Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Secretary Mullin Hosts FEMA Roundtable and Meets with Angel Family in Nebraska


On Monday, United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin visited the state of Nebraska, where he hosted a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) roundtable and then met with an Angel Family.

At Omaha Fire Station #1, Secretary Mullin hosted a roundtable to discuss recent actions by FEMA to deliver disaster relief to the people of Nebraska. He was joined by Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton, Omaha Fire Department Chief Kathy Bossman, Regional Administrator for FEMA Region 7 Jay A. Van Der Werff, FEMA Region 7 Executive Officer Ryan Lowry-Lee, Government Relations Manager Seth Voyles, and Douglas County Emergency Management Director Whitney Shipley. 

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“I appreciate the work you guys are doing in public service. You’re constantly out there fighting,” said Secretary Mullin. “Our goal and focus in FEMA is a little different than it has been in the past. It’s a constant battle of figuring out how we can cut the red tape and allow local authorities to have the ability to go out, respond, and get refunded faster. So we’re constantly looking at how to better streamline that process. That is the number one conversation we have with President Trump. Every time we talk with him, it is about FEMA and how to reorganize it and get it back to what it was intended for.”

After the roundtable, Secretary Mullin went to a DHS facility in Omaha where he met with the family of Sarah Root, the 21-year-old student who had just graduated college in Nebraska when, in January 2016, she was killed in Douglas County by an illegal alien in a drunk-driving crash. The suspect’s blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit. After he was released on bond in February 2016, he fled the country to evade prosecution.

They were joined in the meeting by three of the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents who were crucial in bringing Sarah’s killer to justice by extraditing him in March 2025. He was convicted and sentenced in February 2026 to 21 years in prison.

After this meeting, Secretary Mullin held a press conference with the Root Family, Senator Ricketts, and HSI Des Moines Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Cardiel.

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Secretary Mullin holds a press conference with (from left to right) HSI Des Moines Assistant Special Agent in Charge Eric Cardiel, Senator Pete Ricketts, Sarah Root’s mother Michelle, Sarah’s father Scott, and Sarah’s brother Scott.

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Sarah’s mother Michelle holding her portrait

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Sarah’s mother Michelle speaks at the press conference

“I’ve said this multiple times, but one death at the hands of an illegal is 100% preventable,” said Secretary Mullin. “It should never take place. You should never have to stand up with Angel Families. There shouldn’t even be a term for this. But the truth is, unfortunately, there is a need for it. President Trump made it a mission when he came into office to eliminate as many of these deaths as possible, by taking these individuals who are illegally in our country off our streets and out of our country. The Department of Homeland Security enforces our nation’s laws. If you chose to come into this country illegally, you chose to break our laws. It is our job to hunt you down and send you back to where you came from.”

After the press conference, Secretary Mullin toured the facility.

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Ice Trafficker Receives Frosty 14 Year Federal Prison Sentence

 

A federal judge sentenced Lara Joy Ezell, 42, to over 14 years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of meth and distribution of 50 grams or more of meth. Ezell pleaded guilty to the charges on June 10, 2026.

“This investigation demonstrates the importance of strong partnerships between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said Michael J. Connolly, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division. “By working together, we were able to disrupt the flow of methamphetamine and bring this defendant to justice. This federal prison sentence is a direct result of those collaborative efforts.”

“After numerous state court convictions this repeat offender should have learned her lesson, but instead she returned to her criminal drug pushing ways,” said U.S. Attorney Ellis Boyle. “Let me be clear, if you peddle poison for profit in EDNC we will catch you and we will send you to federal prison. Eastern North Carolina will be safer for it. Drugs kill. Prison awaits. Do right.”

In April 2025, ATF and the Dunn Police Department opened an investigation into Ezell’s drug‑trafficking activities. During the investigation, law enforcement officers conducted multiple controlled purchases of meth from Ezell. They also determined that between June 2024 and April 2025, Ezell possessed and distributed approximately 1.3 pounds of Ice, also known as crystal meth.

