Attorney General James Announces Takedown of Fraudulent Queens Medical Clinic

 

Francia Aguila Arrested and Charged for Impersonating a Doctor and Offering Medical Treatment to New Yorkers Without a License

Aguila’s Accomplice, Gifty Appiah, Arrested and Charged for Role in Scheme That Put New Yorkers at Risk and Stole Over $100,000 from Medicaid

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the arrests and criminal charges of Francia Aguila, 53, of Farmington, New York and Gifty Appiah, 59, of Staten Island, New York, for putting patients at an Astoria, Queens medical clinic at risk and stealing over $100,000 from Medicaid through false billing. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) revealed that Aguila, the part owner of Steinway Hope Medical, fraudulently used Appiah’s identity and credentials as a licensed nurse practitioner to diagnose, treat, and prescribe medications to patients. While Aguila did not possess a license to practice medicine, she allegedly dressed in a white coat, referred to herself as “Doctor Fran,” and performed examinations on patients. Aguila used her fraudulent medical practice to bill $105,018.20 to Managed Care Organizations (MCOs) funded by New York’s Medicaid program from March 2021 through November 2024.

“Practicing medicine without a license risks the lives of New Yorkers and undermines the integrity of our health care system,” said Attorney General James. “New Yorkers in need of medical care sought treatment at Steinway Hope Medical, where they were taken advantage of by a fake doctor as part of an elaborate Medicaid fraud scheme. My office will continue to root out fraud in our state’s Medicaid program and protect New Yorkers by bringing unlicensed practitioners to justice.”

Appiah was allegedly paid $10,000 per month to act as the sole provider of medical services to patients at Steinway Hope Medical. However, Appiah rarely appeared at the clinic and instead allowed Aguila to medically examine patients who were seeking treatment. Aguila presented herself to patients as a doctor and used Appiah’s identity and credentials to prescribe medications. Aguila performed stethoscope exams, examined patients’ eyes with a penlight, and conducted other tests on unsuspecting patients. Through Steinway Hope Medical, Appiah and Aguila submitted fraudulent claims to Medicaid-funded MCOs that falsely stated Appiah performed the medical services.

Aguila and Steinway Hope Medical were each charged with one count of Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, one count of Falsifying Business Records in the First Degree, and one count of Unauthorized Use of a Professional Title. Appiah was also charged with one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree and one count of Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree. If convicted, Appiah and Aguila face a maximum sentence of one and a third to four years in state prison on the top count.

These charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

New York MFCU’s total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 is $70,793,651. Of that total, 75 percent, or $53,095,240, is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $17,698,411 for FY 2026, is funded by New York State.

19 ALLEGED GANGMEMBERS—7 OF THEM UNDER 17 YEARS OLD AT TIME OF CRIMES—INDICTED IN CONSPIRACY OF GUN VIOLENCE

 

Four Gangs Committed 13 Shootings; Four Bystanders Wounded “McKillville” Leader Ordered Boys to Shoot Rivals, Be “Risk Takers”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark and New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced that 18 youths and a 28-year-old alleged leader have been charged in two indictments with Conspiracy to Commit Murder for more than a dozen shootings in the Morrisania neighborhood over gang turf. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Ten of the defendants were in the McKillville gang, out of the McKinley Houses, and nine were in three other gangs that joined against McKillville, to allegedly fire bullets on the streets, violence for the sake of violence, to assert control over their territories. These defendants were 14 to 17-year-old boys urged on by men to elevate themselves in the gangs by committing Attempted Murders and Assaults. Innocent Bronx residents paid the price—four were wounded, one of them critically. We need to prevent violence and underlying trauma that results in the loss of lives and so many young people heading to prison. The youth justice system has a difficult job addressing the cycle of violence and repairing damage to children that occurred long ago.”

