Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Role in Prolific Human Smuggling Organization that Moved Aliens from Central Asia, Africa, and the Middle East

 

A Mexican national extradited from Mexico was sentenced today to 87 months prison for his role in a smuggling organization that operated for several years at the U.S.-Mexico border.

According to the indictment, Raul Saucedo-Huipio, 51, of Mexicali, Mexico, and co-conspirators facilitated the travel of large numbers of aliens from and through numerous countries into the United States between 2018 and 2022. The smuggling organization charged the aliens as much as tens of thousands of dollars to illegally cross the Mexico-U.S. border. Saucedo-Huipio was a manager or supervisor in this extensive alien smuggling operation and would frequently brandish a firearm in his waistband before they crossed the border. The aliens traveled from and through Bangladesh, Yemen, Pakistan, Eritrea, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico to ultimately reach the United States. The conspiracy moved well over 200 people, and the actual number is likely much higher.

“Human smuggling is not a victimless crime. It is a direct assault on our national security and an exploitation of some of the world’s most vulnerable people,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This criminal organization not only moved aliens across the border; it stole from them and left them in desperate situations. Human smuggling causes so many additional problems that communities and government programs ultimately inherit. It is dangerous and a drain on our resources.”

“Violent human smugglers like Saucedo-Huipio use intimidation, violence and coercion to achieve their goals – financial gain no matter the harm caused,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason T. Stevens for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Arizona. “One of the many HSI missions include investigating human smuggling organizations to dismantle them and bring those responsible to face justice in a court of law. The sentence imposed today serves not only as punishment, but as an opportunity for the offender to reflect on the damage inflicted on so many people. Behind bars is where Saucedo-Huipio belongs.”

Saucedo-Huipio and co-conspirators directed aliens to cross the border by various means. They provided a ladder to climb over the border fence, pointed out holes in the fence that could be crawled through, and provided a plank for waterway crossings. Saucedo-Huipio oversaw one smuggling event where three small children had to cross a wooden plank lying atop a body of water. In addition to moving aliens across the border, Saucedo-Huipio and his co-conspirators also robbed the aliens of money, cell phones, and other belongings, often while armed with guns and knives. 

In March 2023, Saucedo-Huipio and Ofelia Hernandez-Salas were arrested in Mexico pursuant to an extradition request from the United States. In December 2024, Hernandez-Salas pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and three substantive counts of bringing an alien to the United States for commercial benefit or private financial gain. She was sentenced to 11 years in prison on May 13 for her role in the organization. In March 2026, Saucedo-Huipio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States and bringing an alien to the United States.

The investigation and charges are supported and prosecuted by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), the Department’s lead effort in combating high-impact human smuggling and trafficking committed by cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs). A highly successful partnership between the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), JTFA investigates and prosecutes human smuggling and trafficking and related immigration crimes that impact public safety and border security. JTFA’s mission is to target the leaders and organizers of Cartels and TCOs involved in human smuggling and trafficking throughout the Americas. The Attorney General has elevated and expanded JTFA to target the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating not only in Mexico and the Northern Triangle countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, but also in Canada, the Caribbean, and the maritime border, and elsewhere. Led by the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering, Narcotics and Forfeiture Section, the Office of International Affairs, and the Office of Enforcement Operations, among others, JTFA has dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Southern District of California; District of Arizona; District of New Mexico; Western and Southern Districts of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Northern District of New York; and District of Vermont. JTFA also partners with other U.S. Attorney Offices throughout the country and supports high-priority cases in any district. All JTFA cases rely on substantial law enforcement resources from DHS, including HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) U.S. Border Patrol (USBP), and Office of Field Operations, as well as FBI and other law enforcement agencies. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 458 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling and/or trafficking; more than 408 U.S. convictions; more than 357 significant jail sentences imposed, and forfeitures of substantial assets.

HSI Yuma investigated the case with assistance from CBP USBP, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations, FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service, working in concert with HSI Tijuana, INTERPOL, and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI also received substantial assistance from CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force and U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) provided significant assistance in securing the defendant’s arrest and extradition from Mexico. The Justice Department thanks its Mexican law enforcement partners, who were instrumental in arresting Saucedo-Huipio, and the Mexican Attorney General’s Office and the Mexican Foreign Ministry for making the extradition possible. The Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT) provided significant assistance as well.

NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ISSUES WARNING AGAINST IMMIGRATION SCAMS

 

Scammers Take Advantage of Complex Immigration Laws to Steal Personal Information or Money from New Americans  

Division of Consumer Protection and Office for New Americans Offer Tips to Help New Americans Recognize and Avoid Common Immigration Scams 

The New York Department of State today issued a warning against immigration scams. Scammers often take advantage of the complex immigration legal system to prey on unsuspecting immigrants on their path to citizenship and steal personal information and/or money. These fraudulent acts are disproportionally targeted to immigrants, especially those with limited English proficiency. The Department’s Division of Consumer Protection and the Office for New Americans are offering tips to help immigrants recognize and avoid common immigration scams. 

“It is unconscionable to exploit individuals who are working hard, playing by the rules and pursuing the promise of a better future,” said New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “These scammers are not only taking advantage of vulnerable communities but they also undermine the trust in the very systems meant to support them. I urge people to be vigilant, seek information from trusted and verified sources and report suspicious activity.”

COMMON IMMIGRATION SCAMS: 

Impersonators of Immigration Officials and Agents: In the United States, immigration laws are enforced and administered by several federal agencies. The different agencies can be confusing and cause people to be more susceptible to fraud and scams. The Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs Border Protection (CBP) enforce the nation’s immigration laws.  United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates applications for immigration status and benefits, and the Executive Office for Immigration Review’s immigration judges (EOIR) conducts hearings to determine whether someone can remain the U.S. or will be deported. Be on the lookout for individuals who may be posing as these officials or agents to scam people. Here are ways to identify legitimate officials, agents, and to avoid scammers: 

USCIS and EOIR will only contact you through official government channels, such as postal mail. If you have created an online account with USCIS and the EOIR, those agencies might communicate with you through those accounts or by postal mail, depending on the matter.

USCIS might call you back from a landline phone if you requested a call back from the USCIS Contact Center.

In some rare instances USCIS and EOIR will contact you through email but verify that the email address ends with .gov to ensure it is coming from the government. USCIS and EOIR will not communicate with immigrants regarding their immigration case through text messages or by finding you through your personal social media accounts. Scammers may also try to trick you by creating fake websites with copied graphical elements from legitimate websites. USCIS often now will only conduct interviews of applicants in person to determine if they meet the requirements for an immigration benefit or status by scheduling them for an interview at one of their offices. In some instances, EOIR immigration judges might conduct hearings virtually or require the parties to appear in person. If a judge allows for a virtual hearing, it will use a video conferencing app called Webex from Cisco. EOIR immigration court will not use Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or any other videoconferencing apps to conduct a hearing. USCIS officials and EOIR immigration judges do not ask for payments for application fees in the form of cash, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay or cryptocurrencies and should not ask for money in exchange for special favors. For more information on how to identify a fake website, please read the April 2023 press release from the NYS Office of the Attorney General.

Extortion by People Impersonating Federal Agents: Individuals may attempt to impersonate federal agents, such as officers and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These individuals attempt to enter homes and work sites and demand you provide money or face deportation. The impersonators may also call you by phone or communicate with you by text and offer protection from deportation in exchange for electronic payment of money or cryptocurrencies. Impersonation of law enforcement officers and extortion are illegal. It’s important for citizens and non-citizens to know when they should respond to a request from law enforcement and when they have the right to exercise their Fourth Amendment rights. Even if real law enforcement agents come to a home or work site, and knock on the door asking for someone, you do not have to open the door and you have the right to ask for them to show you a judicial warrant.  People may also ask for ICE and CBP agents to show their identification. For more information about your rights, please visit the Officer for New American’s website: https://dos.ny.gov/know-your-rights.

