Former Postal Worker Indicted After Allegedly Disposing of Hundreds of Mail-In Ballots in Utah

 

An indictment was unsealed charging a former postman with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) with unlawful secretion, destruction, and delay of mail after he allegedly unlawfully threw away mail that he was entrusted to deliver – including approximately 300 mail-in ballots to registered voters in Utah.

Photo of ballot

Damon Matai Seei, 34, of Payson, Utah, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sept. 16. He was arrested and appeared for his arraignment at the Orrin G. Hatch U.S. Courthouse.

“When American voters lawfully cast their vote, they should feel confident that it is counted,” said Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter. “Allegedly throwing away hundreds of ballots is a serious federal crime that undermines the integrity of our elections. Ballot integrity is not a partisan issue.”

“When the defendant allegedly threw away the mail he was entrusted to deliver, he also threw away the chance for those citizens to exercise their right to vote,” said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak for the District of Utah. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partners, takes these offenses seriously and will continue to investigate them to ensure justice is served for anyone whose constitutional right to vote has been infringed.”

“Every eligible voter deserves confidence that our elections are lawful, secure, and fair. Homeland Security Investigations supports the integrity of the voting process by working closely with the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, and our law enforcement partners to investigate alleged federal criminal violations that may undermine election integrity, including unlawful voting, fraudulent voter registration, false claims of U.S. citizenship, identity fraud, and document fraud,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Executive Associate Director John A. Condon. “HSI’s mission is to safeguard the homeland by conducting evidence-based, thorough, and impartial investigations. We will continue to follow the facts, uphold the rule of law, and refer criminal violations for prosecutorial review in order to protect the integrity of lawful voting.”

“Postal Service employees entrusted with delivering mail must uphold the highest standards of integrity,” said U.S. Postal Service Assistant Inspector General of Investigation Robert Kwalwasser. “Those who destroy mail intended for recipients will be held accountable for their criminal actions. Special agents with the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the integrity of Postal Service operations through thorough investigations and continued collaboration with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

According to court documents, on June 3, 2026, Seei was working for the U.S. Post Office as a letter carrier where he was entrusted with delivering mail to at least 300 Eagle Mountain, Utah, residents. Among the mail were advertisements and hundreds of mail-in ballots that were sent to Eagle Mountain residents to allow them to vote in a June 23, 2026, primary election. As alleged, Seei threw away some of the mail, which he had been entrusted to deliver, into a dumpster in a church parking lot.

Photo of dumpster in church parking lot

Seei’s next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 30.

The case was investigated jointly by The U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and HSI.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd C. Bouton for the District of Utah is prosecuting the case.

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 Encourages New Yorkers to Claim Compensation for Inflated Generic Drug Prices

 

Bipartisan Coalition Secured More Than $96 Million From Generic Drug Manufacturers Who Conspired to Inflate Prices and Limit Competition 

New York Attorney General Letitia James joined a bipartisan group of 47 other attorneys general in urging eligible consumers to submit claims for compensation from generic drug manufacturers that illegally colluded to raise prices. The U.S. District Court for the District of Connecticut recently preliminarily approved the coalition’s plan to distribute tens of millions of dollars to consumers who overpaid for certain generic drugs as the result of a massive, long-running scheme to inflate drug prices while reducing competition in the pharmaceutical industry. Attorney General James and the coalition’s investigation found that dozens of companies illegally colluded behind the scenes to increase prices for a wide range of generic drugs used by millions of consumers. Attorney General James is urging eligible New Yorkers to submit a claim by March 8, 2027 to receive compensation. 

“For years, dozens of pharmaceutical companies cheated New Yorkers with shady backroom deals that raised prices,” said Attorney General James. “These companies inflated generic drug prices and forced hard-working families to pay excessive amounts for essential medications. I encourage all New Yorkers who purchased eligible generic drugs to submit a claim to receive compensation.” 

Eligible consumers must submit their claim by March 8, 2027 to receive compensation. To submit a claim for payment, consumers can visit www.AGGenericDrugs.com and follow the directions to fill out and submit a claim online. Consumers can also request a form from the claims administrator directly by emailing info@aggenericdrugs.com, calling 1-866-290-0182, or mailing the address listed on the webpage.  

