Three Staten Island Men Plead Guilty for Attempting to Bribe a Juror in a Criminal Trial in the Eastern District of New York

 

The Defendants Offered a Juror Up to $100,000 to Vote Not Guilty

In federal court in Brooklyn, Afrim Kupa pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo to obstruction of justice for attempting to bribe a juror (Juror-1) to vote not guilty in a criminal trial in the Eastern District of New York.  Kupa is the last of three defendants to plead guilty to this crime, following the guilty pleas of Mustafa Fteja and Valmir Krasniqi on February 19, 2026 and March 4, 2026, respectively.  In mid-November 2025, the defendants offered to pay a juror serving on the criminal trial of United States v. Goran Gogic (22-CR-493 JMA) up to $100,000 in exchange for the juror’s not guilty vote at the close of trial.  When sentenced, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja each face up to 20 years’ imprisonment.

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the guilty pleas.

“Any attempt to interfere with the integrity of our justice system will be met with swift and serious consequences,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “These defendants admitted they obstructed a federal criminal trial in Brooklyn by attempting to bribe a juror, which strikes at the very heart of the rule of law.  Our Office is committed to protecting the judicial process and ensuring that those who try to corrupt it are held fully accountable.”

Mr. Nocella extended his appreciation to Homeland Security Investigations, New York, for their work on the Gogic case.

“The defendants’ attempt to influence the outcome of a criminal trial threatened the integrity of our country’s justice system.  May today’s plea highlight the FBI’s commitment to holding accountable any individual who tries to interfere with our judicial proceedings,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

The Gogic Trial

As alleged in the indictment and set forth in other court documents, the trial of Goran Gogic was set to commence before the United States District Judge Joan M. Azrack on November 17, 2025.

Gogic is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and three counts of violating the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.  As alleged, between May 2018 and July 2019, Gogic conspired with others to distribute massive quantities of cocaine via commercial cargo ships.  Gogic coordinated with the sources of the cocaine in Colombia, the crewmembers who transported tons of cocaine on commercial cargo ships on the high seas, and the network of port workers who transported and offloaded the cocaine in Europe via the United States. United States law enforcement seized three of these shipments, totaling nearly 20,000 kilograms of cocaine.  If convicted, Gogic faces up to life in prison.

The Juror Tampering Scheme

On November 3, 2025 and November 5, 2025, a jury was selected in Gogic’s criminal trial.  Juror-1 was selected to serve as a juror at trial.  Between November 13, 2025 and November 17, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi, and Fteja attempted to bribe Juror-1 with a cash payment in exchange for Juror-1 agreeing to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial. 

On November 13, 2025, Krasniqi arranged a meeting between Kupa and Fteja in Staten Island, New York.  At the meeting, Kupa explained to Fteja that he and other coconspirators wanted Fteja to offer Juror-1 money to vote not guilty at trial.  In a meeting on November 15, 2025, Fteja informed Juror-1 that he/she would be paid up to $100,000 to vote not guilty at trial.

On November 16, 2025, Kupa, Krasniqi and Fteja met at Krasniqi’s home in Staten Island.  There, the three discussed the plan to pay Juror-1 to vote not guilty at Gogic’s trial. During the meeting, Kupa indicated that Juror-1 would receive $100,000 in cash as payment. 

On November 17, 2025, Kupa and Krasniqi were arrested at their homes in Staten Island.  At that time, Kupa was in possession of a document containing Juror-1’s name, home address, and place of employment.  Krasniqi was in possession of a digital photograph of Juror-1 that he had sent via text message to Fteja in furtherance of the criminal scheme. 

Attorney General James Rallies in Syracuse to Ban Surveillance Pricing

 

Broad Coalition Calls for Passage of the One Fair Price Package to Ban Surveillance Pricing and Electronic Shelf Labels in New York

New York Attorney General Letitia James and Senator Rachel May today joined local elected officials, labor unions, advocates, and community members to rally in support of the One Fair Price Package. The One Fair Price Package consists of two bills that would protect New Yorkers from surveillance pricing, an unfair pricing scheme in which companies use shoppers’ personal data to set individualized prices for consumers. The One Fair Price Act, sponsored by Senator May and Assemblymember Emerita Torres, would ban surveillance pricing in New York. The Protecting Consumers and Jobs from Discriminatory Pricing Act, carried by Deputy Majority Leader Gianaris and Assemblymember Solages, would ban the use of electronic shelf labels and prohibit surveillance pricing in grocery stores and pharmacies.   

