or hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell vehicles.
• Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) – $17.5 million: This project will install two lanes of charging infrastructure at the Cold Spring Bus Garage and fund the purchase of 18 battery-electric buses. Additionally, a feasibility study will be conducted to determine the infrastructure requirements and costs of expanding the zero-emission fleet to the Frontier and Babcock Bus Garages.
• Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority (RTS) – $17.5 million: This facility infrastructure project will update the operations building with utility and safety improvements to accommodate hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses. It will also fund the purchase of 10 hydrogen-electric/fuel-cell buses.
• Suffolk County Transit – $5 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of 12 battery-electric buses.
• Broome County Transit – $3.34 million: This project provides funding for the purchase of three battery-electric buses.
• Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) – $1.35 million: This project will fund a site selection and design of a new bus facility equipped with electric vehicle charging capabilities.

First announced in December 2024, the ZETT Program provides $100 million in funding to transit providers across New York State to support the transition of transit fleets to zero-emission propulsion (battery-electric and hydrogen-electric). The FY26 Enacted Budget added $20 million to the fund. Eligible applicants included transit authorities, counties, municipalities, and other entities receiving or eligible to receive New York Statewide Mass Transportation Operating Assistance (STOA). The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and intercity bus operators were not eligible.

Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers! For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit the DOT website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

DEC AND PARTNERS TO HOST MORE THAN 5,000 STUDENT SCIENTISTS AT 23RD ANNUAL "DAY IN THE LIFE OF THE HUDSON AND HARBOR"

 

Scientific Data Collection Connects Students with Hudson River and New York Harbor on Oct. 15

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced that on Wednesday, Oct. 15, shorefronts along the Hudson River Estuary and the piers of New York Harbor will be busy with activity as thousands of students equipped with seine nets, minnow pots, and water testing gear collect data on the Hudson's fish and invertebrates, track the river's tides and currents, and examine water chemistry and quality during the 23rd annual celebration of A Day in the Life of the Hudson and Harbor. 

"DEC's annual 'Day in the Life' event gives students up and down the river the unique opportunity to experience the tidal Hudson's diverse habitats, fish, and wildlife," said Commissioner Lefton. “From the Troy dam to New York Harbor, the Hudson River is ecologically invaluable to our state and much of the Atlantic coast. This annual event gives students of all ages the chance to go down to the river and learn about the environment up close, and it's just one of the ways New York is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.” 

At more than 100 waterfront sites, students from elementary school through college partner with DEC and environmental education centers to collect scientific data using hands-on field techniques to capture a snapshot of the river's ecology. The data collected by students provides insights into the river's ecosystem and is posted online after the event. Participating classes represent the diversity of the school population in urban and rural communities along the estuary. This year, more than 5,000 students and educators from more than 90 schools will participate. 

"Day in the Life" gives students the opportunity to don waders or use a fishing rod to collect data on many of the Hudson's 200-plus species of fish. Most are young fish, evidence of the Hudson's importance as a nursery habitat. Sometimes students catch surprising fish such as seahorses, conger eels, and needle fish. Students also examine the physical and chemical aspects of the river with a wide range of equipment from dissolved oxygen and pH kits to high-tech refractometers and plastic hydrometers to measure salinity and find the salt front—the leading edge of dilute seawater pushing up the estuary. 

Estuary program staff connect the field day with the classroom by conducting pre- and post-visits in numerous schools that participate in "Day in the Life." Lessons onsite and in the classroom fulfill State learning standards in a variety of subjects. Post-trip activities connect students to other sites through collected data, helping them better understand the dynamic factors that are constantly impacting the Hudson River ecosystem. 

This year, “Day in the Life” also is taking place on several sites along the Mohawk River, the Hudson’s largest tributary and the headwaters of the Upper Hudson River where freshwater feeds into the tidal estuary. Twenty-five enthusiastic teachers and partners are connecting students to their local rivers using hands-on data collection and exploration tailored to non-tidal waters. 

"Day in the Life" is sponsored by DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program, in partnership with the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. 

To schedule a media visit to a site, please contact the DEC Press Office at 518-402-8000 or pressoffice@dec.ny.gov. A list of seven of the participating schools, partners, and event locations follows: 

• Schoharie County: Schoharie Creek, Middleburgh NY: Middleburgh Central High School, Middleburgh Central School, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (DEC)
• Albany County: Hudson Shores Park, 2 Selke Dr., Watervliet, NY 12189: North Colonie Elementary Enrichment Program, North Colonie Central School, 9:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
• Albany County: Corning Preserve, Quay St, Albany, NY 12207: Albany High School, Albany Central School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (DEC)
• Dutchess County: Norrie Point Environmental Education Center, Margaret Norrie State Park, Staatsburg, NY 12580: Franklin D. Roosevelt High School, Hyde Park Central School, 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (DEC, Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve)
• Ulster County: Bob Shepard Highland Landing Park,42 River Road Highland, NY 12528: Wallkill Senior High School, Wallkill Central School District School, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (DEC, Hudson River Estuary Program)
• Westchester County: Piermont Pier, Ferry Rd., Piermont, NY 10968: Clarkstown High School North, Clarkson South High School, Tappan Zee High School, Spring Valley High School, and Pearl River High School. 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Columbia Climate School Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory)
• Bronx: Barretto Point Park, Viele Ave, Bronx, NY 10474: Pelham Preparatory Academy, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (NYC Parks)

REIMAGINING: Fall Get-Together this Saturday!

Create a meaningful homage with guidance from local artists to honor your own ancestors and craft a personal message to leave behind to commemorate the burial ground and those who are buried there. 

  

The event will feature live music from 2pm to 4pm highlighting traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms and dances including bomba, plena, guaracha, and changüí.  