The settlements are the result of three lawsuits filed by Attorney General James and the coalition against dozens of generic pharmaceutical companies and individuals alleging years of conduct impacting the prices of over 100 drugs. The first complaint was filed in 2016 against 18 corporate defendants and two individual defendants and concerned 15 generic drugs. The second complaint was filed in 2019 against 22 of the nation’s largest generic drug manufacturers and 16 individual senior executive defendants. The third complaint was filed in 2020 and focused on 80 topical generic drugs that account for billions of dollars of sales in the United States and names 26 corporate defendants and 10 individual defendants. Seven pharmaceutical executives have been cooperating to support the coalition’s claims in these cases.

The lawsuits allege these companies engaged in a broad, coordinated, and systematic conspiracy to fix prices, avoid competition, and rig bids for more than 100 different generic drugs. The companies maintained an interconnected web of industry executives where these competitors met with each other during industry dinners, “girls’ nights out,” lunches, cocktail parties, and golf outings, and communicated via frequent telephone calls, emails, and text messages that sowed the seeds for their illegal agreements. Defendants used terms like “fair share,” “playing nice in the sandbox,” and “responsible competitor” to describe how they unlawfully discouraged competition, raised prices, and enforced an ingrained culture of collusion. 

The drugs included in the scheme span all types – including tablets, capsules, creams, and ointments – and classes – including antibiotics, anti-depressants, contraceptives, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They treat a range of diseases and conditions from basic infections to diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, HIV, ADHD, and more. In some instances, the coordinated price increases were over 1,000 percent. For example, Digoxin, an essential heart medication manufactured by Heritage, tripled in price, causing patients to pay hundreds of dollars more for the drug.

Attorney General James and the coalition have secured $96 million from Apotex and Heritage, Bausch and Lannett, and Glenmark Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. As part of the settlements, the defendants have agreed to cooperate in the ongoing multistate cases against the remaining corporate defendants and individual executives, as well as to make reforms to prevent future misconduct and ensure fair competition and compliance with antitrust laws. 

Attorney General James joins in securing the settlements with the attorneys general of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

GrowNYC Education - Special Edition: Soil, Compost, Mulch, & Lumber Giveaway

 

GrowNYC Education

GrowNYC Education and New York City Parks GreenThumb are teaming up to give NYCPS K-12 public and charter schools free deliveries of garden soil, compost, mulch, and/or lumber for their school gardens and outdoor learning spaces.

• We have limited capacity, so make requests early!

• Schools will be prioritized based on highest economic need index, the school's intended use of the materials, schools that have not received materials previously, and schools in underserved geographic zones.

If you would like to apply for a delivery for your school, follow the link below, read the requirements, and fill out the form. Schools must have an up-to-date registration with GrowNYC to be eligible. The deadline to apply is October 16, 2026, or while supplies last.

• To join the GrowNYC team, visit our Careers page

• Check out the GrowNYC Education website for curricula, guides, and workshops!

During National Falls Prevention Awareness Week, NYSOFA Highlights Resources to Help Prevent Injuries, Preserve Independence

 

During National Falls Prevention Awareness Week (September 21-25), the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) shares tips and resources to help older adults avoid falls and stay independent.

National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a nationwide observance to raise awareness about ways to prevent falls, reduce the risk of falls, and help older adults live without fear of falling.

Falls are a serious health issue and are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for adults ages 65 years and older, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, more than 14 million (or 1 in 4) older adults report falling every year.

New York State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen said, “Falls are common and pose a serious health and safety risk, but they are also preventable. NYSOFA is proud to highlight National Falls Prevention Awareness Week because we work tirelessly to help keep older New Yorkers living independently, actively and socially engaged in their communities. If you’re an older adult or help care for one, there are resources to help prevent or reduce the risk of falls.”

Case managers at Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) throughout New York State play an active and essential role in falls prevention by assessing risks (including environmental risks in the home), connecting older adults to safety services, and coordinating in-home support, such as home safety modifications, Personal Emergency Response Systems, or other assistance. Many core programs provided by NYSOFA, AAAs, and the aging network provide some level of support or check-in for individuals at risk of falls, whether it's home-delivered meals, transportation, personal care, and others.

Over 40 different Evidence-Based Health Promotion Programs are offered by New York’s AAAs, serving over 35,000 participants annually. “Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention” is the most prevalent Evidence-Based Health Promotion Program offered by AAAs across New York. Details are available here. Through a federal grant, the New York State Department of Health has made virtual Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention classes available for free statewide. Two other virtual falls prevention programs are also available: “Stepping On” and “A Matter of Balance.” More details and registration are here.

To learn more about these or other programs and supports, reach your local office for the aging by calling NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871.