Fake Law Firms and Impersonators of Non-Profit Legal Services Promoted in Social Media: The Federal Trade Commission issued a December 2024 consumer alert warning consumers that scammers are impersonating attorneys and law firms, and promoting fake services on social media. These scammers may claim to be attorneys and use the logo of law firms or non-profit legal service organizations. The impersonators may offer to assist with paperwork and secure an appointment with USCIS. The people impersonating lawyers may work with others who impersonate USCIS officials and EOIR immigration judges to stage a fake interview or hearing.  Victims who paid the scammers reported that they had virtual appointments on Zoom or WhatsApp with a “USCIS officer” in uniform, which was part of the scam. Please be aware that while some EOIR immigration court proceedings are now virtual, applicants will get their appointments by mail, through their EOIR account, or by visiting the EOIR’s website to obtain case information. Appointments are never made through messenger apps.

One way to see if you have been scheduled for an immigration court hearing is by visiting the EOIR’s website to receive basic information about the status of a case: https://acis.eoir.justice.gov/en/. Please also be aware that USCIS officials and the EOIR immigration judges will not appear together in a hearing or interview. 

How to verify whether someone is a licensed attorney: Ask for their name and the state in which they are admitted to practice law. Each state has a publicly accessible government website that contains attorney registration information, Including a list of attorneys who are not allowed to practice law because they have been disbarred. For information on New York State attorneys, you may visit: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search?0

Phishing Scams: Phishing is a form of scam that impersonates a reputable organization or person with the intent to steal personal information, account information or money. Phishing comes through many different forms of media, including emails, text messages, phone calls, social media, websites and messaging apps. Be wary of anyone who contacts you out of the blue and demands money or your personal information. Government agencies and legitimate service providers do not: 

• Initiate contact out of the blue via email or text claiming there are visa or immigration issues.
• Request personal or financial information through email or social media (What’s App, Facebook, etc.). 
• Ask for credit card numbers over the phone. 
• Demand money to dismiss an investigation. 
• Receive payment via pre-paid gift cards, Western Union or money transfer apps.  

Immigration Service Provider Fraud: Only licensed attorneys and the Department of Justice’s Accredited Representatives are permitted to provide legal advice and represent people on immigration matters. Be aware that businesses, such as travel agencies, or businesses providing translation services that offer to help someone fill out application for immigration benefits or status for a fee, are not allowed to provide legal advice. In New York, individuals and businesses may help someone translate documents, read a document to someone, or help someone fill out a document for a fee. They may not provide advice on what someone should do or how people should answer questions on an application. These businesses must post signs that they are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. They may not request payment or fees for blank immigration forms. Immigration applications are accessible on the USCIS website and can be downloaded free of charge. Always ask for a written agreement that describes the services being provided and only go to providers with physical locations. 

Notary Public Fraud: In many countries a Notary Public is an attorney. In the United States, Notary Publics are not required to be lawyers. Notary Publics who are not licensed to practice law are authorized only to witness the signature of forms and cannot represent you before U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services (USCIS) or in immigration court and cannot give you legal advice. If a Notary Public offers to represent you in an immigration proceeding, it may be a scam. Verify that anyone who offers to represent you in a proceeding is a lawyer by looking them up through the New York State Unified Court System’s website at: https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorneyservices/search?0 If you have a complaint please submit to: Complaints@dos.ny.gov

Diversity Lottery “Visa Lottery” Scams: Scammers may try to trick you by charging money to apply to the “Visa Lottery” program. They may also promise special access or suggest that they can increase your chance of winning the lottery. The U.S. Department of State manages the Diversity Visa Immigrant Program. It’s FREE to enter and winners are picked at random to win the chance to apply to become lawful permanent residents. No one can influence the results. You can only enter once a year at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ if you’re from an eligible country and meet the educational or work requirements. Please visit the U.S. Department of State website to learn more about this program.  

Fake Job and Training Opportunities:

• If you’re looking for a job, be wary of scammers promoting fake job opportunities. Don’t pay for the promise of a job. Scammers charge up-front placement fees or impose other charges or fees as a condition of your employment. For more tips on how to spot a fake employment scam, please read the January 2024 consumer alert from the NYS Division of Consumer Protection.

