Mayor Mamdani Expands City Response to Dangerous Heat, Worsening Air Quality

Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open Thursday  

  

Free KN95 masks available at hundreds of locations, including library branches, police precincts, firehouses and major transit hubs    

Outreach workers intensify canvassing efforts under both Code Red and Code Grey   

Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today expanded the City’s response as dangerous heat continues through Thursday and smoke from Canadian wildfires worsens air quality across New York City.  

  

Thursday’s heat index is forecast to reach the low 90s, while air quality is expected to fall into the “Unhealthy” category. New Yorkers are urged to stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible, limit time outdoors, stay hydrated and check on neighbors. Older adults, people with heart or lung conditions, pregnant people, children and infants face the greatest risks.    

  

“The combination of dangerous heat and unhealthy air is a serious threat to New Yorkers’ health,” said Mayor Mamdani. “If you can, stay somewhere cool with air conditioning, limit your time outdoors, drink plenty of water and check on your neighbors — especially older New Yorkers and anyone with a health condition. Our administration is opening cooling centers, distributing free masks and expanding outreach across the five boroughs. We’ll get through this the same way we always do: together.”  

  

“Outreach workers, librarians, firefighters and police officers are handing out masks in every borough, and cooling center staff are opening doors to anyone who needs relief. That’s the City’s emergency management system at work,” said NYCEM Commissioner Christina Farrell. “Everyday New Yorkers are part of that system too. Limit your time outdoors, check on your neighbors, especially anyone having trouble breathing or managing a health condition, and text NOTIFYNYC to 692-692 so you know the moment conditions change.”  

  

Preparing for Dangerous Heat  

  

Mayor Mamdani is extending the City’s Heat Emergency Plan through Thursday. Hundreds of cooling centers will remain open, and outreach teams will continue intensified efforts under Code Red to connect homeless New Yorkers with safe, air-conditioned spaces.  

  

New Yorkers can find cooling centers, including accessible and pet-friendly locations, at finder.nyc.gov/coolingcenters/ or by calling 311. Service animals are always welcome.    

  

Protecting New Yorkers From Poor Air Quality  

  

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is bringing elevated levels of particulate matter into New York City. Air quality reached levels classified as “Unhealthy” in parts of the city Wednesday and is expected to remain poor Thursday.  

  

Free KN95 masks are available at more than 200 New York Public Library, Queens Public Library and Brooklyn Public Library locations, all NYPD precincts, nine FDNY firehouses, four major transit hubs and through partnerships with the New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT), Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Department for the Aging (NYC Aging) and local council members.   

  

The City’s mask distribution network will expand Thursday to every New York Public Library branch and additional outdoor summer events.  

  

New Yorkers can find pickup locations using the City’s Mask Distribution Site map.  

  

The Department of Social Services (DSS) will activate Code Grey on Thursday alongside Code Red. Outreach teams will increase canvassing to distribute masks and connect homeless New Yorkers with cool, air-conditioned spaces. COOL vans will be deployed to support homeless New Yorkers, check on older adults and distribute masks and other essential supplies. Shelter is available to anyone experiencing homelessness, and walk-ins are welcome. Anyone concerned about someone who may need assistance should call 311.  

  

City agencies are adjusting operations to protect New Yorkers during the heat and poor air quality.  

  

New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) has directed principals to significantly limit outdoor activities. Schools are rescheduling outdoor field trips and ensuring ventilation and air conditioning systems are operating effectively.  

  

NYC Parks is canceling many of its outdoor programs, including swim programs for children and infants, and moving camp activities indoors where possible. The agency will continue to monitor air quality and visibility and adjust programming, including beach and pool operations, as conditions warrant.  

  

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS), NYCEM and the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) are coordinating closely to protect outdoor workers. DCAS has also issued guidance to City agencies on remote work.  

  

New Yorkers are encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by texting NOTIFYNYC to 692-692.  

  

More information on staying safe during extreme heat is available at nyc.gov/beattheheat, and guidance on wildfire smoke is available at on.nyc.gov/firesmoke.   

DHS Demands Sanctuary Politicians Stop Violent Rhetoric Fueling Vehicle Attacks Against Federal Law Enforcement

 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement condemning sanctuary politicians’ rhetoric against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which is fueling vehicle attacks against federal officers.

