BRONX MOTORIST CONVICTED OF FIRST-DEGREE ASSAULT FOR SERIOUSLY INJURING E-BIKE RIDER

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced that a jury convicted Harold Vega of first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest and other charges for a July 2024 hit-and-run collision that left a 39-year-old father gravely injured. Vega, evincing a depraved indifference to human life, recklessly led police on a high-speed chase through Astoria past dozens of traffic signals as he drove onto sidewalks and hurtled past intersections crowded with motorists before he struck the cyclist. He then continued without stopping until he rammed into a parked car. Vega was finally arrested after he attempted to run from the scene on foot.

District Attorney Katz said: “This defendant led police on a high-speed chase. He defied instructions by the police to pull over for more than 10 minutes all while blowing through traffic signals and stop signs. He maneuvered against traffic and onto sidewalks on a very busy afternoon in a residential neighborhood. He hit a cyclist who was obeying the rules of the road and left his victim in perilous condition, with severe head trauma that still affects his health and future to this day. A jury has now convicted him of first-degree assault and other serious charges and he is facing more than 25 years in prison.”

Vega, 48, of the Bronx, was convicted by a jury of assault in the first degree; reckless endangerment in the first degree; assault in the second degree; unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle in the second degree; leaving the scene of an accident without reporting; resisting arrest; criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree; reckless driving; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the second degree; operating a motor vehicle or permitting it to be operated in this state without having in full force financial security; operating or driving a motor vehicle without a license; operating or driving an unregistered motor vehicle; and driving without proper license plates.

The jury deliberated for one day before convicting Vega. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Hartofilis ordered Vega to appear for sentencing on September 16 when he faces a cumulative sentence in excess of 25 years in prison.

DA Katz said, according to the charges and trial testimony, on July 3, 2024, at approximately 4:33 p.m., Vega was driving a gray 2003 Nissan Altima near the intersection of 36th Avenue and 21st Street in Astoria. A police officer in an unmarked patrol car noticed the car’s license plate was obscured with a tinted cover. Further investigation revealed the obscured plate belonged to a different car and the police officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop after activating lights and sirens on his vehicle. Vega briefly paused as if he was stopping then made a U-turn in violation of the nearby traffic light and sped away from the officer.

Vega continued to drive, accelerating at a heightened speed through 25 additional steady red lights and 14 stop signs. He also drove against the flow of traffic, disregarded double yellow lines, wove in and out of traffic and drove on the sidewalk, endangering multiple pedestrians.

After going through a red light at 31st Avenue and Crescent Street, Vega struck Arturo Aguirre Matias, as the victim rode his electric bicycle with pedals across Crescent Street. Matias was inside the designated bike lane, traveling with the flow of traffic and had a green traffic signal in his favor. The force of the impact knocked Matias into the air before he landed causing severe head trauma.

After colliding with the victim, Vega did not stop and continued until he hit a parked car with sufficient force to deploy his car’s airbags. Vega then got out of the car and fled on foot.

Vega was confronted by good Samaritans, who thwarted his run near 24th Drive and 23rd Street where police caught up to him. During his arrest, police discovered a glassine envelope containing a quantity of cocaine in Vega’s pants pocket and determined his driver’s license was suspended. Vega had been previously convicted of unlicensed vehicle operation within 18 months of the incident. The vehicle he was driving was unregistered and uninsured.

Matias needed extensive hospital care for head trauma and requires extended, ongoing medical treatment for head trauma including a permanent and severe speech impairment and debilitating seizures. 

Justice Department Clarifies Duty of States to Report Known Illegal Aliens Under Welfare-Reform Law

 

The Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel has issued a legal opinion clarifying that when a state chooses to participate in the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs, all agencies within that state — not only those that administer TANF or SSI benefits — must report individuals known to be not lawfully present in the United States to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

“Congress wrote this requirement plainly,” said Assistant Attorney General T. Elliot Gaiser of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel. “When a state chooses to participate in TANF, it accepts the obligation to report illegal aliens in the United States. Tax dollars intended to help vulnerable Americans should not perversely encourage illegal entry into the United States, but rather should reinforce our laws and our borders.”

