“YGz” Gang Member Pleads Guilty To Attempted Murder And Other Crimes In Connection With Racketeering Conspiracy

   Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that TERRANCE WILLIAMS, a/k/a “TA,” pled guilty yesterday before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni to his involvement in a racketeering conspiracy for which he participated in an attempted murder, a robbery, and crack cocaine trafficking in connection with his membership in the “Young Gunnaz” (“YGz”) violent street gang, which operated in and around several housing developments in the South Bronx. 

According to the Indictment and other documents filed in the case, as well as statements made during the plea proceedings:

WILLIAMS was a member of the Bronx-based street gang known as the YGz, a leading member of a set of the YGz based in Maria Lopez Plaza in the Bronx, and committed acts of violence with other YGz gang members to further the interests of the gang.  From 2005 to 2016, members and associates of the YGz enriched themselves by committing robberies and by selling drugs, such as crack cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, and committed acts of violence, including murder and attempted murder, against various people, including rival gang members, rival drug traffickers, and innocent bystanders.  As part of this enterprise, members and associates of the YGz killed and attempted to kill other individuals. 

As part of his involvement in the YGz gang, WILLIAMS participated in acts of violence and crack cocaine trafficking with other YGz members.  First, on November 22, 2010, WILLIAMS and other YGz members participated in a shootout with members of a rival gang, the Courtlandt Avenue Crew, near East 163rd Street and Park Avenue in the Bronx.  During the shootout, WILLIAMS fired gunshots at and tried to kill the rival gang members, a rival Courtlandt Avenue Crew member was shot and nearly killed, and two others were shot and injured.  Second, on January 24, 2011, WILLIAMS and other YGz members robbed and assaulted a rival Courtlandt Avenue Crew associate inside a bodega on Courtlandt Avenue in the Bronx.  Third, WILLIAMS sold crack cocaine with other YGz members near Maria Lopez Plaza in the Bronx during his participation in the gang.

WILLIAMS, 24, of the Bronx, New York, pled guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the judge.  WILLIAMS will be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Valerie E. Caproni on November 29, 2016.

Mr. Bharara praised the work of ATF, the DEA, and the NYPD in the investigation of this case.   He also thanked the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office for their support in this case.

COMPTROLLER STRINGER: MORE THAN ONE THOUSAND WORKERS ARE OWED OVER $5 MILLION IN UNCLAIMED PREVAILING WAGES

  New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer announced today the kick off of a “Know Your Rights” campaign with labor rights groups, community organizations, the Consulate of Mexico and the Latin American Consulates Coalition to help connect more than 1,000 individuals to over $5 million in unclaimed prevailing wages they are owed. The campaign, coinciding with Labor Rights Week, will include direct community outreach, social media engagement and the distribution of informational flyers in various languages across the City to raise awareness about prevailing wages.

“Here at the Comptroller’s office, we believe that an honest day’s work deserves an honest day’s pay,” Comptroller Stringer said. “Since taking office, we’ve de-barred 35 companies that have cheated workers out of their rightfully-earned wages and recovered millions for hard-working men and women. Today we’re joining with a coalition of partners to help ensure everyone knows their rights about prevailing wages and to send a message that we do not tolerate exploitation of workers, no matter their immigration status.”

Under state law, the Comptroller’s Office sets and enforces prevailing wage and benefit rates on New York City public works projects, such as renovating public schools, or on building service contracts with City agencies, like security guards and custodial work. When companies do not pay the proper wages and benefits, the Comptroller enforces the law to ensure workers receive the money they are owed.

Since 2014, Comptroller Stringer’s Bureau of Labor Law has assessed nearly $18 million in prevailing wage violations and paid more than $8 million to workers who were cheated out of their earnings.  In August of 2015, Comptroller Stringer announced a new campaign to help connect workers with prevailing wages that had gone unclaimed which has resulted in 84 workers receiving nearly $600,000 in money they were owed.  This includes seven people who eventually received nearly $330,000 as a result of a chance encounter in a taxi cab.

Currently, the Comptroller’s Office is holding more than $5 million in unclaimed prevailing wages for more than 1,000 workers who were underpaid by contractors on City-funded projects.  To search a list of names of individuals owed money, please click here.

Since taking office, Comptroller Stringer has debarred 35 contractors due to the egregious nature of their prevailing wage violations. As a result, they are banned from bidding on City and State public works contracts for five years.

The list of debarred contractors includes:

• Decoma Building Corp.

• TM Mechanical corp.

• DeWaters Plumbing & Heating

• Vick Construction

• Colonial Roofing Company

• EF Pro Contracting Inc.

• V & R Contracting

• Aqua Jet Painting Corp.

• Cassidy Excavating Inc.

• Optimum Construction Inc.

• Metro Duct Systems Inc.

• Mackey Reed Electric

• Sphinx Contracting Corp.

• H.N.H. Contractors Corp.

• Craft Fence Inc.

