DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION OPPOSES FEDERAL PROPOSAL THAT WOULD FORCE 5,000 NYC CHILDREN FROM THEIR HOMES

  The de Blasio Administration announced it submitted formal comments to the federal government in opposition to a proposed rule that would evict thousands of New Yorkers from federally-assisted housing based on immigration status.

The proposed rule change would impact housing agencies across the country by eliminating their ability to serve families with mixed immigration status, where at least one person in the household is eligible for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and another is not.

The rule would deny eligible U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens from their right to access affordable and public housing resources, including Section 8 vouchers. This rule change would have immediate effects for approximately 11,400 New Yorkers, including nearly 5,000 children.

“The Trump Administration wants to make kids homeless and call it immigration policy,” said Mayor de Blasio. “This proposed rule would hurt some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we’ll fight it every step of the way.”

“New York has always been a City of immigrants, and we will fight to keep it that way," said Deputy Mayor for Housing and Economic Development Vicki Been. “Immigrants contribute to the cultural and economic fabric of our City. Denying more than 11,000 New Yorkers access to affordable and public housing is unacceptable, and we will work across City government to keep these families in their homes.”

“This proposed rule change isn’t about fairness or reining in scarce public resources. It’s about weaponizing immigration status and pushing 25,000 mixed-status families across the country out of their homes,” said Louise Carroll, Commissioner of the Department of Housing Preservation and Development. “I applaud the Mayor for leading the charge to stand up for New Yorkers and hardworking families all across the country that will be at risk if this proposal goes through.”

“This proposed rule callously threatens to rip apart low-income immigrant families and deny housing assistance to both immigrant and U.S. citizen children,” said Commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Bitta Mostofi. “We will continue to stand up for all of our families in public housing.”

In a memo submitted to HUD July 2, the City informed HUD that the policy would force thousands of households to choose between breaking up their families or losing their homes. It also noted that the proposed rule would exacerbate the affordable housing shortage in New York City and across the country. The memo was filed on behalf of a number of City agencies, including the New York City Housing Authority, the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the NYC Department of Social Services, among others.

New York City is home to NYCHA, the largest public housing authority in the country, as well as the Department of Housing Preservation and Development, the nation’s largest municipal housing agency charged with implementing the Mayor’s Housing New York plan to create 300,000 affordable homes by 2026. This rule would severely impact the housing programs administered the by the City, and potentially strip 2,800 affected households of critical public assistance through HPD and NYCHA programs.

Under current HUD guidelines, families made up of one or more individuals with eligible immigration status and one or more individuals without are known as “mixed-status” families. Rental subsidies offered to mixed-status households are prorated to cover only the eligible members of the household.

NYPD Stats For First Six Months of 2019 Show Overall Crime Down 5.4 %

  The NYPD announced that year-to-date index crime is down by almost 2,500 complaints, or -5.4%, a new record-breaking low for any first half of any year in the CompStat Era. Murders in the city also fell to a new first half record-low of 135, a 15.5% reduction over 2018 that broke the previous first half record-low of 136, which was set in 2017.

Index crime for June 2019 (8,032) is down by 321 complaints, or -3.8%, compared to June 2018 (8,353). Murder for the month of June 2019 (26) was also down -25.7%, or 9 fewer lives lost, compared to June 2018 (35). Shooting incidents for June 2019 are up +27.1% and year-to-date shootings are up +7.1%. The department is addressing this violence in a number of different ways, including precision policing, Summer All-Out targeted deployments and working with the District Attorneys on gun prosecutions.

"New York City is the safest big city in America, and it's as safe as it's ever been in modern times," said Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill. "But the hardworking members of the NYPD know that to make our achievements meaningful for everyone we have to make this record-breaking safety a reality in every community we serve. We’re going to do that by continuing to build strong relationships, by relentlessly pursuing those who commit violent crime, by deploying our resources effectively and by constantly evaluating our performance in an effort to do even better."

"It's been another record-breaking month for the NYPD and the people of New York City," said Mayor Bill de Blasio. "With the close of the first half of the year, we've again set a new record-low for crime - but we didn't get this far to rest on our laurels. Until every person on every street corner feels the effects of being the safest big city in America, there’s more work to do and our officers will continue to rise to the challenge."