• If you’re considering a training program, avoid businesses that offer training programs that are not licensed by New York State. Be wary of programs that guarantee employment, promise a degree in a very short time, provide limited information, or use high-pressure sales tactics. To learn how to identify a legitimate career school, visit the NYS Education Department website. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

The New York Office for New Americans (ONA) is available to aid New Yorkers through the following programs:

For any immigrant in need of assistance, regardless of immigration status, to connect with ONA’s programs or to be put in touch with a trusted partner in your community, call the New Americans Hotline at 1-800-566-7636 8am- 8pm, Monday through Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday, 9am to 5pm, excluding federal holidays. All calls to the hotline are anonymous.

Callers can also contact the New Americans Hotline to report specific cases of immigration fraud, and the New Americans Hotline will make appropriate referrals to the NYS Attorney General or local District Attorney’s office.  

About the Office for New Americans 

The New York State Office for New Americans, founded in 2012, is the nation’s first statutorily created immigrant services office.?ONA assists all new Americans with accessing and navigating a variety of free services and support through its statewide network of community-based providers. Since its inception, ONA has served over 750,000 new Americans. 

For more information, visit?https://dos.ny.gov/office-new-americans?or follow ONA on Twitter at @NYSNewAmericans or visit ONA’s Facebook page.  

NYPD OFFICER INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN OFF-DUTY SHOOTING OF MAN HE SUSPECTED IN THEFT OF HIS CAR

 

NYPD OFFICER INDICTED FOR ATTEMPTED MURDER IN OFF-DUTY SHOOTING OF MAN HE SUSPECTED IN THEFT OF HIS CAR

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a New York City Police Department Officer has been indicted for Attempted Murder, Assault, Kidnapping and other charges for allegedly shooting and seriously wounding a man in Kingsbridge during an off-duty incident stemming from the officer’s search for his stolen car. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Police officers are sworn to serve and protect the public, and even when they are off duty, they are expected to conduct themselves with integrity. Conducting an unauthorized, personal investigation into the theft of his car two days earlier, the defendant held a man at gunpoint, then fired his pistol into a vehicle and wounded a passenger in the head, causing a life-altering injury.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Jonathan Baez, 44, a police officer for 12 years, was arraigned today before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurence Busching on two counts of Attempted Murder in the second degree, first-degree Assault, second-degree Kidnapping, two counts of first-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, two counts of second-degree Criminal Use of a Firearm, Attempted Assault in the first-degree, one count of first-degree Unlawful Imprisonment, nine counts of Computer Trespass, and Official Misconduct. Bail was set at $100,000 cash/$250,000 insurance company bond/$250,000 partially secured bond. Baez is due back in court October 2, 2026.

According to the investigation, at approximately 9 p.m. on March 16, 2026, NYPD Officer Jonathan Baez, who was off duty from his assignment to the Gracie Mansion security detail, approached a man in front of 167 West 231st Street in Kingsbridge. Baez allegedly pointed his off-duty firearm at the man, ordered him to the ground and straddled him while pointing his gun at the man’s back. Moments later Baez fired two shots into a white Hyundai Genesis parked nearby. One bullet struck a 30-year-old man in the head. He remains in the hospital and is on a ventilator.

On March 14, 2026, a 2024 Honda CRV belonging to Officer Baez was stolen from his apartment building in Riverdale. A white Hyundai Genesis was observed in surveillance video as being involved in the theft. Between March 15, 2026, and March 16, 2026, Baez conducted over 200 unauthorized searches of NYPD databases, including but not limited to the Domain Awareness System (DAS), License Plate Reader (LPR) and Intergraph Computer Aided Dispatch System (ICAD) in an effort to locate both his vehicle and the white Hyundai. To date Baez’s stolen vehicle has not been recovered.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYPD Detective Shawn Nandkisure, from the Force Investigation Division, for his work in the investigation.

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

 

Friends, 

Our 4th Annual Summer Kickoff Family Fun Day is ALMOST HERE!

 

The past 3 years we have seen thousands of people join us on a beautiful Saturday in June to enjoy music, games, food, bouncy houses, face painters and more. The best part?  It was all provided FREE of cost. 

