Governor Of Sinaloa And Nine Other Current And Former Mexican Officials Charged With Drug Trafficking And Weapons Offenses

The Defendants Allegedly Conspired With Leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel to Import Massive Quantities of Narcotics Into the United States in Exchange for Political Support and Bribes 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, and Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), Terrance C. Cole, announced today the unsealing of an indictment charging RUBEN ROCHA MOYA, ENRIQUE INZUNZA CAZAREZ, ENRIQUE DIAZ VEGA, DAMASO CASTRO ZAAVEDRA, MARCO ANTONIO ALMANZA AVILES, ALBERTO JORGE CONTRERAS NUNEZ, a/k/a “Cholo,” GERARDO MERIDA SANCHEZ, JOSE ANTONIO DIONISIO HIPOLITO, a/k/a “Tornado,” JUAN DE DIOS GAMEZ MENDIVIL, and JUAN VALENZUELA MILLAN, a/k/a “Juanito,” with drug trafficking and related weapons offenses.  MILLAN is additionally charged with offenses related to his participation in kidnappings of a DEA source and the source’s relative that resulted in their deaths.  The defendants are all current or former high-ranking government and law enforcement officials in the Mexican State of Sinaloa (“Sinaloa”), including the current Governor of Sinaloa, RUBEN ROCHA MOYA, and are alleged to have partnered with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute massive quantities of narcotics to the United States.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Katherine Polk Failla.

“The Sinaloa Cartel is a ruthless criminal organization that has flooded this community with dangerous drugs for decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “As the indictment lays bare, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug trafficking organizations like it, would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on their payroll.  The support of corrupt foreign officials for deadly trafficking of drugs must end.  Let these charges send a clear message to all officials around the globe who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice.”

“The Sinaloa Cartel is not just trafficking deadly drugs, it is a designated terrorist organization that relies on corruption and bribery to drive violence and profit,” said DEA Administrator Terrance Cole.  “This indictment exposes a deliberate effort to undermine public institutions and put American lives at risk.  The defendants allegedly used positions of trust to protect cartel operations, enabling a pipeline of deadly drugs into our country.  No one is above the law.  We are grateful for our U.S. and Mexican partners who choose integrity every day and stand with us to safeguard our communities.  Together, we will continue to apply sustained pressure against the Sinaloa Cartel and the networks that support it to protect the American people and save lives.”

According to the allegations contained in the Indictment, other court filings, and statements made during court proceedings:[1]

The Sinaloa Cartel (the “Cartel”) is one of the most violent criminal organizations in the world and has transformed the Mexican State of Sinaloa into the geographic epicenter of the global narcotics trade.  From its home base in Sinaloa, the Cartel has worked with criminal elements around the world—cocaine producers and distributors in Colombia and Venezuela, drug traffickers and corrupt politicians throughout Central and South America, and precursor chemical manufacturers in China and elsewhere—to distribute massive quantities of narcotics into the United States and inflict severe damage on communities throughout this country.  The Cartel has also carried out rampant violence, including thousands of murders, throughout Mexico and elsewhere around the world, including in the United States.

To protect and grow this drug trafficking empire, the Cartel has allegedly partnered with corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials, including the defendants, who have abused their authority in support of the Cartel, exposed and subjected victims to threats and violence, and sold out their offices in exchange for massive bribes.  Indeed, certain police officials in Mexico, including, as alleged, certain of the defendants, have directly participated in the Cartel’s violence and retribution, including by murdering enemies of the Cartel and kidnapping individuals in Mexico suspected of cooperating with U.S. law enforcement in this investigation.

The defendants charged in this Indictment are current and former government or law enforcement officials in Sinaloa.  As alleged, each of the defendants has participated in a corrupt and violent drug trafficking conspiracy with the Cartel to import massive amounts of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.  The defendants have played a variety of essential roles for the Cartel:  among other things, the defendants have allegedly shielded Cartel leaders from investigation, arrest, and prosecution; caused sensitive law enforcement and military information to be provided to members of the Cartel and allied drug traffickers to assist the Cartel’s criminal activities; directed members of state and local law enforcement agencies, such as the Sinaloa State Police, the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office, and the Culiacan Municipal Police, to protect drug loads stored in and transiting through Mexico to the United States; and allowed brutal drug-related violence to be committed by members of the Cartel without consequence.  In exchange, the defendants have collectively received millions of dollars in drug money from the Cartel. 

