Fast-Track Payment Program Increases Payment Cap to $5,000 After Successful First Year

Comptroller DiNapoli announced this week that he is returning even more lost money to New Yorkers through his fast-track program by raising the payment cap from $250 to up to $5,000. “After a successful first year, we are increasing the threshold up to $5,000,” DiNapoli said. “In these challenging economic times, every little bit helps as the cost of gas, groceries and everyday essentials rise.”

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Check for Unclaimed Funds

Lost Money Returned to Non-Profit Supporting Domestic Violence Survivors

Comptroller DiNapoli recently returned over $2,000 in unclaimed funds to My Sisters' Place, a Westchester-based organization that supports survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking. It’s a powerful reminder that non-profits and individuals alike should check for unclaimed funds—you never know what resources might be waiting to be put back to work for your community.

Watch Returning Lost Money to My Sisters' Place

Department of Health Makes Progress Addressing

New York’s High Maternal Mortality Rates

Comptroller DiNapoli released a follow-up to his 2024 audit, which found that maternal mortality and morbidity rates in New York State had not decreased since the Taskforce on Maternal Mortality and Disparate Racial Outcomes was established in 2018, and that the NYS Department of Health (DOH) needed to do more to ensure that these rates decline and disparities are addressed. His follow-up report found that DOH made progress addressing the issues the initial audit found.

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This Week in Pictures

A L S O   I N   T H E   N E W S

• NYS expands expedited unclaimed funds program, raising payments up to $5,000
• Local sales tax collections in New York up 5.1% in first quarter of 2026
• State parks booming statewide – and the Finger Lakes are part of the surge

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P O S T   O F   T H E   W E E K

DEC ANNOUNCES NEW HUNTER ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS PROGRAM

 

Awards Available for 24 Game Species Hunted or Trapped In New York State

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced DEC’s new Hunter Achievement Awards (HAA) program to recognize hunters and trappers who legally harvest game species, acknowledging their success and encouraging participation in hunting for conservation. 

“New York offers diverse and high-quality hunting and trapping opportunities,” said Commissioner Lefton. “These awards highlight not only the harvest, but also the commitment of hunters and trappers to conservation of natural resources across New York.” 

Like DEC’s Bureau of Fisheries' highly popular Angler Achievement Awards, members of the hunting and trapping community can collect commemorative species-specific stickers to celebrate their annual game harvest accomplishments. The HAA program celebrates individuals who demonstrate skill, dedication, and a passion for hunting and trapping New York’s diverse array of game species. Awards are available for 24 game species that can be hunted or trapped in New York, including wild turkey. 

The HAA full entry rules and submission form can be found on DEC’s Hunter Achievement Awards webpage. Entry forms must be received within 30 days of the season closing. Only legal harvests will be considered for award, and applicants must report their deer, bear, and turkey harvests prior to submitting their entry for those species. Entries may be disqualified based on incorrect species identification, improper game or firearm handling, evidence of illegal hunting methods, or failure to report harvest. 

Each hunter or trapper will be limited to one sticker per species per season, and all submissions must include at least one photograph of the hunter with their harvest. Photograph(s) should be respectful of the animal and any implement in the photo should be pointed in a safe direction. Hunters and trappers have the option to allow DEC to use their photograph(s) for promotional purposes or to opt out of future use of the photograph(s).

Haffen Park Pool Complex Renovations Begin in Baychester, The Bronx

 

NYC Parks has begun a $13.4 million reconstruction of the Haffen Park Pool Complex at 1810 Burke Avenue in Baychester, The Bronx. Funded by the NYC Mayor’s Office and a DASNY grant through the NY SWIMS initiative, the project will overhaul the public pool complex with upgraded infrastructure, rebuilt bathhouse facilities, and ADA-accessible public spaces. Haffen Park is bounded by Burke Avenue to the north, Hammersley Avenue to the south, Ely Avenue to the east, and Gunther Avenue to the west.

Opened in 1972, Haffen Pool includes an intermediate-size pool and wading pool and serves an average of 18,000 swimmers each summer. The reconstruction marks the first major capital project at the complex since it opened, and is part of the city’s broader $1 billion investment in pool infrastructure through 2029.

Planned work includes reconstruction of the bathhouse interiors, locker rooms, showers, bathrooms, lighting, pool deck, and filtration system. The project will also add a new ADA-accessible public entrance, accessible routes throughout the complex, a ramp and staircase to the wading pool area, new landscaping, concrete seat walls with companion seating, and restored 1964 World’s Fair benches.

The nearest subway from the park is the 5 train at the Baychester Avenue and Gun Hill Road stations.

Glen Head Doctor and His Son Charged with Illegally Selling Prescriptions for Controlled Substances

 

Eric Taubman allegedly sent names and medication requests to his father, Richard Taubman, who allegedly wrote prescriptions for those individuals without performing medical examinations

Drug Enforcement Administration New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam and Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Glen Head doctor and his son were charged with allegedly selling dozens of prescriptions for opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines without a legitimate medical purpose.

Richard, 71, and Eric Taubman, 33, were arraigned today before Judge William Bodkin on charges of 20 counts of Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance or of a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner or Pharmacist (a C felony); three counts of Attempted Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance or of a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner or Pharmacist (a D felony); and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree (an E felony). 