Association on Aging In New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, "New York's aging services providers are a vital resource to help older adults and their families proactively address the risk of falls, most of which are preventable. Area Agencies on Aging are here to help you develop a falls prevention strategy. This may include an evidence-based program aimed at improving your balance, strength, and flexibility, or a home safety assessment to minimize physical hazards in the home, or many other community-based interventions that help older adults stay safe and independent."

NYSOFA Partnerships to Prevent Falls

Since 2018, NYSOFA has also expanded its public-private partnerships with over 30 technology companies to increase service provision and improve the overall health and wellbeing of older adults, with many programs directly addressing falls prevention.

• Vivo is an evidence-based strength training and exercise program designed to increase strength and reduce falls and injuries related to falls. Vivo provides an online small-group fitness program that, unlike videos or livestreamed classes, is a live and interactive two-way experience with measured outcomes. Since 2024, NYSOFA’s partnership with Vivo has grown to include 16 counties and is currently serving more than 1,000 older adults through the various class delivery methods (Summer 2026 data). To date, almost 1,300 Vivo small-group classes have been conducted, with another 150 large group classes being held via livestream. In addition, almost 200 classes have been conducted at senior centers to reach older adults who prefer to participate in that setting.
  
  
• NYSOFA’s partnership with GetSetUp offers free online classes for older adults, including a series on Fall Prevention Awareness. Courses in the series feature exercises for balance and strength, how you can reduce the risk of falls, and how to live without fear of falling. These and hundreds of other online classes are available for free at https://www.getsetup.io/NYSTATE.
  
  

Learn about all of NYSOFA’s public-private partnerships at https://aging.ny.gov/innovations-aging.

Tips to Prevent Falls

The CDC offers four easy tips to help prevent falls:

• Speak up: Talk openly with your health care provider about fall risks and prevention. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines.
  
  
• Keep moving: Begin an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance.
  
  
• Get an annual eye exam: Replace eyeglasses as needed.

• Make your home safer: Remove clutter and tripping hazards.
  
  

Falls Prevention Resources

CDC Falls Prevention Resources

National Council on Aging Falls Free Check Up

National Institute on Aging Fall Causes and Prevention

Mayo Clinic Falls Prevention

CORRECT THE RECORD: DHS Debunks False Narratives About Shooting of Illegal Alien in Austin, Texas

 

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the following statement debunking many lies spread by the mainstream media, far-left activists, and sanctuary politicians regarding the shooting of a criminal illegal alien, who entered under the Biden Administration, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Austin, Texas.

“Sanctuary politicians and the mainstream media have wasted no time in spreading lies about an ICE officer-involved shooting of an illegal alien in Austin, Texas,” said Secretary Markwayne Mullin. “Contrary to their claims, this person is an illegal alien who has no legal status to be here and has been given some of the best medical care he’s ever received in his life. No amount of smears and false narratives will slow down ICE from doing its job by removing dangerous illegal aliens from our communities and making America safe again. Sanctuary politicians may continue to shamelessly protect illegal aliens, but the Trump Administration will remain focused on protecting the American people.”

CLAIM: ICE refused to remove the bullet from the illegal alien’s body.

FACT: This is false. ICE does not and would not advise, nor be the authority on, a medical procedure for an illegal alien at a hospital. 

CLAIM: The illegal alien had a valid work permit.

FACT: This is false. The illegal alien’s work permit expired in 2025. Furthermore, a work permit does NOT grant legal status.

CLAIM: The illegal alien was ordered removed in absentia.

FACT: Yes. This is why aliens must show up to their removal proceedings. Legal obligations do not end because someone’s address changed.

CLAIM: This illegal alien is here legally.

FACT: This is false. This person is in the U.S. illegally. He entered illegally under the Biden Administration. The illegal alien had no valid work permit, had no protective status, and had a final order of removal from a Department of Justice (DOJ) Immigration Judge.

CLAIM: This illegal alien has received no pain medication.

FACT: This is false. This illegal alien is receiving medical care around the clock, including pain medication.

CLAIM: The illegal alien has been forced to sleep on the floor.

FACT: This is false. This alien was released from the hospital and arrived at the detention facility just a few hours later, where he slept on a bed. Aliens in ICE custody receive a higher standard of living than most prisons that hold U.S. citizens.

CLAIM: This illegal alien was indiscriminately targeted by ICE.

FACT: This is false. This illegal alien was the subject of a targeted vehicle stop. What makes someone a target for immigration enforcement is whether or not they are illegally in the U.S.

Resisting officers and evading arrest is dangerous for our officers, illegal aliens, and the public. We remind the public that resisting officers and evading arrest is a felony and a federal crime. Sanctuary politicians need to stop encouraging this dangerous behavior that puts our officers and the public at risk.