As alleged, the defendants have been most closely aligned with the faction of the Cartel run by the sons of Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, a/k/a “El Chapo,” the Cartel’s notorious former leader, who are themselves known collectively as the “Chapitos.”  The defendants have operated at all levels of government and law enforcement in Sinaloa and each abused their positions of trust and authority to help facilitate the Chapitos’ operations.  For example, ROCHA MOYA was elected Governor of Sinaloa, a position he has held since on or about November 1, 2021, after the Chapitos allegedly helped him get elected by, among other things, kidnapping and intimidating his rivals.  In exchange, both before and after he became Governor, ROCHA MOYA allegedly attended meetings with the Chapitos, at which he promised to protect the Chapitos as they distributed massive quantities of drugs to the United States and, as Governor, ROCHA MOYA has allowed the Chapitos to operate with impunity in Sinaloa.  Similarly, the other defendants have directly and repeatedly helped the Chapitos in exchange for massive drug-fueled bribes.  For example, ZAAVEDRA, who is the Deputy Attorney General for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office, has received approximately $11,000 U.S. dollars each month from the Chapitos and, in exchange, has protected Chapitos members from arrest and informed the Chapitos of planned U.S.-backed law enforcement operations.

Certain of the defendants are also alleged to have themselves directly participated in the Cartel’s campaign of violence and retribution.  For example, MILLAN, a high-level commander in the Culiacan Municipal Police, allegedly received more than approximately $1,600 U.S. dollars each month from the Chapitos.  In exchange, MILLAN gave the Chapitos unfettered access to the Culiacan Municipal Police and used officers from the police force to help the Chapitos maintain their control over Culiacan, including through arrests, kidnappings, and murder.  In or about October 2023, MILLAN allegedly helped the Chapitos kidnap a DEA confidential source and the source’s relative, who the Chapitos then had tortured and killed, because the source was suspected of providing information to the Government in connection with this investigation.

This Indictment is the latest in a series of indictments issued in this District since 2023, charging more than 30 members and associates of the Cartel, including members of the leadership of the Cartel, for their involvement in distributing massive quantities of narcotics into the United States and related crimes, which has resulted in a meaningful disruptive impact on the Cartel’s drug trafficking operations.

A chart containing the charges and minimum and maximum penalties each defendant faces is below.  All of the defendants are believed to currently reside in Mexico.

The statutory minimum and maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the DEA’s Special Operations Division, Bilateral Investigations Unit and the DEA offices in Mexico and Phoenix, as well as the assistance of the Office of International Affairs of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and the Government of Mexico.  Mr. Clayton also thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Northern District of Illinois and Southern District of California, and the Justice Department’s Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section.

Mr. Clayton also thanked the Homeland Security Task Force, a whole-of-government partnership dedicated to eliminating criminal cartels, foreign gangs, transnational criminal organizations, and human smuggling and trafficking rings operating in the United States and abroad.

This prosecution is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jane Y. Chong, Sarah L. Kushner, and David J. Robles are in charge of the prosecution.

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

Defendant	Title	Age	Charges	Minimum and Maximum Penalties
RUBEN ROCHA MOYA	Governor of Sinaloa	76	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
ENRIQUE INZUNZA CAZAREZ	Mexican Senator; former Secretary General for Sinaloa	53	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
ENRIQUE DIAZ VEGA	Former Secretary of Administration and Finance for Sinaloa	50	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
DAMASO CASTRO ZAAVEDRA	Deputy Attorney General for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office	54	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
MARCO ANTONIO ALMANZA AVILES	Former head of the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office	54	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
ALBERTO JORGE CONTRERAS NUNEZ, a/k/a “Cholo”	Former head of the Investigative Police for the Sinaloa State Attorney General’s Office	45	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
GERARDO MERIDA SANCHEZ	Former Secretary of Public Security for Sinaloa	66	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
JOSE ANTONIO DIONISIO HIPOLITO, a/k/a “Tornado”	Former Deputy Director of the Sinaloa State Police	55	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
JUAN DE DIOS GAMEZ MENDIVIL	Mayor of Culiacan	41	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices	Life in prison; mandatory minimum of 40 years in prison
JUAN VALENZUELA MILLAN, a/k/a “Juanito”	Former high-level commander in the Culiacan Municipal Police	35	Narcotics importation conspiracy;  Possession of machineguns and destructive devices;  Conspiracy to possess machineguns and destructive devices;  Kidnapping resulting in death;  Conspiracy to commit kidnapping resulting in death	Mandatory sentence of life in prison

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

Federal Jury Convicts ISIS-K Terrorist for Role in the Abbey Gate Bombing and Other ISIS-K Attacks

 

A federal jury today convicted Afghan national Mohammad Sharifullah, a member of the terrorist organization the Islamic State of Iraq and ash-Sham-Khorasan Province (ISIS-K), of participating in a nine-year conspiracy to provide material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, on Aug. 26, 2021, American and other Coalition military forces were conducting a non-combatant evacuation operation at the Abbey Gate of the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan. Thousands of civilians were at Abbey Gate for evacuation.