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were released on their own recognizance. They are due back in court on May 7, 2026. If convicted, the defendants face up to 5-1/2 years in prison. 

“This arraignment of Doctor Richard Taubman and his son, Eric, for their alleged scheme to unlawfully distribute controlled substance prescriptions, placing profits above public health, is not only reckless and dangerous, but unconscionable” stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. “Medical professionals are entrusted with protecting patients’ lives, not destroying them by exploiting them to addiction and harm. This type of behavior will never be tolerated. I commend the work of our DEA Long Island SPEAR team alongside the Nassau County District Attorney’s office, for pursuing those who drive and profit from the ongoing opioid crisis.”

“Richard Taubman, and his son, Eric Taubman, allegedly operated a family-run distribution hub for controlled substances,” said DA Donnelly. “By allegedly treating high-potency opioids, amphetamines, and benzodiazepines like casual favors for friends, these defendants demonstrated an unsettling disregard for the realities of the ongoing substance abuse crisis and betrayed the community’s trust. I want to thank the DEA for their tireless work in our joint investigation to shutter this operation. My office is committed to holding accountable any individual who chooses profit over the health and safety of others.”

DA Donnelly said that, according to the investigation, in July 2022, a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) tipline received several reports from pharmacist employees working at Queens pharmacies. 

These callers expressed concern regarding a suspicious number of opiate prescriptions and controlled substances written by Richard Taubman, a retired Great Neck obstetrician and gynecologist who returned to practice at a non-surgical weight loss center in Islandia, Suffolk County, in early 2022.

Following a preliminary investigation, Richard Taubman was stripped of his ability to prescribe controlled substances in August 2022.

The DEA and Nassau County District Attorney’s Office subsequently conducted an extensive, multi-year joint investigation that included multiple interviews, pharmacy record requests, and other evidence. 

This investigation revealed that between April 5, 2022, and June 29, 2022, Richard Taubman allegedly wrote dozens of prescriptions for controlled substances for multiple individuals without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the course of his practice. 

His son, Eric Taubman, allegedly acted as an intermediary by providing Richard Taubman with the personal information and medication requests of his friends and acquaintances.

According to the investigation, Richard Taubman allegedly issued those prescriptions without conducting medical evaluations and submitted them electronically from his home in Glen Head to various pharmacies throughout Queens.

Eric Taubman was allegedly paid by the individuals for the illegitimate prescriptions.

During this three-month period, Richard Taubman allegedly prescribed hundreds of pills to numerous individuals. These prescriptions consisted of oxycodone-acetaminophen (commonly known as Percocet), dextroamphetamine-amphetamine (commonly known as Adderall), and alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax).

The investigation also revealed that some individuals allegedly kept the prescriptions for personal use, sold the pills for profit, or traded the controlled substances for cash and drugs, such as marijuana. 

Richard and Eric Taubman surrendered to NCDA detective investigators on April 30, 2026. 

NCDA thanks the DEA and the New York State Department of Health’s Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement for their partnership in this investigation. 

The case is being prosecuted by Pharmaceutical Diversion and Cyber Crimes Unit Chief Heather Kalachman of the Organized Crime and Rackets Bureau under the supervision of Bureau Chief Jeremy Glicksman, and under the overall supervision of Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Investigations Division Rick Whelan. The defendants are represented by Vincent Bianco, Esq.

The charges are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty. 

ICE Arrests Violent Illegal Alien Sex Offender After Governor Pritzker and Illinois Sanctuary Politicians Released Him From Jail Into the Community

 

Erik Giovanni-Quiroa was convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Chicago arrested a criminal illegal alien who was released by Illinois sanctuary politicians despite charges for child sex abuse.

Erik Giovanni-Quiroa, a criminal illegal alien from Guatemala, has a criminal history that includes a conviction in 2011 for aggravated battery with a firearm, for which he was sentenced to 16 years in prison, and a conviction in 2025 for aggravated sexual abuse of a 5-year-old child, for which he was sentenced to three years in prison. ICE lodged a detainer with the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), but Governor J.B. Pritzker and his fellow Illinois sanctuary politicians refused to cooperate with ICE and RELEASED this pedophile from jail into the community.

On April 22, 2026, ICE conducted a targeted vehicle stop and arrested him at large in the community. Giovanni-Quiroa again endangered the public by refusing to stop when given lawful commands and attempting to flee in his vehicle. Officers eventually safely arrested him, and he remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings and will receive full due process.

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“It is shameful that Governor Pritzker and his Illinois sanctuary politicians chose to RELEASE a pedophile from jail back into our communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “ICE law enforcement arrested this pedophile who sexually abused a 5-year-old child. Governor Pritzker must end this insanity and stop releasing pedophiles into our communities. Sanctuary politicians protect criminal illegal aliens and allow them to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims.” 

Giovanni-Quiroa illegally entered the country in 2002.

In December 2025, Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons sent a letter to Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul calling on him to put the safety of Americans first and honor ICE arrest detainers of the more than 4,000 criminal illegal aliens in the state’s custody, including murderers, sexual predators, and those convicted of or charged with weapons offenses.

When sanctuary politicians ignore ICE detainers, they are protecting criminal illegal aliens at the expense of American citizens. These are criminals with prior convictions for rape, murder, drug trafficking and other dangerous crimes, and instead of holding them for ICE, sanctuary politicians release them back into our communities. 

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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.