315 Grand Concourse Tops Out in Mott Haven, The Bronx

 

Photo by Michael Young

Construction has partially topped out on 315 Grand Concourse, a 13-story residential building in Mott Haven, The Bronx. Designed by Fischer Makooi Architects for Yechial Lichtenstein of Mint Development Corp., the 134-foot-tall structure will span 192,026 square feet and yield 240 rental units with an average scope of 770 square feet, as well as 7,040 square feet of commercial space, a 44-foot-long rear yard, and enclosed parking for 82 vehicles. The property is located on a triangular parcel bound by Grand Concourse, Walton Avenue, and East 140th Street.

Recent photos show the main volume of the reinforced concrete superstructure built to its pinnacle on the southern half of the plot. Exterior work is progressing behind a dense assembly of scaffolding and construction netting, with the grid of windows already in place. Meanwhile, excavation and foundations are still ongoing for the secondary volume of the building on the northern corner of the lot. Based on the pace of work, this component could potentially top out in late spring or early summer.

The property was formerly occupied by a low-rise commercial building, as seen in the following Google Street View image from Grand Concourse.

The main rendering shows the rear western elevation along Walton Avenue, depicting the main bulk of the project that has already topped out. The building features a multifaceted massing with stepped setbacks on the northern half and an expansive terrace at the 11th story of the southern end. The façade is composed of various shades of gray metal paneling along with what appears to be white brick. Glass railings line the flat parapet, suggesting the presence of a roof deck.

The northern volume that has yet to rise above street level is absent from the rendering, and its dimensions and appearance remain unclear.

The nearest subways from the development are the 4 and 5 trains at the 138th Street-Grand Concourse station to the south.

315 Grand Concourse’s anticipated completion date is slated for fall 2025, as noted on site.

Former Finance Minister Of Mozambique Sentenced to 102 Months’ Imprisonment for His Role in $2 Billion Fraud and Money Laundering Scheme

 

Manuel Chang, the former Finance Minister of Mozambique, was sentenced by United States District Judge Nicholas G. Garaufis to a term of imprisonment of 102 months and ordered to pay $7 million in forfeiture.  The restitution amount will be determined at a later date.   Chang was convicted after a four-week trial in July and August 2024 of conspiring to commit wire fraud and money laundering in connection with his role in a $2 billion international fraud, bribery and money laundering scheme that victimized investors in the United States and elsewhere.  He was arrested in December 2018 in South Africa, pursuant to a provisional arrest warrant issued at the request of the United States and extradited to the Eastern District of New York in July 2023.

Carolyn Pokorny, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, Brent S. Wible, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General and head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and James E. Dennehy, Assistant Director in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI), announced the sentence.

“This sentence shows that foreign officials who abuse their power to commit crimes targeting the U.S. financial system will meet U.S. justice,” stated Acting United States Attorney Pokorny.  “My Office will continue to pursue those who violate our laws and harm U.S. investors regardless of their power, position or title.”  

“Manuel Chang abused his position as Finance Minister of Mozambique by obtaining $7 million in bribe payments in exchange for helping secure more than $2 billion in loans,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brent S. Wible, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Chang’s brazen misconduct betrayed his duty to the people of Mozambique and defrauded investors, including those in the United States, of substantial losses. With this sentence, Chang has been held accountable for his violations of U.S. law.”

“Manuel Chang abused his authority as the former Mozambique Finance Minister by helping to obtain billions of dollars in loans, a large portion of which was diverted from its intended purposes to satisfy bribe payments, ultimately causing significant financial loss to U.S. and global investors,” stated FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy.  “With the support of his co-conspirators, Chang violated the trust of his office and wielded his position to enrich himself and other Mozambican officials. May this sentencing reiterate the FBI’s commitment to dismantling all corruptive malpractices orchestrated by foreign governments, especially those targeting our country as their personal piggy bank.”