Key highlights from this month's crime statistics include:

• Record-breaking first-half-of-the-year lows in robbery, burglary and grand larceny auto.
• Reductions in every Major Crime category, year-to-date.
• Double-digit reductions in burglary for the month of June and year-to-date, -17.5% and -13.5% respectively.
• A -2.0% reduction in rape, year-to-date. Rape continues to be underreported. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, please come forward. The NYPD's Special Victims Division 24-hour hotline is 212-267-RAPE (7273)

Statistics on Index Crimes 2018-2019

	June 2019	June 2018	Change	+/-%	Year-to-Date 2019	Year-to-Date 2018	Change	+/-%
Murder	26	35	-9	-25.70%	135	156	-21	-13.50%
Rape	138	150	-12	-8.00%	880	898	-18	-2.00%
Robbery	1125	1102	23	2.10%	5814	6237	-423	-6.80%
Felony Assault	1844	1873	-29	-1.50%	9747	9936	-189	-1.90%
Burglary	771	935	-164	-17.50%	4801	5544	-743	-13.40%
Grand Larceny	3662	3822	-160	-4.20%	19752	20602	-849	-4.10%
G.L.A.	466	436	-30	6.90%	2165	2392	-227	-9.50%
TOTAL	8032	8353	-321	-3.80%	43294	45746	-2470	-5.40%

Additional Statistics on Transit/Housing Crime and Shootings, 2018-2019

June 2019	June 2018	Change	+/-%	Year-to-Date 2019	Year-to-Date 2018	Change	+/-%
Transit	213	194	-19	9.80%	1162	1156	6	0.50%
Housing	422	422	N/A	N/A	2405	2336	69	3.00%
Shooting Incidents	89	70	19	27.10%	361	337	24	7.10%

June Rape Breakdowns

CompStat Year	Count	Occurred Same Year	Occurred Previous Year	Occurred 2 Years Prior	Occurred 3 Years Prior	Occurred 4 Years Prior	Occurred 5+ Years Prior
2019	880	638	123	26	17	10	66
2018	898	650	114	33	16	10	75
2017	679	528	87	16	9	5	34
2016	710	565	76	17	10	7	35
2015	647	508	79	15	12	7	26
2014	633	498	72	17	9	3	34

Note: All crime statistics are preliminary and subject to further analysis, revisions, or change.

Dog Run Opens in Bronx Park East

  Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez (R) brought her camera shy dog to help open the new Bronx Park East Dog Run. This dog run idea began under Councilman Jimmy Vacca who along with a few others set aside the monies needed to make this dog run happen. There are two seperate areas, one for small dogs, and one for larger dogs.

Above - While he no longer represents the community, former City Councilman Jimmy Vacca was on hand to help open the new Bronx Park East Dog Run he set aside funding for.

Below - The ribbon cutting with NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver, Bronx Parks Commissioner Iris Rodriguez, former Councilman Jimmy Vacca, current Councilman Mark Gjonaj, Assemblywoman Nathalia Fernandez, and community leaders.

Dan Padernacht Fundraiser - Trivia Night With the Candidate

  It was Trivia night with Dan Padernacht and supporters Tuesday night at Downey's Hall.on Mosholu Avenue. The event was a fundraiser for Dan's city council bid in 2021 for the term-limited seat of Andrew Cohen. Everyone at the 'Trivia night with Dan' got to learn a little about the Bronx, and a little more about Dan Padernacht. Dan is with his veteran campaign manager Jennifer Firestone who ran the city council campaign of Cliff Stanton against Andrew Cohen. 

Above - Tables were set up so Dan's supporters could team up for the trivia game. 

Below - Each team was given several pages of questions with spaces to place their answers.

It didn't really matter who won, because everyone had a good time, learned a little more about the Bronx, and even Dan Padernacht. 

  

Michael Beltzer - 🔥The movement is heating up

Our campaign is about giving people a chance

Dear Friends, Summer is here and the movement has continued to heat up!  I wanted to thank you for your past support of my campaign for City Council. I have been reflecting on the successes of 2018 and the continued progress happening in 2019 and I have never felt more hopeful. The conversation has shifted to a focus on the people, and I could use your help in building out a campaign that continues to fight for the most vulnerable, stand up against the powerful and demand equity for our communities in terms of housing, economics, education, and the environment.   Yours in Service,

Chief Of Department on the Police-involved Shooting in the 44 Precinct, Bronx.

