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

 

The New York Attorney General’s Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of a civilian who died on April 28, 2026 following a motor vehicle collision involving an off-duty member of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Queens County on April 25, 2026.

At approximately 8:46 p.m. on April 25, an off-duty NYPD officer was driving in his personal vehicle on 32nd Avenue in Queens County. As the officer turned left onto 92nd Street, he struck a pedestrian. The pedestrian was taken to a local hospital and was pronounced dead three days later on April 28.

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

These are preliminary facts and subject to change.   

Two Individuals and a Corporation Charged with Conspiring to Violate the Clean Air Act and Illegally Emitting Pollutants in Puerto Rico

A federal grand jury in San Juan, Puerto Rico, returned an indictment charging Ramon Plaza-Gregory, Ileana Cortes-Gonzalez, and Mo-Na-Co Biomedical & Environmental Corp. (Monaco) with five violations of the Clean Air Act as well as conspiring to violate the Clean Air Act. The charges relate to emissions from Monaco’s commercial incinerator in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, which is owned by Plaza-Gregory and operated by both Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez.

According to the indictment, Monaco was permitted to incinerate pathological waste, subject to limitations on the type of materials that could be burned and the amount of emissions that could be released. Starting in August of 2021, Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez burned unpermitted materials, used malfunctioning equipment, and exceeded emissions limitations. After an inspector from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) told the defendants of the violations, Plaza-Gregory began operating Monaco’s incinerator on weekends and holidays. The defendants continued to operate the incinerator illegally and emissions excesses were documented again in July 2024. In September 2024, Monaco’s emissions permit expired and was not renewed, yet the Defendants continued to operate the incinerator on weekends and cause emissions up until at least April of 2026.

“The Clean Air Act is a foundational piece of American environmental law, and when its clear guidelines are disregarded, we are committed to enforcing it,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) “Commonsense enforcement actions will help keep our communities healthy.”

“Ensuring that all residents of Puerto Rico enjoy a healthy environment free of hazardous waste and other pollutants is a top priority of the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Department of Justice, and our federal and local partners,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico. “We remain committed to protecting our communities from environmental and health hazards.”

“Environmental crimes are not abstract or victimless crimes — they impact the health, safety, and quality of life of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Carlos R. Goris for the FBI's San Juan Field Office. “The FBI is committed to working with our partners to investigate these violations and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.”

“Monaco knowingly violated its Clean Air Act permit first by burning biomedical waste, and, once its permit lapsed completely, also continuing to burn pathological waste like animal carcasses. There is no telling what harmful pollution was emitted from improper and incomplete incineration,” said EPA’s Assistant Administrator for Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Jeffrey A. Hall. “The company president deliberately concealed these violations by failing to record basic information about what was being burned, by not even maintaining a functioning temperature gauge, and by operating on weekends and holidays. Environmental protection depends on companies attempting to comply with the law in good faith, and these knowing and repeated violations and intentional evasion of Clean Air Act requirements justify criminal penalties.”

The Clean Air Act is the country’s primary tool to fight air pollution in an effort “to protect and enhance the quality of the Nation’s air resources so as to promote the public health.” In order to do so, polluting facilities are required to operate pursuant to permits that set limits on what, and how much, pollution can be emitted.

Both Plaza-Gregory and Cortes-Gonzalez are scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hector Ramos-Vega of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico for their respective initial appearances. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and $250,000 in fines for each charge. Monaco faces a maximum penalty of $500,000 in fines per charge.

The case was investigated by the EPA’s Criminal Investigation Division and the FBI’s Aguadilla Resident Agency which participate in the Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands Environmental Crimes Task Force.

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Trial Attorney Patrick M. Duggan of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Seth A. Erbe for the District of Puerto Rico.

Report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations at epa.gov/tips. You can provide tips anonymously if you do not want to identify yourself.