As proven at trial, Chang received $7 million in bribes in exchange for signing guarantees on behalf of the Republic of Mozambique to secure funding for three loans for maritime projects.  As part of the scheme, Chang and his co-conspirators falsely stated to banks and investors that the loan proceeds would be used for the projects and that the borrower would not pay bribes to Mozambican government officials. In fact, however, Chang and his co-conspirators facilitated the criminal diversion of more than $200 million of the loan proceeds that were used to pay bribes and kickbacks to Chang and others.

Between approximately 2013 and 2016, in his capacity as Mozambique’s Minister of Finance, Chang, together with his co-conspirators – including executives of Privinvest Group, a United Arab Emirates-based shipbuilding company – ensured that Credit Suisse AG, through its subsidiary in the United Kingdom, Credit Suisse Securities (Europe) Limited (CSSEL), and another foreign investment bank would arrange for more than $2 billion to be extended to companies owned and controlled by the Mozambican government:  Proindicus S.A. (Proindicus), Empresa Moçambicana de Atum, S.A. (EMATUM), and Mozambique Asset Management (MAM).  The proceeds of the loans were intended to fund three maritime projects for which Privinvest was to provide the equipment and services. Specifically, Proindicus was to perform coastal surveillance, EMATUM was to engage in tuna fishing, and MAM was to build and maintain shipyards.

Instead, Chang and his co-conspirators illegally facilitated Privinvest’s diversion of more than $200 million of the loan proceeds to bribes and kickbacks.  These funds included more than $150 million that Privinvest used to bribe Chang and other Mozambican government officials to ensure that companies owned and controlled by the Mozambican government would enter into the loan arrangements, and that the government of Mozambique would guarantee those loans.  The loans were subsequently sold in whole or in part to investors worldwide, including in the United States.  In doing so, the participants in the scheme conspired to defraud these investors by misrepresenting how the loan proceeds would be used.  Ultimately, Proindicus, EMATUM, and MAM each defaulted on their loans and proceeded to miss more than $700 million in loan payments, causing substantial losses to investors.

In October 2021, Credit Suisse AG and CSSEL admitted to defrauding U.S. and international investors in the financing of an $850 million loan for the EMATUM project. CSSEL pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and Credit Suisse AG entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (Fraud Section) and the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS).  As a part of the resolution, Credit Suisse AG and CSSEL paid approximately $475 million in penalties, fines, and disgorgement as part of coordinated resolutions with criminal and civil authorities in the United States and the United Kingdom.

The Office’s Business & Securities Fraud Section is handling the case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Hiral D. Mehta, Genny Ngai and Jonathan Siegel, and Trial Attorneys Peter Cooch of the Fraud Section and Morgan Cohen of MLARS, are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Timothy Migliaro.  The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department appreciates the assistance of South African authorities, particularly those in the South African Department of Justice and Constitutional Development and the South African Police Service, as well as authorities in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal.

Governor Hochul Directs State Agencies to Prepare for Dangerously Cold Temperatures and Lake Effect Snow Expected to Impact State Starting Sunday

Storm System Could Bring Extremely Cold Temperatures and Snow Beginning Sunday Night and Continuing Through Mid-Week

Lake Effect Snow for Areas East of Lakes Erie and Ontario Starting Sunday and Continuing Through Wednesday

Feels-Like Temperatures as Low as -25 Degrees Fahrenheit Expected Across Much of the State on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Nights

Governor Kathy Hochul urged caution and directed state agencies to prepare for a dangerous winter storm system that threatens lake effect snow and cold temperatures statewide next week. A storm system near Long Island is forecast to bring snow and freezing temperatures Sunday night into Monday morning for the Mid-Hudson, New York City and Long Island regions. In addition, lake effect snow is forecast to develop as early as Sunday night and continue through Wednesday for areas east of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Although the timing, placement and intensity of snow is uncertain, there is the potential for heavy lake effect snow and difficult travel conditions in these areas. Finally, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday night, feels-like temperatures of -25 degrees Fahrenheit to 0 degrees Fahrenheit are expected across much of the state. New Yorkers should monitor local weather conditions and take action to prepare for winter weather and freezing cold temperatures.