District Attorney Clark said, “Ten of the defendants were in the McKillville gang, out of the McKinley Houses, and nine were in three other gangs that joined against McKillville, to allegedly fire bullets on the streets, violence for the sake of violence, to assert control over their territories. These defendants were 14 to 17-year-old boys urged on by men to elevate themselves in the gangs by committing Attempted Murders and Assaults. Innocent Bronx residents paid the price—four were wounded, one of them critically. We need to prevent violence and underlying trauma that results in the loss of lives and so many young people heading to prison. The youth justice system has a difficult job addressing the cycle of violence and repairing damage to children that occurred long ago.” 

Police Commissioner Tisch said, “This long-term investigation reflects the NYPD’s precision-policing strategy at work: identify the drivers of crime, take down gangs, and remove guns from our streets, These defendants turned communities in the South Bronx into their own violent playground by shooting at rivals, injuring four innocent bystanders, and placing New Yorkers at risk while shamelessly taking credit for it on social media. Thanks to our NYPD investigators and law enforcement partners, we are holding these alleged gang members accountable.”

District Attorney Clark said that 10 of the defendants were arrested and arraigned from June 23 through 26, 2026 before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Lawrence Busching. Bail was set for nine of the defendants. Alleged McKillville leader Tyreik Seth (AKA Tubby), 28, was remanded. Seth was in possession of a loaded 9-mm defaced pistol when he was arrested in front of 801 East 161st Street on June 23. Six defendants are incarcerated and are awaiting arraignment and three defendants remain at large. 

According to the investigation by the NYPD Gun Violence Suppression Division, the Bronx DA’s Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau with assistance from Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives Crime Gun Enforcement Team, dubbed “Operation Red Zone,” the gun violence took place from May 2025 to late April 2026 in a swath of the South Bronx. The defendants allegedly planned shootings via text messages, shared custody of the guns, boasted about the attacks on Instagram, and used Citibikes purchased with stolen credit cards for quick getaways.  

Members of these gangs both independently and jointly, participated in and agreed to embark upon a certain course of criminal conduct, including murder, assault, weapons possession and other crimes in order to maintain their dominance of their territories, engaging in violent confrontations with members of the opposition. 

According to one indictment, during the course of the conspiracy, Do The Hits” (a/k/a DTH) operated in and around the area of East 163rd Street to East 167th Street and Washington Avenue to Third Avenue. “On The Third” (a/k/a OT3) operated in and around the area of East 156th Street to East 158th Street and Melrose Avenue to Brook Avenue. “Forest Over Everything” (a/k/a 2 F.O.E.) operated in and around the area of East 163rd Street to East 166th Street and Trinity Avenue to Third Avenue. 

Nine defendants are variously charged with second-degree Conspiracy, Attempted Murder in the second degree, varying degrees of Assault, varying degrees of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment and related charges.

According to the second indictment, members of “McKillville” operated in and around the area of East 161st Street to East 163rd Street and Trinity Avenue to Tinton Avenue. 

Defendant Tyreik Seth is charged with first-degree Conspiracy, and nine other defendants are charged with second-degree Conspiracy, Attempted Murder in the second degree, varying degrees of Assault, varying degrees of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Criminal Use of a Firearm, Reckless Endangerment and related charges.

 Shootings charged as overt acts in the indictments:

MAY 10, 2025: shootout between DTH and McKillville in the McKinley houses. No one was struck. Two DTH members and one McKinley member are charged. 

JUNE 5, 2025: Members of DTH walk to McKinley houses shortly after midnight and fire shots. Shooting is not on video. Nasir Campbell takes credit on social media and is charged. 

JUNE 5, 2025: In retaliation for the earlier shooting, members of McKinley commit two shootings against DTH and FOE. One goes on Citibike to 161st and St. Ann's with two others and fires multiple shots towards DTH, striking an unintended male. Two others travel via Citibike and shoot a member of FOE in the groin in front of the Forest houses. 

JULY 26, 2025: DTH members ride a moped to Home Street and fire multiple rounds towards a bus stop, hitting a bystander in the leg. The following day, one of them posted on Instagram bragging about the incident. On August 20, a search warrant was done of the shooter’s apartment leading to the recovery of a loaded. 380 caliber pistol.