On Aug. 26, 2021, ISIS-K leadership tasked Sharifullah with surveilling a road to the Hamid Karzai International Airport to ensure it was clear of Taliban checkpoints. At about 2:00 pm, Sharifullah travelled his assigned route and communicated to ISIS-K leadership that the route was clear. At approximately 5:36 p.m., ISIS-K operative Abdul Rahman al-Logari, whom Sharifullah knew previously from their time together in an Afghan prison, detonated a body-worn suicide bomb at Abbey Gate, killing 13 U.S. military service members and approximately 160 civilians.

Additionally, on June 20, 2016, a suicide bomber acting for ISIS-K detonated a bomb targeting Nepali security guards protecting the Canadian embassy in Kabul. Prior to the attack, Sharifullah conducted surveillance to prepare the suicide bomber and later transported the suicide bomber toward the attack site.

Additionally, on March 22, 2024, a group of ISIS-K gunmen attacked Crocus City Hall near Moscow. On behalf of ISIS-K, Sharifullah shared instructions on how to use AK-style rifles and other weapons with attackers. The ISIS-K attackers used AK-style rifles to kill civilians in the attack.

In all, Sharifullah participated in over a dozen additional ISIS-K attacks from 2016 through his eventual apprehension in 2025. Throughout these attacks, Sharifullah was involved in various aspects of ISIS-K operations, including providing surveillance for attacks, transporting suicide bombers, transporting and cleaning armaments, communicating messages among ISIS-K personnel, and video recording explosions for ISIS-K propaganda purposes.

Sharifullah faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI Washington Field Office investigated this case.

Speaker Menin, Council Members, Housing Advocates, and Business Leaders Rally in Support of Insurance Accountability to Lower Costs for New Yorkers

 

Proposed legislation to create a first-in-the-nation Office of Insurance Accountability would increase support for consumers, enhance transparency, and make recommendations to stabilize growing costs 

Today, Speaker Julie Menin, Council Members, housing advocates, and business leaders rallied in support of proposed legislation that would increase insurance accountability and transparency as rising insurance costs continue to drive up rents, consumer prices, and the cost of living across New York City. Introduction 685, sponsored by Speaker Menin, would establish a new, first-in-the-nation Office of Insurance Accountability to equip both consumers and businesses with clear, accessible information to make informed decisions about their insurance coverage.  

Rising insurance costs are increasingly becoming a major barrier to business and housing development across the city. For example, business liability insurance has increased by 10% annually, forcing many nightlife establishments to change how they operate or even shut down. Additionally, rapid increases in insurance costs are adding pressure to landlords to increase rents and putting the financial viability of affordable multifamily rental housing at risk.     

“New Yorkers are overpaying for insurance of all kinds, and those rising costs hurt our wages, wallets, economic development, and a hidden contributor to the affordability crisis,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “This bill gives the City the tools to understand what is driving these out-of-control costs so that we can spend smarter and get better value for taxpayers. Our goal is to make the system more equitable, transparent, and affordable for all New Yorkers.” 

Introduction 685, sponsored by Speaker Menin, which would establish an Office of Insurance Accountability. The office would: 

• Provide information and guidance to consumers on selecting insurance plans  

• Track and publicly report on legal actions involving deceptive or unfair insurance practices  

• Conduct annual studies on the cost of insurance and the factors driving those costs  

• Issue recommendations to help stabilize or lower insurance costs  

• Create a consumer assistance unit, led by an Insurance Accountability Advocate, to help resolve insurance-related issues 

The legislation builds on Speaker Menin’s previous efforts to increase accountability and transparency on growing costs New Yorkers face. In 2023, the Council approved Local Law 78, sponsored by then Council Member Menin, which established the Office of Healthcare Accountability. 