• M. S. Quality LLC

• New American Restoration Inc.

• Brooklyn Welding Corp. 

• New York Insulation Inc.

• Traffic Moving Systems Inc.

• North American Iron Works

• Arkay Construction Inc.

• Apco Contracting Corp.

• Astoria General Contracting Corp.

• Reliance General Construction Inc.

• Mountain’s Air Inc.

• Scott Electrical Service LLC

• Astro Communications of NY

• Sublink, LTD

• Mack Glassnauth Iron Works

• MZM Corp.

• Dosanjh Construction Corp.

• New York Rigging Corp.

• CFM Services Corp.

• Beacon Restoration, Inc.

Individuals who believe they may be entitled to unclaimed wages can call the Comptroller’s hotline at (212) 669-4443, email laborlaw@comptroller.nyc.gov,

Bronx HIRE/Jewish Board of Family & Children Services Interview Fair

Friends of VCP's September 2016

As you may recall, the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park have been conducting weekly water quality monitoring in Tibbetts Brook and Van Cortlandt Park for over 8 months now and will continue until we have at least a year's worth of data.  This data has been helping us pinpoint sources of contamination into our precious waterway and we have begun reporting these in order to help protect the water.  In August, the Friends reported to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation what we believe to be an illicit discharge into Tibbetts Brook within Yonkers.  Within a few weeks of our report, the City of Yonkers was able to locate a few sources of sewage seeping into the stormwater pipe which was discharging into Tibbetts Brook and have scheduled a work order to fix the cracks in the system.  The Friends will continue to monitor this site to determine if any positive results are received. We hope our efforts of being a watchdog for Tibbetts Brook will in the long run create a healthier ecosystem.

In addition, to the water quality monitoring we are continuing our ongoing educational and stewardship programs that introduce thousands of people to Van Cortlandt Park and all it has to offer.  We have lots of great events planned for the the general public this fall.  Check out the list below and visit our website for a full listing of upcoming events.

Hope to see you in the Park!

Christina and all of your Friends at the Friends of VCP

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!

Hike-toberfest 2016

Saturday October 1st from 2pm to 7pm

Hike, Eat, Drink & Celebrate with Friends during our new fun fundraiser for the hiking trails of Van Cortlandt Park.  Come see why VCP is Where NYC Hikes.  Hikes start at 2pm and the Oktoberfest is from 4-7pm.  For more information and to purchase tickets to one or both of the activities visitwww.vancortlandt.org.  Tickets sold in advance will be discounted.  Hikes will start at and Oktoberfest will be held on the grounds of the Van Cortlandt House Museum- enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246^th Street.  Special thank you to our main sponsors: Bronx Beer Hall, Food Dynasty, Loreleye Restaurant & Biergarten and the Van Cortlandt House Museum.

SEPTEMBER EVENTS

Get Active Hiking Series in VCP

Saturday September 10th meeting at 10am 

Please wear appropriate shoes and bring plenty of water and a snack for a hike in the Northwest Woods. meet at FVCP Compost Site (enter the Park at Broadway & Mosholu Ave).

Fall Wetland Volunteers Days

Saturday September 10th meeting at 10am

Did you know there are only 98 acres of freshwater wetlands left in the Bronx and 56 of them are in Van Cortlandt Park? Volunteers will help conduct a Bio Survey of the wetlands- bring a notepad, pen, binoculars, camera and any field guides you have (we will supply some too). Meet inside the park near the last stop of the 1 train at Broadway and W. 242nd Street.

Fall Kickoff Volunteer Event

Saturday September 17th, meeting at 10am

Join us as we kickoff a season of volunteering with projects throughout Van Cortlandt Park:

Garden & Compost Site Weeding & Harvesting: Meet at the Garden & Compost Site- enter the Park at Broadway and Mosholu Ave.

Woodlawn Northeast Forest Restoration: Meet at Van Cortlandt Park East and Kepler Avenue.

Wetland Restoration Project: Meet at the Van Cortlandt Nature Center – enter the Park at Broadway and W. 246^th Street.

SAVE THE DATE

Canoemobile in VCP 

Saturday October 15^th, from 12-4pm

Join the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park for a fun afternoon of FREE canoe rides in 24 foot Voyageur Canoes with Wilderness Inquiry on VC Lake along with Wetland Tours and Children’s Activities.  Children, 17 and under, must have a parent/guardian present to sign a consent form. Meet us at VC Lake near the Golf House- enter the Park at Van Cortlandt Park South and Bailey Ave.

Bronx Borough President - A Day of Remembrance

Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.

&

The Supreme Court of Bronx County  

Cordially invite you to join them and the Bronx community as they

 pay homage to our families, friends and neighbors who perished on

 September 11, 2001.  

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

12:00 P.M. — 2:00 P.M.  

