A-Town Trinitarios Gang Members Charged With Racketeering, Assault, And Firearms Offenses

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), Jessica S. Tisch, and United States Marshal for the Southern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel, announced the unsealing of a seven-count Indictment charging two individuals, ALEJANDRO COLON, a/k/a “Ale,” and OSCAR OLIVENCIA, a/k/a “Jon-O,” a/k/a “Young O,” with federal crimes, including racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearms offenses.  The defendants are charged for their roles in the “A-Town” set of the Trinitarios street gang and associated acts of violence, including a shooting on February 7, 2023, in the Bronx where COLON and OLIVENCIA, acting together, shot at multiple people, resulting in gunshot wounds to two victims.  In a coordinated operation.  Both defendants will be presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian. 

“As alleged, Oscar Olivencia and Alejandro Colon were members of the A-Town Trinitarios who shot at three individuals outside a restaurant in the Bronx, seriously injuring two of them,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “Gang violence is a threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods, and together with our law enforcement partners, the women and men of this Office will continue to work relentlessly to give New Yorkers what they want and deserve: safe neighborhoods free from the terror of gun violence.” 

“These alleged members of the ‘A-Town’ Trinitarios crew used gun violence to further their illicit operations, shooting two people and putting many more Tremont residents at risk,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch.  “Today’s indictment underscores the NYPD’s focus on taking down gangs, removing guns, and keeping our communities safe.  I thank our NYPD detectives for their hard work on this case and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York for its partnership in holding these criminals accountable.”

“The alleged actions committed by these two brazen defendants endangered our communities and required precision in our law enforcement operations to safely take them off of our streets to face justice,” said U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of New York, Ricky J. Patel.  “The United States Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners’ unwavering commitment to ensure neighborhoods are safe made that a reality.”

As alleged in the Indictment and other documents filed in federal court and based on statements made in public court proceedings:[1]

“A-Town” is a criminal organization based in the Tremont neighborhood of the Bronx and affiliated with the Trinitarios.  Since at least 2018, its members and associates have engaged in narcotics trafficking, the use of firearms, and numerous acts of violence against rival gang members.  A-Town members have also participated in various fraudulent schemes, including stealing checks from mailboxes and altering and cashing them.  

On or about February 7, 2023, COLON and OLIVENCIA confronted an individual (“Victim-1”) outside a Bronx restaurant over money Victim-1 owed OLIVENCIA from the sale of stolen checks.  As the encounter escalated, COLON brandished a firearm, and OLIVENCIA drew his own firearm and fired two shots—one striking a nearby bystander (“Victim-2”) and the other striking Victim-1.  As COLON and OLIVENCIA fled, another individual (“Victim-3”) produced a firearm and fired at them.  COLON returned fire in Victim-3’s direction.

COLON brandishing firearm

Firearms recovered

OLIVENCIA firing his firearm into the crowd

A chart containing the names, charges, and minimum and maximum penalties for the defendants is set forth below. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by the judge.  

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative efforts of the NYPD and thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the NYPD Intelligence Division’s Intelligence Analysis Unit for their assistance.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office’s Violent Organizations and Crime Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Timothy Ly and Dominic A. Gentile are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges in the Indictment are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Charge	Defendants	Minimum and Maximum Penalties
Count One  Racketeering Conspiracy  18 U.S.C. § 1962(d)	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Two  Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering  18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and (a)(6), and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Three  Firearms Offense  18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: Life in prison  Minimum: 10 years in prison, which must be consecutive to any other term imposed
Count Four  Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering  18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3) and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Five  Firearms Offense  18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: Life in prison  Minimum: 10 years in prison, which must be consecutive to any other term imposed
Count Six  Attempted Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Attempted Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering  18 U.S.C. §§ 1959(a)(3), (a)(5), (a)(6), and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: 20 years in prison
Count Seven  Firearms Offense  18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i), (ii), and (iii), and 2	ALEJANDRO COLON  OSCAR OLIVENCIA	Maximum: Life in prison  Minimum: 10 years in prison, which must be consecutive to any other term imposed

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment and the description of the Indictment set forth in this release constitute only allegations, and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James and Governor Hochul Sue to Restore $73 Million in Federal Highway Funds for New York

 

New York Challenges Trump Administration’s Cancellation of Critical Infrastructure Funding

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Governor Kathy Hochul today sued to block the federal government's unlawful cancellation of more than $73 million in highway funding for New York. Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would withhold the funding after New York refused DOT’s demands to revoke certain driver's licenses, all of which were issued in full compliance with state and federal regulations. Attorney General James argues that the funding action is illegal and puts New Yorkers at risk, and is seeking to restore the full funding to the state.