 

This year, we are going BIGGER. More bouncy houses, games, food, and fun for the whole family!

 

Bring your friends and family and get ready to enjoy one of the best days in the boogie down Bronx. 

 

When: Saturday, June 20, 2026

Where: Williamsbridge Rd (between Lydig and Neill Ave)

Time: 12pm - 4pm

 

On behalf of my office and family, we can’t wait to spend an afternoon with all of you. 

 

With Gratitude,

 

John Zaccaro, Jr. 

New York State Assembly

Bardstown Man and Woman Sentenced to Over 30 years and 10 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl and Cocaine Trafficking Operation

 

A Nelson County man and woman were sentenced to federal prison on June 10, 2026, after being convicted of multiple fentanyl and cocaine trafficking offenses following a five-day jury trial in September 2025.

U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, and Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

According to court documents, Neal Scott Stone, 50, was sentenced to 30 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Additionally, Stone was on federal supervised release at the time of the offenses. He was sentenced to an additional 3-year term of imprisonment for violating the terms of supervised release, 18 months of which was ordered to run consecutively with the 30-year sentence, for a total combined sentence of 31.5 years. Stone was also ordered to pay a $40,000 fine.

Keely Logsdon, 42, was sentenced to 10 years, followed by 6 years of supervised release.

Between August of 2022 and June of 2023, Stone and Logsdon, both of Bardstown, conspired with each other and others to distribute over 400 grams of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine. Additionally, Stone and Logsdon, aided and abetted by each other, distributed cocaine and/or fentanyl on eight separate occasions. During the conspiracy, Stone was an over-the-road truck driver, who obtained cocaine and fentanyl from the southwest border of the United States and Mexico and transported the substances back to the Bardstown area for distribution. The jury also found that Stone had previously been convicted of the following serious drug felonies, which resulted in enhanced penalties.

On May 27, 2008, in the United States District Court for the Western District of Kentucky, Stone was convicted of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

On April 20, 2015, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, Stone was convicted of attempt to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to distribute heroin, distribution of heroin, and possession with intent to distribute heroin.

United States Attorney Kyle Bumgarner stated, “Neal Stone has lived a life of crime, with a callous disregard for his community. Despite the opportunity to learn from three prior federal drug trafficking convictions, Stone directly transported significant quantities of fentanyl and cocaine from the Mexican border into Bardstown, Kentucky. There’s no telling how many lethal doses of deadly poison he ultimately brought into our Commonwealth. At 50 years old, this 31 1/2-year sentence in the federal penitentiary all but assures Stone will never harm Kentuckians again. I am proud of the investigative work by first class DEA Agents, and the prosecutorial effort of AUSA Frank Dahl, who are at the forefront of fighting the narcotics epidemic plaguing our state.”

“Drug traffickers like Stone and Logsdon have no regard for human life and should expect nothing less than to feel the full weight of our justice system for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott, head of DEA’s Louisville Field Division. “I’m very proud of the work done by our special agents and all our law enforcement partners to ensure these individuals are put away for a very long time.”

There is no parole in the federal system. 

The DEA and FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Greater Hardin County Narcotics Task Force, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Kentucky State Police, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Frank Dahl and Amy Sullivan prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Adela Alic.

This prosecution is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The HSTF is 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. Through historic interagency collaboration, the HSTF directs the full might of United States law enforcement towards identifying, investigating, and prosecuting the full spectrum of crimes committed by these organizations, which have long fueled violence and instability within our borders. In performing this work, the HSTF places special emphasis on investigating and prosecuting those engaged in child trafficking or other crimes involving children. The HSTF further utilizes all available tools to prosecute and remove the most violent criminal aliens from the United States. HSTF Louisville comprises agents and officers from FBI, HSI, DEA, ATF, and IRS, with the prosecution being led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Kentucky.

NYSOFA Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Promotes Resources to Prevent, Identify, and Report Elder Abuse

 

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the 40th anniversary of the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester. The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) stands with partners across the state to shine a light on elder abuse. Learn how to recognize, prevent, and report abuse—including scams and financial fraud—so we can protect older New Yorkers together. 