“As extreme cold temperatures and lake effect snow move into our state over the coming days, I’ve directed our state agencies to mobilize their resources as we prepare to respond to this weather system,” Governor Hochul said. “These conditions pose an extraordinary risk to anyone who is exposed to the elements or is unable to adequately heat their home, and I encourage New Yorkers to take precautions to keep themselves and their families safe.”

For a complete listing of weather alerts, visit the National Weather Service website at alerts.weather.gov. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for emergency alerts by subscribing to NY Alert at alert.ny.gov, a free service providing critical emergency information to your cell phone or computer.

Agency Movements

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division’s Office of Emergency Management is in contact with their local counterparts and is prepared to facilitate requests for assistance. State stockpiles are staffed and ready to deploy emergency response assets and supplies as needed. The State Watch Center is monitoring the storm track and statewide impacts closely.

New York State Department of Transportation

The State Department of Transportation is monitoring weather conditions and is prepared to respond with 3,671 supervisors and operators available statewide. All field staff are available to fully engage and respond. Staff can be configured into any type of response crew that is needed (plow, drainage, chipper, load & haul, cut & toss, etc.). All available response equipment is ready to deploy.

Statewide equipment numbers are as follows:

• 1,630 large plow trucks
• 351 large loaders
• 159 medium duty plows
• 52 tow plows
• 34 snow blowers
• 20 graders

For real-time travel information, motorists should call 511 or visit https://www.511ny.org/#:Alerts, New York State's official traffic and travel information source.

Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority is ready to respond with 691 operators and supervisors available. The following statewide equipment numbers and resources will be prepared to respond:

• 354 large and medium duty plow trucks
• 10 tow plows
• 65 loaders
• 113,000+ tons of salt on hand

Variable Message Signs and social media (X and Facebook) are utilized to alert motorists of winter weather conditions on the Thruway.

New this icy season, all of the Thruway's more than 250 heavy-duty plow trucks are equipped with green hazard lights, complementing the standard amber hazard lights. Green lights are intended to improve visibility and enhance safety during winter operations, particularly in low-light conditions and poor weather. Drivers are reminded that Thruway snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour — which in many cases is slower than the posted speed limit — to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and treated.

The Thruway Authority encourages motorists to download its mobile app which is available for free on iPhone and Android devices. The app provides motorists direct access to real-time traffic information, live traffic cameras and navigation assistance while on the go. Motorists can also sign up for TRANSalert e-mails and follow @ThruwayTraffic on X for the latest traffic conditions along the Thruway.

New York State Department of Public Service

New York's utilities have about 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State, as necessary. Agency staff will track utilities' work throughout the event and ensure utilities shift appropriate staffing to regions that experience the greatest impact.

New York State Police

State Police have instructed all Troopers to remain vigilant and will deploy extra patrols to affected areas as needed. All four-wheel drive vehicles are in service and all specialty vehicles, including Utility Terrain Vehicles and snowmobiles, are staged and ready for deployment.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

DEC Emergency Management staff, Environmental Conservation Police Officers, Forest Rangers and regional staff, remain on alert and continue to monitor the developing situation and weather forecasts. Working with partner agencies, DEC is prepared to coordinate resource deployment of all available assets, including sawyers and first responders, to targeted areas in preparation for potential impacts due to snow and icy conditions.

DEC reminds those responsible for the removal and disposal of snow to follow best management practices to help prevent flooding and reduce the potential for pollutants like salt, sand, oils, trash and other debris from affecting water quality. Disposal of snow in local creeks and streams can create ice dams, which may cause flooding. Public and private snow removal operators should be aware of these safety issues during and after winter storms. Additional information is available at Division of Water Technical and Operational Guidance Series: Snow Disposal.