This dangerous attempt to evade arrest comes after sanctuary politicians held webinars and provided resources and tips for how to openly defy ICE:

• Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez hosted a webinar providing tips for illegal aliens to evade arrests at homes, workplaces, or in public.
• Dan Goldman posted a video online calling on illegal aliens to make a plan for ICE encounters.
• Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass issued multilingual flyers and online resources advising illegal aliens on how to evade arrest.
• California Governor Gavin Newsom released guides and sanctuary laws advising illegal aliens how to recognize ICE, block entry, and defy arrest.

CLAIM: That ICE needs to get out of Austin.

FACT: This is false. ICE will not be slowing down nor leaving Austin. DHS is tasked with enforcing the laws passed by Congress. We do not pick and choose which laws to enforce or where to enforce them. We will continue to enforce our nation’s laws.

Mamdani Administration Advances Plan to Build Nearly 4,000 New Homes at 100 Gold Street

 

City-owned Lower Manhattan site will become mixed-income housing, including approximately 1,000 permanently affordable, rent-stabilized homes, an older adult center, public open space and community amenities

Project will nearly double the number of permanently affordable homes built in Manhattan Community District 1 over last decade – at no cost to the City 

Credit: CetraRuddy Architects

Today, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani announced the start of the public review process on the redevelopment of 100 Gold Street, taking a major step toward transforming a City-owned site in Lower Manhattan into approximately 4,000 new homes, including around 1,000 permanently affordable, rent-stabilized homes.

The updated plan adds roughly 300 additional homes to previous estimates, reflecting the Mamdani administration’s commitment to building housing at the scale that New York City’s housing crisis requires.

Following a competitive request for proposals process, the city selected GFP Real Estate to develop the site. The project will also include a new older adult center to replace the existing facility currently operated by Hamilton-Madison House, approximately 40,000 square feet of public realm improvements and a 40,000-square-foot publicly accessible commercial fitness center with community programming and other neighborhood amenities. The new mixed-use building will utilize cross-subsidy in order to be completed at no cost to the City, with proceeds used to relocate City agencies currently operating from the aging building into modern office space.

“New York’s housing crisis demands that we build more – and that we use every tool we have to do it. That means looking at land the City already owns and asking how it can serve New Yorkers better. At 100 Gold Street, we have an opportunity to turn an aging government building into nearly 4,000 new homes, including approximately 1,000 that will remain permanently affordable, while delivering new spaces for the community,” said Mayor Mamdani. “Day by day, block by block, and building by building, we are building a city that New Yorkers can afford to call home.”

“Where better to deliver thousands of new homes than the former site of our City's housing agency? The redevelopment of 100 Gold will be a major step forward in creating the housing New Yorkers need — including permanently affordable, rent-stabilized homes — in addition to new community space, at no cost to the City. I'm grateful for the work of our agency and development partners to advance this project and to deliver housing at the scale that our city demands,” said Leila Bozorg, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Planning.

“100 Gold Street reflects the kind of bold, practical action needed to address New York City's housing shortage. By transforming an aging office building into nearly 4,000 mixed-income homes, including more than 1,000 permanently affordable units, we're advancing Mayor Mamdani's Block-by-Block Housing Plan and demonstrating how public land can be levered to meet New York City’s most pressing needs,” said NYCEDC President & CEO Anthony Shorris. “This is exactly the type of transformative project that will create housing at scale, expand affordability, and deliver lasting community benefits for Lower Manhattan and New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Building on City-owned Land

The 100 Gold Street redevelopment advances the goals of the Mamdani administration’s housing plan, Block by Block, and the Land Inventory Fast Track (LIFT) Task Force, which is focused on accelerating the development of housing on City-owned land.

The LIFT Task Force was established by an executive order signed by Mayor Mamdani on his first day in office. In July, the administration launched the LIFT Tracker, providing New Yorkers with a comprehensive look at more than 100 City-owned sites that could deliver more than 50,000 new homes.

When complete, 100 Gold Street will include nearly twice as many permanently affordable homes as have been built in Manhattan Community District 1 over the last decade – at no cost to the City, saving finite resources to build and preserve additional affordable housing at other sites. 

The 100 Gold Street site currently houses City agencies, including the Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). As part of the redevelopment, those agencies will relocate to modern office space.

The project is a part of the administration’s all-of-the-above approach to addressing New York City’s housing crisis. Block by Block, released in May, sets an ambitious goal of building 200,000 new affordable homes and preserving another 200,000 over the next decade, backed by a $22 billion investment in affordable housing capital over five years.

