Privacy in AOL's Bronx Office - NO WAY

 I was told of a problem with the use of Assemblywoman Karines Reyes's office by Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I was told that there was no privacy by a person who went to see the Congresswoman. This person sat at a desk in the middle of the room where the assemblywoman's receptionist sat five feet away, and could hear everything that was said. I decided to see what this person meant. 

I went to see the congresswoman's representative on a matter. Like the person told me I was brought to a desk in the middle of the room where Assemblywoman Reyes's receptionist was five feet away. I said that I wanted privacy, and did not want anyone in Assemblywoman Reyes's office to hear what I was to discuss. I was taken to a back office where I began to discuss a matter when within two minutes I turned around to see someone from Assemblywoman Reyes's office standing behind me. I said that I asked for privacy, and left to call the Queens office of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez. I explained what transpired, and that there is no privacy in Bronx Assemblywoman Reyes's office for anyone coming in with a problem seeking help from the congresswoman. Within 30 minutes the office manager called me, and I explained to her that there is no privacy and that the congresswoman should seek different quarters in the Bronx for an office. What does the everyone think of going to see AOC on a problem only to have a staffer of the assemblywoman listening in on the problem?

Former Senior Fincen Employee Pleads Guilty To Conspiring To Unlawfully Disclose Suspicious Activity Reports

Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards Illegally Repeatedly Transmitted SARs and Other Sensitive Government Information To A Reporter Resulting In Approximately 12 News Articles Over 1-Year Period

  Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that NATALIE MAYFLOWER SOURS EDWARDS, a/k/a “Natalie Sours,” a/k/a “Natalie May Edwards,” a/k/a “May Edwards,” a former senior adviser at the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”), pled guilty today to conspiring to unlawfully disclose Suspicious Activity Reports (“SARs”).  EDWARDS pled guilty before United States District Judge Gregory H. Woods.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As she has now admitted, Natalie Mayflower Sours Edwards, a former senior-level FinCEN employee, abused her position of trust by agreeing to repeatedly disclose highly sensitive information contained in Suspicious Activity Reports.  Maintaining the confidentiality of SARs, which are filed by banks and other financial institutions to alert law enforcement to potentially illegal transactions, is essential to permit them to serve their statutory function, and the defendant’s conduct violated the integrity of that critical system and the law.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Information, publicly available information, court filings, and statements made during the plea proceeding:

The mission of FinCEN is to “safeguard the financial system from illicit use and combat money laundering and promote national security through the collection, analysis, and dissemination of financial intelligence and strategic use of financial authorities.”[1]  Among other things, FinCEN manages the collection and maintenance of SARs regarding potentially suspicious financial transactions, which, under the Bank Secrecy Act (“BSA”), U.S. financial institutions and other parties are required by law to generate and deliver to FinCEN.  Under the BSA and its implementing regulations, willful disclosure of a SAR or its contents by government employees or agents is a felony unless necessary to fulfill official duties.

Beginning in approximately October 2017, and lasting until her arrest in October 2018, EDWARDS agreed to and did unlawfully disclose numerous SARs to a reporter (“Reporter-1”), the substance of which were published over the course of approximately 12 articles by a news organization for which Reporter-1 worked (“News Organization-1”).  The illegally disclosed SARs pertained to, among other things, Paul Manafort, Richard Gates, the Russian Embassy, Mariia Butina, and Prevezon Alexander.  EDWARDS had access to each of the pertinent SARs and saved them – along with thousands of other files containing sensitive government information – to a flash drive provided to her by FinCEN.  She transmitted the SARs to Reporter-1 by means that included taking photographs or images of them and texting the photographs or images to Reporter-1 over an encrypted application.  In addition to disseminating SARs to Reporter-1, EDWARDS sent or described to Reporter-1 internal FinCEN emails or correspondence appearing to relate to SARs or other information protected by the BSA, and FinCEN nonpublic memoranda, including Investigative Memos and Intelligence Assessments published by the FinCEN Intelligence Division, which contained confidential personal information, business information, and/or security threat assessments.

At the time of EDWARDS’s arrest, she was in possession of a flash drive on which she saved the unlawfully disclosed SARs, and a cellphone containing numerous communications over an encrypted application in which she transmitted SARs and other sensitive government information to Reporter-1.

EDWARDS, 41, of Quinton, Virginia, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to make unauthorized disclosures of SARs, which carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.  EDWARDS is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Woods on Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 4:00 p.m.  The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of the defendant will be determined by the judge.

Mr. Berman praised the investigative work of the Treasury Department’s Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Former Supervisory Committee Member Of Municipal Credit Union Pleads Guilty To Embezzlement

  Geoffrey S. Berman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that Joseph Guagliardo, a/k/a “Joseph Gagliardo,” a former New York City Police Department (“NYPD”) officer and former member of the supervisory committee (the “Supervisory Committee”) of Municipal Credit Union (“MCU”), a non-profit financial institution, pled guilty today to abusing his leadership position at MCU to embezzle more than $400,000 dollars from the MCU.  GUAGLIARDO pled guilty before United States District Judge Denise L. Cote.