“I am proud to stand with Speaker Menin in strong support of her legislation, Intro 685, to establish an Office of Insurance Accountability,” said Deputy Leader Chris Banks. “For too long, New Yorkers have been forced to navigate skyrocketing insurance costs and opaque industry practices with little transparency and even less recourse, (I am one of those New Yorkers). This bill delivers real oversight by shining a light on deceptive and unfair practices, increasing transparency, and ensuring consumers have clear, reliable guidance when selecting insurance coverage. By closely examining what is driving rising insurance costs and putting forward concrete recommendations to stabilize premiums, this legislation brings long‑overdue accountability to an industry that directly affects the financial security of families, homeowners, and small businesses across our city. Creating a dedicated office to assist consumers and advocate on their behalf is wise policy and essential, especially as New Yorkers continue to face an unprecedented affordability crisis.” 

Attorney General James Secures Over $5 Million from Crypto Platform for Promoting Fraudulent Investment Scheme

 

Uphold Misled Investors by Promoting Cred’s Investment Product CredEarn, Causing Investors to Lose Millions of Dollars When Cred Collapsed

New York Attorney General Letitia James today secured more than $5 million from the cryptocurrency platform Uphold HQ, Inc. (Uphold) for misleading investors and promoting a fraudulent cryptocurrency investment scheme orchestrated by Cred, LLC (Cred) and it's Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Schatt. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Uphold misleadingly promoted and offered Cred’s investment product, CredEarn, to its customers, in violation of New York law. Uphold advertised CredEarn as a reliable savings product, when in reality, Cred was making risky loans to borrowers in China with no credit histories. When Cred collapsed in 2020, thousands of Uphold’s customers across the world who had invested in CredEarn lost millions of dollars. As a result of today’s settlement, Uphold will pay $5 million to harmed investors – more than five times the amount it earned in fees it collected – and change its policies to better protect users from third-party investment schemes. 

“When crypto companies break the law and mislead investors, the consequences can be devastating to New Yorkers’ livelihoods,” said Attorney General James. “Uphold promoted risky investments and misled its customers to believe they were safe. Investors should be able to trust the industry advice they receive, and my office will always work to ensure bad actors are held accountable for endangering their customers’ financial security.”

Uphold is a cryptocurrency platform that offers users the ability to buy, sell, and trade digital assets. From January 2019 through October 2020, Uphold offered CredEarn on its platform and mobile app. CredEarn promised significant annual interest payments to customers who invested their cryptocurrency in the company. In advertising CredEarn, Uphold misleadingly promoted it as a safe, reliable savings product. In reality, Cred generated interest through risky micro-loans to video game players in China who had low monthly incomes, no credit histories, and no access to credit through traditional Chinese financial institutions. In promoting CredEarn, Uphold also stated that Cred was covered by “comprehensive insurance,” but no insurance that would protect retail investors from investment losses of digital assets existed in the industry. The OAG’s investigation also found that Uphold was illegally promoting CredEarn without registering as either a broker or commodity broker-dealer. 

Starting in March 2020, Cred incurred significant losses due to its risky lending practices and mismanagement, and declared bankruptcy in November 2020, resulting in investor losses of millions of dollars.  

As a result of OAG’s investigation, Uphold will pay $5 million to customers who suffered losses. All payments Uphold receives from Cred’s bankruptcy proceedings, in which it is owed $545,189, will also be paid to customers who were harmed. Investors will receive an email from Uphold informing them that funds will be distributed to their accounts. Additionally, Uphold must maintain and improve its due diligence policies before partnering with or recommending a third-party investment product. As part of the settlement, Uphold will also register as a broker with the OAG.

Governor Hochul Announces Launch of New 10-Year Statewide Effort to Assess Gambling Addiction and Behaviors in New York State

Decade-long Gambling, Health and Recreational Behaviors Study Includes Surveys and Interviews of New Yorkers Across the State

Survey Effort Is One of Governor’s State of the State Initiatives and Will Inform Future Support and Services

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of a new, decade-long survey effort designed to assess gambling behaviors of New Yorkers and evaluate where additional problem gambling-related services and supports may be needed. New Yorkers in all areas of the state will be contacted to promote participation in the surveys, the results of which will be used to inform enhancements and expansions to gambling services across New York. The New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) is administering and overseeing the survey effort.

“New York State remains committed to helping those impacted by problem gambling, which can affect anyone, regardless of age or where they live,” Governor Hochul said. “We look forward to gaining valuable insight into the gambling behaviors of New Yorkers as part of this effort, as we continue to work to raise awareness of this issue. This effort will help ensure we’re using real data to guide smart, targeted investments that protect New Yorkers and strengthen access to care.”