AUGUST 1, 2025: Two members of McKinley ride Citibikes to 161 and St. Ann's – scene of June 5 shooting) and one fires at least eight rounds towards DTH territory. Text messages reveal the planning before the incident and the day after, one member admits to it when he's told that Tyreik Seth is unhappy because no one was struck. 

AUGUST 3, 2025: A DTH member is on Boston Road with others when he fires multiple rounds across the street. No one was struck. 

SEPTEMBER 5, 2025: At 3 p.m. on Tinton Avenue, right after a school bus passes by, a McKillville member fires multiple rounds towards an opposition member across the street. No one was struck. He admits to the incident on Instagram. 

SEPTEMBER 14, 2025: OT3 members fire multiple rounds across the street towards opposition, striking two bystanders who are outside their home. A female is struck in the abdomen and had to have surgery. A male was grazed in the abdomen as well. 

SEPTEMBER 25, 2025: Tarrelle Jones fires multiple shots towards Forest territory. 

NOVEMBER 8, 2025: Jason Sanchez and others travel from McKinley to opposition territory on Citibikes and Sanchez fires multiple shots towards opposition members. No one is struck. 

JANUARY 19, 2026: Forest members Miguel Rucker and another are traveling in an SUV doing a livestream when Rucker spots an opposition member. They get out of the car and the member fires multiple shots at him, not striking anyone. 

FEBRUARY 16, 2026: DTH member fires multiple shots across Boston Road towards a car. No one was struck. 

APRIL 27, 2026: McKinley bosses express displeasure with the younger members and organize a meeting. Afterwards, two teen members go to a playground in St. Mary's Park and one fires multiple shots. No one is struck.

District Attorney Clark thanked the GVSD Crime Gun Enforcement Team including Lt. Jonathon Zocchia, Sgt. Christopher Neil, and Detectives Keith Figueroa, Robert Vargas, and Kevin Butler; ATF Group IV; members of the 40th Precinct, 41st Precinct and 42nd Precinct Detective Squads, Citywide CRT, Bronx School Safety, Bronx Evidence Collection Team, NYPD Laboratory Firearms Analysis Section, Intelligence Research Specialists Ashley Taveras and Britney Ford, and the Bronx Warrant Squad for their work in the investigation.

MCKILLVILLE INDICTMENT - TYREIK SETH A/K/A "TUBBY", 28 JOHN DOE, 16 JOHN DOE, 17 D'ANTHONY STEPHEN PIERRE A/K/A "TEC", 19 JOHN DOE, 17 TARRELLE JONES A/K/A "LIL MAN", 18 JOHN DOE, 17 JOHN DOE, 17 JOHN DOE, 15 JOHN DOE, 15. 

DO THE HITS, ON THE THIRD, FOREST OVER EVERYTHING INDICTMENT - NASIR CAMPBELL A/K/A "NAZ DTH", 19 JOHN DOE, 17 ADZAVEON TORRES A/K/A "ZAY FLICK", 18 JOHN DOE, 16 JAYDEN JACKSON A/K/A "JDOT", 18 KEVIN CRUZ A/K/A "KDOTTY", 20 KALIPH HAMLET A/K/A "KDOT B", 18 MIGUEL RUCKER A/K/A "MDOT", 18 NASIR WHITFIELD A/K/A "HUNNAY, 19".

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

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul

“New York State is in the midst of a prolonged heat wave, and we've been carefully monitoring our electrical grid to ensure it is able to withstand the increase in energy usage and keep New Yorkers safe.

"My team has been coordinating with Con-Ed, NYISO and New York City leaders to ensure all large consumers able to switch to other fuel sources have done so to reduce their usage. Due to the increase in energy demand and unexpected load challenges, I am also calling on New Yorkers to do their part to proactively conserve electricity if safe to do so by setting air conditioning units between 75 - 78 degrees and avoiding unnecessary appliance use. These small steps can go a long way.