“Every day, the brave men and women of ICE and CBP put their lives on the line to protect the American people and remove criminal illegal aliens from our communities,” said Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. “Yet, because of the dangerous smears and hoaxes spread by sanctuary politicians, our officers are facing a 3,300% increase in vehicle attacks by illegal aliens and anti-ICE agitators. We are once again calling on sanctuary politicians, agitators, and the media to turn the temperature down and stop calling for violence and resistance against ICE law enforcement.”

Below are some of the most egregious examples of hateful rhetoric by sanctuary politicians against ICE and CBP:

• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz compared ICE to a “modern-day Gestapo.”
• Jasmine Crockett compared ICE to “slave patrols…disappearing people based on their skin color,” and also accused ICE of “turning us into Nazi Germany.” 
• Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker claimed that the United States is “essentially” becoming Nazi Germany because of ICE’s heroic efforts. 
• Boston Mayor Michelle Wu compared mask-wearing ICE agents to a Neo-Nazi group. 
• Becca Balint compared ICE law enforcement officers to “vigilantes” engaging in “kidnapping.” 
• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosted a webinar providing tips for illegal aliens to evade arrests at homes, workplaces, or in public. 
• Dan Goldman posted an online video calling on illegal aliens to make a plan for ICE encounters. 
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued multilingual flyers and online resources advising illegal aliens on how to evade arrest.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom released guides and sanctuary laws advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest.
• Shri Thanedar introduced the Abolish ICE Act and stated that ICE “cannot be reformed and must be abolished.”
• Ilhan Omar delivered a House floor speech calling to abolish ICE.

And below are some of the examples of violent vehicular attacks against ICE and CBP as a result of this language by irresponsible sanctuary politicians:

On April 2, 2026, an illegal alien from Honduras tried to evade arrest using his vehicle, sending two ICE officers to the hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. His escape attempt was unsuccessful and ICE arrested him.

On January 13, 2026, an illegal alien from Cuba weaponized his vehicle and rammed two ICE vehicles in San Antonio, Texas. ICE officers successfully arrested him.

On December 8, 2025, an illegal alien from Venezuela and suspected member of Tren de Aragua used his car to ram a law enforcement officer’s vehicle into a tree in Elgin, Illinois. The officer sustained no injuries and ICE arrested the suspect.

On November 13, 2025, a criminal illegal alien from El Salvador intentionally rammed his car into an ICE vehicle and fled the scene in Adelphi, Maryland. He then hit another vehicle before fleeing the scene on foot, and was apprehended by ICE officers.

On November 8, 2025, the U.S. Border Patrol faced four different vehicular ramming attacks in a single day while conducting immigration enforcement operations in Chicago, Illinois. Four suspects were arrested, while another was thwarted by a Controlled Tire Deflation Device.

On October 2, 2025, ICE officers were targets of two different vehicular assaults in Illinois on the same day, with one in Bensenville and the other in Norridge. The suspects in both cases were criminal illegal aliens who were arrested.

On September 14, 2025, an illegal alien from Guatemala reversed his car into an ICE officer during a traffic stop in an attempt to flee in Homestead, Florida, hitting the officer in the leg. The suspect rammed into multiple ICE vehicles and then sped away into oncoming traffic, colliding with a utility van. The driver and three other illegal aliens were arrested.

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Mayor Mamdani, Chief Climate Officer Yeung Announce Appointment of Annel Hernandez as Public Utility Advocate

 

Hernandez to lead City efforts to lower utility costs, improve service and expand clean energy affordability programs for working-class New Yorkers 

Today, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung announced the appointment of Annel Hernandez as New York City’s Public Utility Advocate.  

  

As part of the Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice (MOCEJ), Hernandez will work closely with City agencies, community organizations and other stakeholders to protect utility customers, fight for affordable rates, expand access to energy affordability programs, increase public participation in utility rate proceedings and ensure the transition to clean energy delivers material benefits to the New Yorkers who need them most.  

  

Hernandez’s appointment comes as New Yorkers face some of the highest energy costs in the nation. Lowering utility bills is central to the Mamdani administration’s efforts to confront the climate and cost-of-living crises facing working families.   

   

“Gas and electricity are not luxuries — they are basic necessities. But too many New Yorkers are struggling to afford the energy they need to keep the lights on, stay cool in the summer and heat their homes in the winter,” said Mayor Mamdani. “As Utility Advocate, Annel Hernandez will be a relentless fighter for working people. She will stand up to utility companies pocketing billions in profit at the expense of hard-working New Yorkers, push back against unjustified rate hikes and champion a clean energy future that lowers costs and improves people’s lives.”   