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

Governor Hochul Announces Targeted Enforcement to Crack Down on Ghost Cars

New York State Police are Partnering With State and Local Agencies To Increase Patrols, Detect Fraudulent License Plates and Target Aggressive Drivers Violating the Move Over Law

Operation Plate Check Enforcement Detail From Saturday, May 2 through Saturday, May 9 

Governor Hochul announced that the New York State Police and other state agencies, including the Department of Motor Vehicles and Thruway Authority, are partnering with local law enforcement to crack down on license plate fraud and dangerous driving behavior. The week-long Operation Plate Check enforcement detail starts on Saturday, May 2 and continues through Saturday, May 9.

“Drivers who are using fake or altered license plates to avoid tolls or law enforcement are on notice — we do not take this crime lightly and you will be held accountable,” Governor Hochul said. “This enforcement period is about safety and ensuring that those who are using our highways, bridges and tunnels are paying their fair share.”

Over the last few years, law enforcement has noted an increase in the use of fictitious license plates and fraudulent temporary paper tags by drivers who purposefully cover, obstruct and deface license plates to avoid traffic enforcement cameras, license plate readers and tolls.

During this year’s enforcement period, State Police will add extra patrols focused on identifying fraudulent license plates, and targeting aggressive drivers, and those violating the state’s Move Over Law. Troopers also will collaborate on joint license plate enforcement details with DMV and other state and local law enforcement partners.

During last year’s enforcement operation State Police issued 3,308 tickets forlicense plate violations, which was a 250 percent increase compared to 945 tickets issued in 2024. Tickets issued for suspended registrations increased by 57 percent,with 83 issued in 2025 compared to 53 issued in 2024.

In addition to tickets issued, the 2025 “Operation Plate Check” resulted in the recovery of 14 stolen vehicles.

Any motorists with peeling and damaged license plates are encouraged to visit the DMV website for detailed instructions on replacement plates.

Release of Body Worn Camera Footage from an Officer Involved Shooting that Occurred on April 11, 2026 in the confines of Transit District 4 the Midtown South Precinct

 

The NYPD is releasing body-worn camera footage from an officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 11, 2026, in the confines of Transit District 4 in the Midtown South Precinct.

The video includes available evidence leading up to the incident as well as during the incident. The NYPD is releasing this video for clear viewing of the totality of the incident. 

You can find the video here 

DHS Suspends Former South Florida Congresswoman, Associates After Indictment Alleging $5.7 Million Disaster Fraud

 

Under the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and Secretary Markwayne Mullin, DHS and FEMA are working with federal, state and local law enforcement to investigate fraud and hold offenders accountable.

Consistent with this commitment, the DHS Office of the General Counsel and the FEMA Office of Chief Counsel have indefinitely suspended former Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of South Florida, her brother Edwin Cherfilus and multiple associates and affiliated entities following a federal indictment alleging they misappropriated approximately $5.7 million in disaster funds and used the proceeds for personal enrichment and illegal campaign contributions.

In this case, FEMA provided disaster funding to the State of Florida through the Public Assistance program to support the state-led COVID-19 vaccination efforts.

“Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick abused Americans’ trust in the most egregious way possible. She manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to funnel over $5 million dollars of FEMA relief funds to her and her family members,” said James Percival, DHS General Counsel. “This is outright fraud. That’s exactly what a federal grand jury and the U.S. House of Representatives found. I am proud that my office is taking the first step to ensure she is held accountable and American taxpayers’ money is protected from further misuse.”

These actions are in alignment with President Trump’s Executive Order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, which directs federal agencies to combat fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs, restore integrity to taxpayer-funded safety‑net programs and ensure that benefits go only to eligible Americans.

The overpayment and subsequent misuse of funds were identified through a combination of state-level reconciliation, FEMA’s closeout process, and a federal investigation led by the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Public Integrity Unit. FEMA’s Office of the Chief Security Officer and Public Assistance program staff worked closely with the DOJ to explain FEMA’s funding processes to help trace the flow of funds and support the government’s efforts to protect taxpayers.

Members of the public who suspect disaster fraud related to FEMA programs are encouraged to report by emailing StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. Timely reporting helps protect disaster survivors, strengthens program integrity and supports the administration’s efforts to safeguard taxpayer dollars.