Unpredictable winter weather and storms in the Adirondacks, Catskills and other backcountry areas can create unexpectedly hazardous conditions. Visitors should be prepared with proper clothing and equipment for snow, ice and the cold to ensure a safe winter experience. Snow depths range greatly throughout the Adirondacks, with the deepest snow at higher elevations in the High Peaks region and other mountains over 3,000 feet. Lower elevation trails have mixed conditions of snow, ice, slush and mud including many trails in the Catskill Mountains where the potential for icy trail conditions exists.

While ice is beginning to form on some waterways, DEC advises outdoor enthusiasts to review ice safety guidelines before heading out.

Hikers are advised to temporarily avoid all high-elevation trails as well as trails that cross rivers and streams. Hikers in the Adirondacks are encouraged to check the Adirondack Backcountry Information webpages for updates on trail conditions, seasonal road closures and general recreation information.

Backcountry visitors should Hike Smart and follow proper safety guidelines. Plan trips accordingly. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. To request Forest Ranger assistance, call 1-833-NYS-RANGERS.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues. To reduce the likelihood of flooding and respond to any instances of flooding, MTA crews will inspect drains in flood-prone areas to ensure they are functional, and supervisors will monitor flood-prone locations for any reports of flooding to ensure quick response. Elevator and escalator specialists will be deployed to flood-prone locations to attend to any weather-related elevator and escalator troubles. Customers are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA app and the TrainTime app.

Safety Tips

Dress for Cold Weather

• Dress in layers and cover exposed skin
• Warm hat and gloves; face mask for extreme cold
• 2-3 layers of upper-body clothing and 1-2 layers of lower-body clothing
• An outer layer to keep out wind and wet snow
• Waterproof boots

Don’t Forget Your Pets

• Keep pets warm, dry and indoors when possible.
• Provide plenty of food and water because dehydration is especially dangerous in winter.
• Keep pets bundled up when outside, limit their time outside and clean them thoroughly, including paws, when bringing pets indoors.

Travel

Some of the most important tips for safe driving include:

• Monitor the forecast for your local area and areas you may be travelling to.
• Avoid unnecessary travel.
• If you must travel, make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, battery booster cables, quick energy foods and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress flag.
• If you have a cellphone or other communications device such as a two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• The leading cause of death and injuries during winter storms is transportation accidents. Before getting behind the wheel, make sure that your vehicle is clear of ice and snow; good vision is key to good driving. Plan your stops and keep more distance between cars. Be extra alert and remember that snowdrifts can hide smaller children. Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.
• It is important for motorists on all roads to note that snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 mph, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit.
• Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side, to safely clear several lanes at one time.
• Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause whiteout conditions.
• Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists to drive is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted. Never attempt to pass a snowplow while it's operating.

Power Outages

• Check with your utility to determine area repair schedules.
• If you lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored; leave one light on to indicate when power has been restored.
• If heat goes out during a winter storm, keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need.

To Report an Electric Outage, call:

• Central Hudson: 800-527-2714
• Con Edison: 800-752-6633
• National Grid: 800-867-5222
• NYSEG: 800-572-1131
• O&R: 877-434-4100
• PSEG-LI: 800-490-0075
• RG&E: 800-743-1701

Heating Safety

• Use only safe sources of alternative heat such as a fireplace, small well-vented wood or coal stove or portable space heaters.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation and follow manufacturer's instructions.
• Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have a fire extinguisher and smoke detectors and make sure they work.
• If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:
  • Follow the manufacturers' instructions.
  • Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
  • Refuel outdoors only and only when the unit is cool.
  • Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
  • When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

For more safety tips, visit dhses.ny.gov/safety. For all non-emergency service needs in New York State before, during or after a storm, call 211 or visit www.211nys.org/.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) provides leadership, coordination and support to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, recover from and mitigate disasters and other emergencies. For more information, follow @NYSDHSES on Facebook, Instagram, and X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

 

MAYOR ADAMS RELIEVES $80 MILLION IN MEDICAL DEBT FOR WORKING-CLASS NEW YORKERS

 