Ezell has several North Carolina state convictions, including driving while impaired, possession of drug paraphernalia, larceny and financial fraud, possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance, possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance, and larceny.

“The Dunn Police Department is committed to working side-by-side with our federal law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to ensure that these investigations do not stop at the city limits or with a single arrest,” said Dunn Police Chief Lynn Gay. “We will follow the evidence wherever it may lead and pursue those responsible at every level. If you choose to sell poison in Dunn, you should know that we are coming after you.”

Mayor Mamdani Unveils Vision Zero Reimagined to Make Streets Safer for Every New Yorker

 

Plan outlines more than 100 policy commitments to prevent deaths and serious injuries, including redesigning the city’s most dangerous, untreated streets and new legal tools to hold dangerous drivers accountable

 

Traffic deaths are down 30% since before Vision Zero launched in 2014


Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani today released Vision Zero Reimagined, a 10-year blueprint for street safety. The comprehensive, citywide plan brings together 19 City agencies, Mayoral offices and partners to advance more than 100 policies designed to prevent traffic deaths and serious injuries while unlocking the full potential of New York City’s streets as public spaces.

Vision Zero Reimagined pairs bold ideas with practical fixes, including developing the city’s first pedestrian-only and pedestrian-priority districts, expanding implementation of Sammy’s Law, installing hardened daylighting or better treatments at 1,000 intersections each year, dramatically expanding street safety projects and pursuing new legal tools to crack down on dangerous drivers who are responsible for a disproportionate share of traffic deaths and serious injuries. 

“We should not have to wait for another family to lose a loved one before we make a street safer. We are committed to building safe streets before tragedy — not because of it. Vision Zero Reimagined puts forward the bold measures and practical fixes we need to make preventable tragedy no longer a part of everyday life in New York City,” said Mayor Mamdani. “With 19 agencies and partners working together, we are doubling down on what works and paving the way for ambitious new models of street safety. Safety is a right for every New Yorker, no matter how you travel, where you are going or what neighborhood you call home.”

Eight strategic goals guide the City’s next phase of Vision Zero:

Goal 1: Remove dangerous drivers from our streets.

A small number of drivers with documented histories of reckless behavior account for 37% of all traffic deaths. Drivers who repeatedly speed or run red lights are far more likely to cause severe injury crashes. Vehicles that receive more than 16 speed camera violations in a year are twice as likely to be involved in a crash that causes severe injury or death. 41% of all traffic fatalities involve a driver without a valid license, with a prior suspension or with multiple convictions.

The City will focus on removing these drivers from the streets by strengthening legal accountability and using data-driven automated enforcement to identify people who routinely violate traffic laws. This includes closing enforcement gaps created by “ghost plates,” raising standards for maintaining and restoring driver licenses and launching New York City’s first Super Speeder program — enabled by changes to State law secured by Governor Hochul in this year’s State budget and championed by State Senator Andrew Gounardes and Assembly Member Emily Gallagher.

Goal 2: Promote safe, certified micromobility while curbing dangerous devices and riding behavior.

E-micromobility is essential to reducing car dependence, cutting emissions and expanding affordable transportation options across New York City — especially for delivery workers. But its growth must be safe and well-regulated.

The City will create a clear and enforceable safety framework that holds delivery platforms accountable for unsafe practices, expands bike and e-scooter share with built-in safety training, aligns e-bike rules with national and international standards and removes illegal or uncertified devices from City streets.

Goal 3: Encourage safer travel through walking, transit, micromobility and car share over private automobile use.

Automobile travel remains the most dangerous mode of transportation in the United States, and crashes involving cars account for nearly 90% of traffic fatalities in New York City, most often harming pedestrians, cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

The City will continue shifting travel away from private automobiles by making safer options — walking, transit, micromobility and shared vehicles — more affordable, reliable and convenient. This includes building a faster, more accessible bus system, expanding protected and low-stress cycling networks and lowering the cost and increasing the accessibility of bike and e-scooter share.