Office of Addiction Services and Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “As gambling opportunities continue to expand in New York State, we need to be proactive and determine where additional services may be needed to help those affected by gambling addiction. The results of this effort will help to inform future plans and initiatives, ensuring that New Yorkers remain protected from gambling harms, and that those impacted are able to access the services they need.”

This 10-year study will target adults 18 years and older, and data collected will help OASAS understand trends and viewpoints associated with gambling harms, the prevalence of problem gambling and gambling disorder, and community awareness of risks associated with gambling. It will also assist in continued planning and implementation of prevention, treatment, harm reduction and recovery services within communities throughout New York. Questionnaire-based surveys as well as interviews and focus groups will be conducted through this initiative. More information about the survey effort can be viewed on the OASAS website.

OASAS oversees and provides a wide range of gambling services in New York State. This includes access to both outpatient and inpatient treatment services, support at Recovery Community Outreach Centers, and access to peers with lived experience with gambling. The regional Problem Gambling Resource Centers (PGRCs), which are funded by OASAS and operated by the New York Council on Problem Gambling, can provide regional resources including information, training, and connections to help.

In addition, OASAS offers free financial counseling to those facing financial challenges due to gambling behaviors through a partnership with GamFin. The State has also run several public awareness campaigns that support healthy gambling behaviors and educate New Yorkers on how to reduce risks that can be associated with gambling, including the ongoing “Take a Pause” campaign. This campaign encourages people to evaluate their gambling habits by taking a survey and provides tips and resources on how to maintain healthy gambling behaviors.

OASAS also works closely with the NYS Gaming Commission and the NY Council on Problem Gambling through the Responsible Play Partnership, collaborating on regulatory measures to prevent underage gambling, promote responsible gaming, and how New Yorkers can access support if needed. 

Mayor Mamdani Launches Organize NYC to Mobilize New Yorkers to Testify Ahead of Rent Guidelines Board Hearings

 

Organize NYC brings the people-powered movement that elected the Mayor into City governance  

  

“For us to be complacent in accepting of a process where 0.02% of those impacted are testifying is to me a failure of civic engagement. And what this office and our partners are dedicated towards is ensuring that far more New Yorkers understand not only the responsibility government has but the role they have,” said Mayor Mamdani.   

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement, announced the launch of Organize NYC, a long-term initiative to bring mass public participation into the work of governing.  

  

The effort begins with a campaign focused on upcoming Rent Guidelines Board (RGB) hearings. Volunteers will canvass across the city to encourage tenants and landlords to testify ahead of the Board’s June vote, which will determine whether rents increase or remain the same for more than 2 million New Yorkers. The RGB considers public testimony as part of its decision-making process.  

  

Organize NYC will begin canvassing in early May in:  

•   Concourse, the Bronx  

•   Jackson Heights, Queens  

•   Northern Washington Heights, Manhattan  

•   East Village, Manhattan  

•   Flatbush, Brooklyn  

  

New Yorkers can sign up to canvass at: organize.nyc.gov.   

 

Organize NYC will not advocate for any specific outcome in the RGB vote or guide what participants say if they choose to testify. Instead, the campaign focuses on ensuring more New Yorkers can take part in decisions that directly impact their lives.  

  

“This movement was never about a single election or a single administration. It’s about building lasting power for working-class New Yorkers,” said Mayor Mamdani. “This June, the Rent Guidelines Board will make a decision that affects more than 2 million people. But first, they will hear from us. Organize NYC will mobilize New Yorkers to make sure they know they have a voice in that decision – and how to use it – because government only works when it answers to the people it serves.”  

  

“Too often, people don’t know about the opportunities they have to make their voices heard — or they don’t know how to take part. Organize NYC is about changing that by breaking down barriers and cutting through the complexity that has kept New Yorkers at arm’s length from the decisions that shape their lives,” said Tascha Van Auken, Commissioner for the Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement. “The movement that brought us here showed what’s possible when people come together — and that same spirit continues to guide this work today.”  

  

“When New Yorkers organize, services come faster, buildings are safer, housing policy becomes fairer and enforcement is stronger. Whether it’s a meeting in your lobby or testimony at City Hall, Organize NYC will bring everyday New Yorkers into the work of governing and keep this administration connected to what is happening on the ground,’ working people,” said Cea Weaver, Director, Mayor’s Office to Protect Tenants.  

