After VetConnectNYC Review Finds Persistent Failures, Comptroller Levine Calls to Overhaul Key Portal Serving NYC Veterans

 

Comptroller Notes Series of Vendor Missteps Speaks to Urgency of Effort to Modernize Government Systems

A new review by the office of Comptroller Mark Levine found the Department of Veterans’ Services’ (DVS) VetConnectNYC, the primary online portal connecting New Yorkers who served with services, has been plagued by technological failures, procurement delays, and weak vendor oversight. The eight-year struggle to make government accessible for veterans online is a microcosm of the greater issue of outdated municipal systems, which are sometimes decades old, as the City seeks to modernize its functions and better serve New Yorkers.  

“New York City owes our veterans more than gratitude – we owe them a Government that works,” said City Comptroller Mark Levine. “The VetConnectNYC review is the latest chapter in the never-ending saga of City systems that are outdated, fail to perform, or rely too heavily on third parties with little oversight. New York City has a mandate to bring our systems into the 21st Century, and VetConnectNYC is a ripe target to do that.”  

The review examined DVS’ efforts to make VetConnectNYC a one-stop-shop to connect New York’s 122,700 veterans with services since 2018 – two years after the agency was established. Because DVS is a small agency with just 36 employees operating on a $6.1 million annual budget, the need for digital reliability has been essential for service deliverability. VetConnectNYC was launched as “the main way veterans request services” to provide that reliability, especially when more than half of former services members in the five boroughs are 65 or older. Yet technological hurdles persisted. 

Eight years and more than $2 million later, VetConnectNYC has been marred by continued technological and procurement issues. After two vendors’ engagements expired, DVS operated the portal meant to connect to housing, employment, financial and other services through Microsoft Forms for more than a year. Then, after contracting with vendor Combined Arms in September 2024, the contractor reactivated VetConnectNYC in July 2025 – eight months past its contractually obligated launch date. Problems arose from there, after a data migration in early 2026 led to more technological issues. That included veterans being unable to log into the portal with their correct credentials and DVS staff unable to review service requests. 

  The review team found the following issues:  

• Critical system failures remain unresolved. Veterans and DVS staff cannot consistently login to the VetConnectNYC portal using correct credentials, service requests are routed to the wrong staff or not routed to any staff member, supervisory personnel lack access to program areas they oversee, and case statuses have sometimes changed at random, for example from “completed” to “initiated.” 

• The vendor, Combined Arms, failed to adequately test the system before launch, leading to service interruptions. Performance tests conducted by Combined Arms in March 2026, which assessed user satisfaction with application response time, and independent tests conducted by the review team in March, April, and May 2026, resulted in scores that indicate poor performance and the need for improvement.  

• Service tickets marked as needing urgent remediation were often not remediated promptly. Only 13 of 24 service request tickets categorized as “highest priority” or “high priority” submitted by DVS to Combined Arms after the migration were resolved as of April 2026.  

• Weak performance management limited accountability. The review team found DVS did not hold Combined Arms and its predecessor accountable for adequately tracking key performance indicators or other services to which they were contractually obligated.  

The review team issued a series of recommendations, including:  

• Ensure that VetConnectNYC meets its intended purpose of streamlining the service request and referral process. 

• Enforce adherence to contract requirements and hold Combined Arms accountable for lack of required features and functionality. 

• Complete annual performance evaluations for Combined Arms to document performance deficiencies and consider issuing a vendor caution in PASSPort. 

• Develop requirements with Combined Arms for the collection of ratings and feedback from VetConnectNYC users and service providers on a recurring basis. 

• Require Combined Arms to provide all required performance metrics including service requests and referral outcomes. 

• Meaningfully engage with veterans and other stakeholders about their user experiences and satisfaction with VetConnectNYC and develop a plan for improving ease of use, functionality, service provision, and outcomes. 

The Department of Veterans’ Services agreed with the recommendations. 

You can read the full review here: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/review-of-the-new-york-city-department-of-veterans-services-vetconnectnyc-portal 

Mexican National Sentenced to Prison for Role in Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

A Mexican national, who was illegally in the United States, was sentenced by United States District Judge Gloria M. Navarro to the mandatory minimum of five years in prison for distributing over 1,000 fentanyl pills in North Las Vegas, announced the United States Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada.

"Fentanyl is a deadly poison that continues to devastate families across communities,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “Today’s sentence sends a clear message to those who profit from trafficking this lethal drug: federal law enforcement will pursue you, and you will face severe consequences in federal prison. We remain committed to removing these dangerous substances and the individuals who distribute them from our streets.”