U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said:  “As he has now admitted, Joseph Guagliardo betrayed the trust of MCU’s members, who elected him to supervise and protect MCU, by abusing his position to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars.  Today’s plea is yet another step forward in this Office’s efforts to fully investigate and prosecute those who abused positions of authority at MCU, a multibillion-dollar, non-profit, federally insured credit union, to enrich themselves and their families at the expense of its hard-working members.”

According to the allegations contained in the Complaint, Information, publicly-available information, court filings, and statements made during the plea proceeding:           

MCU is a non-profit financial institution headquartered in New York, New York, which is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (“NCUA”).  MCU is the oldest credit union in New York State and one of the oldest and largest in the country, providing banking services to more than 500,000 members, and with more than $2.9 billion in member accounts, each of which is federally insured for at least $250,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, which is administered by the NCUA.  Membership in MCU is generally available to employees of New York City and its agencies, employees of the federal and New York state governments who work in New York City, and employees of hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities located within New York State.

GUAGLIARDO is a former officer with the NYPD and a former Supervisory Committee member of MCU, a volunteer position.  In or about 1993, GUAGLIARDO joined the Supervisory Committee, and remained in that position until he was removed from that position by the New York State Department of Financial Services on or about May 24, 2018, except for a brief period of time when he served as a member of MCU’s board of directors in or about 2008. 

Under New York banking law, the Supervisory Committee’s duties included supervision of the actions of MCU’s board of directors and officers.  MCU’s written conflict of interest policy, which was regularly distributed to board members, Supervisory Committee members, and others, provided, among other things, that members of MCU’s “Board of Directors and Supervisory Committee may not do business with the Credit Union, either individually or as representative of any business entity.”

From 2009 through May 2018, in violation of MCU policy and his fiduciary duty as a member of the Supervisory Committee, GUAGLIARDO engaged in a scheme to obtain money from MCU to which he knew he was not entitled, and took steps to conceal his efforts.  Among other things, GUAGLIARDO caused MCU to direct more than $250,000 to a security company created and controlled by GUAGLIARDO, but operated in another’s name, and then directed that money from that company be paid to him and to his family members.  GUAGLIARDO also over-billed MCU more than $200,000 for purported web advertising services provided by a non-profit organization that GUAGLIARDO also controlled.

In addition, during substantially the same period in which GUAGLIARDO was committing these offenses, GUAGLIARDO unlawfully distributed controlled substances to the former chief executive officer of MCU, in the form of prescription drugs, some of which were obtained from GUAGLIARDO’s spouse, who worked as a doctor affiliated with a public hospital, and some of which were obtained from a different doctor affiliated with the NYPD.

GUAGLIARDO, 62, of Brooklyn, New York, pled guilty to one count of embezzlement from a federally insured credit union, which carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison.  In his written plea agreement, GUAGLIARDO agreed to forfeit at least $425,514, and to pay at least $468,189 in restitution to MCU. 

GUAGLIARDO is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Cote on April 10, 2020, at 2:30 p.m.

The maximum potential sentence in this case is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes only, as the sentence of GUAGLIARDO will be determined by the Court.

U.S. Attorney Berman praised the outstanding work of the Special Agents of the United States Attorney’s Office.  Mr. Berman also thanked the New York County District Attorney’s Office, the New York State Department of Financial Services, and the NYPD Internal Affairs Bureau for their assistance.

Attorney General James Launches Investigation Into NYPD For Alleged Targeting Of Communities Of Color On NYC Subways

AG James Requests Documents Outlining Coordination Between NYPD and MTA for Enforcement of ‘Fare Evasion’ Laws and Regulations

 New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced she is launching an investigation into whether the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been targeting communities of color through its enforcement of the “theft of services” law and the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s (MTA) ‘fare evasion’ regulations. In a letter to NYPD Police Commissioner Dermot Shea, Attorney General James requests fare evasion data and other information that may shine a light on whether officers have exhibited racial biases or engaged in discriminatory practices in their enforcement of these laws and regulations at subway stations throughout the city.

“We’ve all read the stories and seen the disturbing videos of men, women, and children being harassed, dragged away, and arrested by officers in our city’s subway system, which is why we are launching an investigation into this deeply troublesome conduct,” said Attorney General James. “If groups of New Yorkers have been unfairly targeted because of the color of their skin, my office will not hesitate to take legal action. While we are hopeful that the NYPD will cooperate thoroughly with this investigation, we will not hesitate to use every investigative tool at our disposal to protect subway riders and the people of this city.”