“Our clarification does not impose new obligations on states,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Joshua Craddock of the Justice Department’s Office of Legal Counsel and author of the opinion. “It simply restores the original meaning of the statute Congress enacted and ensures that DHS receives the information it is legally entitled to. States that accept TANF funding must abide by federal law, and failure to comply may lead to serious consequences, including loss of program funding.”

The Office withdrew a Clinton-era opinion from 1998 that construed the reporting requirement much more narrowly. Under that prior interpretation, only the specific state agencies administering TANF or SSI were required to provide information to federal immigration authorities. All fifty states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories currently participate in TANF and SSI, and federal TANF funding grants exceed $16.4 billion annually.

The Office of Legal Counsel’s Sept. 1 opinion explains that Congress defined “State” broadly in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996. As a result, when a state accepts federal TANF or SSI funds, the entire state government — including all component agencies — is bound by federal law to share information with DHS about individuals the state knows to be not lawfully present.

The opinion applies prospectively. States will not face retroactive penalties for past reliance on the 1998 interpretation. Federal agencies may rely on OLC’s advice to update TANF and SSI grant agreements and compliance processes to reflect the correct legal standard moving forward.

Former Executives Of “Pre-IPO” Investment Platform Charged In Connection With $450 Million Fraud Scheme

 

William Sarris Charged and Joseph Endoso Pleads Guilty in Scheme to Defraud Linqto Customers Through Lies About Pricing of Securities

Deputy United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, Sean S. Buckley, and Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (the “FBI”), James C. Barnacle, Jr., announced the unsealing of an Indictment charging WILLIAM SARRIS, the founder of Linqto Inc. (“Linqto”), a “pre-IPO” investment platform, with securities fraud, broker-dealer fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy charges. SARRIS’s former second-in-command, JOSEPH ENDOSO, pled guilty to an Information before U.S. District Judge Denise L. Cote on August 27, 2026, in connection with his participation in the scheme at Linqto. ENDOSO is cooperating with the Government. 

“This Office is committed to pursuing those who would take advantage of the private markets—including the ‘pre-IPO’ market—to defraud ordinary investors,” said Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean S. Buckley.  “William Sarris allegedly exploited the ‘pre-IPO’ market to boost his company’s revenue at the expense of tens of thousands of investors. In the private markets, which lack the pricing transparency of a public exchange, investors rely on the honesty of those offering access. The defendants allegedly lied about what the ‘market’ price was, fabricated scarcity to inflate prices, and imposed staggering markups that in some cases exceeded 200%.” 

“William Sarris’s alleged fraud scheme caused real financial harm to victims who trust our financial markets,” said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C. Barnacle, Jr. “Protecting those investors is one of our top priorities, and we thank our partners in the Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force for their critical support in bringing this case forward.”

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

From 2020 through 2025, SARRIS engaged in a scheme to defraud the customers of Linqto, an online investment platform. SARRIS accomplished his scheme by exploiting the lack of visibility into the true price of the private securities in which customers invested. Linqto marketed itself as a way for ordinary investors to invest in private companies expected to eventually offer securities on a public exchange but whose stock, in the meantime, did not have readily identifiable prices. SARRIS abused his informational advantage over his customers: he manufactured false scarcity to drive up prices, he manipulated Linqto’s pricing model to maximize revenue while telling customers that they were buying at “market” prices, and he pushed markups far beyond what his own lawyers repeatedly warned him was lawful.

SARRIS pursued this scheme because it stood to make him wealthy. He had a sizeable stake in Linqto and was hunting for a way to cash out. The markup scheme made it appear that Linqto was a successful and growing company, which was crucial to SARRIS’s ability to sell his equity position.