“Fentanyl remains an insatiable killer, bringing irreparable harm into our communities,” said David S. Olesky, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “All those involved in illicit drug trafficking, irrespective of their role in the supply chain, will face the full weight of the law.”

According to court documents and statements made in court, on June 8, 2023, a co-defendant directed Erick Fuentes Lopez to distribute fentanyl pills. When he arrived at a parking lot Fuentes Lopez sold approximately 600 fentanyl pills. Later, on July 12, 2023, a co-defendant directed Fuentes Lopez to distribute fentanyl pills at the same parking lot. Fuentes Lopez distributed approximately 500 fentanyl pills. A total of 118.3 grams of fentanyl were distributed. 

Fuentes Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. 

This case was investigated by the DEA and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Melanee Smith prosecuted the case. 

Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of Andre Mayfield

 

New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) released its report on the death of Andre Mayfield, who died on May 26, 2024 following an encounter with members of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn. After a thorough investigation, which included interviews with involved officers, review of footage from officers’ body-worn cameras (BWC) and crime scene evidence, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ actions were justified under New York law.

At 2:18 a.m. on May 26, two NYPD officers were in a marked patrol vehicle at the intersection of Central Avenue and Eldert Street in Brooklyn after responding to a previous unrelated call. Mr. Mayfield walked up to the passenger side of the police car and threw a glass bottle at the passenger side window. The officers got out of the vehicle, and Mr. Mayfield walked toward one officer with a knife in his hand. Both officers deployed their Tasers, and Mr. Mayfield fell to the ground. Mr. Mayfield then stood back up while still holding onto the knife and began moving toward the officers. The officers instructed Mr. Mayfield to back up, but he did not comply and continued walking toward the officers. Both officers discharged their service weapons, striking Mr. Mayfield. Mr. Mayfield was transported to a hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Officers recovered two knives at the scene.

Under New York’s justification law, a police officer may use deadly physical force when the officer reasonably believes it to be necessary to defend against the use of deadly physical force by another. In this case, Mr. Mayfield approached the officers’ vehicle while they were inside and threw a glass bottle at the window. When the officers got out of the vehicle, Mr. Mayfield walked toward one of the officers with a knife in his hand and ignored commands to drop it. After the officers Tased Mr. Mayfield, he got up and continued advancing toward the officers with the knife. Under these circumstances, given the law and the evidence, a prosecutor would not be able to disprove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the officers’ use of deadly physical force against Mr. Mayfield was justified, and therefore OSI determined that criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

Governor Hochul Announces $6.2 Million for Healthcare and Community Facility Improvements in Brooklyn

State Funding will Expand Primary Care and Behavioral Health Services at StartCare and Support Improvements at Breukelen Houses Community Center

Governor Joins Senator Roxanne J. Persaud to Deliver Investments in Critical Community Services and Facilities

Governor Kathy Hochul announced $6.2 million in state funding to support healthcare and community facility improvements in Brooklyn, including $4.2 million for StartCare and $2 million for the New York City Housing Authority’s Breukelen Houses Community Center. Governor Hochul announced the investments alongside state Senator Roxanne J. Persaud during a community event in Canarsie.

“Strong communities depend on having quality healthcare and welcoming spaces where families can access the services and support they need,” Governor Hochul said. “These investments will help StartCare expand critical health services for Brooklyn residents and strengthen the Breukelen Houses Community Center for the families who rely on it.”

Governor Hochul joined Senator Persaud at her Free Funday and Back to School Giveaway at Canarsie Park, where she helped distribute school supplies to local families ahead of the new school year. Following the giveaway, the Governor and Senator Persaud joined representatives from StartCare and Breukelen Houses to announce the two investments.

The $6.2 million in support, which the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) will administer, will support renovations and improvements at both facilities.

StartCare will receive $4.2 million to renovate its existing facility and expand primary care and behavioral health services. The project will add on-site EKG and laboratory testing and provide additional space for vocational training and community workshops.

The New York City Housing Authority will receive $2 million to support renovations and improvements to the community center at Breukelen Houses. 

BRONX MAN SENTENCED TO FOUR YEARS IN PRISON FOR SCAMMING PROSPECTIVE APARTMENT RENTERS OUT OF $80,000

 

Defendant Posed as a Real Estate Broker

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark today announced that a Bronx man was sentenced to four years in prison for Attempted Burglary and Scheme to Defraud, as part of a months-long scheme, in which, posing as a real estate broker, he scammed 18 prospective renters out of $80,000. 