Pioneering Program Launched by Mayor Adams Relieves Medical Debt for 35,000 New Yorkers in Partnership with Undue Medical Debt 

  

New York City’s Investment Will Provide $2 Billion in Relief for up to 500,000 New Yorkers, Becoming Largest Municipal Medical Debt Relief Program in Nation 

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) Acting Commissioner Dr. Michelle Morse today announced that, beginning this week, 35,000 New Yorkers will start receiving letters notifying them that their medical debt has been eliminated by a pioneering program launched by Mayor Adams last year — clearing $80 million in debt. Medical debt — the number one cause of bankruptcy in the United States — disproportionately affects uninsured, under-insured, and low-income households, and the city’s investment of $18 million over three years will relieve a total of over $2 billion in medical debt for 500,000 working-class New Yorkers on a one-time basis.  

  

The city has partnered with Undue Medical Debt, a national New York City-based nonprofit specializing in buying and ultimately wiping out medical debt to acquire debt portfolios and retiree debt from health care providers and hospitals across New York City. There is no application process for New York City’s one-time debt relief program, which is the largest municipal initiative of its kind in the country. 

 

“Working-class families should not have to choose between paying medical bills and keeping a roof over their heads, and thanks to our administration, they won’t have to,” said Mayor Adams. “With this debt relief program, our administration is following through on its promise to relieve $2 billion in medical debt, starting with putting $80 million back in the pockets of working-class New Yorkers this week alone. Our administration is committed to making New York City more affordable and the best place to raise a family.”  

 

“In thousands of mailboxes this week, New Yorkers will find a letter from Mayor Adams and our partner, Undue Medical Debt, stating that their outstanding medical debt has been abolished,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Anne Williams-Isom. “A total of 35,000 constituents will receive letters relieving $80 million in total debt. It is the first round of relief for a program set to touch roughly half a million New York City residents in the coming months and years. As we work toward structural change in our health care system to help people avoid debt in the first place, we are doing our part right now to help individuals and families thrive free from medical debt.” 

  

“Receiving life-saving medical care should not lead to financial stress, yet, countless New Yorkers have faced that reality for years,” said DOHMH Acting Commissioner Dr. Morse. “We are eager to get much needed debt relief to as many New Yorkers as possible, as soon as possible. We look forward to reaching our goal of 500,000 New Yorkers over the next three years so that those hardest hit by medical debt can instead focus on what matters most: their health and wellness.”   

  

Undue Medical Debt will purchase bundled medical debt portfolios from providers, like hospitals and commercial debt buyers, to then abolish that debt at pennies on the dollar. Debt relief recipients will then be notified that their debt has been bought by a third party and erased, with no strings attached. Recipients owe nothing on the debt and face no tax penalty. New Yorkers who fit one of the two eligibility criteria will qualify for the debt relief announced today if their debt has been acquired: 1) having annual household income at or below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Line or 2) having medical debt equal to 5 percent or more of their annual household income. 

  

To supplement the city’s investment, Undue Medical Debt and the Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City will also partner to raise additional funding over three years in order to relieve more medical debt. New Yorkers interested in helping relieve medical debt can donate online. 

  

More than 100 million Americans hold some medical debt, with the total amount nationwide exceeding $195 billion. Carrying medical debt can undermine financial stability and mobility, as it can affect credit scores and put individuals and families in difficult positions to choose between care and other necessary expenses. Black and Latino communities are 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively, more likely to hold medical debt than their White counterparts, and while medical debt may be held by those without insurance, even those with insurance are at risk of carrying medical debt. 

COMMISSIONER TISCH ANNOUNCES NEW NYPD VEHICLE PURSUIT POLICY

 

Critical changes will clarify procedures, increase management oversight, and restrict pursuits to only the most serious crimes

New policy will strengthen street safety and ensure officers can continue to apprehend dangerous suspects

Advanced tools of modern-day policing make pursuits of low-level offenses unnecessary

New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch announced a new policy regarding New York City Police Department vehicle pursuits. The new regulations will strengthen street and roadway safety for city residents and officers alike, while also maintaining the ability of the NYPD to apprehend suspects wanted for serious and dangerous crimes.