Goal 4: Discourage oversized vehicles and prepare for new vehicle technologies.

Larger and heavier vehicles pose growing risks on New York City streets, accounting for a disproportionate share of pedestrian fatalities while increasing crash severity, congestion and pressure on limited curb space.

To protect street users and keep pace with rapidly changing vehicle technology, the City will advocate for stronger federal vehicle safety standards that prioritize pedestrian and cyclist safety, promote safer truck designs and advocate for local oversight over any future deployment of autonomous vehicles.

At the same time, the City will shift freight to safer and more sustainable modes such as cargo bikes, rail and waterborne transport while encouraging smaller, safer vehicles better suited to New York City’s streets.

Goal 5: Expand and maintain safety-focused street designs.

Street design remains one of the City’s most powerful tools for preventing crashes and saving lives. Decades of targeted redesigns have shown that safer streets work.

Building on this success, the City will expand proven safety interventions such as pedestrian-priority zones, protected bicycle networks, traffic-calmed corridors and safer intersections while modernizing designs to reflect changing travel patterns and the needs of street users.

The City will complete safety redesigns on untreated Vision Zero Priority Corridors — our city’s most dangerous streets — over the next three years, install hardened daylighting or better treatments at a minimum of 1,000 intersections each year and expand implementation of Sammy’s Law.

Goal 6: Cultivate a safety culture through education, enforcement and shared responsibility.

To reduce injuries and fatalities where risk is highest, the City will strengthen accountability through consistent and equitable enforcement. This includes expanding automated enforcement, ensuring vehicles are properly registered and identifiable and closing loopholes that enable license plate fraud and unsafe commercial operations.

Safe behavior will be reinforced through sustained education, including integrating Vision.

Zero into public school curricula, expanding outreach to older adults and updating operator training to reflect current street conditions.

Goal 7: Leverage emerging data, technology and analysis for smarter interventions.

Data-driven research has been central to Vision Zero’s success, allowing the City to focus limited resources on interventions that save the most lives.

Building on this foundation, the City will create a unified Vision Zero data warehouse and use emerging technologies and analysis to better understand how people move around the city, identify crash circumstances and uncover safety patterns that can guide future interventions.

Goal 8: Lead by example with the safest municipal fleet in the nation.

As one of the largest fleet operators in the country, New York City will use its scale and purchasing power to set the national standard for vehicle safety.

Building on significant reductions in fleet-involved fatalities since the launch of Vision Zero, the City will expand the use of proven safety technologies such as Intelligent Speed Assistance, automatic emergency braking, high-visibility truck designs, telematics and audible alerts while strengthening driver training across City, contracted and regulated fleets.

“Saving lives on New York City’s streets requires the full force of City government working together toward a shared goal,” said Annie Levers, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Operations. “This 10-Year Action Plan brings agencies together with ambitious commitments, clear accountability and a coordinated approach to ensure that our efforts work together seamlessly. By breaking down silos and making sure every agency is moving in the same direction, we can turn these commitments into action, deliver safer streets more effectively and save lives.”

“Vision Zero has been a game changer for street safety in New York City, with traffic deaths down 30% since its launch in 2014. Now we will aim even higher, dramatically expanding the City’s commitment to street safety for the first time since the program’s launch,” said NYC DOT Commissioner Mike Flynn. “We must utilize a comprehensive strategy that touches every aspect of the transportation system, so that children can confidently walk to school, more New Yorkers feel safe choosing biking and other sustainable forms of transportation and we can rest assured that we don’t have to share the streets with the most flagrant dangerous drivers who put all of us at risk.”

“Vision Zero Reimagined is about making our streets safer for every New Yorker,” said Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “DCAS is committed to leveraging every tool available to prevent crashes and protect vulnerable road users — from installing surround cameras and pedestrian alerts to expanding intelligent speed assistance and more. Vision Zero Reimagined ensures New York City’s municipal fleet remains a national leader in safety innovation.”