   

“Our energy grid powers our every day, and yet most New Yorkers feel disconnected or disempowered from shaping that very system. NYC’s clean energy transition should mean a modern grid, large renewable energy projects, resilient distributed energy, healthy efficient homes, community solar and lower energy bills. I look forward to collaborating with allies to uplift community voices as we advance our clean energy goals,” said Public Utility Advocate Annel Hernandez.   

  

“It’s unacceptable that New Yorkers are forced to choose between putting food on their dinner tables and plugging in their AC on a dangerously hot summer day,” said Deputy Mayor for Operations Julia Kerson. “Annel Hernandez will lead the charge to challenge rate hikes, secure affordability and move our city toward a greener future. She will anchor this administration’s commitment to holding wealthy utility companies accountable to the people they serve, and I look forward to the wins she will deliver for the working families of our city.”   

   

“Every month, New Yorkers facing high energy bills are confronted with the reality that the climate crisis is inextricably linked to the affordability crisis,” said Chief Climate Officer Louise Yeung. “Annel Hernandez is a dedicated climate justice leader and public servant who not only understands that reality but also knows how to deliver climate solutions. In her new role as Public Utility Advocate, Hernandez will fight to keep energy affordable for working-class New Yorkers to make sure no one is left behind in a just and equitable transition to clean energy."     

  

About Annel Hernandez   

   

Annel Hernandez has dedicated her career in public service to advancing climate policy with a focus on equity, environmental justice and clean energy. She currently leads the clean energy team at the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice.  

  

Previously, Hernandez served as the Director of Climate and Environmental Policy for New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse and as Associate Director of the New York City Environmental Justice Alliance. She also held roles at the Mayor’s Office of Economic Opportunity and the Urban Climate Change Research Network at Columbia University’s Earth Institute. She began her public service career as a New York City Urban Fellow.  

  

Hernandez teaches environmental justice and climate resiliency at Columbia University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and Latino studies from Fordham University and a Master of Public Administration in Energy and Environment from Columbia University. A lifelong New Yorker, she lives in Bushwick, Brooklyn.  

  

Federal Correctional Officer Charged With Sexual Abuse Of An Inmate At FCI Otisville

 

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General (“DOJ OIG”), Ryan T. Geach, and Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (“BOP”), William K. Marshall III, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging KYLE BROWN, a former federal correctional officer with the BOP, with three counts of sexual abuse of a ward for engaging in sexual acts with an inmate he was responsible for guarding.  BROWN was arrested this morning and was presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Victoria Reznik.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Philip M. Halpern.

“Sexual abuse will be met with federal charges throughout our society; it has no place anywhere and victims deserve protection everywhere,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.  “When a correctional officer abuses their power and harms an inmate, it is not only a violation of federal law—it is a betrayal of the trust that New York families place in our institutions.  We will continue to protect victims, pursue the truth, and hold accountable anyone who abuses their power for their own sexual gratification.”

“As alleged, Kyle Brown abused his authority to engage in sexual acts with an inmate under his protection,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr.  “The FBI is committed to holding corrupt civil servants accountable.”

“The safety and security of federal prisons are of the utmost importance, and the DOJ OIG vigorously investigates allegations of abuse of inmates by Federal Bureau of Prisons staff to ensure that those who break the law and the public’s trust are held accountable,” said DOJ OIG Special Agent in Charge Ryan T. Geach.

“The allegations in the case represent a profound abuse of authority and a betrayal of public trust,” said BOP Director William K. Marshall III.  “Anyone who exploits their position of authority disgraces this profession and has no place in the Federal Bureau of Prisons.  Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will pursue anyone who violates the law and ensure they are held accountable.”

According to the allegations in the Indictment and other public filings: 

Between in or about 2024 and on or about July 1, 2026, BROWN was employed as a federal correctional officer at Federal Correctional Institution, Otisville (“FCI Otisville”).  On three occasions between December 26, 2025, and April 4, 2026, BROWN engaged in anal and/or oral sex with an inmate who was incarcerated at FCI Otisville and over whom BROWN had authority.

BROWN, 27, of Newburgh, New York, is charged with three counts of sexual abuse of a ward, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. 