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “The World Health Organization estimates that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported. Additionally, financial fraud and scams targeting older adults continue to rise, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. It’s essential for family members, friends, neighbors, and caregivers to recognize the signs of abuse, have open conversations with loved ones, and take advantage of the many resources available in New York State to prevent abuse, report concerns, and support victims.”

Forms of Elder Abuse          

Elder abuse takes several forms: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). Elder abuse is not always easily recognized. Older adults who are socially isolated are at increased risk for elder abuse, and NYSOFA offers many resources to help overcome this root cause, including socialization programs available through local county Offices for the Aging and digital tools to help connect older adults.

Identifying Elder Abuse

An older adult could be a victim of elder abuse if they:

• Seem depressed, confused, or withdrawn.
• Are isolating from friends and family.
• Have unexplained bruises, burns, or scars.
• Exhibit poor hygiene or appear underfed, dehydrated, overmedicated or undermedicated, or are not receiving needed care for medical problems.
• Have bed sores or other preventable conditions.
• Exhibit recent changes in banking or spending patterns.

Reporting Elder Abuse

• To report abuse, individuals should call the Adult Protective Services (APS) helpline at 1-844-697-3505.
• For emergencies that require immediate attention, call 9-1-1.
• For non-emergency assistance, or if you are worried about a friend or loved one, call the helpline for concerned individuals at 1-844-746-6905. This is a confidential resource.

Programs to Combat Elder Abuse

NYSOFA, in partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester and its contractors, provides a statewide Elder Abuse Education and Outreach Program (EAEOP) for older adults, their families and caregivers.

NYSOFA has also pioneered the use of Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (E-MDTs) to intervene in cases of elder abuse through the Elder Abuse E-MDT Initiative. E-MDTs, now in every region of the state, convene local agencies in individual counties working together to help address cases of elder abuse. From 2014 to 2025, E-MDT interventions led to a reported $7.8 million in restitution in financial exploitation cases. Of this, $2.7 million was reported returned to the victims. To learn more, visit the E-MDT Initiative website. You can also read NYSOFA's report on the E-MDT model to learn more about program outcomes.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “As a society, elders are to be cherished and protected, so we must all do our part to prevent undetected or unreported reports of elder abuse and exploitation. OCFS applauds NYSOFA and its partners for prioritizing the prevention of abuse and exploitation, as well as encouraging our older adults and upstanders to break the silence and report suspected abuse. Through OCFS’ Adult Protective Services division, we stand ready to combat elder maltreatment and ask the community to please call the New York State Adult Services Helpline or law enforcement should you suspect abuse. Please also visit our Adult Protective Services webpages for additional information.”

Ann Marie Cook, President and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, said, “Elder abuse is an injustice which erodes the safety and dignity of older people. It also thrives in silence. As people live longer, as people become more isolated, and as frailty and vulnerability increase, there is a great potential for abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. In New York State, the silence is over. Our shared goal is to help older adults in New York State live fulfilling lives free of abuse, mistreatment and exploitation.”

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to learn how to identify and intervene on behalf of vulnerable individuals who are at risk or have experienced elder abuse. Tragically, incidences of elder abuse are underreported, under-prosecuted, and are silently affecting the lives of our most vulnerable. This day marks an opportunity for society to take meaningful action to reduce incidence and promote awareness of elder abuse. We proudly join NYSOFA and the aging services network in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Eric Jacobsen, Elder Abuse and E-MDT Program Coordinator at NYSOFA, said, “Abuse, exploitation, and scams are found in all communities and impact every age, race, ethnic/cultural background, socio-economic status, and sexual orientation. We must all be aware of the warning signs and be vigilant, not only for ourselves but also for those we care about and interact with. If you feel that something is not right, it probably isn’t. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the resources New York State has made available.”

Scam Resources

Financial exploitation – including scams and other fraud tactics that target older adults – is the most common form of elder abuse. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that fraud cost victims 60 and older $7.7 billion in 2025.