District Attorney Clark said, “This defendant acting out of pure greed pretended to be a real estate broker, showing vacant apartments to people looking to rent. He was not authorized to show these properties and took approximately $80,000 from the victims who believed the money they were giving him was for application fees, security deposits and rent. With this sentence, justice has been served.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Juan Valoy, 47, of the Bronx, was sentenced today to four years in prison by Bronx Supreme Court Justice Darlene Goldberg. On July 2, Valoy pleaded guilty to two counts of Attempted Burglary in the second-degree and two counts of firstdegree Scheme to Defraud. 

According to the investigation, from late 2023 until February 2025, Valoy posed as a real estate broker and advertised his fraudulent services through Facebook Marketplace and thirdparty referrals. After establishing contact with the prospective renters, the defendant arranged tours via video or in person of newly renovated apartments. Valoy then accepted thousands of dollars in payments from victims, often in cashier’s checks payable to Milian Services Corp., a business registered to Valoy, for what he claimed were application fees, security deposits and first months’ rent. The defendant did not own these properties and did not have permission from the actual owners to enter or show them.

In one case, the victim had to leave his young daughters and return to Florida because he lost his remaining money to the defendant for an apartment he was attempting to rent to reunite his family. 

In another instance, the defendant told a 10-year-old boy in front of his mother that the apartment they were viewing on a day that happened to be the child’s birthday would be his birthday present. The woman promptly went to the bank so she could pay Valoy. When the young family tried to move into the Bronx apartment that she believed she had rented from Valoy, she learned that it was already occupied. 

District Attorney Clark thanked the NYPD Bronx Grand Larceny Squad and Detective Ivellis Flores their work in the investigation. 

Speaker Menin and Council Member Oswald Feliz Announce $24 Million Investment to Transform Ittner Place into State-of-the-Art Park and Greenspace

 

Council launch the start of the Park-Webster Avenue Neighborhood Plan

The plan will kick off engagement process to develop community-driven vision for needed neighborhood investments and potential housing growth

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Oswald Feliz announced today a $24.4 million capital funding investment into Ittner Place to transform the area’s underutilized lots under the Cross Bronx Expressway into new community green and park space. The funding, $14.2 million provided by Speaker Menin in Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 and $10.2 million from the previous mayoral administration in FY2026, will be allocated to the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). DPR will work in partnership with the Office of Council Member Feliz to design state-of-the-art basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, and a skate park.

“This Council is committed to building more housing in every part of New York City while making the investments that allow neighborhoods to grow and thrive,” said Speaker Julie Menin. “In just our first year, the Council has already approved more than 7,000 new homes, including over 3,000 affordable units, and we are determined to do much more. The Park-Webster Neighborhood Plan represents exactly the kind of proactive approach we need—working with residents to identify opportunities for new housing while investing in the parks, infrastructure, jobs, and public spaces that growing communities deserve. I thank Council Member Oswald Feliz for his leadership and partnership in building a stronger future for the Bronx.”

Photos of the event can be found here.

“The Cross Bronx Expressway created many challenges in our community, including abandonment in the nearby corridors,” said Council Member Oswald Feliz. “I am proud to announce a total of $24.4 million, to transform the vacant lots under the Expressway into the park that our community deserves. The funding will allow the construction of 3 new park spaces, which will include basketball courts and green spaces for families to enjoy. We are going to reactivate the region and build a state-of-the-art park that residents will be able to enjoy for years to come.”

Feliz continued, “I am also proud to join Speaker Menin in announcing the Park-Webster Avenue Neighborhood Plan which will focus on one topic: revitalizing the community. This investment will help bring new housing, businesses, and much more to help ensure this community can realize its unlimited potential.”

Speaker Menin and Council Member Feliz also announced the launch of the Park-Webster Neighborhood Plan, a planning study of the Park Avenue and Webster Avenue corridors and surrounding areas from Claremont Parkway to E. 188th Street. With a 20-minute ride to Midtown Manhattan from the Tremont Metro North station, unique open spaces like Claremont and Echo Parks, and proximity to major employers and institutions in the Bronx, the area has tremendous potential for growth and further City investment. The Council will engage community members to explore where new housing, including homeownership opportunities, could fit, what public space and streets improvements are needed; how local businesses and job growth can be supported; and how future investment can build on nearby anchors such as the Bronx Zoo, New York Botanical Garden, and Fordham Road commercial district. The Park-Webster Neighborhood Plan is the first in a series of neighborhood studies to develop community-driven visions for future generations of New Yorkers in the five boroughs.