"While we are asking for New Yorkers to voluntarily conserve power, it's critical to stay safe in this dangerous heat: stay hydrated, reduce time outdoors and find a cooling center near you, especially if you're a senior citizen or have health concerns.

"I thank New Yorkers for taking these steps to reduce their usage and helping us keep the power on and protect the most vulnerable in our community.”

Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson - JOIN US: 4th Annual Disability Pride Month

 

DEP Encourages Safe Hydrant Use to Safeguard Water Pressure During Historic Extreme Heatwave

 

Illegally Opened Fire Hydrants Reduce Water Pressure, Make Firefighting More Difficult, Cause Discolored Water, and Waste 1,000 Gallons of Water Per Minute

With triple-digit temperatures expected to continue through the July 4^th holiday weekend the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is warning New Yorkers about the dangers of illegally opening fire hydrants. Illegally opened hydrants release more than 1,000 gallons of water per minute, which can drastically reduce water pressure. This puts lives at risk by compromising firefighting operations and reducing water supply to residents and critical facilities. Illegally opening a fire hydrant can result in fines of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to 30 days, or both. New Yorkers are urged to report leaking, running, or illegally opened hydrants by calling 311 immediately. Additionally, when hydrants are opened without proper tools, it can stir up sediments which results in discolored water. While not harmful, discolored water should not be consumed. Residents are advised to run their tap until the water is clear and cold.

To better manage this issue, DEP has deployed its mobile command bus to strategic locations across the city. This allows DEP to monitor open hydrant complaints, flow rates, and low water pressure reports in real time. Staffing levels have been increased to support hydrant patrol operations, enabling DEP to quickly dispatch field teams to close hydrants and assist the FDNY with any water-related issues.

Fire hydrants can be opened legally if fitted with a City-approved spray cap, which releases only 20 to 25 gallons per minute. This helps maintain water pressure and reduces the risk of someone, particularly a child, being injured by the force of the water. Spray caps can be requested by an adult 18 or over, free of charge, at local firehouses.

If you observe a running hydrant, please report it immediately by using the NYC 311 mobile app or by calling 311. Quick reporting helps DEP respond rapidly and maintain safe, reliable water service.

To report via the app:

• Open the NYC 311 app
• Tap “Request”
• Tap “Running Hydrant”
• Enter the location and submit

Or, simply call 311 and provide the location details.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to nearly 10 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP also protects the health and safety of New Yorkers by enforcing the Air and Noise Codes and asbestos rules. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on X and Instagram.

Commission on Government Efficiency Releases Preliminary Report to Make Government Work Better for New Yorkers

Report identifies opportunities to reform the City Charter to speed up outdoor dining, housing construction permitting, bus & street infrastructure, and contracting    

Report includes findings and reforms collected seven public hearings attended by over 780 New Yorkers    

The Commission on Government Efficiency (COGE), the 2026 New York City Charter Revision Commission convened by Mayor Mamdani, today released its preliminary staff report outlining potential reforms to help City government deliver faster and more effectively for New Yorkers. Charged with reviewing the entire City Charter, COGE welcomed more than 780 New Yorkers during its first 7 public hearings, heard 18 hours of testimony from 178 speakers, reviewed 345 written submissions from members of the public and received recommendations from 92 City agencies.

The preliminary report identifies four areas where reforms could help government better meet the needs of working New Yorkers: Accelerate Access to Public Space and Infrastructure Improvements, Accelerate Permitting & Contracting, Modernize Outdated Systems and Requirements to Bolster Innovation, and Ensure the City’s Fiscal Stability.