“Safe, accessible streets are essential to helping older New Yorkers stay active, independent and connected to the communities they call home,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “I commend Mayor Mamdani for prioritizing this critical work. Every Vision Zero policy is an investment in the safety and well-being of older New Yorkers and their families, and I look forward to continuing this important work with our partners across government.”

“Pedestrians with disabilities face a disproportionately high risk of traffic injuries and fatalities,” said Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. “Vision Zero Reimagined further embeds accessibility into policy and design — making our streets safer for people with disabilities, which in turn makes our communities and city safer for everyone.”

“As a parent myself, I know just how critical it is to ensure safe streets for our students on their way to and from school, especially in peak rush hour,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar H. Samuels. “New York City Public Schools is proud to be part of a collaborative approach that puts the safety and well-being of our students front and center, as we work to create a safer city for all.”

“Protecting lives is the primary mission of the Fire Department, and we are happy to support any effort that makes our City safer,” said Fire Commissioner Lillian Bonsignore. “Working to support Vision Zero with our agency partners, we can help ensure New Yorkers are safe and fulfill our mission of saving lives.”

“Mayor Mamdani has been clear: safe streets require all of government, from enforcement to design to strategic planning, and the Department of Sanitation is proud to be a partner in this important effort,” said Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “The DSNY fleet serves every corner of the City, and while it has always been our goal to do so safely, the programs outlined in this plan will make the streets even safer for our workforce and for the people we serve.”

“Every New Yorker deserves streets where safety is the standard — not the exception,” said Taxi & Limousine Commissioner (TLC) Midori Valdivia. “The Vision Zero Reimagined Action Plan makes clear that accountability, smarter enforcement and responsible innovation must guide how we confront today’s most pressing street safety challenges. As part of the city’s multi agency Vision Zero Task Force, the Taxi & Limousine Commission is proud to strengthen our role in this effort by ensuring that professional drivers meet the highest safety and training expectations, expanding enforcement against unlicensed operators, and studying technologies that protect pedestrians, cyclists, riders and drivers.”

“Traffic safety isn’t just about what’s happening in our street, it is also about protecting public health,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Vision Zero Reimagined is an opportunity to build on progress by using data, working with communities and strengthening prevention as New Yorkers move around our city. Together, we are turning what we learn into safer, healthier neighborhoods for all New Yorkers.”

“NYC Health + Hospitals providers care for patients of traffic-related incidents every day, and our data teams have been evaluating hospital injury data to support the City’s efforts to improve street safety,” said NYC Health + Hospitals President and CEO Mitchell Katz, MD. “We are grateful to Mayor Mamdani and our colleagues in city government for making our streets safer for everyone.”

“This new Action Plan lays out a comprehensive, citywide blueprint as we continue to work toward eliminating all traffic deaths and improving street safety. It targets dangerous driving behaviors, vehicles and street conditions, while enhancing pedestrian safety,” said Corporation Counsel Steve Banks. “Every New Yorker should feel safe whether walking, biking or simply crossing the street in their neighborhood and City.”

Five Defendants Charged with Defrauding and Exploiting H-2A Visa Program to Smuggle Aliens into the United States

 

A superseding indictment was unsealed today in the Southern District of Georgia charging five defendants for their roles in a scheme to exploit a nonimmigrant visa worker program to fraudulently obtain worker visas and smuggle aliens into the United States.  