The Mamdani administration is also working to strengthen tenant protections, revamp the City’s housing code enforcement system and hold negligent landlords accountable. In addition, the administration is advancing “SPEED” reforms to cut as much as two years from the pre-development and lease-up process, investing in public housing – including rebooting NYCHA as a public developer – and expanding affordable homeownership opportunities, including through the Open Door program.

In the first six months of 2026, the administration financed the creation and preservation of 12,491 affordable homes, including more than 2,000 homes for formerly homeless New Yorkers.

Community Engagement and Public Review

The project follows a competitive request for proposals (RFP) process shaped by public input and extensive engagement with elected officials, Manhattan Community Board 1, community organizations and other key stakeholders.

The city will hold a scoping hearing next month to begin the formal environmental review process for the redevelopment.

The environmental review process will continue this fall, with the project expected to enter the Uniform Land Use Review Procedure (ULURP) in 2027.

The public review process will provide additional opportunities for New Yorkers to weigh in as the project move forward.

“Affordable housing is a critical need for New Yorkers of all ages, and NYC Aging supports Mayor Mamdani’s commitment to creating thousands of permanently affordable and rent-stabilized homes,” said NYC Aging Commissioner Dr. Lisa Scott-McKenzie. “The redevelopment of 100 Gold Street is a great example of how we can expand housing while preserving the community spaces older New Yorkers rely on. We thank the Mayor, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, Hamilton-Madison House, and GFP Real Estate for making sure the older adult center remains part of the future of 100 Gold Street.”

“100 Gold Street is a strong example of how the city can rethink our real estate portfolio to address the housing crisis and better serve New Yorkers,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “By managing the transition from the existing building and working to relocate our city agency partners into modern, functional office space, we are proud to help move this project forward.”

“Amid a historic housing shortage, every site counts — even ours. By repurposing HPD's headquarters for mixed-income housing, we're making our values concrete,” said HPD Commissioner Dina Levy. “As New Yorkers face housing scarcity, we're using 100 Gold to the fullest, creating nearly 4,000 new homes, including around 1,000 permanently affordable. Alongside a new older adult center, we're proud to see our home become home to thousands of New York families.”

D.A. Bragg: Man Indicted For Raping, Trafficking Woman He Met On Livestreaming App

 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the indictment of JOHN BURTON, 40, a/k/a “Mr. Immaculate,” for raping a woman inside his Manhattan apartment in February 2026, and then trafficking and raping a second woman beginning in April 2026. BURTON met both survivors on the livestreaming app “BIGO,” which he used to recruit women into his prostitution operation. BURTON is charged in a New York State Supreme Court indictment with multiple counts of Sex Trafficking, Predatory Sexual Assault, Rape, and more.[1]

“Traffickers frequently turn to social media platforms to recruit women, and livestream apps are no different,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Here, we allege that John Burton, streaming as ‘Mr. Immaculate,’ raped a woman he met online, and then trafficked a second woman he met online, later repeatedly raping her. This investigation is ongoing. Please call our Human Trafficking Unit at 212-335-3400, where our prosecutors thoroughly investigate and prosecute these crimes, and our dedicated social workers can provide survivors safety planning, counseling, and much more.”

As alleged in court documents and statements made on the record in court, BURTON met women by livestreaming on BIGO, where he openly spoke about prostitution, using variations of the handle “Mr. Immaculate.” He met the first survivor on BIGO around November 2025. He raped her in his Manhattan apartment when they first met in person in February 2026.

As further alleged, BURTON met the second survivor on BIGO in April 2026 and began forcibly trafficking her shortly thereafter. BURTON frequently carried a gun during this time, threatened her with physical violence, and withheld money and food when she did not meet his quotas. The day after she was released from the hospital where she was treated for an infection, he forced her to have sex even though she was in pain, and then again raped her while she was sleeping.

Assistant D.A.s Thomas Kendris and Claudia Khoury-Yacoub are handling the prosecution of this case under the supervision of Assistant D.A.s Jonathon Junig and Vanessa Puzio, and Executive Assistant D.A. Justin McNabney. Investigate Analysts Rackell Carrasco Reyes, Investigative Analyst Stella Smith Weiner, Sergeant Ariela DaSilva and Senior Investigator Sean Ryan of the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Unit.

District Attorney Bragg thanked Detective Ana Diaz of the NYPD’s Special Victims Squad for her work on the investigation.

[1] The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. All factual recitations are derived from documents filed in court and statements made on the record in court.