Newburgh Man Sentenced To Six Years In Prison For Receipt And Distribution Of Child Pornography, And Extortionate Interstate Communications

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, announced today that CARSEN MANSFIELD was sentenced to six years in prison by U.S. District Judge Cathy Seibel for receipt and distribution of child pornography and extortionate interstate communications.  MANSFIELD previously pled guilty to one count of receiving and distributing child sex abuse material and one count of extortionate interstate communications. 

“Carsen Mansfield didn’t just traffic in sexually explicit images and videos of children—he threatened them to create more,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “In a city where kids are online every day, that kind of conduct is especially dangerous, and we will go after anyone who uses the internet to prey on them.  New Yorkers want their children protected from this heinous conduct and we’re listening.” 

According to the Information, plea agreement, other public court filings, and statements made in court:

On August 1, 2024, MANSFIELD, while in Newburgh, New York, communicated with an individual (“Individual-1”) on X (then Twitter).  MANSFIELD used the X username “expogirlsss.”  MANSFIELD and Individual-1 discussed exchanging sexually explicit content with each other.  The defendant said, “[b]et and is there anything you’d like to trade in return? Or just take a look?”  Individual-1 replied, “just take a look and if I like I’ll maybee trade.”  The defendant replied, “[o]kay, I’ll send some tonight.”       

MANSFIELD then sent Individual-1 approximately 2 videos. One of the videos is of a topless woman on her knees with a penis in her mouth (“Adult-1”).  MANSFIELD described Adult-1 as his “sister.”[1]

Individual-1 then messaged MANSFIELD, “u expose ppl?” MANSFIELD replied, “[y]eah I do, but upon request.”  MANSFIELD then sent Individual-1 approximately 7 additional videos and 5 images, one of which was a sexually explicit video of a minor, Minor Victim-1, fully naked and masturbating (“Video-1”).  MANSFIELD then messaged Individual-1, “[u] got anything for me or nah? I was really hoping for at least a lil sum.”  MANSFIELD had originally received the video of Minor Victim-1 on SnapChat from Minor Victim-1.  Minor Victim-1 confirmed that MANSFIELD shared the video without her consent.

On or about August 4, 2024, MANSFIELD, while in Newburgh, New York, communicated with Minor Victim-2, who was located in Michigan, on Discord.  MANSFIELD used the Discord username “nonme45.#0.”  The defendant sent Minor Victim-2 a series of sexually explicit photographs (the “Minor Victim-2 Photos”).   At the time that the Minor Victim-2 Photos were taken, Minor Victim-2 was 14 years old.

After sending Minor Victim-2 the Minor Victim-2 Photos, MANSFIELD then demanded that Minor Victim-2 send him additional sexually explicit material.  MANSFIELD threatened that if Minor Victim-2 did not send him additional content, then he would release nude photos of Minor Vicitm-2.  MANSFIELD stated, “[w]ell I have these pictures and if you don’t send me more I’m going to send them to your friends and family.”  He added, “[y]our my slut now [and] failure to make me happy will end up exposed to your friends and family.”  Minor Victim-2 told MANSFIELD that she was not going to send him pictures and asked him to delete them.  MANSFIELD replied that he was “gonna pay you to make some stuff for me while I had these pics,” and “[b]ut if you don’t wanna do stuff I’ll just post everything it’s fine.”  Minor Victim-2 asked MANSFIELD why he was threatening her.  MANSFIELD replied, “I love power, and tbh most of the time I do this to sisters of people to get videos of them sucking off their brothers but you are an exception.”

In addition to the prison term, MANSFIELD, 24, of Newburgh, New York, was sentenced to five years of supervised release.           

Mr. Clayton praised the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Hudson Valley Safe Streets Task Force, Detroit Field Office, as well as the Town of Newburgh Police Department.       

[1] Adult-1, who is not MANSFIELD’s sister, confirmed that MANSFIELD shared the video without her consent.

Pensacola Man Indicted for Distributing Fentanyl and Possession with Intent to Distribute Meth, Fentanyl and Marijuana

 

Kamron Jasmane Fountain, 22, of Pensacola, Florida, has been indicted in federal court on three counts of distribution of fentanyl and one count possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana. John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the charges.