According to court documents, Martha Aquino, also known as “Martha Patricia Resendez Sanchez,” or “Marta,” 61, Evangelina Aquino De Galvan, 49, and Julio Cervantes, 38, all of Alma, Georgia, as well as Marco Cervantes, also known as “Chiquilin,” 41, of Rowlett, Georgia, and Juan Felipe Romero-Lopez, 31, an illegal alien from Mexico, conspired to exploit the H-2A visa program by fraudulently obtaining temporary visas to bring workers into the United States. They lied about where the workers would work and reside and did not comply with the laws and rules governing the visa program, specifically by demanding and receiving improper payments from the workers before the workers could seek H-2A visas or begin working in the United States. The conspirators confiscated and withheld the workers’ identification documents, including passports, and at times threatened or used violence against the workers to deter them from leaving or failing to work. After the workers’ visas had expired, the conspirators enabled them to remain in the United States and even offered to transport them elsewhere in the United States in exchange for additional improper payments. 

“The H-2A is specifically designed to help farmers fill temporary or seasonal jobs when there is a shortage of domestic labor,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Instead of helping American farmers, these defendants allegedly concocted a scheme to enrich themselves by manipulating the program and smuggling aliens into the country for profit.”

“Those who exploit immigrant workers and abuse the H-2A visa program for their own financial gain will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Margaret E. “Meg” Heap for the Southern District of Georgia. “We will continue to partner with our federal, state and local agencies to protect these workers, safeguard the integrity of the H-2A program and prosecute those who turn a lawful employment program into a vehicle for profit and abuse.”

“Exploiting a lawful worker visa program to profit from vulnerable individuals undermines our immigration system, harms legitimate employers, and puts workers at risk,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Ellen Johnson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Georgia and Alabama. “HSI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to identify and dismantle criminal networks that use fraud, coercion, and violence to facilitate human smuggling and trafficking.”

“The H-2A program exists to meet critical U.S. labor needs through lawful employment, not to facilitate fraud or exploitation,” said Deputy Assistant Director William Ferrari of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Office of Investigations. “Working closely with Homeland Security Investigations, and alongside the Department of Labor Office of Inspector General and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, DSS jointly investigated this case. Through our global presence and expertise in visa fraud investigations, DSS will continue working with our law enforcement partners to identify abuses of U.S. visa programs and hold alleged offenders accountable.”

“The defendants allegedly used fraud and intimidation to exploit vulnerable workers and undermine the H-2A visa program, a system designed to meet legitimate agricultural labor needs,” said Inspector General Anthony P. D’Esposito of the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General. “Their egregious conduct included demanding improper payments, confiscating workers’ identification documents, and using threats or violence to maintain control. The Department of Labor Office of Inspector General will aggressively investigate those who exploit labor programs and workers for profit. We will continue working with our law-enforcement partners to ensure these individuals are held fully accountable.”

Aquino, Julio Cervantes, and Marco Cervantes were arrested this week. Aquino De Galvan remains at large. Romero-Lopez has been detained after being originally charged in May 2026 for unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Aquino, Aquino De Galvan, and Julio Cervantes are charged with conspiring to commit visa fraud, visa fraud, and encouraging and inducing aliens to enter the United States illegally for commercial advantage and private gain. Marco Cervantes is charged with conspiring to commit visa fraud and visa fraud. Juan Felipe Romero-Lopez is charged with conspiring to commit visa fraud and being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Aquino, Aquino De Galvan, Julio Cervantes, Marco Cervantes, and Romero-Lopez each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison for visa fraud conspiracy; Aquino, Aquino De Galvan, Julio Cervantes, and Marco Cervantes each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for visa fraud; Aquino, Aquino De Galvan, and Julio Cervantes each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for encouraging and inducing illegal entry; and Romero-Lopez faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

HSI Savannah, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are investigating the case. HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., and Custom and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force also assisted with the investigation.

Trial Attorney Sean F. Mulryne of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Marcela C. Mateo and Makeia R. Jonese for the Southern District of Georgia are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.