“New York is one of the most densely populated cities in the world, and our officers deserve clear guidance and smart protocols when determining whether to engage in a vehicle pursuit on our streets,” said Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch. “The NYPD’s enforcement efforts must never put the public or the police at undue risk, and pursuits for violations and low-level crimes can be both potentially dangerous and unnecessary. The advanced tools of modern-day policing make it possible to apprehend criminals more safely and effectively than ever before, making many pursuits unnecessary. Now, our cops will have clear, unambiguous parameters for when to initiate, continue, and terminate these pursuits. This new policy will also expand supervision over such pursuits and require more detailed and timely documentation when these pursuits occur. These key changes will make both the police and the public safer and further improve the NYPD’s service to the city.”

The updated policy sets clear standards and guidelines about when officers can engage in such pursuits, and technological enhancements will improve record-keeping and compliance. The new policy will take effect on February 1, 2025, to allow training to begin for all uniformed members of the service in the upcoming days. Changes to the NYPD’s vehicle pursuit policy include:

• Officer discretion to initiate a vehicle pursuit is now limited to only the most serious and violent crimes (felonies and violent misdemeanors). Pursuits will not be allowed for traffic infractions, violations, or non-violent misdemeanors.
• Discretion will be guided by the location of the pursuit and whether it is in a residential community or near a school or playground.
• Additional responsibilities placed on supervisors to actively monitor and manage the pursuit, such as actively monitoring the speed of the pursuits and requesting specialized units to assist if needed.
• Officers will not be the subject of criticism or disciplinary action if they terminate the pursuit because they do not believe it can be continued safely.
• New technological enhancements to improve record-keeping and increase compliance.
• Monthly review of vehicle pursuits to ensure policies have been followed and identify improvements that need to be made.
• Mandated academy training and an annual report on the policy and reporting procedures.

“Our overarching objective—every minute of every day—is to keep the people of this great city safe,” said Chief of Department John Chell. “In order to do that, we need to pursue criminals when appropriate and stay our hand when the risks to the public and to our cops outweigh the benefits. Our revised policy strikes that critical balance and will make our city safer for police and our communities.”

In 2024, there were 2,278 vehicle pursuits, with approximately 25% of those pursuits resulting in some combination of a collision, property damage, or physical harm. 67% of pursuits were the result of a fled car stop, many of which would no longer be authorized under this new policy.

This announcement is the latest reform in Commissioner Tisch’s review and evaluation of department policy and procedure, and the continual enhancement of the NYPD’s efforts to ensure public safety.

RIKERS ISLAND INMATE INDICTED FOR STARTING FIRE IN HIS CELL, SLASHING TWO NYC DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION OFFICERS

 

Bronx District Attorney Darcel D. Clark announced that a Rikers Island inmate has been indicted on Arson and Assault charges for allegedly starting a small fire in his cell and slashing two Correction Officers who responded to put it out. 

District Attorney Clark said, “The defendant allegedly put detainees and DOC staff at risk by starting a fire in his cell. He allegedly slashed two officers who were attempting to rectify the situation.” 

District Attorney Clark said the defendant, Anthony Taveras-Morales, 24, was arraigned January 16, 2025, before Bronx Supreme Court Justice Alvin Yearwood on second-degree Arson, third-degree Arson, six counts of second-degree Assault, three counts of first-degree Promoting Prison Contraband, fifth-degree Arson, fourth-degree Criminal Mischief, two counts of thirddegree Assault, three counts of fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Weapon, three counts of second-degree Promoting Prison Contraband, and two counts of second-degree Obstructing Governmental Administration. The defendant was remanded and due back in court on April 3, 2025. 