“New Yorkers are already facing higher prices everywhere they look, and we must use every tool at our disposal to protect families from predatory pricing schemes,” said Attorney General James. “The One Fair Price Package bans surveillance pricing that unfairly uses shoppers’ personal data to raise prices while defending the fair discounts and promotions New Yorkers count on. We must pass this legislation to ensure one fair price for all.” 

Surveillance pricing occurs when companies use individuals’ private data to set unique prices for different consumers and often results in consumers paying more for essential products. Online platforms collect thousands of data points about every consumer, from their usual purchases to when they receive their paycheck or benefits, to even how long they hover over a product online. Companies then use this information to inform pricing algorithms that continuously update to estimate the highest price a consumer is likely willing to pay at any given moment. As a result, two shoppers could visit the same website at the same time and see two different prices for the exact same product.   

Surveillance pricing is not limited to shopping online. Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) allow companies to change prices in-store, so that one shopper could buy a gallon of milk at one price while another shopper would pay more for the same gallon later that same day. ESLs not only harm consumers trying to make ends meet while prices continue to rise, but they also threaten the livelihoods of grocery store workers, as they could eliminate the work of grocery clerks. 

A recent survey of New Yorkers found that 66 percent support banning surveillance pricing and ESLs. Nearly seven in 10 New Yorkers believe surveillance pricing will increase grocery prices, and two-thirds do not trust companies to use these tools responsibly. New Yorkers also believe these technologies would lead to harmful outcomes, such as price increases during emergencies and charging higher prices based on perceived ability to pay. 

The bills in the One Fair Price Package would protect New York consumers and their families by banning surveillance pricing that uses personal data to set individualized prices for consumers and ensure that it’s the products that have prices, not the people.  

• The One Fair Price Act (8623/A.9349) will ban surveillance pricing and prohibit the use of consumers’ personal data to set individualized prices to ensure New Yorkers are charged the same price for the same product.
   
• The Protecting Consumers and Jobs from Discriminatory Pricing Act (8616/A.9396) will protect consumers and workers alike by prohibiting the use of ESLs and surveillance pricing in grocery stores and pharmacies. 

The One Fair Price Package would ban surveillance pricing, but it does not threaten the discounts and loyalty programs that New Yorkers count on. The legislation explicitly allows discounts, including loyalty programs, coupons, subscription pricing, and standard promotions, including for veterans and seniors. The One Fair Price Package will also authorize OAG and impacted New Yorkers to bring civil cases for penalties and restitution against companies or retailers that use surveillance pricing.

THREE MEN INDICTED IN ASSAULT OF NYPD OFFICER USING STOLEN CAR

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that three men were indicted on Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police or Peace Officer, Attempted Assault in the firstdegree, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, and other related charges for allegedly striking a New York City Police Officer while driving a stolen car. 

District Attorney Clark said, “These defendants allegedly tried to evade capture for possessing a stolen car and allegedly drove that car directly into a New York City Police Officer, causing him to go over the front hood of the car and then landing on the pavement. Fortunately, he was not seriously injured. Anyone who brazenly assaults a police officer will be held accountable.” 

District Attorney Clark said that defendant Sanlli Rodriguez, 29, of East 178th Street, the Bronx, was indicted on Attempted Aggravated Assault Upon a Police or Peace Officer, Attempted Assault in the first-degree, second-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, three counts of second-degree Assault, first-degree Reckless Endangerment, first-degree Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, three counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, third-degree Criminal Mischief, thirddegree Unlawful Fleeing a Police Officer in Motor Vehicle, Second Degree Reckless Endangerment, Possession of Burglar’s Tools , third degree Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle and two counts of fourth-degree Criminal Mischief. 