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

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Attorney General James Shuts Down Architectural Expediter Firm and Bars Architect for Taking Illegal Shortcuts

 

Basic Group Conspired with Licensed Architect to Speed Up Renovation Approval Process
Firm and Architect Illegally Renovated Brooklyn Apartment Building, Tried to Cover Up Their Tracks

New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has shut down Basic Group (Basic), an architecture and construction consulting firm, for defrauding the New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) and barred a licensed architect from future DOB business for his role in the scheme. Basic hired Kevin McCray, a licensed architect with professional certification privileges, to fraudulently submit Basic’s unreviewed renovation applications to DOB to secure expedited approval. Basic and McCray agreed that McCray would not review or supervise the documents that he submitted on Basic’s behalf, in violation of city code. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) reached agreements with both Basic and McCray for their violations of city code. As a result of OAG’s intervention, Basic will dissolve, and the company’s owner, Wing Huang, as well as McCray, are barred for life from doing business with DOB.

“Fair and safe housing begins with honest developers,” said Attorney General James. “Basic Group put their impatience above safety and, as a result, put New York tenants at risk. Let this send a clear message to all developers: if you cut corners or take shortcuts, you will no longer do business in New York.”

Basic, a division of PCM Architect PLLC, employs expeditors who assist clients in preparing renovation and construction project paperwork for DOB. In 2021, Basic hired Kevin McCray to file all submissions with DOB using McCray’s professional certification privileges to expedite the review process. The DOB’s professional certification program allows for faster approval of documents that are prepared and submitted by certified architects or engineers, like McCray. However, under McCray’s and Basic’s agreement, McCray did not prepare or review many of Basic’s submissions, a clear requirement of the professional certification program. The OAG’s investigation revealed that from March 2021 to June 2022, McCray filed 57 jobs associated with Basic. In accordance with his agreement with Huang, McCray neither prepared nor reviewed many of these filings.

In December 2021, BlueSky Management NY, LLC (BlueSky) hired Basic to assist in drafting and filing plans with DOB for renovations to a recently purchased apartment building located at 191 Bedford Avenue (191 Bedford) in Brooklyn. In February 2022, McCray submitted plans to DOB for BlueSky’s proposed renovations. Basic drafted all plans without McCray’s supervision, and McCray merely put his stamp on the filings to speed up the DOB approval process. The plans submitted by McCray required a Certificate of No Harassment (CONH) from the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD) which Basic did not obtain, and the plans were rejected by DOB. McCray then submitted a second plan in October 2023 that altered the plans so that a COHN would not be required, and DOB approved the renovations. 

BlueSky completed the renovations at 191 Bedford and followed the original renovation plan submitted by Basic to DOB, which had been rejected due to the lack of a CONH. In October 2024, Basic, through McCray, submitted a third renovation plan to DOB that was identical to the first plan. Basic hoped that by using McCray’s professional certification credentials, DOB would not notice the illegal renovations were made. The DOB conducted an audit of 191 Bedford which revealed the illegal renovations and uncovered Basic and McCray’s attempt to cover up their wrongdoings.

BlueSky denies knowledge of Basic and McCray’s scheme but has a previous separate agreement with OAG that requires BlueSky to either obtain a CONH at 191 Bedford and other buildings Basic and McCray worked on, or provide affordable housing as required by the applicable CONH regulation.

Under the settlement with OAG, Basic was required to complete all ongoing projects and dissolve by August 26, 2026. The settlements also bar Huang and McCray for life from submitting documents to or doing any business that relates to DOB. If Basic or Huang violate the terms of the settlement, they will be required to pay judgments of $200,000 for Huang and $100,000 for McCray.

“The integrity and professionalism of state-licensed architects is an important pillar we rely on to promote safe and code-compliant construction in our city,” said Buildings Commissioner Ahmed Tigani. “For the industry professionals that don’t take this responsibility seriously, understand that there will be consequences. I would like to thank Attorney General James and the dedicated team at the Attorney General's Office for pursuing this important settlement, my own colleagues in the Office of the Tenant Advocate at DOB for first discovering the fraudulent applications, and the agency investigators in our Legal Affairs Office Bureau who assisted with negotiations on this case.”