According to the investigation, on December 17, 2024, at approximately 8:40 p.m., at the Rose M. Singer Center Enhanced Supervision Housing, the defendant allegedly lit combustible material in the food slot of his cell. A DOC Captain responded and ordered the defendant to extinguish the fire. Taveras-Morales allegedly ignored those orders and placed additional combustible material on the fire. The captain used pepper spray and attempted to enter the cell with assisting DOC officers. Upon entering, two Officers were each slashed on the hand allegedly by the defendant, with a sharp object. A sharpened piece of plastic, a 6-inch nail, and a scalpel were recovered in the defendant’s cell.

District Attorney Clark thanked NYC DOC Officer Investigators Korab Hansangjekaj, Epifanio Vasquez, James Ruiz and Walter Holmes from the NYC DOC Intelligence Bureau for their work in the investigation.

An indictment is an accusatory instrument and not proof of a defendant’s guilt. 

Putnam Valley Husband And Wife Sentenced To Prison For Operating Prostitution Businesses At Multiple Massage Parlors In New York

 

Edward Y. Kim, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, announced that HONG RU LIN, a/k/a “Bruce,” and KENA ZHAO, a/k/a “Angela,” were each sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Karas to prison for violating the Travel Act by operating prostitution businesses at multiple massage parlors in Putnam, Westchester, New York, and Queens County.  ZHAO was sentenced on January 10, 2025, to 12 months and one day in prison, and LIN was sentenced to 12 month and one day in prison.  LIN and ZHAO also forfeited over $1.3 million representing proceeds derived from their prostitution scheme. 

Acting U.S. Attorney Edward Y. Kim said: "Hong Ru Lin and Kena Zhao operated an extensive prostitution business, using massage parlors as cover for their illegal activities. This sentences hold them accountable for their actions.  This Office will continue to investigate those who sponsor illegal prostitution, even if their criminal activities take place behind the closed doors of supposedly legitimate businesses.”   

According to the charging documents, public court filings, and statements made in court:

Between at least September 2020 and September 2023, LIN and ZHAO operated a prostitution business out of multiple massage parlors that they owned in Putnam, Westchester, New York and Queens County.  LIN and ZHAO managed a roster of women who worked at the massage parlors and performed sexual acts for the customers of LIN and ZHAO.  LIN and ZHAO communicated by cellphone and private chatroom to manage and operate their prostitution business.  Among other things, LIN and ZHAO used cellphones to communicate with potential customers, assign particular employees to customers, monitor the income of their prostitution business, and set performance goals for the women who worked in the massage parlors.  In addition, on at least one occasion, ZHAO personally participated in a massage during which a sexual act was offered to a customer.

In addition to the prison terms, LIN, 51, and ZHAO, 46, of Putnam Valley, New York, were both sentenced to two years of supervised release and agreed to forfeit the massage parlors’ bank accounts, various assets and cash proceeds derived from the massage parlors, and a $1.3 million money judgment.

Mr. Kim praised the outstanding work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.  Mr. Kim also thanked the Town of Carmel Police Department, the Westchester County Police Department, and the Yonkers Police Department for their assistance in this matter.

U.S. Government Reaches Settlement in Class Action Relating to Discharge Paperwork of Military Veterans Discharged Under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and Predecessor Policies

 

On Jan. 3, the United States reached a settlement in Farrell v. Department of Defense, a class action lawsuit filed in 2023 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The plaintiffs in Farrell alleged that the Department of Defense’s files for military veterans discharged under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and earlier policies barring lesbian, gay and bisexual people from serving openly in the military violate the Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and due process.

Under the proposed settlement, veterans will have the opportunity to request changes to aspects of their discharge paperwork relating to sexual orientation under more streamlined procedures than currently available.

The proposed settlement agreement is subject to final approval by the district court after notice to the class and an opportunity to object.

Additional information for class members about the proposed settlement is available here:

www.defense.gov/Spotlights/Dont-Ask-Dont-Tell-Resourcewww.milreviewbds.mil/Portals/149/Class%20Notice__Farrell%20et%20al__1.pdf