Areas identified for further exploration include, but are not limited to:  

• Outdoor Dining: Save restaurants time and money by streamlining process to open outdoor dining. 
• Permitting: Create a centralized, one-stop permitting system to speed up housing construction, infrastructure projects, and renovations.   
• Contracting: Modernize procurement to cut time, save money and reduce unnecessary paperwork that slows down small businesses seeking to do business with the city and delays construction of infrastructure -- from water tunnels to plazas to sewers. 
• Bus and Street Infrastructure: Shorten timelines for street redesigns and bus and bike lane projects that improve safety and mobility. 
• Rainy Day Fund: Strengthen the City’s long-term fiscal health by establishing clearer rules for contributing to and using reserve funds. 

“We listened to New Yorkers across the city and worked to treat every idea—and the New Yorker behind it, whether City worker or professional association or individual who saw a sign for a public hearing and walked in—with genuine curiosity and respect,” said Ann Cheng, Executive Director of the Commission on Government Efficiency. “This preliminary report compiles that feedback and suggests concrete paths as the Commission continues to hear from New Yorkers and considers commonsense reforms to the Charter.”

“This Commission is immensely grateful to the more than 780 New Yorkers who came out to testify or submit written comments, and we want even more of them in the room as we head into our next round of hearings,” said Patrick Gaspard, Chair of the Commission on Government Efficiency. “Our next steps will be deeply informed by their passionate testimonies, each of them experts either on their block or their industry, on how city government can worker faster and more efficiently. As this Commission considers reforms to put forth on the ballot in November, it will be guided by the shared goal of unlocking this City’s potential to deliver a more affordable, safe, and dignified life for all who call it home.”

Throughout its first round of public hearings, the Commission identified four broad areas where reforms to the City Charter could help government deliver more effectively for working families.

Accelerate Access to Public Space and Infrastructure Improvements

Making it easier to use our streets, sidewalks, and public space is an opportunity to create safer neighborhoods, stronger local businesses and more vibrant public spaces. Today, restaurant owners seeking sidewalk dining permits, communities advocating for safer bus and bike lanes and City agencies working to activate surplus properties all run into the same maze of redundant reviews, costly requirements, and years-long approval timelines.

The Commission repeatedly heard that these barriers leave public land underused, delay street safety improvements, and prevent the City from putting valuable public assets to work. New York City owns more than 6,000 miles of streets and 15,000 parcels of land. With smarter systems, those public assets can better serve New Yorkers.

Accelerate Permitting & Contracting

Whether opening a small business, building affordable housing, or delivering critical infrastructure, New Yorkers consistently describe procurement and construction permitting systems that move too slowly.

The Department of Buildings processes roughly 275,000 applications each year through a borough-based structure that has changed little in more than a century. Property owners must navigate multiple agencies to secure approvals for a single project. Procurement presents similar challenges. In Fiscal Year 2025, nearly 40% of the City's budget supported contracted goods and services, yet outdated rules continue to make it hard for small businesses and nonprofits to work with the city, a problem past commissions have flagged since 1989. Modernizing how the City permits and contracts is essential to delivering the housing, infrastructure, and services New Yorkers are waiting on while reducing unnecessary administrative burdens.

Modernize Outdated Systems & Requirements to Bolster Innovation

As governments serves millions of people every day, technology has become increasingly essential to delivering services efficiently and effectively.

The Commission heard that outdated information technology systems, antiquated legal requirements, and duplicative administrative processes slow City government without improving public outcomes. Nearly 1,500 new reporting requirements have been enacted since 2011, while outdated surety bond rules and fragmented waterfront permitting create unnecessary delays.

Modernizing these systems means eliminating rules that no longer serve the public so City workers can spend more time solving problems and delivering results.

Stabilize City Finances

With a budget larger than that of most states, New York City must manage public dollars responsibly while preparing for future economic uncertainty. The Commission heard strong support for strengthening the City's fiscal guardrails through clearer standards governing reserve deposits and withdrawals. Building stronger reserves during good times will help protect essential services during future downturns.

Fiscal responsibility and government efficiency go hand in hand. Every dollar saved by reducing waste and improving how government operates is a dollar that can be invested in the services New Yorkers rely on.