Fountain appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Hope T. Cannon for his initial appearance at the United States Courthouse in Pensacola, Florida. Trial is scheduled for June 22, 2026, at 8:30 am in Pensacola before District Court Judge M. Casey Rodgers.

If convicted, Fountain faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment for each drug distribution count and at least 10 years and up to life imprisonment on the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, fentanyl, and marijuana count.           

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office. 

An indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Colombian Transnational Robbery Crew Member Sentenced to 57 Months

 

The last member of a transnational Colombian robbery crew in Miami was sentenced today to 57 months in prison for his role in a series of robberies of and thefts from jewelry couriers that targeted high-end retailers and resulted in losses exceeding $5 million. Leroy Ortega, also known as “el Enano,” 43, of Miami, was the last of 11 defendants to be sentenced as part of a series of indictments targeting a South American theft group operating in the Southern District of Florida.

The 11 defendants were each convicted as part of Operation Boujee Bandits, an investigation of a Colombian South American theft group targeting jewelry salespersons in South Florida and elsewhere. The investigation resulted in three indictments and an information that charged robberies and money laundering activity from September 2019 to July 2021.

According to court documents, Ortega was part of a group that forcefully took jewelry and other property from victims they believed were in the business of buying and selling jewelry throughout South Florida. To commit the robberies, defendants rented vehicles using false identification documents to follow jewelry salespersons from the International Jewelry Exchanges or the Seybold Jewelry Building. They would then rob victims of the jewelry that they were transporting, sometimes brandishing a knife-like weapon to ensure victims’ compliance.

Ortega admitted that he committed two robberies. On Oct. 16, 2019, Ortega and his co-defendants identified a person they believed was carrying a case of jewelry. In fact, the victim was not a jewelry courier but rather a professional photographer who had been photographing jewelry. Following the victim to a shopping center, co-defendant Allan Lucas, 33, of Miami, pushed the photographer and Ortega grabbed the photographer’s case, which contained photography equipment and a computer. The photographer chased Ortega and Lucas to their get-away car. When the photographer tried to open the car door to get his case back, Ortega reversed the car, causing injury as the photographer was thrown to the ground.

Then, on Nov. 7, 2019, Ortega and his co-conspirators, including defendants Andres Barahona Poveda, 51, a national of Colombia, and Edwin Castillo, 45, of Pembroke Pines, robbed a jewelry salesman of approximately $125,000 of assorted jewelry. Ortega and his co-conspirators followed the salesman to his business in Miami Beach. As the salesman sat in the vehicle, Ortega approached and smashed the salesman’s windows while another co-conspirator took the salesman’s backpack containing the jewelry. When the salesman tried to exit the vehicle, Ortega held the salesman’s door shut trapping him inside the vehicle. To conduct the robbery, defendant Carlos Morales, 47, of Miami rented a vehicle using a fraudulent Venezuelan driver’s license.

Ortega pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery conspiracy and two counts of Hobbs Act robbery.

Defendants convicted under this operation, in addition to Ortega, include:

• Allan Lucas, 34, of California, who was sentenced to 168 months in prison;
• Diana Grisales Basto, 41, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 97 months in prison;
• Carlos Morales, 48, of Florida, who was sentenced to 60 months in prison;
• Giovanni Cardenas, also known as “El Mono,” 40, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 110 months in prison;
• Andres Barahona Poveda, 51, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison;
• Edwin Castillo, 45, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 108 months in prison;
• Demian Gonzalez Contreras, 30, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 74 months in prison;
• Victor Fabian Valenzuela, 39, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 57 months in prison;
• Hernando Rodriguez Mahecha, also known as “Nando,” 42, a national of Colombia, who was sentenced to 60 months in prison; and
• Mark Simon, 57, of New York, was sentenced to 57 months in prison.

Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida made the announcement.

The FBI Tampa Field Office is leading the investigation of the case with valuable assistance from the FBI Miami Field Office, Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miami Beach Police Department, Tampa Police Department, Boca Raton Police Department, Palm Beach Sherriff’s Office, Boynton Beach Police Department, Fort Pierce Police Department, and the Jewelry Security Alliance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Office of Judicial Attaché in Bogotá, Colombia, provided significant assistance.