Governor Hochul Announces Approximately $25 Million Awarded to Help Farmers Protect Water Quality


Record Level of Funding Provided Through Environmental Protection Fund and Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022

Through 31 Years of Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program, More Than $250 Million Has Been Awarded to Support On-Farm Projects Across the State

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that approximately $25 million has been awarded to help New York’s farmers support agricultural water quality conservation projects. The funding was awarded as part of Round 31 of the State’s Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution Abatement and Control Program (AGNPS), which is being provided through the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act (BA).

“New York farmers are facing environmental challenges that can affect their farms and our natural resources,” Governor Hochul said. “Our farmers need support to combat these challenges while protecting their farmland. Round 31 of our Agricultural Nonpoint Source Program will continue to provide funding for farmers to develop cost-effective solutions to protect our natural resources and maintain the productivity of their land.”

Through this latest round, Round 31, the Department received 127 applications for the AGNPS Program. A total of $24.9 million was made available to the State’s County and Soil and Water Conservation Districts, which applied on behalf of New York farmers: $14 million is from the Environmental Protection Fund and $11 million is from the Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The AGNPS Program is marking its 31st anniversary, and so far, through 30 rounds of funding, more than $250 million has been awarded to on-farm projects.

The AGNPS Program provides funding to projects that focus on either environmental planning or the implementation of best management practice systems to protect New York’s watersheds. Projects include conservation measures, such as nutrient management through manure storage, vegetative buffers along streams, and conservation cover crops.

A regional breakdown of funding is listed below. Find the complete list of awarded projects.

Western New York – $1,666,395

  • $573,648 was awarded to Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with two farms in the Oak Orchard, Black Creek, Lower Genesee, and Oak Orchard-Twelvemile Watersheds (EPF).
  • $722,732 was awarded to the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Cattaraugus Creek Watershed (EPF).
  • $370,015 was awarded to the Niagara County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with 11 farms in the Oak Orchard–Twelvemile Watershed (EPF).

Finger Lakes – $5,824,994

  • $1,404,060 was awarded to the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with six farms in the Finger Lakes Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $2,371,421 was awarded to Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with five farms in the Oak Orchard-Twelvemile Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $1,475,865 was awarded to the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with two farms in the Niagara River Watershed and the Buffalo-Eighteenmile Watershed (EPA).

Southern Tier – $518,664

  • $518,664 was awarded to the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Owego-Wappasening Watershed (EPF).

Central New York – $7,184,903

  • $2,610,681 was awarded to the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Finger Lakes Watershed and two farms in the Irondequoit-Ninemile Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $477,720 was awarded to the Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Chenango Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $1,060,832 was awarded to the Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with seven farms in the Oneida Lake Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $3,035,670 was awarded to the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with six farms in the Finger Lakes and Chenango River Watershed (EPF and BA).

Mohawk Valley – $3,120,946

  • $1,034,875 was awarded to the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with three farms in the Mohawk River Watershed (EPF and BA).
  • $679,511 was awarded to the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the upper Susquehanna Watershed (EPF).
  • $1,406,560 was awarded to the Schoharie County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with two farms in the Schoharie Watershed (EPF and BA).

North Country – $2,793,215

  • $464,985 awarded to the Franklin County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with six farms in the St. Regis, Salmon River and Chateaugay River Watersheds (EPF and BA).
  • $532,840 was awarded to the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with two farms in the Salmon-Sandy and Chaumont-Perch Watersheds (EPF).
  • $1,795,390 was awarded to the Lewis County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with three farms in the Black River Watershed (EPF and BA).

Capital Region – $904,163

  • $904,163 was awarded to the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Hudson-Hoosic Watershed (EPF).

Mid-Hudson – $358,000

  • $358,000 was awarded to the Orange County Soil and Water Conservation District to work with one farm in the Rondout Watershed (BA). 