Additional Public Hearings

COGE will continue to hold public hearings across the five boroughs in the coming weeks as it develops proposals for the November ballot. More info about COGE can be found on nyc.gov/COGE.

Additional hearings include: 

• Staten Island – Monday, July 6, at 5 p.m. 
• Manhattan – Wednesday, July 8, 5 p.m. 
• Queens – Monday, July 13, at 5 p.m. 

DEA New York Task Force & New York State Attorney General Announce Convictions and Sentencings of Members of New York City Gun and Drug Trafficking Ring

 

Final Three Individuals Sentenced for Roles in Multistate Operation That Sold Assault Weapons, Ghost Guns, and Cocaine in New York City

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts and New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the convictions and sentencings of Anthony Ortiz Vasquez, Hector Vasquez, and Kiara Rodriguez for their roles in a gun and drug trafficking network that sold assault weapons, ghost guns, and other firearms, in addition to cocaine in New York City. Ortiz Vasquez, Vasquez, and Rodriguez were the final three members of this ring to be sentenced. In total, 13 defendants were convicted and sentenced after pleading guilty beginning in February 2025. The Office of the Attorney General’s (OAG) investigation led to the recovery of 74 firearms, including nine assault-style rifles, eight assault-style pistols, and four ghost guns, in addition to 500 grams of cocaine with a street value of $15,700 and over 2,100 rounds of ammunition.

“The sentencing and conviction of these 13 individuals, along with the seizure of 74 firearms and cocaine, reflect the strength of the partnerships the DEA shares with our federal, state, and local law enforcement counterparts in targeting those who pose a threat to our communities,” said DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “The removal of 17 assault style weapons, ghost guns, thousands of ammunitions, and illicit drugs underscores the grave risk these individuals posed not only to the neighborhoods they targeted, but also the brave law enforcement officers who confront them. From every borough to every block, the DEA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of illicit drugs and gun violence.”

“The success of this case is an important reminder that it will take all of us working together to end senseless gun violence in our communities,” said Attorney General James. “I thank my partners in law enforcement for their invaluable assistance in holding these traffickers accountable and removing dozens of dangerous and illegal guns and narcotics from our streets. My office will continue to do everything in its power to crack down on criminal operations that profit from violence and endanger our city.”

These sentences mark the conclusion of a 20-month prosecution, following a 10-month joint investigation led by the OAG’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) and a task force (formerly Strike Force Group Z-13) comprised of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), New York City Police Department (NYPD), New York State Police (NYSP), and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The joint investigation included physical and covert video surveillance, court-authorized wiretapping of cellular telephones, the analysis of electronic evidence, including cellphone communications, and other traditional investigative operations.

The investigation began in August 2023 with a focus on Ortiz Vasquez, who sold illegal firearms, illegal rapid-fire modification devices that transform semiautomatic weapons into automatic weapons, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition. Wiretap evidence revealed a coordinated network of individuals around Ortiz Vasquez working together to buy, store, transport, and sell these firearms and accessories. 

The investigation revealed that Ortiz Vasquez bought firearms from Nelphy Reyes-Peralta, Nestor Vasquez Vargas and his cousin Derek Vargas, Harry Laureano, and Jeffry Deschamps. Vasquez Vargas, who resides in Kissimmee, Florida, would mail illegal firearms – some of which he custom painted – to Ortiz Vasquez in Paterson, New Jersey. Ortiz Vasquez bought firearms from the other defendants at various locations in Paterson, often using codewords like “toys,” “sneakers,” or “panties” to refer to the guns when arranging purchases. Ortiz Vasquez and his sources also referred to ammunition as “food” and the illegal rapid-fire modification devices as “switches” when they communicated about sales. In addition to Ortiz Vasquez’s payments, Tiffany Diaz Fermin and brothers Carlos Torres and Juan Torres sent money transfers through Zelle and CashApp to pay Ortiz Vasquez’s sources.   