  

Last year, about 400 people testified at RGB hearings, even though the RGB’s decisions affect more than 2 million New Yorkers. Organize NYC aims to close that gap by growing awareness and participation citywide.  

  

Upcoming Rent Guidelines Board hearings:  

•   Queens: Thursday, June 4, 5 p.m., Jamaica Performing Arts Center Auditorium; 153-10 Jamaica Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11432  

•   Bronx: Monday, June 8, 5 p.m., Main Theatre of Hostos Community College; 450 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451  

•   Brooklyn: Thursday, June 11, 7 p.m., The Theater at City Tech, NYC College of Technology; 275 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201  

•   Manhattan: Tuesday, June 16, 5 p.m., Symphony Space; 2537 Broadway & 95th Street, New York, NY 10025  

  

The Mayor’s Office of Mass Engagement will also host an NYC 101 training to break down the affordability crisis, explain how city government works and connect New Yorkers with ways to get involved.  

  

Sign up at organize.nyc.gov.   

THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF STATE’S ADDRESS CONFIDENTIALITY PROGRAM HAS SERVED MORE THAN 10,000 PARTICIPANTS SINCE ITS 2012 LAUNCH

 

The Program Continues to Provide Resources for Thousands of Domestic and other Physical Violence Victims in New York

Secretary Mosley: “It’s a somber milestone to recognize that over 10,000 New Yorkers have utilized the Address Confidentiality Program to stay safe, but thanks to this program, New Yorkers experiencing violence can create a new life for themselves and their families.”

The New York State Department of State’s Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) today announced the enrollment of its ten thousandth participant since the founding of the Program. The Address Confidentiality Program acts as a safety tool to support victims and survivors experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking and or kidnapping, and their immediate family members who are in fear for their safety and have moved to an undisclosed location. 

 “Victims and survivors face extensive barriers and the Address Confidentiality Program allows them to safely access the public services we all use daily to participate in our communities,” said New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley. “It’s a somber milestone to recognize that over 10,000 New Yorkers have utilized the Address Confidentiality Program to stay safe, but thanks to this program, New Yorkers experiencing violence can create a new life for themselves.”

The Address Confidentiality Program was designed to help victims and survivors of gender-based violence by providing eligible individuals with a legal substitute address and free confidential mail forwarding service to shield their real address from public records. Eligible applicants include victims and survivors of domestic violence, stalking, sexual offenses, human trafficking, and kidnapping who have relocated out of fear for their safety, as well as reproductive health care services providers, volunteers, and patients. New York is one of over 40 states that has some version of an Address Confidentiality Program.

Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “We are grateful to the Department of State for championing this life-saving program. The fact that over 10,00 people have used the Address Confidentiality Program is a testament to its importance in supporting survivors’ safety and healing. We look forward to continuing to promote its use through our network of providers and partners.” 

NYS Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence General Counsel Jara Traina said, “Today, we recognize not just a number- we recognize the survivors who have taken a courageous step to protect themselves and their families as they rebuild their lives. Programs like the Address Confidentiality Program reflect New York’s commitment to supporting survivors through survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches. OPDV thanks our partner state agencies for their work in making sure the Address Confidentiality Program is accessible and responsive.” 

The Program:

• Provides a legal substitute address for ACP participants to use in place of their residential, work, or school address. All local and New York State government agencies are required to accept this address.
• Receives the participant’s first class, certified, and registered mail, then forwards it to the participant’s actual residential address free of charge.
• Accepts process (legal notices) on behalf of the participants and forwards it to their safe residential mailing address.

The ACP also partners with state and local institutions that provide victim services to the community to educate stakeholders about how the ACP works, and how they can help eligible individuals apply by becoming an Application Assistance Provider. Application Assistance Providers can be any organization that works with eligible individuals, including local domestic and gender-based violence agencies, nonprofits, county agencies, and more.

The Address Confidentiality Program is one tool that victims and survivors can use in their overall safety plan and helps reduce the availability of a survivor’s safe location on public records. Individuals experiencing gender-based violence who are in need of their own safety planning can contact the free and confidential New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline to locate resources and support near them. The Hotline can be reached by calling 1-800-942-6906, texting 844-997-2121 or chatting online at https://opdv.ny.gov/.

Anyone interested in learning more or applying to the Address Confidentiality Program, or any local organizations interested in training and partnering with the ACP can visit the DOS website: https://dos.ny.gov/ACP or contact us by email at acp@dos.ny.gov.