Chief Terrance Monahan, Chief of Department NYPD.

Sunday Night July 7th at approximately 6:50 p.m., two 44 precinct uniformed officers that were assigned to an overtime shooting reduction post in the vicinity of 166th Street and Summit Ave when they approached an individual who had just broken the right rear window of a white BMW parked opposite of 1093 Summit Ave. The officers began to question the individual, who produced keys that were not for that vehicle. As the officers began to put the individual under arrest, a struggle ensued. The officers were equipped with body worn cameras which were both on, and it captures the suspect saying and I quote, "I have a gun, (expletive), die". It was at this point one officer discharged his service weapon two times, striking the individual in the torso and the hip. A loaded 9mm Ruger was recovered. As the suspect was being taken into custody, audio from the body worn camera of the officer captures him stating to other officers that the suspect had placed the gun to his chest. The suspect was transported to Lincoln Hospital, where he is listed in stable condition and is currently in surgery. Both officers were transported to an area hospital for observation. This incident once again demonstrates the dangers of police work and how an incident can quickly escalate. Fortunately, our officers were not shot or seriously injured.

Jeffrey Epstein Charged In Manhattan Federal Court With Sex Trafficking Of Minors

Alleged Conduct Occurred in both New York and Florida over Multiple Years, Involving Dozens of Victims

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and James P. O’Neill, Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced that JEFFREY EPSTEIN was arrested Saturday and charged with sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors.  The indictment unsealed today alleges that, between 2002 through 2005, EPSTEIN sexually exploited and abused dozens of underage girls by enticing them to engage in sex acts with him in exchange for money.  Epstein allegedly worked with several employees and associates to ensure that he had a steady supply of minor victims to abuse, and paid several of those victims themselves to recruit other underage girls to engage in similar sex acts for money.  He committed these offenses in locations including New York, New York, and Palm Beach, Florida.  EPSTEIN is expected to be presented in Manhattan federal court this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Henry B. Pitman.  The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As alleged, Jeffrey Epstein abused underage girls for years, operating a scheme in which girls he victimized would recruit others for Epstein to exploit and abuse.  Epstein exploited girls who were vulnerable to abuse, enticed them with cash payments, and escalated his conduct to include sex acts, often occurring at his residence on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.  While the charged conduct is from a number of years ago, the victims – then children and now young women – are no less entitled to their day in court.  My Office is proud to stand up for these victims by bringing this indictment.”

FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said:  “We are asking anyone who may have been victimized by Jeffrey Epstein, or anyone who may have information about his alleged criminal behavior, to please call us.  The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI.  We want to hear from you, regardless of the age you are now, or whatever age you were then, no matter where the incident took place.  The bravery it takes to call us might empower others to speak out about the crimes committed against them.  It is important to remember there was never, nor will there ever be an excuse for this type of behavior.  In the eyes of the FBI, the victims will always come first.”

NYPD Commissioner James P. O’Neill said:  “Today’s charges serve as a warning to individuals who continue to prey upon some of our society’s most vulnerable population: we are coming for you.  I thank and commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District and the FBI for their tireless efforts to ensure child predators are taken off our streets.  The NYPD will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eradicate the trafficking of children in our city and nation and work to bring justice to victims of these heinous crimes.”

If you believe you are a victim of the sexual abuse perpetrated by Jeffrey Epstein, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL FBI, and reference this case.

According to the Indictment[1] unsealed today in Manhattan federal court:

From at least 2002 through at least 2005, JEFFREY EPSTEIN enticed and recruited, and caused to be enticed and recruited, dozens of minor girls to visit his mansion in New York, New York (the “New York Residence”), and his estate in Palm Beach, Florida (the “Palm Beach Residence”), to engage in sex acts with him, after which he would give the victims hundreds of dollars in cash.  In order to maintain and increase his supply of victims, EPSTEIN also paid certain victims to recruit additional underage girls whom he could similarly abuse.  In this way, EPSTEIN created a vast network of underage victims for him to sexually exploit, often on a daily basis, in locations including New York and Palm Beach.

EPSTEIN’s victims were as young as 14 at the time he abused them, and were, for various reasons, often particularly vulnerable to exploitation.  Moreover, EPSTEIN knew that many of his victims were under 18, including because, in some instances, victims expressly told him they were underage.