“New Yorkers depend on safe, reliable roads and bridges to get to work, take their kids to school, and keep our economy moving. The administration cannot promise funding to our state and then abruptly yank it away,” said Attorney General James. “By cancelling this funding, the federal government is putting jobs and communities at risk. New Yorkers are counting on these investments, and we will not let the president jeopardize our communities’ safety. My office is taking this administration to court to ensure New York gets every dollar it is owed.” 

“Once again, New York is facing devastating federal cuts for nothing more than political payback. Here's the truth: New York has always followed federal rules when issuing CDLs, something even the previous Trump Administration verified year after year,” said Governor Hochul. “Ripping away money that goes towards critical safety upgrades on our roads is reckless and it is illegal. Standing with Attorney General James, we will fight - and win - in court to restore this funding and ensure that our roads are safe for millions of New Yorkers who rely on them.” 

For months, DOT has attempted to pressure New York to revoke certain lawfully-issued Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) held by certain non-citizen drivers. On April 16, the agency announced it would block more than $73.5 million in federal highway funding already approved for New York and threatened to annually withhold an additional $147 million in future years. New York issues CDLs in compliance with state and federal requirements; all drivers must have legal immigration status and meet strict testing and safety standards to qualify for a CDL. Revoking these licenses would disrupt key industries that rely on commercial drivers and could lead to bus driver shortages affecting schools and families.

Attorney General James argues that DOT’s action is unlawful and based on a new, unsupported interpretation of its own longstanding regulations. For years, New York has issued CDLs in full compliance with federal law, as confirmed in DOT's own reviews. Attorney General James contends that DOT’s sudden shift is arbitrary and capricious, exceeds the agency’s authority, and unlawfully attempts to coerce New York into canceling thousands of validly issued licenses by threatening critical funding. 

New York's highway funding is allocated through federal programs established by Congress to support road maintenance, safety improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. Losing this funding could delay or cancel critical transportation projects, increase costs, and harm local economies across the state.

Federal law dictates that any challenges to final agency decisions from DOT must be filed in a U.S. Circuit Court. Attorney General James today filed a petition for review in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, asking the court to overturn DOT's decision and restore the funding to New York. Attorney General James and Governor Hochul will also file a motion to expedite the case to secure a decision before the funding is disrupted.

NYC Comptroller Levine Announces Progress Made on Pension Efforts to Reduce Carbon Footprint and Reach Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions

 

Three of New York City’s public pension systems continue to outpace interim targets for being net zero by 2040, reaching a nearly 50% reduction as of the end of FY25

Today, New York City Comptroller Mark Levine released the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Climate Reports for three of New York City’s public pension systems. The report highlights meaningful progress in the Systems’ efforts to advance a net zero economy. Between 2019 and 2025 there was a 48.13% weighted average reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions for the New York City Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS), Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS) and Board of Education Retirement System (BERS). The strong decline in financed emissions was achieved while also securing steady investment returns for the Systems. The five public pension systems saw a 10.3% return net of fees for FY25.

“The climate crisis has a direct impact on our global economy, and our pension systems are doing the hard work of protecting retirees while advancing a transition to a low-carbon economy. The progress laid out in this report is a reflection of the important role that reducing emissions exposure, investing in the clean energy transition, and holding companies accountable plays in smart pension management,” said New York City Comptroller Mark Levine.

TRS, NYCERS and BERS have exceeded their interim targets and yielded a total reduction of Scopes 1 and 2 financed emissions intensity in their public equity and corporate bonds portfolios (including investment grade, high yield and convertible bonds) by 49%, 46.68% and 45.72% respectively, since December 31, 2019. This surpasses their respective goals of 32%, 32% and 22% by 2025.

As of the end of FY25, virtually all of the three Systems’ public markets asset managers have agreed to align with the Systems’ expectations that managers adopt a net zero goal, science-based targets, or acceptable alternative approach to support a transition to a net zero economy. Managers are assessed primarily on whether they have a systematic approach to engage their portfolio companies to drive real-economy decarbonization. A clear assessment framework is provided in the FY25 report.

All of the three Systems’ public markets asset managers submitted plans in response to the Systems’ expectations, following robust engagement with the Comptroller’s Office’s Bureau of Asset Management (BAM). Many have also created or enhanced practices to meet each System’s net zero expectations, consistent with fiduciary duty. The Systems also set expectations for all private markets asset managers of funds undergoing due diligence to submit plans for alignment with the Systems’ net zero goals. All private markets managers of funds receiving commitments since the expectations took effect last year have also submitted plans.