To protect his scheme, SARRIS evaded regulatory regimes that would have forced disclosures and hampered his ability to charge the exorbitant markups fueling Linqto’s growth. And when Linqto’s finances came under pressure in January 2025, to help meet the company’s revenue targets, SARRIS sold shares allocated to customers’ holdings, without telling his customers. By mid-2025, Linqto collapsed into bankruptcy. By that time, the markup scheme had drawn in over $450 million from more than 13,000 customers.

SARRIS, 75, of Monterey, California, is charged with two counts of securities fraud, one count of broker-dealer fraud, and one count of wire fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and broker-dealer fraud, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to conduct unregistered investment company transactions, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

ENDOSO, 66, of Ross, California, pled guilty to one count of securities fraud and one count of broker-dealer fraud, each of which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud and broker-dealer fraud, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and to conduct unregistered investment company transactions, each of which carries a maximum sentence of five 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 defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Buckley praised the outstanding work of the FBI. Mr. Buckley further thanked the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for its assistance.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Securities and Commodities Fraud Task Force. Assistant United States Attorneys Shiva H. Logarajah, Alexandra N. Rothman, and Samuel P. Rothschild 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.

BAAD!’s AATT ACADEMY OPENS FALL 2026 REGISTRATION! October 12 – December 16, 2026

 

Free Athletics & Dance classes for children ages 6–9 featuring Ballet, Boxing, Hip-Hop, West African, Gymnastics, Bangladeshi Folk & more.

The Bronx Academy of Arts and Dance (BAAD!) is excited to announce that registration is now open for the 10th annual AATT Academy Athletic Dance Program. This boundary-pushing afterschool athletic dance program led by a talented and diverse team of professional teaching artists is designed for children ages 6–9. Tuition is free, but space is limited and offered on a first come, first serve basis. The Fall 2026 session runs from Monday, October 12 through Wednesday, December 16 at BAAD!’s home near Westchester Square at 2474 Westchester Avenue.

“I am so excited that AATT Academy will be entering its 10th year as we engage both boys and girls in this exciting initiative. We are so proud to continue bringing free, high-quality training in over 11 different genres of athletics and dance to our local Bronx youth,” says AATT Academy founder Arthur Avilés.  

AATT Academy offers Bronx children a rare opportunity to receive arts education for free in a supportive, inclusive, and non-competitive environment. The program introduces young dancers to a variety of styles — from Ballet and Hip-Hop to West African Dance, Gymnastics, Vogue, Bangladeshi Folk, and more.

BAAD! is excited to continue empowering students with the creativity, confidence, and community that build up their artistry and discipline. At the culmination of the session, participants will share what they’ve learned in a public showing for family and friends.

Founded by acclaimed Bronx choreographer Arthur Avilés in 2006, the AATT Academy has grown into one of the borough’s leading youth dance programs. Launched in 2016 as an in-house afterschool and summer intensive program, it continues to uphold BAAD!’s mission of making the arts accessible, innovative, and affirming.

The AATT Academy receives support from the SHS Foundation,The Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation, The Jody and John Arnhold Foundaiton and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs.

Watch our 2025 AATT Academy Sharing Day recap video here. Sign up for Fall classes here. To learn more about the program or ask any questions, please contact Dance Education Monica Azpeitia at 718-918-2110 or visit www.BAADBronx.org.

Brooklyn Man Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking a Victim and Admits to Kidnapping Six Other Women

 

Defendant Engaged in a Pattern of Robbing and Sexually Assaulting His Victims

Chad Barclay pleaded guilty to sex trafficking a victim, Jane Doe #1.  Additionally, as part of his plea agreement, Barclay stipulated that he kidnapped six additional women.  The proceeding was held before United States Magistrate Judge Seth D. Eichenholtz. When sentenced, Barclay faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and up to life in prison. 

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

“This defendant is a dangerous predator who used force and intimidation to sexually assault a victim and has admitted to additional conduct including kidnapping six other women,” stated United States Attorney Nocella.  “This guilty plea holds him accountable for the devastating harm he inflicted on his victims and sends a clear message that our Office will vigorously prosecute those who use violence, enticement, and coercion to facilitate sex trafficking.  We remain committed to protecting victims of this scourge, pursuing justice on their behalf, and ensuring that perpetrators like Barclay are held responsible for their crimes.”