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Clayton praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and DOJ OIG, as well as the FBI Hudson Valley White Collar Crime Task Force and Otisville FCI Special Investigative Swift Response.

The prosecution of this case is being handled by the Office’s Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in the Criminal Division.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Morel and Madison Reddick Smyser are in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.   

Nevada Businesswoman Sentenced to Prison for Fraudulent Scheme Seeking Millions in COVID-19 Tax Credits

 

Caused a Loss to the United States Exceeding $7 Million

A Nevada woman was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for conspiring to defraud the United States by filing false COVID-19 employment tax credits. The government recommended a sentence of 40 months’ imprisonment.

“The Fraud Division will not tolerate anyone who steals from public benefits programs designed to support Americans in need,” said Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division Colin M. McDonald. “If you attempt to defraud these programs, we will come after you with the full force of federal law. We are committed to safeguarding America’s tax dollars and the programs they are meant to support.”

“Today’s sentence, once again, highlights our District’s commitment to the American taxpayer that when people commit fraud, they will face the legal consequences of those criminal acts,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Adonia Stiles, of Las Vegas, was a real estate agent, tax preparer, and clothing store owner. Stiles conspired with others to file false tax returns fraudulently seeking refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and sick and family leave credit. Congress created both the ERC and the sick and family leave credit to aid struggling businesses during the COVID-19 global pandemic. 

Stiles caused one of her co-conspirators, Candies Goode-McCoy, to file 11 false employment tax returns for Stiles’s clothing store seeking a total of more than $800,000 in refundable tax credits. Stiles also referred 18 other people to Goode-McCoy, for whom Goode-McCoy filed over 150 false employment tax returns. Goode-McCoy claimed $15 million in fraudulent tax credits on behalf of these taxpayers, which resulted in the United States paying out more than $7 million in refunds. In exchange for making these referrals to Goode McCoy, Stiles received at least $135,000. She did not report this income on her individual income tax returns. In April 2026, Goode-McCoy was sentenced to 54 months in prison for her role in the scheme.

In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Jennifer A. Dorsey ordered Stiles to serve two years of supervised release and to pay $7,079,121.48 in restitution to the United States.

IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration investigated the case.

Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez of the District of Nevada prosecuted the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Ten Pounds of Fentanyl Seized from Bronx Apartment - Two Daycare Centers in Building Evacuated

 

A short-term investigation into a fentanyl packaging and distribution operation led authorities to recover approximately 4.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl (nearly 10 pounds) from a third-floor apartment at 2075 Morris Avenue, a five-story residential apartment building in the Fordham neighborhood of the Bronx.

As agents and officers entered the location, defendant Antonio CABRERA allegedly tossed some of the narcotics powder towards a nearby window inside of the apartment. The powder became airborne, prompting law enforcement officers to clear and secure the apartment and other areas in the building. Emergency responders evacuated 14 children from two daycare centers on the first floor as a precaution. No injuries were reported.

A criminal complaint filed by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor (SNP) charges CABRERA with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the Second Degree, and Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree.

Bridget G. Brennan, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor, Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, Christopher Roberts, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Task Force Division, New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, and New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James announced charges against CABRERA following his arraignment in Manhattan Criminal Court last night. CABRERA was held in custody without bail being set.

The investigation was conducted by the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force Group T-14, with assistance from SNP’s Investigators Unit. Task Force Group T-14 is comprised of agents and officers from DEA New York Division, the New York City Police Department (NYPD), the New York State Police, and U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP). The NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and HazMat Team assisted, as did the NYPD K9 Unit.

“Once again the DEA New York Task Force Division, alongside our law Enforcement partners, has dismantled another fentanyl packaging and distribution operation operating out of a Bronx apartment building, which also housed two daycare facilities” stated DEA New York Task Force Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Roberts. “In one particularly disturbing moment, as our Task Force agents, officers, and K-9 “Mulk” made entry into the apartment, the defendant attempted to dispose of the fentanyl powder by throwing it out of a window, exposing our personnel and residents living in the building to this deadly poison. This was not simply drug trafficking; it was blatant disregard for human life and could have become a death sentence for the innocent families living in the building. This operation underscores both the scale and the lethality of the threat we confront every day and highlights the grave danger these traffickers pose to our children, our neighbors, and our communities.”