As of January 2026, BAM updated the due diligence questionnaire used to inform investment recommendations, with more specific questions about asset managers’ approach to climate-related issues. This includes climate-related value creation, assessment of physical risks and resilience.

BAM has also continued to engage with public and private markets asset managers to encourage further action on net zero goals, science-based targets or other appropriate decarbonization goals.

Additional highlights of the Systems’ engagement with industry stakeholders:

• Engaged with a total of more than 100 public companies on climate change since the adoption of the net zero implementation plan to encourage the adoption of science-based targets and other decarbonization measures.
• BAM participated and continues to participate on behalf of NYCERS as a signatory of the Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance (NZAOA), and currently serves as Co-Lead of the NZAOA Engagement Track, and joined the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) on behalf of NYCERS to serve as an industry-leading voice.
• During Climate Week 2025, BAM co-hosted a roundtable for 50 private equity managers to workshop portfolio decarbonization and value creation.
• BAM formally joined the ESG Data Convergence Initiative (EDCI), a global consortium of Limited Partners and General Partners, formed to promote industry-wide convergence towards a standardized, foundational set of environmental, social and governance metrics, including key climate metrics, in private markets.
• Convened a roundtable focused on addressing the need for a mutually agreeable framework for setting and assessing emissions reductions targets in the utility sector.
• Began engaging with portfolio companies on the increasing concern of the environmental impact of artificial intelligence data centers, which are increasing carbon emissions and electricity costs.
• Re-filed shareholder proposals at Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo to request an energy supply ratio which measures the banks’ financing of clean energy versus oil and gas. The Systems reached an agreement with JP Morgan, Citigroup, and Royal Bank of Canada in 2024 to disclose this ratio. JP Morgan and Citigroup disclosed the ratio for the first time in 2025 and Royal Bank of Canada calculated its own ratio and disclosed its methodology.

The Systems have also continued to exceed their goals for investments in climate change solutions. As of June 30, 2025, TRS, NYCERS and BERS have $7.34 billion, $5.4 billion and $726 million invested and committed to climate change solutions respectively. The Comptroller’s Office’s review of strategies for increasing these investments consistent with fiduciary duty remains ongoing.

In addition to Comptroller Levine, trustees of the New York City retirement systems are as follows:

Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s appointees: Philip Dukes and Joseph Borelli; Greg Faulkner, Chair, New York City Public Schools Panel for Educational Policy; and Thomas Brown (Board Chair), Victoria Lee, and Christina McGrath, all of the United Federation of Teachers.

New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS): Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s representative Philip Dukes (Board Chair); New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; Borough Presidents: Donovan Richards Jr. (Queens), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn), Vanessa L. Gibson (Bronx), Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Manhattan), and Vito Fossella (Staten Island); Henry Garrido, Executive Director, District Council 37, AFSCME; John Chiarello, President, Transport Workers Union Local 100; and Gregory Floyd, President, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 237.

Board of Education Retirement System of the City of New York (BERS): Members of the New York City Public Schools Panel for Educational Policy, including: Borough President Appointees Shirley Aubin (Queens), Camille Casaretti (Brooklyn), Jonathan Collins (Manhattan), Rima Izquierdo (Bronx), and Aaron Bogad (Staten Island); Elected CEC Members Adriana Alecia (Queens), Faraji Hannah-Jones (Brooklyn), Naveed Hasan (Manhattan), Brenida Parsons (Bronx), and Debra Altman (Staten Island); Mayoral appointees Joseph Borelli, Marjorie Dienstag, Amy Fair, Gregory Faulkner, Anita Garcia, Anthony Giordano, Dr. Angela Green, Alice Ho, Yadira Jimenez, Jessamyn Lee, Sharon Odwin, Alan Ong, Phoebe Sade-Arnold, and Maisha Sapp; New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels, represented by Karine Apollon (Board Co-Chair); as well as two elected employee members: Donald Nesbit, District Council 37, Local 372 (Board Co-Chair) and Frank Sirabella, IUOE Local 891.