Mr. Nocella expressed his appreciation to the Justice Department’s Criminal Division for their support, and the New York City Police Department for its assistance.

“Chad Barclay has now admitted that he kidnapped, violently raped, and robbed multiple female victims,” stated Assistant Attorney General Duva.  “This prosecution demonstrates that we will always seek justice for survivors of trafficking and abuse to prevent more of these heinous crimes. This type of exploitation and violence has no place in our civilized society.” 

“Chad Barclay’s brutal and predatory actions inflicted profound harm on his victims and demonstrated a clear disregard for their safety and humanity. The FBI and NYPD's joint investigation ensured his conduct was exposed and he was brought before the justice system to answer for his crimes. We will continue working closely with our partners to protect victims and ensure offenders are held fully accountable for their actions,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Barnacle.

As set forth in court filings and during this plea proceeding, on September 13, 2022, Barclay enticed Jane Doe #1, who he met on Eros, an online escort website, to travel from another state to his apartment in Brooklyn to engage in commercial sex.  After arriving at his apartment, Barclay paid Jane Doe #1 approximately $1,500 in cash for sex.  Barclay then used force to have sex with her without a condom and against her will.  After raping Jane Doe #1, Barclay opened her purse and took the $1,500 he already paid her.  In addition, he stole approximately $1,200 from the victim’s purse.  Barclay asserted that Jane Doe #1 still owed him $1,500 for working on his turf, claiming that he “ran” Brooklyn and was part of a “Brooklyn gang” so all the women in Brooklyn worked for him and had to pay him a “tax.”  When Jane Doe #1 replied that she did not have any more money, Barclay laughed and said that she was going to have to “pay or you have to work for me or you die.” 

Barclay also warned Jane Doe #1 that his “guys” were in front of the building and they would kill her if she tried to leave.  Barclay also confiscated her phone, forced her to unlock it with her face and reviewed the contents of her phone.  After reviewing her phone, Barclay threatened Jane Doe #1 by stating that he knew where she lived and that she had a daughter.  Barclay permitted her to leave after Jane Doe #1 stated that she sent a friend her location information and that her friend would call the police if she did not hear from Jane Doe #1 soon.  Jane Doe #1 later reported the rape to local police and went to a hospital where a rape kit was performed. 

As part of his plea agreement, Barclay stipulated to kidnapping six additional women between 2022 and 2023.  Barclay engaged in a similar pattern in which he enticed commercial sex workers to come to his apartment where he robbed and sexually assaulted most of the victims.   

Perry Man Sentenced to Decade in Federal Prison for Drug Crime

 

Fairley Trey Pitts, 35, of Perry, Fla., was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison after previously pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The sentence was announced by John P. Heekin, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida.

U.S. Attorney Heekin said: “This repeat felon has demonstrated that the only way we can guarantee he won’t continue to flood our streets with deadly drugs is by keeping him locked away behind bars, and my office will do just that. Anyone who peddles poisonous drugs, like meth, in the Northern District of Florida should be on notice that federal prison awaits them.”

According to court records, on June 9, 2025, a search warrant was executed at Pitts’ home, leading to the discovery of 81 grams of methamphetamine. Pitts was on federal supervision at the time following a 2017 federal conviction for distributing methamphetamine. Once he is released from prison, he will be on supervised release again for a ten-year term.

“Drug dealers who profit by poisoning North Florida communities will be brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Escobar, DEA Tampa Field Division. “Methamphetamine is highly trafficked in this region, and our agents and law enforcement partners will not stop until these bad actors are held accountable for their actions.”  