District Attorney Clark said that defendants Eddison Abreu, 29, of Riverdale Avenue, the Bronx and Lunden Hunter, 37, of Patchen Avenue, Brooklyn were indicted on second-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, second-degree Assault, first-degree Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle, two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, three counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Burglar’s Tools and thirddegree unauthorized Use of a Vehicle

Defendant Hunter was arraigned on April 29, 2026, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Giyang An and is due back in court on June 30, 2026. Defendant Rodriguez is in custody and will be arraigned on a later date. Edison Abreu has not been apprehended.

According to the investigation, at approximately 6:40 a.m. on October 25, 2025, members of the NYPD Auto Crime Unit located a stolen 2023 Lexus IS 500 that was allegedly being driven by Sanlli Rodriguez inside a parking lot near the intersection of East Tremont Avenue and Boston Road. Officers attempted to block the vehicle from driving away using their police vehicles. The driver, allegedly ignoring repeated police commands to surrender, hit the gas and struck both police vehicles. Rodriguez allegedly continued driving directly into Police Officer Joseph Parisi causing him to go over the hood of the car and land on the pavement. Officer Parisi suffered pain, bruising and swelling to his body. 

The Lexus was later recovered, and 10 stolen catalytic converters were found inside. 

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Lt. William Dooley, Sgt. Brandon Gembecki and Police Officers Benjamin Warren, Gabriel Espadas and Joseph Parisi of the Auto Crimes Unit for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt.

Building for the Future: Governor Hochul’s Housing Plan Delivers Record Progress Toward State’s Five-Year Housing Goal

More Than 22,000 Affordable Homes Created or Preserved in Fiscal Year 2025-26

More Than $20 Billion Invested Statewide Since 2021 To Support Affordable Housing and Strengthen Communities

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced record-breaking progress toward the State’s five-year housing goal, with more than 22,000 affordable homes created or preserved during Fiscal Year 2025-26, the highest single-year production for Governor Hochul’s five-year housing plan. New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) has financed the creation or preservation of more than 81,000 affordable homes over the first four years of the Governor’s Housing Plan, putting the State on track to meet its goal of 100,000 affordable homes ahead of schedule. In addition to this historic investment in affordable housing, the Governor has also proposed her Let Them Build agenda, a series of common-sense reforms to the state’s Environmental Quality Review Act that will speed up development and lower costs of housing and infrastructure in general.

“New York is tackling the housing crisis head-on by building more homes, faster and making our state more affordable for families,” Governor Hochul said. “This record-setting year complements my Let Them Build initiative and shows what’s possible when we combine smart policy with strong investment. We’re going to keep pushing forward to ensure that every New Yorker has access to a safe, affordable place to live.”

Housing investment across the state, leveraging partnerships with the private sector and state and local governments. This includes $5.3 billion through its multifamily housing programs, $1.1 billion in community development grants through HCR’s Office of Community Renewal, and $1.7 billion in the financing of mortgages for first-time homebuyers through the State of New York Mortgage Agency. The FY27 Executive Budget invests $250 million in capital funding to accelerate the construction of thousands of new affordable homes.

Building on this historic investment in affordable housing, Governor Hochul’s 2026 State of the State, the Governor proposed her Let Them Build agenda, a series of landmark reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure development and lower costs. This initiative will spur a series of common-sense reforms to New York’s State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) and executive actions to expedite critical categories of projects that have been consistently found to not have significant environmental impacts, but for too long have been caught up in red tape and subject to lengthy delays.

The FY27 Executive Budget completes the Governor’s current five-year Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with supportive services for vulnerable populations plus the electrification of 50,000 homes. More than 81,000 affordable homes have been created or preserved to date.

In addition to the Housing Plan, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, HCR has also created new programs that jumpstart development of affordable and mixed-income homes — for both renters and homebuyers. These include the Pro-Housing Communities Program, which allows certified localities exclusive access to up to $750 million in discretionary State funding. More than 410 communities throughout the state have been certified Pro-Housing.