  

Featured artists include: 

 

Juan Usera and the Sambuco Tribe 

Tijay Mohammed 

Stephanie Alvarado 

Immanuel Oni 

Jeremiah Olayinka Ojo 

More Details Here

REIMAGINING: Fall Get-Together is part of Van Cortlandt Park Alliance’s Reimagining initiative. In partnership with the Design Trust for Public Space and Immanuel Oni, Liminal Sp, VCPA invites the community to reimagine the park’s Enslaved African Burial Ground site as a memorial space that fosters long-term healing and restoration. This project is supported by the Mellon Foundation.

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

MAYOR ADAMS TAKES ACTION TO POSITION NEW YORK CITY AS GLOBAL CAPITAL OF DIGITAL ASSETS

 

Executive Order Creates Nation’s First-Ever Municipal Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain 

 

Moises Rendon Appointed as Executive Director of New Office 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams today signed Executive Order 57 and established the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain. The first-ever mayoral office of its kind in the nation positions New York as the global capital of digital assets, including cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies. The office will promote the responsible use of digital assets and blockchain technologies, grow economic opportunities for New Yorkers, attract world-class talent, and reinforce the city’s standing as the world’s hub for financial and technological innovation. Mayor Adams also today appointed Moises Rendon to lead the office as executive director. As its first action, Executive Director Rendon will form a commission of leaders in the digital assets space to advise on the office’s work. 

 

“From day one, our administration has kept New York City ahead of the curve because when we embrace technology, we deliver a safer, more affordable city,” said Mayor Adams. “In 2022, I became the first American mayor to convert my first three paychecks into crypto and this past May, our administration hosted the first-ever crypto summit at Gracie Mansion. Today, with the nation’s first mayoral agency focused solely on digital assets and blockchain technology, we continue to signal the opportunities this new form of technology can bring to New York City. Our city has always been the center of innovation, and we’re embracing the technologies of tomorrow today. The age of digital assets is here, and with it comes the chance to grow our economy, attract world-class talent, expand opportunities for underbanked communities, and make government more user-friendly. I’m looking forward to working closer with Moises Rendon as we help make New York City the tech capital of the world.” 

 

“New York City has remained the global center of innovation for decades due to our willingness to embrace new, emerging technologies,” said First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro. “With the launch of the New York City Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain, New York City is reaffirming its role as a leader in the financial and technology sectors to ensure that working-class New Yorkers are first in line for game-changing economic opportunities of the future and efficient delivery of government services. And Moises Rendon is uniquely qualified to guide New York City through this new frontier of technology, which will, once again, result in New York City growing its economy, delivering real economic benefits to underserved communities, and attracting the world-class talent that makes us the envy of the world.” 

 

“New York City's future as a global finance center and municipal governance leader depends on our ability to capitalize on the enormous opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as digital assets and blockchain,” said New York City Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser. “Today's announcement affirms our place at the forefront of this technological revolution and showcases the mayor's bold, forward-looking vision to make New York City the crypto capital of the globe. This office ensures that we're partnering with the brightest minds across the fintech sphere and empowering city agencies to harness the transformative potential of digital assets and blockchain for the benefit of 8.5 million New Yorkers.” 

 

“Mayor Adams’ creation of this new office proves that the future is now for digital assets and blockchain in New York City,” said Mayor's Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain Executive Director Moises Rendon. “I am honored to lead the nation’s first municipal office dedicated to successfully and responsibly deploying these technologies. I look forward to collaborating with CTO Fraser, city agency partners, and private-industry leaders to develop policies and programs that make our government more accessible, transparent, and innovative for New Yorkers in the years ahead.” 

 

The Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain will promote long-term economic growth, ensuring that digital assets strengthen the city’s economy, including by: 

 

•   Fostering innovation and development while guiding the responsible development of cryptocurrency and blockchain ecosystems in New York City. 

•   Coordinating efforts between the digital asset industry and government, serving as a bridge to encourage responsible innovation and alignment across stakeholders. 

•   Working in close collaboration with the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) while also coordinating citywide efforts across agencies, ensuring alignment of policies, services, and digital asset initiatives. 

•   Engaging with state and federal partners to promote policies that make New York City more welcoming to blockchain and crypto initiatives that add value and comply with laws and regulations. 

•   Promoting inclusion and access, particularly for unbanked and underbanked communities, by supporting safer ways to save money, access resources, and build resilience against inflation. 

•   Educating and protecting the public through initiatives that help New Yorkers understand the risks of digital assets, including campaigns to raise awareness of scams, fraud, and consumer protections. 

•   Attracting world-class talent and investment, ensuring New York remains globally competitive in financial innovation and technological development. 

•   Supporting nonpartisan, policy-driven legislation, ensuring the office remains focused on sound policy and the delivery of tangible benefits to New Yorkers across all communities. 

 

Through these efforts, the Office of Digital Assets and Blockchain will help secure New York City’s leadership in the digital economy, expand opportunities for its residents, and build a foundation of responsible innovation, trust, inclusion, and growth. The office will allow New York City to demonstrate its leadership in embracing innovation while safeguarding the interests of its residents. 

 

About Moises Rendon 

 

Moises Rendon is a digital assets and blockchain policy expert with extensive experience advising federal, local, and international stakeholders. He currently serves as policy advisor for digital assets and blockchain at OTI, where he leads citywide research and strategic initiatives to explore blockchain’s potential for improving government operations.  

 

Previously, Rendon served as a director for the Washington, D.C. office of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas and was a policy consultant for the U.S. Department of State, United States Agency for International Development, and private-sector clients on fintech and economic trends. Rendon holds a Master of Laws degree in International Business and Economic Law from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Laws degree from Andrés Bello Catholic University in Venezuela. 

 

Executive Director Rendon will report directly to Chief Technology Officer Matt Fraser.