The conviction and sentence were the result of a joint investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith L. Steer.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

STATE ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENIFER RAJKUMAR TO HOST FREE LEGAL AID CLINIC IN SOUTH QUEENS, BRINGING ACCESS TO JUSTICE DIRECTLY TO CONSTITUENTS

 

RAJKUMAR, A PUBLIC INTEREST LAWYER WHO HAS SPENT HER CAREER USING THE POWER OF THE LAW TO PROMOTE FAIRNESS AND EQUITY, CONTINUES HER RECORD OF DELIVERING CRITICAL SERVICES TO THE PEOPLE OF THE 38TH ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Continuing her commitment to bringing government services directly to the people, State Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar announced that she will host a free legal aid clinic for constituents on Thursday, September 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at her District Office at 83-91 Woodhaven Boulevard.

Attorneys will be available for one-on-one consultations on a range of civil, non-criminal legal matters, including housing, public benefits, identity theft, debt management, immigration, intimate partner violence, divorce, employment, and estate planning.

As a public interest lawyer, Assemblywoman Rajkumar has spent her career wielding the power of the law to protect people and families, tearing down all barriers to justice. She has fought to protect immigrants, tenants, domestic violence survivors, and workers, while advancing pay equality and standing up for New Yorkers who need an advocate in their corner. As Assemblywoman, she passed groundbreaking court reform legislation to ensure every New Yorker has a fair day in court, with bills to allow correction of technical errors and guarantee that juries reach verdicts through a fair and transparent process. 

Assemblywoman Rajkumar said, “Access to justice is a fundamental right, no matter your bank account. As a public interest lawyer, I have spent my career using the power of the law to protect people and give them a voice. I am proud to bring that same commitment directly to the people of South Queens. This free legal clinic will connect our neighbors with expert advice so they can understand their rights, navigate difficult legal challenges, and find a path forward.”

The legal aid clinic is the latest example of Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s hands-on approach to delivering meaningful services directly to constituents. Her office has brought a wide range of free community programs and resources to the 38th Assembly District, including tenant and homeowner counseling, financial literacy workshops, an OMNY Card Van, a pet vaccine clinic, community skating, and free classes in English, art, chess, and tai chi.

Consultation with an attorney is by appointment only. Constituents who wish to schedule an appointment should contact Assemblywoman Rajkumar’s office at 718-805-0950 or rajkumarj@nyassembly.gov.

With every initiative, Assemblywoman Rajkumar is working to ensure that government is accessible, responsive, and right at the doorstep of the people she represents, guided by her conviction that justice be available to every New Yorker, not just those who can afford it.

ICE’s August Arrests Break Record for Number of Illegal Aliens Arrested

 

This is the third straight month in which ICE set a new record for arrests 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement announcing that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested nearly 51,000 illegal aliens in August 2026, surpassing July’s total for the new record of highest number of illegal aliens arrested in a single month. 

In August, ICE arrested 50,925 illegal aliens across the country. This surpasses the previous record held by July 2026, which saw 50,208 illegal aliens arrested, and marks the second consecutive month with over 50,000 illegal alien arrests. July surpassed June, which saw 43,900 number of illegal aliens arrested.  

“The hard-working men and women of DHS continue to break records as they defend the homeland and protect the American people,” said DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “For the third straight month, ICE set a new record for the highest number of illegal aliens arrested in a single month, nearly 51,000. This is promises made and promises kept in action. Under President Trump’s leadership, ICE is working around the clock every day to arrest and deport illegal aliens from American communities. If you are in the country illegally, LEAVE NOW. If not, we will find you, arrest you, and deport you.” 

Since President Trump returned to office, more than 3 million illegal aliens have left the United States. 

Being in detention is a choice. The United States is offering illegal aliens $3,000 and a free flight to self-deport now with the CBP Home App. We encourage every person here illegally to take advantage of this offer. If not, you will be arrested and deported without a chance to return. 

WORST OF THE WORST: In the month of August, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested criminal illegal aliens across the country, including those convicted for heinous crimes such as DUI manslaughter, child pornography, murder, sexual assault of a minor, and conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.