After buying the firearms, Iris Molina, Diaz Fermin, and Rodriguez stored firearms for Ortiz Vasquez at Molina, Diaz Fermin, and Ortiz Vasquez’s homes in Paterson. Ortiz Vasquez also enlisted his mother, Yadira Vasquez, to help move, hide, store, and pay for the firearms. 

The Torres brothers regularly assisted Ortiz Vasquez in driving the firearms, rapid fire modification devices, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition from Paterson, New Jersey to Washington Heights in New York City, where they were sold. The defendants consistently made their sales on the same street corner in Washington Heights. In addition, Deschamps, Laureano, Yadira Vasquez, and Rodriguez all transported firearms from New Jersey to Manhattan and were each present for at least one sale made by Ortiz Vasquez. The defendants used different methods to disguise the weapons and ammunition as they transported them, often wrapping guns in blankets and sheets or hiding them in reusable grocery bags. At least once, the defendants used a guitar case to hide an assault rifle while driving it to New York City.  

Ortiz Vasquez also sold 500 grams of cocaine in Washington Heights, which was consistently sourced from his brother, Hector Vasquez.

Assault rifles, ghost guns, ammunition, and a high-capacity magazine recovered by the investigation.

An assault-style pistol, other firearms, and ammunition recovered by the investigation.

The following individuals have now been convicted and sentenced:

• Anthony Ortiz Vasquez, 26, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Conspiracy in the Second Degree, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to concurrent sentences of 10 years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on each of the Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance and Criminal Sale of a Firearm counts, and one to three years in prison on each of the Conspiracy counts.
   
• Nelphy Reyes-Peralta, 48, of Wayne, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to concurrent sentences of five years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm count, and one and one-third to four years in prison on each of the Conspiracy counts.
   
• Nestor Vasquez Vargas, 21, of Kissimmee, FL, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to one to three years in prison.
   
• Hector Vasquez, 38, of Passaic, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to concurrent sentences of three and a half years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm count, three years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on the Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance Count, and one to three years in prison on the Conspiracy count.
   
• Derek Vargas, 22, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to one and one-third to four years in prison.
   
• Jeffry Deschamps, 33, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to one to three years in prison.
   
• Carlos Torres, 23, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to concurrent sentences of eight years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm count, and one and one-third to four years in prison on each of the Conspiracy counts.
   
• Juan Torres, 22, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree and Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to concurrent sentences of five and a half years in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision on the Criminal Sale of a Firearm count, and one and one-third to four years in prison on each of the Conspiracy counts.
   
• Harry Laureano, 33, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
   
• Iris Molina, 41, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fifth Degree and sentenced to three years of probation.
   
• Tiffany Diaz Fermin, 29, of Paterson, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to 364 days in jail.
   
• Yadira Vasquez, 43, of Hackensack, NJ, was convicted of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree and sentenced to time served.
   
• Kiara Rodriguez, 24, of Hackensack, NJ, was convicted of Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree and sentenced to six months in jail, followed by the balance of five years of probation.

“By moving assault style weapons, ghost guns, rapid-fire conversion devices, and cocaine from out-of-state and through a single street corner in Washington Heights, these defendants turned our neighborhoods into an open-air market for lethal firepower and narcotics,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Pete Gizas. “They exposed unsuspecting residents to the risk of sudden gunfire and drug-fueled violence — all for a profit that can no longer protect them from the consequences of their recklessness. This outcome was only possible because of the seamless partnership between HSI New York, the Attorney General’s Office, and our federal, state, and local law enforcement allies, and we will continue to stand shoulder to shoulder to keep our communities safer.”

“The defendants in this case were part of a brazen trafficking ring that funneled guns and drugs into our communities,” said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “Over the course of this long-term investigation, the NYPD dismantled this criminal network, taking 74 deadly firearms — including assault-style rifles and untraceable ghost guns — along with 500 grams of cocaine and over 2,000 rounds of ammunition off our streets. I thank our NYPD investigators, law enforcement partners, the New York Attorney General’s Office, and all who worked to ensure that these criminals were held accountable.”