New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection Offers Tips for Keeping Babies Safe

 

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September is Baby Safety Month

This Month is a Great Time to Remind New Yorkers About Lifesaving Tips that Can Help Parents and Caregivers Create a Safe Environment for Their Little One

Download Our Baby Safety Checklist

Secretary Mosley said: “We never take for granted the safety of our little ones and that’s why during Baby Safety Month, the NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers valuable tips to help prevent child related injuries and remind families of proper safety measures.”

The New York Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection today provided safety measures and tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies. September is Baby Safety Month, an annual event that focuses on raising awareness of critical lifesaving information to help parents and caregivers keep little ones safe. While the health and safety of a baby matter every day, Baby Safety Month is a great time to highlight these lifesaving tips that can help parents and caregivers create a safe environment for their little one.

“As parents, our main responsibility is to protect the safety and well-being of our children,” said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. “We never take for granted the safety of our little ones and that’s why during Baby Safety Month, the NYS Division of Consumer Protection offers valuable tips to help prevent child related injuries and remind families of proper safety measures.”

”Every parent wants to keep their baby safe and small steps can make a big difference,” State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. “From safe sleep to checking for recalled products and using the right car seat, these simple precautions can help protect our youngest New Yorkers and give families greater peace of mind.”

BABY SAFETY TIPS:

  • Practice Safe Sleep Habits: Babies spend most of their time sleeping, so making sure that baby’s sleep spaces are safe is critical. Make sure you always shop for safe sleep products and put your baby to sleep on their back to prevent infant sleep-related deaths. Be sure to keep items such as toys and other objects out of baby sleeping areas.

    Safe sleep is as easy as A, B, C: Alone, Back and Crib.
    • A – Alone. Baby should always sleep Alone.
    • B – Back. Put baby to sleep on their Back.
    • C – Crib. Put baby in a safe Crib.

To learn about what to look for when choosing safe sleep products for infants and which items to avoid, check out the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Safe Sleep Guide.

  • Stay Updated with the Latest Product Recalls:
    According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC), an estimated 70,000 nursery product-related injuries among children younger than 5 years old were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments in 2024. Baby product safety recalls are typically related to suffocation hazards, choking hazards, laceration hazards, tipping hazards, and other safety concerns.

  • Ensure that the baby’s crib and all products meet current safety standards as specified by the USCPSC. Staying updated on the latest product recalls is vital to protect babies from unsafe products.

  • Check websites like CPSC.gov, FDA.gov, and recalls.gov regularly for the latest product recalls, or sign up for the latest updates from our website.

  • If you purchase used items online, on social media or in a garage sale, confirm that they’re safe to use. Read our consumer alert which provides tips on how to safely buy secondhand items.

  • Baby Proof Your Home: Many items in your home can be hazardous for babies and small children. Keep these dangers out of reach and prevent injuries by following recommended safety practices.  For ideas on how to baby proof your home and identify dangerous items, check out these resources:
  • Protect Your Baby While on The Go: Under New York State law, all children under the age of 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat. It’s important to choose and use the right car seat correctly. There are resources available that can help you install your car seat correctly. New York State hosts free car seat inspection events throughout the year. To find a child safety seat inspection station or event near you, visit the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety website here.

  • Never Leave Baby Unsupervised in a Car: Heatstroke or deaths in cars occur most commonly when an adult unintentionally forgets a child who may be quiet or sleeping in a rear-facing seat. Always leave something you need near your child so you will not forget they are there, and never leave a child in an unattended car, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

    Vehicles heat up fast and stay hot even if the windows are open, the engine is running or the air conditioning is on. Rolling down windows or parking in the shade will not keep the car cool. Even on a cloudy day, a car can heat up and become deadly. For more tips and information about kids and hot cars, check out our consumer alert on this topic.

About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection

The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides resources and education materials to consumers on product safety, as well as voluntary mediation services between consumers and businesses. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumer-protection.

For more consumer protection tips, follow the Division on social media at Twitter: @NYSConsumer and Facebook: www.facebook.com/nysconsumer