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan said, “I appreciate the hard work and sacrifice of the attorneys and investigators who identified a drug packaging operation in a Bronx residential building, suspected of distributing large amounts of deadly fentanyl. When officers entered the apartment, the potentially lethal drug was tossed out of a window, prompting the evacuation of two nearby childcare centers. I commend the investigators from our office, the NYPD, DEA and State Police who shut down the narcotics operation, and NYPD Emergency Service Unit and HazMat responders who ensured the safety of children in nearby daycare centers.”

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark said, “"This case is the latest to show the lethal threat that fentanyl poses to our community. As arresting officers closed in, this defendant in an attempt to separate himself from the narcotics and with no regard for innocent people in the building and on the street, allegedly tossed the drugs out of a third-floor window. It is a miracle that none of the children in the daycare center or people on the sidewalk were injured. I thank the investigators from the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, the NYPD, DEA and New York State Police who joined forces to take down this fentanyl drug packaging operation. May this reinforce in the minds of the public that law enforcement is laser focused on ridding our community of these deadly drugs."

“This defendant recklessly packaged and distributed fentanyl from a Bronx building with two daycare centers, endangering the lives of innocent children." said NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD will work tirelessly to find drugs, shut down illegal pipelines, and hold criminals accountable. I thank our NYPD investigators and the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Office for their diligent work on this case, which recovered 4.5 kilograms of suspected fentanyl.”

New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "This investigation demonstrates the critical importance of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The amount of suspected fentanyl recovered had the potential to cause devastating harm to our communities, and the fact that this operation was taking place in a residential building with children nearby underscores just how dangerous these criminal activities can be. I commend the members of the New York Drug Enforcement Task Force, our State Police investigators, and all of our law enforcement partners for their professionalism, swift action, and unwavering commitment to protecting the people of New York."

During the short-term investigation, agents and officers with Task Force Group T-14 conducted physical and electronic surveillance. They observed CABRERA repeatedly entering and exiting 2075 Morris Avenue, Apt. 3J over the course of a week. On multiple occasions, he remained inside the apartment for approximately six to eight hours before leaving again.

On Monday, July 13, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m., agents and officers approached the apartment door accompanied by NYPD K9 “Mulk,” who alerted to the presence of narcotics. Agents and officers gained access to the apartment after hearing commotion inside and allegedly observed CABRERA cupping powdered narcotics with his hands and attempting to toss it out of a window. White powder coated surfaces in the apartment, including the floor.

Members of Task Force Group T-14 took CABRERA into custody and cleared the apartment. NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) and HazMat Team responded to the scene and evacuated 14 children from the two daycare centers on the building’s first floor. No injuries were reported.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., detectives with the NYPD’s ESU conducted a court authorized search of the apartment and recovered nearly 10 pounds of fentanyl. Some of the fentanyl had already been packaged into glassine envelopes that were stamped with brand names in preparation for distribution.

All the equipment necessary for processing fentanyl was present, including blenders used for mixing narcotics, boxes of empty glassine envelopes, scales, stamps, and inkpads. Stamp names included "Black Mamba," "Pandemic," "Covid-19," "Blue Magic," and "Shot."

The results of DEA laboratory analysis on the recovered substances are pending.

Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan thanked Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark, and commended SNP’s Special Investigations Bureau and Investigators Unit, the DEA New York Task Force Division, the New York City Police Department, and the New York State Police for their work on the investigation.

Special Prosecutor Brennan also thanked the emergency medical responders and hazardous materials team from the NYPD for their quick response.

Defendant                                 

Antonio Cabrera                      

New York, NY                           

Age: 62 

Charges

CPCS 1st – 1 ct

Reckless Endangerment 2nd – 1 ct

Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia 2nd – 2cts                                     

The charges and allegations are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Owner Of Long Island Bus Company Sentenced to Prison for Multi Million-Dollar Bank Fraud

 

John B. Mensch Stole Over $9 Million From Two Banks to Keep His Insolvent Businesses Operating

Earlier today, in federal court in Central Islip, John B. Mensch, the owner and chief executive officer of a bus conglomerate based in Medford, Long Island, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury to 18 months in prison for bank fraud conspiracy.  Judge Choudhury also ordered Mensch to pay restitution in the amount of $9,326,366.03.  Mensch pleaded guilty to the charge in October 2024. 

Joseph Nocella, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, James C. Barnacle, Jr., Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), and Matt McCool, Special Agent in Charge, United States Secret Service, New York Field Office (USSS), announced the sentence. 