This announcement is the latest component of the Speaker’s proactive housing agenda, which includes the Speaker’s plan to modernize aging libraries with affordable housing built above them and her proposed reforms to build as-of-right housing on vacant small lots.

Senior Director Of Operations Charged With Insider Trading

 

David Pidgeon Executed Trades While in Possession of Material, Non-Public Information He Received Through His Employment

United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jamie McDonald, and Special Agent in Charge of the Miami Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), Brett Skiles, announced today the unsealing of an Indictment charging DAVID PIDGEON with securities fraud stemming from insider trading based on misappropriated financial information belonging to his employer.  PIDGEON was arrested today and will be presented in Boston, Massachusetts.  The case has been assigned to U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Reardon. 

“As alleged in the Indictment, less than one year ago, a senior official at a public company engaged in insider trading,” said U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald.  “When corporate insiders misuse confidential information for personal gain, they undermine the integrity of our financial system.  Today’s charges—and in particular the speed with which we were able to bring them—reflect our commitment to holding accountable anyone who chooses to engage in this kind of misconduct.  We will continue to work closely with our partners at the FBI and the SEC to safeguard our markets and pursue those who violate the law.” 

“Today’s charges underscore a fundamental principle: when individuals exploit confidential corporate information for personal gain, they undermine the integrity of our financial markets,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Brett Skiles.  “The FBI is committed to protecting investors, maintaining a free and fair market, and holding accountable anyone who attempts to profit through deception and unlawful insider trading.  We will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that those who violate these principles are brought to justice.”

As alleged in the Indictment unsealed today in federal court:(1)

In or about October 2025, PIDGEON, then Senior Director of Operations at Treace Medical Concepts, Inc. (“TMCI”), obtained material nonpublic information about TMCI’s lower sales volume and difficulty meeting its financial projections.  Days before TMCI’s third quarter earnings announcement, PIDGEON sold shares of other issuers and used the proceeds to purchase short-term put options in TMCI stock.  PIDGEON’s trades occurred during a company-wide blackout period when TMCI employees were prohibited from trading in TMCI securities, and in violation of TMCI’s policies, which prohibited employees from trading in TMCI options at any time.  On November 6, 2025, following market close, TMCI announced its third quarter financial results, which included a net loss of $16.3 million and downwardly adjusted 2025 revenue projections.  The following day, TMCI’s stock price dropped approximately 28%. That same day, Pidgeon sold all of his TMCI options.

PIDGEON, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida, is charged with one count of securities fraud under Title 15 of the United States Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of securities fraud under Title 18 of the United States Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.

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

Mr. McDonald thanked the FBI.  Mr. McDonald further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.  

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Courtney L. Heavey is 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.

1. As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaints and the description of the Complaints set forth herein constitutes only allegations and every fact described should be treated as an allegation.

Justice Department to Conduct Election Monitoring in Florida and Wyoming Primary Elections

 

Today, the Civil Rights Division is monitoring polling sites in Florida and Wyoming for the states’ primary elections to ensure transparency, ballot security, and compliance with federal law.

“Election monitoring is an ongoing priority for this office,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Nondiscriminatory monitoring ensures all elections remain free, fair, and accessible to all.”

The DOJ, through the Civil Rights Division, enforces federal voting laws which protect the voting rights of all eligible citizens. The DOJ regularly deploys staff to monitor compliance with federal civil rights laws in communities across the country, as it previously did in Florida and Wyoming in 2022.

The DOJ is monitoring polls in Miami-Dade County, Florida, with approximately four Civil Rights Division attorneys and in Laramie County, Wyoming, with two Civil Rights Division attorneys. Thus far the DOJ has deployed over 75 monitors across five states and over 200 polling locations this primary season. By comparison, during the 2022 midterms the DOJ sent monitors to nine states.

This monitoring initiative is aimed at promoting transparency and an open flow of communication between poll observers and election monitors. The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces various federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Civil Rights Acts.

From now through the general election on Nov. 3, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available to receive questions and complaints from the public related to federal voting rights laws. If you have a question or complaint or would like to request election monitoring in a particular jurisdiction, please contact the Voting Section at VEM@usdoj.gov.