Mayor Mamdani Announces $20 Million Investment in Congestion Pricing Mitigation Funds to Address Childhood Asthma in the Bronx

 

In Partnership with NYC DOT and the MTA, the NYC Health Department Will Invest in Community-Based Asthma Programs for Bronx Children and Families  

On World Asthma Day 2026, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and the New York City Department of Health today announced a $20 million investment from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to improve childhood asthma outcomes in the Bronx.

The funding is part of the MTA’s congestion pricing mitigation program, which has allocated $100 million to neighborhoods disproportionately burdened by environmental pollution, climate impacts and poor health outcomes. From 2009 to 2024, asthma-related emergency department visits among children declined citywide, though inequities persist in East and Central Harlem, the South Bronx and parts of Brooklyn.

“New Yorkers are already benefitting from congestion pricing, and now we’re taking it a step further by investing those funds to improve asthma outcomes for children in the Bronx,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Every New Yorker deserves to breathe cleaner air. This initiative puts public health front and center as we build a cleaner, healthier city.”

“The data shows clearly that childhood asthma disproportionately impacts the Bronx, where rates in several neighborhoods remain alarmingly high—a reminder that historical inequities and injustices in healthcare, environmental, and urban planning policies continue to affect the well-being of far too many New Yorkers,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga. “Today, we are announcing a $20 million investment, which comes from the MTA’s congestion pricing mitigation program, that will expand asthma services offering support, in-school medication administration, and education to Bronx families. By directing resources to the most at-risk communities, we are taking steps to improve children’s health, help parents spend less on asthma treatment, and address harmful policies that have impacted our fellow New Yorkers for too long.”

“Asthma rates for children in the Bronx have decreased in the past 15 to 20 years, but remain concerningly high in parts of the Bronx,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister Martin. “This critical funding will continue and accelerate that improvement in children’s respiratory health through environmental justice initiatives like these. Congestion pricing has been a win-win: fewer cars, safer streets, and better quality of life.”

“Reducing air pollution has always been one of the core parts of New York’s Congestion Pricing program,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “The data shows it’s already succeeding, and now we’re taking the next step by using revenues to fund improvements for Bronx residents.”

“Congestion pricing helped reduce traffic, clean our air, and continues to raise funding to support mass transit and protect our environment. Now, congestion pricing is also providing critical funding to support the health of our youngest and most vulnerable New Yorkers in communities where children disproportionately suffer from asthma,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We look forward to continuing our work alongside the MTA and the NYC Health Department to deliver projects that build a safer, healthier, and stronger city with this funding commitment.”

“For too many children in the Bronx, asthma means missed school days, emergency room visits and disrupted learning. This investment will help change that,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “We are committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their zip code, has access to the health supports they need right in their school building. Thank you to the New York City Health Department, and our community partners for recognizing the importance of investing in children’s health.”

In partnership with the MTA and the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT), the Health Department will direct the $20 million investment to two major programs: $8.9 million for the Bronx Asthma Program, which supports community-based services, and $11.1 million to expand the Asthma Case Management Program.

The expansion will offer intensive support for students with asthma, including in-school medication administration and self-management education for students with asthma and their families. Fifteen additional Bronx schools will join the program. The funding will also support a new electronic system for submitting asthma medication administration forms, replacing the current paper-based process, with implementation expected before the 2026-27 school year.

Children in the Bronx continue to experience disproportionately high asthma rates. While emergency department visits for children ages 5 to 17 declined by 38% citywide and 25% in the Bronx between 2009 and 2024, rates remain elevated. Contributing factors include longstanding inequities, inadequate access to quality medical care and the need for sustained, coordinated investment. The $20 million investment is the third announcement under the congestion pricing mitigation program. Previous investments include $15 million to replace dirty transport refrigeration units (TRUs) in Hunts Point and $20 million for the New York City DOT Clean Trucks program, which incentivizes a shift to cleaner fuels, including electric vehicles.   

Assemblymember Zaccaro's Shred Fest is THIS FRIDAY

 

Friends,

Shred fest is back!