Lou Gehrig Plaza East 161st Street, between Grand Concourse & Walton Avenue

 For information and to confirm your attendance please call:  

718-590-3522 or email lroldan@bronxbp.nyc.gov

100 PERCENT Thursday September 1, 2016

100 PERCENT

By Robert Press

Weiner Roast

    It seems that Carlos Danger has resurfaced in the reports of Anthony Weiner sexting women again. However this time it is going to cost him more than his congressional seat or a run for mayor. This latest protrusion by Weiner involves photos with his four year old son. 

     City Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr, called for an investigation into the matter by Commissioner Gladys Carrion of ACS, saying if it was a member of the minority community ACS would have been knocking on the door to investigate the matter. Councilman Diaz Sr. then wrote that he learned that ACS was going to investigate the Weiner matter. He also writes that with Weiner's very powerful wife Huma Abedin this matter may have gone unaddressed. However Councilman Diaz Sr. leaves out the fact that Huma Abedin is a top aide to Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. Yes it is the same Hillary Clinton who came to the Bronx with national coverage so she could ride the subway with Hispanic Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. the son of soon to be Councilman Ruben Diaz Sr. That is what you should know.

    In local Bronx politics - The 33rd state senate race between is getting nasty. Challenger Fernando Cabrera is calling current State Senator Gustavo Rivera a do nothing elected official (haven't we heard that many times in the Bronx). Cabrera also says that he is the only one who brings resources into the district. Current State Senator Gustavo Rivera has brought out his old line which he used six years ago (against the former state senator) saying that his opponent is being backed by Republicans. Gustavo has now teamed up with Assemblyman Jose Rivera and the two Rivera's are going to be on television Saturday boasting about what both have accomplished. Since it is a half hour show, I wonder what is going to be said after the two are announced. 

   On to the vacant 36th State Senate race. Front runner Jamaal Bailey took a few hits about his experience in the district, but what would you call his vast experience with now Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie whose district lies in the 36th State Senate District. On the Bronxtalk debate we saw one of his opponents talk about the Kingsbridge Armory Ice Center deal that seems to be falling apart, and by the way that is in the 33rd senate district and not the 36th. Another opponent prided herself being on a Bronx school board mentioning Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. First school boards in New York City were abolished over twelve years ago, and second Bronx Borough President and the Bronx Democratic County organization have endorsed Mr. Jamaal Bailey for the 36th State Senate seat. 

    As for assembly races, in the 87th A.D. Luis Sepulveda is working hard to get his slate of candidates who have been challenged elected. In the 86th A.D. Assemblyman Victor Pichardo has to do well as he is going to have to save his former boss State Senator Gustavo Rivera get re-elected. Pichardo also has to do well so former Assemblyman Nelson Castro will forget about challenging him in two years. In the 85th A.D. Bronx Democratic County Leader Assemblyman Marcos Crespo must have an excellent showing, or people may feel that a poor election result could be a sign of weakness in the county organization. In the 84th A.D. who cares as current Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo will probably step down mid-term so a certain chief of staff who does not live in the district can run for the seat in a special election. 

    Since there are no primaries in the other districts except for a party position the 78th A.D. could be the only race where the incumbent could lose, especially with the help the incumbent is getting. It looks like Aldo Perez who is helping Assemblyman Jose Rivera get re-elected had a rally in front of the 52nd Police Precinct. However it was 78th A.D. candidate for assembly Ischia Bravo who was with Aldo Perez, and Jose was no where to be found. In asking Mr. Anthony Riveccio a past supporter of Jose Rivera what is going on, the response was 'Don't ask me Ask Dr. Aldo'. Anthony also said that 78th A.D. Female District Leader candidate Sameys Lopez was at the rally. 

    You can find the Bronx Voice next week after our two week vacation. You can always go to our web page at www.bronxvoice.com. Have a good and safe Labor Day, and you can find this column back in the Bronx Voice next week. 

Bronx Borough President - BRONX SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2016

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW - Commissioner Gladys Carrión Opens and Investigation

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW 
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz 

Commissioner Gladys Carrión Opens and Investigation

You should know that I just heard that Gladys Carrión, the Commissioner of New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services, will finally open an investigation into the household of Anthony Weiner and his wife, Huma Abedin, on how their 4-year old son has been treated.

This is great news. It is encouraging to see that Commissioner Carrión and her agency are working to protect every child in the City of New York from abuse and neglect, regardless of who their parents are.

We all know that there are many Black and Hispanic parents whose children are removed from their homes and taken away for much less serious behavior in their homes.

I was afraid that the power and the connections of Anthony Weiner’s and Huma Abedin’s family have, that this conduct would have gone unaddressed.

Congratulations to Commissioner Carrión for listening to the call for an investigation, and for following through.

I am Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We agree with Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. on this matter, but want to know what his son Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. thinks. It is interesting that Ruben Diaz Sr. feels this way even though his son Ruben Diaz Jr. is so close to the Clinton for President candidacy. Diaz Jr. was featured on national television riding the subway in the Bronx with Presidential candidate Clinton, while Huma Abedin is her top advisor.