The Attorney General would also like to thank the joint task force members of NYPD, DEA, HSI, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and NYSP, the Passaic City (New Jersey) Police Department, the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General – Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ) Weapons Trafficking Unit, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, the New Jersey State Police Weapons Trafficking North Unit, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Postal Inspection Service for their valuable assistance and participation in this investigation.

The investigation was led by NYPD Detective/Task Force Officer (TFO) Hector Rodriguez and HSI New York personnel of the joint NYPD-DEA Strike Force Group Z-13, under the supervision of NYPD Sergeant Ryan Boylan and Commanding Officer Gene Ryerson, NYPD Lieutenant Michael Pomerantz, NYPD Associate Chief of Operations Levon Holley, and under the overall supervision of NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. HSI New York is overseen by Acting Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Pete Gizas. Dennis Acheson is the DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge (ASAC). Christopher Roberts is the DEA Special Agent in Charge (SAC) for the New York Region, and Frank A. Tarentino, III is the Assistant Chief of Operations.

For the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the investigation was led by Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) Detective Robert Geary, under the supervision of OCTF Supervising Detective Paul Grzegorski, Assistant Chief Ismael Hernandez, and Deputy Chief Andrew Boss, with special assistance from the detective specialists from the OAG Special Operations Unit, led by Deputy Chief Sean Donovan. The Attorney General’s Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes.

The case was prosecuted by former OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorneys General Brandi S. Kligman and Christopher Clark, under the supervision of Downstate OCTF Deputy Chief Lauren Abinanti with the assistance of OCTF Legal Support Analyst Alex DiGiacomo and former Legal Support Analyst Madeline Rosen. Nicole Keary is the Deputy Attorney General in Charge of OCTF. Both OCTF and the Investigations Bureau are part of the Division for Criminal Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General José Maldonado and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

Texas Woman Who Filed Fraudulent FEMA Claims Relating to the Los Angeles Fires Sentenced to Prison

 

Anyone who defrauds American taxpayers will face the consequences

A Texas woman was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for fraudulently obtaining more than $28,000 in federal disaster relief money. In addition to several false non-disaster claims, she submitted a fraudulent disaster benefits application to FEMA, claiming she lived in Pasadena, California in a rental property that had been damaged by the Eaton Fire.

The Trump Administration is taking aggressive action to root out fraud and protect taxpayer dollars, ensuring disaster assistance reaches only those who truly need it. As part of this commitment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) are working with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and federal and local partners to investigate fraud and hold offenders accountable.

“Anyone who steals from American taxpayers will be held accountable,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “We are protecting taxpayer dollars and making sure disaster assistance goes to those who truly need it. Anyone who tries to steal from survivors will be caught and held accountable.”

Assistant United States Attorney Kerry L. Quinn of the Major Frauds Section prosecuted this case.

Taking funds meant for disaster survivors is a serious crime. In Fiscal Year 2025, FEMA investigated over 1,700 fraud cases. The agency refers suspected fraud in its Individual Assistance program to the DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) and other law enforcement partners for investigation and potential prosecution, including cases involving organized criminal activity.

The Administration is doubling down on efforts to prevent, detect, and punish fraud. President Trump’s Executive Order 14395 established the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, bringing together federal agencies to coordinate a national strategy to stop fraud, waste, and abuse in federal benefit programs. FEMA is fully engaged in strengthening eligibility verification, enhancing pre-payment controls, and ensuring disaster assistance is delivered quickly and securely to eligible survivors. 

The agency is focused on ensuring disaster assistance reaches eligible survivors and communities quickly while preventing scammers from exploiting FEMA disaster assistance programs. FEMA will continue to review and refine disaster declaration practices to ensure responsible stewardship of federal resources and support for communities in need.

If you suspect fraud, report it to the DHS Office of Inspector General at https://www.oig.dhs.gov/hotline or FEMA’s Fraud Investigations and Inspections Division at StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.