“John Mensch kept a failing business afloat by manipulating the banking system and exploiting the trust that financial institutions place in their customers,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “By cycling worthless checks through multiple bank accounts, the defendant obtained millions of dollars in funds that did not exist, creating the illusion of financial stability while concealing the company’s insolvency. Today’s sentence should serve to warn fraudsters like the defendant that the loss of freedom and restitution to victims is the price of their crimes.  This Office will continue to hold accountable those who abuse the financial system through sophisticated fraud schemes.”

“John Mensch’s feedback loop of fraud stole more than nine million dollars and manipulated financial institutions to keep his bankrupt business afloat. The FBI continues to hold accountable fraudsters who abuse our economic system for personal enrichment,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

“This was not a victimless crime.  It was a sophisticated scheme involving millions of dollars in fraudulent checks to benefit the defendant, while threatening the integrity of the banking system and harming his creditors, customers and employees,” stated USSS Special Agent in Charge McCool.  “This sentencing should serve as a warning to other criminal fraudsters: We will catch you and you will be held accountable.  Thanks to our partners in the New York law enforcement community and the Eastern District of New York for your collaboration in bringing justice in this case.”

Mensch was the owner and operator of East End, a transportation company that provided busing services for students on Long Island and elsewhere.  Between 2017 and September 2018, East End maintained numerous accounts—and was granted expedited check-clearing privileges—at banks located in Suffolk County, New York, and Orange County, New York.  Those privileges allowed East End to obtain near-immediate access to the deposited funds before the underlying checks had cleared.  Mensch and other East End executives abused those privileges by engaging in an elaborate “check-kiting” scheme, passing fraudulent checks between East End’s various accounts to keep East End operational despite being effectively insolvent. 

Specifically, Mensch and other East End executives drew checks on East End’s bank accounts at Financial Institution #1, despite those accounts containing insufficient funds to cover the checks.  Those bad checks were then deposited into East End’s bank accounts at Financial Institution #2, which, unaware that the checks would eventually bounce, allowed East End immediate access to the funds.  East End withdrew those funds to meet various financial obligations and then, before the checks bounced, conducted the same process in the reverse, drawing bad checks on its Financial Institution #2 accounts and depositing them into its Financial Institution #1 accounts to create the false impression that funds were available to cover the earlier checks.  This circular flow of worthless checks continued, with the banks advancing East End non-existent funds for several months until the scheme was detected in September 2018.  By that time, East End had obtained nearly $10 million dollars from Financial Institution #1 and Financial Institution #2, all of which it had spent while continuing to operate at a deficit. 

NYPD INSPECTOR INDICTED ON ATTEMPTED RAPE, SEXUAL ABUSE, ASSAULT AND OFFICIAL MISCONDUCT CHARGE

 

Defendant Allegedly Assaulted Female Subordinate Inside His Office

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that NYPD Inspector Jeremy Scheublin has been indicted on charges including Attempted Rape, Sexual Abuse, Assault, Official Misconduct, and related offenses for allegedly sexually assaulting a female subordinate inside his office at the 46th Precinct stationhouse. 

District Attorney Clark said, “Members of the New York City Police Department are entrusted with tremendous authority and are held to the highest standards of integrity and conduct. The allegations against this defendant are deeply disturbing. He is accused of attempting to rape a female subordinate in his office and then threatening retaliation if she reported the assault. Alleged abuses of power of this nature demand a thorough investigation and vigorous prosecution.”

Inspector Jeremy Scheublin, 46, is charged in a Bronx County Supreme Court indictment with Attempted Rape in the First Degree, Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree, Forcible Touching, Official Misconduct, and Obstructing Governmental Administration in the Second Degree. 

Scheublin was arraigned before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Laurence Busching. Bail was set at $25,000/$75,000/$75,000. He is due back in court October 30, 2026. Scheublin has been suspended without pay by the NYPD.

According to the investigation, on January 1, 2025, Scheublin, while serving as Commanding Officer of the 46th Precinct, allegedly sexually assaulted a female subordinate inside his office at the precinct stationhouse. Investigators allege that the following day, Scheublin approached the victim and stated, “The last person who made accusations against me, it didn’t go well for them,” in an apparent attempt to discourage her from reporting the incident.

District Attorney Clark also thanked the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau for its assistance with the investigation.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.