Current and former NYPD officers have recently alleged in sworn statements that — through at least 2015 — the NYPD had an unofficial policy of targeting black and Hispanic people for fare evasion and other low-level violations in the city’s subway system. But newly-published data indicates that this alleged policy may still continue today. Between October 2017 and June 2019, black and Hispanic New Yorkers received almost 70-percent of all civil summonses for fare evasion, even though they only account for slightly more than half of the city’s population. During that same period, they made up nearly 90-percent of arrests for fare evasion.

In her letter to Commissioner Shea, Attorney General James requests information detailing, but not limited to:

The number of officers assigned to every subway station throughout the city each day,

Any arrangements made between the NYPD and the MTA regarding enforcement of fare evasion laws,

Information pertaining to policies and training of NYPD officers on the enforcement of fare evasion laws, and

Additional data on notices, summonses, and arrests pertaining to fare evasion, broken down by race and age.

New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson added, “I applaud Attorney General James for investigating this important issue. For decades, law enforcement has disproportionately impacted communities of color and as we reform our criminal justice system we need to know if this practice is continuing with fare evasion.”

“Whether it is the use of stop and frisk or the enforcement of low-level marijuana possession, I have always believed in, and will always fight for, the application of safety and justice that protects every single New Yorker,” said Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams. “Attorney General James’ investigation into allegedly inequitable enforcement of our fare evasion laws is both responsible and responsive to the concerns of communities that have historically suffered from bias-based policing. As someone who policed this city above ground and below, I know without question that we can make this city safer and do so without leaving people in disgrace. We must all follow the same rules, commuters and cops alike.”

This Office of the New York State Attorney General has previously reviewed practices related to biases at the NYPD. In 2000, the office issued a report on the NYPD’s use of stop-and-frisk and issued a supplemental report in 2013 after a court found evidence of biased policing.

The Civil Rights Bureau of the Office of the New York State Attorney General enforces laws that protect all New Yorkers from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, among other protected classes. If an individual believes they have been a victim of discrimination or have other information relevant to this investigation, they can contact the Civil Rights Bureau in the Office of the New York State Attorney General by calling 212-416-8250 or emailing civil.rights@ag.ny.gov.

TWO HUMANITARIAN RELIEF EFFORT FOR PUERTO RICO

You should know that we are coordinating two different humanitarian relief efforts for Puerto Rico. The first one will be a musical concert this Friday, January 17, 2020 @ 7pm at Lehman Center for the Performing Arts (250 Bedford Park Blvd Bronx, NY 10468) with Eddie Palmieri and several other artists. This concert is being coordinated in conjunction with Freddy Perez Entertainment. You should also know that this Saturday January 18, 2020 @ 12:00 PM, we will be conducting a Humanitarian Relief Effort on behalf of those affected by the recent earth quakes in Puerto Rico.    This event will be held on Southern Boulevard on the corner of Aldus Street in the Bronx.   It is important for you to know that the little island of Puerto Rico has been rocked by a total of 4,587 earthquakes and earth tremors during the past 365 days with an intensity measured between five and six on the Richter Scale.  The most intense earthquake occurred in the town of “Tallaboa Peñuelas” registering 6.4 on the Richter Scale according to news reports. In just the last 24 hours, the Southern part of Puerto Rico has been rocked by over 39 earthquakes.  This has caused families, and its residents to abandon their homes and take refuge in the street and open spaces fearing their homes and buildings may collapse on them. The neighbors and fellow citizens in Puerto Rico need not only our prayers, but our help.  Therefore, on Saturday January 18, 2020, The organization I preside over, The New York Hispanic Clergy Organization, together with Councilman Rafael Salamanca and Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, the 41st Police Precinct, Community Planning Board # 2, Radio Vision Cristiana International, Radio Cantico Nuevo, Freddy Perez Entertainment and many other organizations will be collaborating to bring relief to the people of Puerto Rico with this humanitarian effort.  I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to those who have joined me in coordinating this effort. Special thanks to Ms. Joyce Taylor from HR Block, Mr. Fredy Perez, Jr. Entertainment, Mr. Frank Hernandez and Ms. Coralie Hernandez from “La Flor De Mayo Shipping Company who have been assisting me in obtaining two containers which we expect will be filled with materials, and much needed essentials. The containers once filled to capacity will be shipped to Puerto Rico where they will be received by “Cristo Viene Evangelical Association” founded by the late Rev. YiYe Avila For more information, call Leila Martinez at 718-792-1140. I am Councilman Rev. Ruben Diaz and this is what you should know.

Our Bronx Revolution/Carlos Suarez - Petitioning for Bernie Sanders

OUR BRONX REVOLUTION (OBR)

The Sanders campaign is scheduling petitioning events throughout the Bronx to ensure Bernie and his delegates are on the ballot for the April 2020 primary. Below is a list of petitioning events in the Borough, up to January 15, published by the campaign.