NYSOFA's Don't Get Scammed: A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft provides tips, resources and more to help older adults avoid scams. Please also watch and share NYSOFA's series of videos on some of the most common scams targeting older adults. As part of the New York State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul has tasked NYSOFA with developing additional scams-prevention resources, which will include a forthcoming video series on some of the most common scams, how to prevent them, warning signs, trusted tools to prevent scams, and where to turn for help. Among these trusted tools and resources, vetted and endorsed by NYSOFA, are:

• SilverShield empowers older adults to protect themselves from scams and fraud. SilverShield immediately reviews suspicious texts, emails, and messages and provides easy-to-understand, personalized guidance on what to do to stay safe. Sign up at silvershield.ai.
  
  
• EverSafe is the first financial wellness tool for older adults and caregivers designed to protect against cyber scams, identity theft and financial abuse. The system learns your financial behavior and notifies you of any suspicious transactions. Learn more at eversafe.com.
  
  
• Lifespan of Greater Rochester's Fraud Awareness Network is a peer-to-peer fraud survivors group available to any older adult in New York State. The group meets virtually and is facilitated by Lifespan's Fraud Prevention Team. To join, call Lifespan at 585-244-8400.

NYSOFA has partnered with GetSetUp, an online health and wellness learning community, to feature online classes specifically for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), including Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Different Types of Abuse, Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse, and How to Spot and Prevent Elder Financial Abuse. In addition to these classes, the June series Stronger Together This June includes classes honoring Pride Month, Men’s Health Month, and National Safety Month, while also recognizing meaningful moments like Juneteenth (June 19), Father’s Day (June 21), and International Yoga Day (June 21). Join GetSetUp for classes and conversations focused on wellness, identity, safety, and community. These special classes are among hundreds available for older adults to meet with their peers for online learning and social connectedness. 

Other Resources

The Division of Consumer Protection can help victims of scams and fraud. It also offers consumer prevention and education information. For more information, call 1-800-697-1220. The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to help crime victims with medical bills, counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance. The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a directory of programs that includes residential services and/or assistance, information, referral, counseling, advocacy, community education and outreach services. These and other resources can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/elder-abuse.

Fischer Senior Apartments Opens At 97 West 169th Street in Highbridge, The Bronx

 

Fischer Senior Apartments, a nine-story residential building, has opened at 97 West 169th Street in Highbridge, The Bronx. Designed by Shakespeare Gordon Vlado Architects and developed by West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing (WSFSSH), the structure yields 105 units. Twenty-five apartments are dedicated to affordable housing and 59 are reserved for formerly homeless adults. The property is located between Nelson and Shakespeare Avenues.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on June 9, and was attended by Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Dr. Helen Arteaga-Landaverde; Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson; Council Member Althea Stevens; Commissioner of the NYC Department for the Aging Lisa Scott-McKenzie; Senior Assistant Vice President at NYC Health + Hospitals Leora Jontef; Assistant Director of the Bureau of Housing & Support Services Brenda McAteer; East Region Managing Director of National Equity Fund, Emily Chen; leaders from West Side Federation for Senior and Supportive Housing; and Fischer Senior Apartments residents.

The development is part of the HPD Senior Affordable Rental Apartments (SARA) program and all units will be reserved for households 55 and older making less than 50 percent of the area median income (AMI). Units are equipped with intercoms and air conditioning. Tenants will be responsible to pay for electricity including electric stove.

Amenities include pet-friendly policies, a shared laundry room, elevator, on-site resident manager, community center, recreation room, senior center, and an outdoor terrace.

The development replaces a formerly vacant lot.

The opening of the senior housing development also coincides with WSFSSH’s innovative Enhanced Care pilot program, created in partnership with NYC Health + Hospitals’ Housing for Health initiative. The Enhanced Care pilot program provides permanent housing for older adults served by NYC Health + Hospitals experiencing homelessness and requiring personal care services in order to live independently. With the goal of breaking the emergency-room-to-street cycle, these tenants are offered home health aides in addition to  on-site healthcare coordination and wraparound services.

The nearest subway from the ground-up development is the 4 train at the 170th Street station to the east along Jerome Avenue.