I'm thrilled to announce that we will be holding a community shredding event on Friday, May 8th. 

Please join us at Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Community Office to shred your unwanted personal documents and unwanted papers.

• WHEN: Friday, May 8th - THIS FRIDAY!
• TIME: 9AM - 11AM
• WHERE: Assemblymember John Zaccaro, Jr.'s Community Office 2018 Williamsbridge Rd. 

As a reminder, we are not able to shred anything that is bound, so we ask that you remove all bindings before stopping by. Of course, if you need help doing so, we’ll be glad to assist.

Looking forward to seeing you on May 8th. LETS GET SHREDDED!

In Gratitude,

John Zaccaro, Jr.

New Yorkers for Parks - 📞Phone bank for parks this week, May 4-8!

Phone bank for parks this week!

Today kicks off the Play Fair phone banking week of action! Council members need to hear directly from New Yorkers like you that investing in parks is a top priority. Starting on May 4th, we invite you to call the council members involved in budget negotiations to demand critical funding for NYC Parks. Make calls from anywhere, anytime May 4-8 during business hours, and/or drop by the Play Fair Phone Bank Blitz this Thursday, May 7 from 12-2pm, remotely via Zoom or in person at NY4P HQ in FiDi. Click here to RSVP.

Play Fair Phone Bank Blitz  NY4P HQ at 111 John St, Ste 1160, New York, NY 10038  Thursday, 5/7  12:00-2:00pm

The link below has everything you need to get started: a 30-second script, the phone numbers of relevant council members, and tips for success. Phone Bank for Parks

Mayor Mamdani, Chancellor Samuels Announce Five New Public Schools Opening This Fall

 

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels today announced the opening of five new schools for the 2026-27 academic year across the Bronx and Queens, marking a first step toward expanding access to high-quality education.

The new schools aim to increase seat capacity in neighborhoods with historical overcrowding and increase access to District 75 seats closer to home.

“Innovation, excellence and art are woven into the fabric of this city — they define what it means to be a New Yorker,” said Mayor Mamdani. “It’s time our schools reflect that reality. Our students deserve the best. This fall, we’ll deliver it with five new public schools that serve students of all ages, expand access for students with disabilities and put the arts at the center of education.”

“Our new schools reflect a bold commitment to expanding access to high-quality, rigorous learning experiences for every student, in every neighborhood,” said New York City Public Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “These schools are designed to meet the diverse needs of our communities, including creating seat capacity where needed, delivering innovative and culturally responsive instruction, and preparing students with the skills and confidence to succeed in college, careers, and beyond. This is how we build a stronger, more equitable future for New York City.”

The five new schools opening in September 2026 are:

Academy of Cultural Excellence

Serving Pre-K through fifth grade in District 30 in Long Island City, the Academy of Cultural Excellence centers student voice, community and academic rigor. Through project-based learning, arts integration and culturally responsive practices, students engage in real-world learning that builds critical thinking, creativity and confidence.

Bronx School of Arts & Exploration

Located in the Highbridge/South Crotona section of the Bronx, this District 75 school serves students with disabilities in kindergarten through eighth grade. Its arts-centered model integrates core academics with visual and performing arts, supporting communication, independence and academic growth through project-based learning and performance-based assessments.

The Bronx School of Hip-Hop

Serving grades nine through 12 in District 9 in the Claremont section of the Bronx, this high school uses hip-hop culture as a foundation for rigorous instruction. Students study emceeing, DJing, graffiti, breaking and knowledge of self while connecting academic content to real-world experiences. Coursework includes audio production, digital media and financial literacy, alongside the standard curriculum.

Queens Academy for Innovative Learning

The District 75 school in Astoria serves students with disabilities in grades six through 12. It emphasizes project-based learning, technology integration and individualized supports, including STEM exploration, community-based instruction and work-based learning to prepare students for life beyond the classroom.

West Q Elementary

Located in Woodside and serving kindergarten through fifth grade in District 24, West Q Elementary combines foundational literacy and math instruction with project-based learning. The school emphasizes hands-on investigation, community-connected projects and multilingualism as an asset for student success.