Our Bronx Revolution and Bronx 4 Bernie Sanders 2020 are actively supporting these events and we ask volunteers to join the campaign at these activities.  Come together with fellow Bernie supporters and join this historic movement to defeat Trump and transform America. We’ll collect petition signatures from our neighbors, friends, and families to ensure that we have a real champion to vote for this April.

Below is the calendar of events, which will be expanded as we go along:

Jan 13, 2020
At 4:00 PM we’ll be at Southern Boulevard & Westchester Avenue The Bronx, NY 10459. Contact: C. Suarez, 347353-6495
  
Jan 14, 2020
At Noon we’ll be at 1 Bedford Park Blvd The Bronx, NY 10468. Contact: Javier, 914-648-0482
At 3:30 PM we’ll be at 1 Bedford Park Blvd The Bronx, NY 10468. Contact: Javier, 914-648-0482
 At 4:00 PM we’ll be at the intersection of Grand Concourse & E. 149^th Street Contact: C. Suarez, 347353-6495
At 4:30 PM we’ll be at East Fordham Road & Southern Boulevard( Fordham University) The Bronx, NY 10458. Contact: Elizabeth, 917-335-4803

Jan 15th, 2020
At 11 AM we’ll be at Bainbridge Av & Paul Ave. Contact: Javier, 914-6482
At 4:00 PM we’ll be at Southern Boulevard & Westchester Avenue The Bronx, NY 10459. Contact: C. Suarez, 347353-6495


At 4:00 PM we’ll be Hugh J. Grant Circle & Westchester Avenue The Bronx, NY 10472. Contact: Elizabeth, 917-335-4803
 
January 16^th, 2020
At 10:00 AM, we’ll be at 310 E Kingsbridge Rd The Bronx, NY 10458. Contact: Javier, 914-648-0482

Jan 17, 2020
At 9 AM we’ll be at BCC. Main entrance on University Ave, Bronx, NY. Contact: Javier, 914-648-0482
At 4: PM we’ll be at East 149 and 3^rd Ave (in front of McDonald’s), Bronx 10455. Contact: C. Suarez

Jan 18, 2020
At 10 AM we’ll at Motefior Hospital (E. 210 St & Gun Hill Rd. Javier, 914-648-0482

Jan 20, 2020
At 11:00 AM we’ll be at 887 Southern Blvd (Huntss Point Ave Libruary). Contact: Collazo, 646-963-8353

At 12:30 PM we’ll be at 107 E Gun Hill Rd The Bronx, NY 10467

Between 4-7 PM we’ll be at River Ave & 161^st Street (in front of McDonald). Contact: C. Suarez, 347-353-6495
 
Jan. 22, 2020
Between 4-7 PM we’ll be at the intersection of Boston Rd and Southern Blvd (in front of Donkin Donuts). Contact: C. Suarez, 347-353-6495
 
Jan 24, 2020
Between 4-7 PM we’ll be at the intersection of E. 149^th Street & Prospect Ave (in front of Popeyers). Contact: C. Suarez, 347-353-6495
to reserve for these events, visit: http://Berniesanders.com

Statement from New York City Comptroller Scott M. Stringer on Bombardier R179 Subway Cars

 “The New York City subway riders who foot the bill for the MTA’s $600 million contract with Bombardier were promised new, state-of-the-art train cars to help modernize our ailing transit system. Now, all the cars that were delivered so far have been pulled from service due to critical defects. It is completely unacceptable.

“Last month my office released an audit that exposed how this contract became three years behind schedule and cost taxpayers millions of additional dollars. Our investigation revealed layers of mismanagement in the MTA’s oversight of the contract — repeated failures to meet contract deadlines and requirements, poor project management and technical breakdowns, structural defects that delayed cars being put into service, and several earlier structural problems that caused some of these trains to be pulled from service.

“Bombardier sold us lemons. Straphangers need the MTA to manage these contracts from the beginning — before the trains go off the rails.”

EDITOR'S NOTE:

We are so lucky to have New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer grandstanding rather then calling for an investigation by New York State Attorney General Letitica James. She might be able to recoup some of the money that is going to be needed to keep these new subway cars from having more problems, and fix them when new problems arise.

OcasioCortez.com - Our campaign will not pay the $250,000 in dues that the DCCC is demanding from AOC.

Our campaign will not pay the $250,000 in dues that the DCCC is demanding from AOC. We can’t support an arm of the party that blacklists progressives and funds corporate, anti-choice, or pro-Trump Democrats.

We’re sure as heck not going to take the money that was given to AOC by small-dollar donors and turn it over to the DCCC. Instead, we’re founding a brand new PAC: Courage to Change.

Courage to Change will be like a progressive version of the DCCC, bankrolling grassroots candidates who are systematically disadvantaged in a corrupt campaign finance system where billionaires can buy elections.