In creating and maintaining this network of minor victims in multiple states to abuse and exploit sexually, EPSTEIN worked with others, including employees and associates who facilitated his conduct by, among other things, contacting victims and scheduling their sexual encounters with EPSTEIN at the New York Residence and at the Palm Beach Residence.

In both New York and Florida, EPSTEIN perpetuated this abuse in similar ways.  Victims were initially recruited to provide “massages” to EPSTEIN, which became increasingly sexual in nature and would typically include one or more sex acts.  EPSTEIN paid his victims hundreds of dollars in cash for each encounter.

In particular, during encounters at the New York Residence, victims would be taken to a room where they would perform a massage on EPSTEIN, during which EPSTEIN would frequently escalate the nature and scope of physical contact with his victims to include, among other things, sex acts such as groping and direct and indirect contact with the victims’ genitals.  In connection with the encounters, EPSTEIN, or one of his employees or associates, typically paid each victim hundreds of dollars in cash.  Once minor victims were recruited, EPSTEIN or his employees or associates would contact victims to schedule appointments for “massages.”  As a result, many victims were abused by EPSTEIN on multiple subsequent occasions.

To further enable him to abuse underage girls, EPSTEIN asked and enticed certain of his victims to recruit additional minor girls to perform “massages” and similarly engage in sex acts with EPSTEIN.  When a victim would recruit another underage girl for EPSTEIN, he paid both the victim-recruiter and the new victim hundreds of dollars in cash.  Through these victim-recruiters, EPSTEIN maintained a steady supply of new victims to exploit, and gained access to dozens of additional underage girls to abuse.

JEFFREY EPSTEIN, 66, is charged with one count of sex trafficking of minors, which carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of minors, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The statutory maximum and mandatory penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant would be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and the NYPD.  He also thanked the U.S. Customs and Border Protection for their assistance.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations.  The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

 [1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Indictment, and the description of the Indictment set forth herein, constitute only allegations, and every fact described therein should be treated as an allegation.

Attorney General James And Comptroller DiNapoli Announce Guilty Plea Of Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas

Thomas Admitted to Stealing Campaign Funds, Falsely Filing a Disclosure Report with the State Board of Elections 

Thomas Must Resign Effective September 30, 2019  

  Attorney General Letitia James and Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the guilty plea of Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas for stealing campaign funds and lying about those funds on a disclosure to the State Board of Elections.  

Thomas was sentenced to pay a $13,000 fine in addition to a one-year conditional discharge during which time Thomas may not seek or accept any elected or appointed public office or seek or accept any position as a public servant. Thomas will also resign and leave office effective September 30, 2019. 

“By using campaign funds to line his own pockets, Thomas broke the law, and violated public trust,” said Attorney General Letitia James. "New Yorkers put their faith in our public servants, and Thomas’ gross violation of that faith constitutes the utmost disloyalty to those he was sworn to serve. My office will continue to root out public corruption, uphold the integrity of public office, and bring bad actors to justice at every level of government throughout New York.”  

"Mayor Thomas admitted to knowingly misusing campaign donations to fund his lifestyle instead of funding his campaign," said State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. "Thanks to my partnership with Attorney General Letitia James, his scheme was exposed and he has now admitted his guilt.  I will continue to work with Attorney General James to root out public corruption across the state."   

Thomas pleaded guilty to charges of Attempted Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a class A misdemeanor, and Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor. The guilty plea is in satisfaction of an indictment filed in Westchester County that stemmed from a joint investigation conducted by the Office of the Attorney General and the New York State Office of the Comptroller. 

As part of the plea agreement, Thomas admitted that he knowingly and unlawfully appropriated contributions totaling approximately $13,000 from his campaign committee, the Friends of Richard Thomas, during his 2015 mayoral candidacy, for his own personal use.   

Thomas also admitted that he knowingly and falsely filed a 27 Day Post-General Disclosure report with the New York State Board of Elections, where he admitted that he did not disclose that he received a $4,000 payment from his campaign committee. On that report, Thomas also claimed to have received a $2,500 reimbursement payment from his campaign committee, but he did not expend personal funds warranting such reimbursement. 

Since 2011, The Attorney General’s Office and the State Comptroller’s Office have worked together to fight corruption through their Joint Task Force on Public Integrity. They have brought charges against dozens of individuals implicated in public corruption schemes around the state – resulting in the return of over $11 million in restitution to taxpayers through these convictions.