You can read the Systems’ full and comprehensive reports on net zero efforts at the following links:

Teachers’ Retirement System of the City of New York (TRS):

https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/trs-annual-climate-report-fy2025

New York City Employees’ Retirement System (NYCERS):

https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/nycers-annual-climate-report-fy2025New York City Board of Education Retirement System (BERS): https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/bers-annual-climate-report-fy2025

Governor Hochul Announces Groundbreaking for $278 Million Affordable Development in Queens, Expanding Homeownership and Increasing Housing Supply in Far Rockaway

Arverne East Building D Creates 89 Co-op Units As Part of 320-Unit Building

Sandy-Impacted Site Will Include Energy Efficiency Measures and Resiliency Improvements

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of construction on the third phase of Arverne East in Far Rockaway. This $278 million affordable mixed-use project will create 89 cooperative homeownership units and 229 rental units. It is the latest building in the transformative Arverne East plan and the first and largest residential portion of the project. Built on a vacant, oceanfront site that was impacted by Superstorm Sandy, the development includes several sustainability and resiliency features designed to protect it from future storms. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has created or preserved nearly 3,000 homes in Queens. Arverne East Building D continues this effort and is part of Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year Housing Plan which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

“The latest phase of Arverne East will give more New Yorkers the opportunity to own affordable, sustainable and resilient homes,” said Governor Hochul. “As we work to tackle the housing crisis impacting New York, we know that our only path forward is to build more housing, build it faster and more affordably. Arverne East is a perfect example of how we can accomplish those goals while also producing homes that can endure the test of time.”

Designed to appeal to households and families of different sizes, the building, known as Building D, will have a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. The cooperative homeownership units in the East Wing of Building D will be affordable to households earning up to 100 percent of the Area Median Income. There will be five co-op units designed to accommodate residents with mobility impairments and two units for residents with sensory disabilities.

The rental apartments in the West Wing of Building D will be affordable to households earning up to 90 percent of the Area Median Income. Thirty-five of the rental units will be supportive apartments for eligible youth aging out of foster care. On-site support services will be provided by Camba. There will be 12 apartments designed to accommodate residents with mobility impairments and five apartments reserved for residents with sensory disabilities.

In addition to the residential units, the building will feature outdoor terraces, a lounge, playroom, fitness center, bike storage, two superintendent units and various community spaces.

Arverne East prioritizes sustainability and resiliency design elements to address the impacts Superstorm Sandy had on the local community. Building D will be all-electric and fossil fuel-free, and a solar panel system will be installed on the roof. It will be built to Passive House standards and pursue certification through the Passive House Institute US. The building will also be connected to the Arverne East geothermal loop, which will provide Building D - and all the Arverne East buildings - with efficient heating, cooling and hot water through ground source heat pumps. These technologies will work together to drastically lower the carbon footprint of the building and energy costs for residents.

All ground floor residential and non-residential spaces will be located above design flood elevation, with the first floor raised to the 500-year flood elevation. All entrances and exits will be raised to the same extent. As an additional precaution, no residential units will be located on the first floor, and all first-floor spaces will be equipped with a full suite of floodproofing measures to aid in quick recovery in the event of a major storm or flood.

When fully built, the entire Arverne East project will consist of 1,650 homes, including apartments and town homes, of which approximately 80 percent will be affordable. There will be 270,000 square feet of commercial space and 76,000 square feet of community facility space. The plan also includes open space, retail, restaurants and the future Arverne East Aquatic Center. The completed first two phases feature a nature preserve, the Coastal Conservation Center, an urban farm and the reconstruction of Edgemere Avenue and related infrastructure.

Arverne East Building D is developed by L+M Development Partners, Triangle Equities, The Bluestone Organization, Mega Development and Urbane Development.

The homeownership portion of the project is supported by $17.3 million from New York State Homes and Community Renewal’s (HCR) Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program, which provides financing to affordable housing developers to create affordable single-family houses, condos and co-ops. Additional support includes $25.9 million from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development’s (HPD) Open Door program, $1.5 million in funding from Borough President Donovan Richards and $1 million in funding from City Council Member Selvena Brooks-Powers.

The $206 million rental portion of the project is participating in NYC Housing Development Corporation’s (HDC) and HPD’s ELLA program. It is supported by $94.1 million from HPD’s Extremely Low- and Low-Income Affordability Program and Housing Infrastructure Fund and $71.9 million from HDC. The project was also awarded $1 million from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority’s Buildings of Excellence Competition. Urban Investment Group at Goldman Sachs Alternatives supported both the rental and homeownership elements of this project as tax credit equity investors.

The Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program complements HCR’s work to advance affordable homeownership, including its MOVE-IN NY program that invests in factory-built homes, HOME Homebuyer Development Program, Manufactured Home Advantage Program and the State of New York Mortgage Agency’s suite of homebuyer mortgage programs.

Mayor Mamdani Establishes Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention, Appoints Peter White as Director

 

Office will coordinate a whole-of-government approach to protect vulnerable homeowners  

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani established the City’s first Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention and appointed Peter White as the office’s director.   

  

Deed theft, in which white-collar criminals use fraudulent filings to steal homes from longtime residents, is a persistent threat to working-class homeowners in New York. Families who have spent decades building stability and generational wealth are being targeted and displaced through complex scams that exploit gaps in oversight.  

  

“The theft of a home is the theft of a family’s future,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Deed theft preys on the New Yorkers who can least afford it. Today, we are bringing the full force of City government to bear to stop it – to protect homeowners, defend generational wealth and make clear that this City will not tolerate the exploitation of our communities. I am proud to appoint Peter White as the director of New York City’s first-ever Office of Deed Theft Prevention, where he will write a new story of leadership and action.”  

  

“I am deeply humbled to join the Mamdani administration as the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. I have worked to protect New York City homeowners throughout my career, and will carry that passion into my new role serving New Yorkers,” said Peter White, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. “I look forward to working with Mayor Mamdani and leaders across the city and state to bring an integrated approach to protecting working-class homeowners across the city.”  

  

White, an attorney with Access Justice Brooklyn, has spent years representing homeowners facing foreclosure and deed theft. In his new role, he will lead a coordinated, citywide strategy to prevent fraud, support impacted residents and strengthen enforcement. White holds a law degree from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University, and has led extensive community outreach and legal clinic work alongside his practice.  

  

Over the last decade, thousands of deed theft complaints have been filed across New York City, with the highest concentration in Brooklyn and Queens. Black homeowners and neighborhoods have been disproportionately targeted, deepening racial wealth gaps and destabilizing communities.   

  

Recent state legislation has strengthened tools to investigate and prosecute deed theft. The new office will leverage those authorities while building a proactive, preventive approach across agencies.    

  

The Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention will be housed in the Department of Finance (DOF), which records property documents, and will work closely with the Sheriff’s Office, the New York City Commission on Human Rights, the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection and the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, along with state and local partners.  

  

Established by Executive Order 16, the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention will expand strategic enforcement against deed theft, flag suspicious property filings, coordinate with law enforcement, conduct public education and outreach, promote preventative safeguards and improve data-sharing across agencies.   

  

“By creating an office dedicated solely to combating deed theft, the Mayor is delivering on his commitment to protect vulnerable communities and help preserve generational wealth for New Yorkers most at risk of exploitation,” said Department of Finance Commissioner Richard Lee. “Critically, the office’s mission is both proactive and responsive: preventing deed theft before it occurs while ensuring a swift, effective response when cases arise. By dedicating resources and providing direct support to impacted New Yorkers, the office will help victims navigate the complicated web of legal, financial, and bureaucratic processes—connecting them with the tools and guidance they need to protect their home.”   

  

“Deed theft is exploitative and criminal—and we are committed to ending it,” said Dina Levy, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation & Development. “Scammers have stolen from too many New Yorkers, especially Black families who have fought for generations to own a home. New York homeowners deserve to sleep at night knowing that their home will remain theirs tomorrow. I look forward to working with Peter White and the Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention to protect vulnerable homeowners across New York.”  

  

“Deed theft is rampant in New York City, with criminals illegally scamming people out of their homes in broad daylight,” said Christine Clarke, Chair and Commissioner of the NYC Commission on Human Rights. “We have long known that deed thieves specifically target Black neighborhoods and Black homeowners in distress. Not only is this unlawful, but we know that many Black families build generational wealth through homeownership, making the effects of deed theft particularly profound. The NYC Commission on Human Rights enforces the law prohibiting racial discrimination in housing, which includes predatory racist deed theft schemes and reverse redlining. We look forward to an all-of-city approach to tackling this problem that has stripped so many Black families in New York of hard-fought generational wealth.”  

  

“No New Yorker should have to live with the fear that their family’s home and financial stability may be stolen out from under them. Deed theft and other illegal housing schemes are fueling displacement, and we must use every tool at our disposal to stop it. I have fought to pass statewide legislation to criminalize deed theft and allow us to pause evictions as we investigate these cases, and I have brought deed thieves to justice and returned stolen homes to their rightful owners. I commend Mayor Mamdani and all of the elected and community leaders who have prioritized the fight against deed theft, and I am proud to celebrate the appointment of Peter S. White II as the first director of the newly created Mayor’s Office of Deed Theft Prevention. This is a critical step forward in our efforts to end deed theft and keep New Yorkers in their homes,” said New York Attorney General Letitia James.  

  

“I commend the mayor for establishing this office, an effort I’m proud to support and inform,” said Public Advocate Jumaane D. Williams. “At a time when working families – particularly Black families – are being forced out of our city by an affordability crisis, It’s important now that we provide homeowners with the resources and information needed to combat deed theft, unscrupulous actors and untenable situations. Home ownership is a dream and a goal that builds wealth, builds power, builds community. This is a generational fight for generational wealth and stability, and one we have to win.”